Balaka residents are questioning how thieves managed to break into the District Council’s Finance Office and walk away with millions of kwacha in cash and equipment.
The incident has sparked suspicions among some residents who believe the theft could have been a calculated move involving people familiar with the council’s operations, although no evidence has yet been presented to support the claims.
Unknown criminals broke into the Finance Office on Sunday night and stole seven computers worth about K3.2 million and more than K6 million in cash. Council employees discovered the break-in on Monday morning and reported the matter to Balaka Police, who have since launched investigations.
Balaka Police spokesperson Inspector Gladson M’bumpha confirmed the incident, saying preliminary investigations indicate that no security guards were on duty at the time of the break-in.
“The matter was reported to Balaka Police, and investigations are underway. Preliminary findings indicate that there were no security guards on duty when the incident occurred,” said M’bumpha.
According to confirmed information, five computers were stolen from the Finance Office, while two others were taken from another office within the council premises, leaving both offices without any computers. The theft has disrupted council operations and raised concerns over the security of public assets and financial records.
The criminals also reportedly forced open a safe and stole more than K6 million in cash, bringing the total value of the stolen property to more than K9 million.
The incident has sparked widespread concern among residents, with some questioning how such a major theft could have occurred at a government institution.
John Saidi, a resident of Mponda, said the circumstances surrounding the theft suggest it may have been a carefully planned operation.
“It appears those responsible may have had prior knowledge of the offices and the availability of cash. It is difficult to understand how such a significant theft could have occurred without careful planning,” he said.
His remarks reflect concerns expressed by some members of the community and do not represent the findings or conclusions of the police investigation.
Meanwhile, police have appealed to members of the public with information that could assist the investigation to report to the nearest police station.
The incident has also intensified calls for Balaka District Council to review and strengthen its security measures to better safeguard public resources and prevent similar incidents in the future.
The incident has sparked suspicions among some residents who believe the theft could have been a calculated move involving people familiar with the council’s operations, although no evidence has yet been presented to support the claims.
Unknown criminals broke into the Finance Office on Sunday night and stole seven computers worth about K3.2 million and more than K6 million in cash. Council employees discovered the break-in on Monday morning and reported the matter to Balaka Police, who have since launched investigations.
Balaka Police spokesperson Inspector Gladson M’bumpha confirmed the incident, saying preliminary investigations indicate that no security guards were on duty at the time of the break-in.
“The matter was reported to Balaka Police, and investigations are underway. Preliminary findings indicate that there were no security guards on duty when the incident occurred,” said M’bumpha.
According to confirmed information, five computers were stolen from the Finance Office, while two others were taken from another office within the council premises, leaving both offices without any computers. The theft has disrupted council operations and raised concerns over the security of public assets and financial records.
The criminals also reportedly forced open a safe and stole more than K6 million in cash, bringing the total value of the stolen property to more than K9 million.
The incident has sparked widespread concern among residents, with some questioning how such a major theft could have occurred at a government institution.
John Saidi, a resident of Mponda, said the circumstances surrounding the theft suggest it may have been a carefully planned operation.
“It appears those responsible may have had prior knowledge of the offices and the availability of cash. It is difficult to understand how such a significant theft could have occurred without careful planning,” he said.
His remarks reflect concerns expressed by some members of the community and do not represent the findings or conclusions of the police investigation.
Meanwhile, police have appealed to members of the public with information that could assist the investigation to report to the nearest police station.
The incident has also intensified calls for Balaka District Council to review and strengthen its security measures to better safeguard public resources and prevent similar incidents in the future.
