By Staff Reporter
Mzuzu Police have arrested a 23-year-old man, Hillary Mwangomba, for allegedly impersonating a journalist in an attempt to fraudulently obtain money from a local hotel.
According to reports, Mwangomba and an accomplice visited the Grand Palace Hotel claiming to be investigating bookings made by Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) officials who were conducting workshops at the facility.
Mwangomba posed as a reporter from Nyasa Times. However, when hotel management threatened to involve the police, his accomplice fled, leaving Mwangomba behind. He was subsequently apprehended by officers from the Northern Region Police Headquarters.
Mzuzu City Police Public Relations Officer, Cecilia Mfune, confirmed knowledge of the incident but requested more time to gather details.
“I’ve heard about the matter from one of my superiors, but I am yet to get the facts. Let me come back to you once I locate the file,” said Mfune.
The hotel’s manager, Sam Chamanza Phiri, also confirmed the arrest, stating that the suspect failed to produce valid identification.
“Some gentlemen claiming to be journalists came to the hotel without proper ID. We alerted the police, who are now investigating the matter,” said Phiri.
Meanwhile, Nyasa Times reporter Phillip Pasula, who is based in Mzuzu, denied any knowledge of Mwangomba.
“Honestly, I don’t know anyone by the name Hillary Mwangomba affiliated with Nyasa Times,” Pasula said.
The incident underscores the importance of verifying identities and credentials, particularly in sensitive contexts.
Just a week ago, the Media Council of Malawi expressed concern over a growing trend of individuals posing as journalists to defraud businesses and individuals, especially in hotel settings.
