Malawi government drivers are facing backlash after a video surfaced showing one of them siphoning fuel in broad daylight from a Ministry of Lands vehicle (MG182 AR) in Zomba.
The incident has sparked outrage on social media, with citizens expressing frustration over the alleged misuse of public resources, saying the development is a piece of what some government drivers do in the darkness.
The video, which shows a driver filling jerry cans with fuel from a white Land Cruiser belonging to the Ministry of Lands, has raised concerns about the behavior of some government employees.
Comments on social media have been scathing, with users condemning the actions of the drivers.
“Such drivers are distracting the country’s progress,” said Zulu Mangani.
“If civil servants are involved in stealing government property, what’s the future of our country?” reads the comment
The incident comes as the government, led by President Arthur Peter Mutharika, has been pushing for austerity measures to address resource constraints.
In November 2025, Finance Minister Joseph Mwanamveka emphasized the need for fiscal discipline and efficient use of public resources.
The fuel syphoning scandal contradicts the government’s efforts to curb wasteful spending and ensure ministries operate within approved budgets.
President Mutharika has already directed ministers to limit local travel to one trip a month to conserve resources like Fuel.
