Fear and concern are growing across parts of Malawi following two separate incidents in which firearms were allegedly snatched from police officers within hours of each other in Nkhotakota and Mangochi districts.
In the first incident in Nkhotakota, a truck driver is suspected of stealing a firearm from a police officer after reportedly resisting arrest.
According to a police communication seen from Nkhunga Police Station, the suspect, identified as 40-year-old Yamikani Kokoloni from Machinga District, is alleged to have taken a Jericho pistol, serial number CRH 4919935, from Deputy Police Commissioner Posiano Limbikani during a confrontation.
The report indicates that Kokoloni resisted arrest and, in the process, the firearm allegedly fell and was taken by the suspect as he fled.
Police say he is also believed to have sustained gunshot wounds during the incident.
Officers have since been instructed to track him down in his home village under Traditional Authority Mlomba in Machinga, and to check nearby health facilities where he may have sought treatment.
Police have also directed other units to intensify searches as part of efforts to locate and arrest the suspect and recover the firearm.
In a separate incident in Mangochi District, suspected charcoal vendors reportedly overpowered two police officers who had intercepted a truck carrying charcoal.
During the confrontation, the vendors allegedly seized a K2C rifle and ten rounds of ammunition from the officers.
Mangochi Police spokesperson Amina Tepani Daudi confirmed the incident, saying investigations have been launched and a team has been deployed to establish the full circumstances surrounding the confrontation.
She further indicated that police have since recovered the stolen firearm, though details of how it was retrieved have not been fully disclosed.
The two incidents, happening within a short period, have raised security and safety concern.
Authorities are yet to issue a comprehensive statement outlining measures to prevent similar incidents in future.
Meanwhile, Inspector General of Police Richard Luhanga has warned against any form of negligence in the execution of police duties, saying it will not be condoned.
Luhanga made the remarks in relation to two police officers who have appeared before courts in Mangochi and Balaka respectively over alleged misconduct in the course of duty.
In Mangochi, a female officer was brought before the Senior Resident Magistrate’s Court on a charge of negligence by a public officer in preserving money or property, contrary to Section 284 of the Penal Code.
Similarly, in Balaka, an officer from Phalula Police Unit appeared before the court on suspicion that on April 19, 2026, he intentionally or negligently allowed a suspect in lawful custody to escape, contrary to Section 116 of the Penal Code.
Luhanga said the Malawi Police Service will not tolerate lapses in discipline or negligence that compromise operations, stressing that officers are expected to uphold professionalism at all times.
He added that such conduct undermines public trust and the integrity of the service.
