By Rahim Abdul
The Malawi Police Service (MPS) has made a significant breakthrough in combating illegal firearms, arresting 23 individuals and seizing a large cache of weapons.
The arrests followed a tip-off about a suspect, Mike Minjale, who allegedly smuggled firearms into the country from South Africa.
Acting on the information, MPS detectives arrested Minjale on June 3, 2025, at a roadblock erected at Ngumbe in Blantyre.
Subsequent operations led to further arrests and recoveries in multiple districts, including Blantyre, Nsanje, Chiradzulu, Zomba, Lilongwe, Ntchisi, and Dowa.
The police seized 19 pistols, 415 live rounds of ammunition, three explosive devices, and over 325 blank cartridges.
The MPS believes that Minjale smuggled 20 pistols into Malawi, distributing them to various individuals who were also arrested during the crackdown.
The suspects include three Malawi Defense Force (MDF) officers, two Chinese nationals, and one British/Italian national.
Minjale, 39, from Kaluluma Village, TA Nthache in Mwanza District, is believed to be the mastermind behind the smuggling operation.
The MPS urges the public to report any information regarding illegal firearms possession and warns that those found in violation of the law will face arrest and prosecution.
The suspects will appear in court soon to face charges of illegal possession of dangerous weapons and importing goods dishonestly acquired outside the country.
