Kawale Police in Lilongwe have arrested two suspects for allegedly impersonating a Malawi Defence Force (MDF) officer and illegally supplying military uniforms.
Publicist for Kawale Police, Precious Mabvuto Phiri, said the prime suspect, 18-year-old Leonard Photiwa, was apprehended alongside Pichesi Chitenje, a tailor operating at Kamuzu Barracks, who allegedly supplied the military attire without proper authorisation.
Phiri said this happened on October 25, 2026, at Area 23 Tambalale in Lilongwe when a local shop owner became suspicious of Photiwa, who frequently appeared in full military gear, and acquired groceries worth K20,000 and a mobile phone valued at K40,000 on credit.
When he failed to settle the outstanding K60,000 debt, the shop owner questioned his employment status and escorted him to the Kamuzu Barracks Military Police to verify his identity.
Phiri further stated that, the military police officers searched their records and confirmed that Photiwa is not in the MDF.
Upon further questioning, the suspect confessed to the impersonation.
A subsequent search of his residence led to the recovery of several military uniforms, which Photiwa revealed he had purchased directly from Chitenje at the barracks.
By Bridget Makawa
