By Burnett Munthali

Police in Lilongwe are investigating a serious case of alleged abuse of office involving an Immigration officer who is suspected of illegally facilitating the release of 15 Ethiopian nationals from Maula Prison.

The incident is reported to have occurred on October 9, 2025, at around 14:00 hours at Maula Prison in Lilongwe.

According to a crime report filed under LL/CR/78/10/25, the case was reported by Superintendent Chisomo James Chimtapasha, who serves as the Chief Officer (C/O) of the Immigration Department for the Central Region Offices, P.O. Box 1272, Lilongwe.

The main suspect has been identified as Inspector Kondwani Banda, a Deportation Officer attached to the same Central Region Immigration Office.

According to the report, Inspector Banda allegedly abused his office by giving unlawful instructions to two subordinate officers to hand over detained foreign nationals to an unauthorized individual.

The officers involved in the operation were Senior Inspector Lucas Chihana and Sergeant Christopher Chitanje, both attached to the Central Region Immigration Department.

They were assigned to collect 15 Ethiopian nationals who were being held at Maula Prison pending deportation.

The officers were provided with an official government vehicle, a Coaster bus registration number MG 823 AM, driven by Constable Chimwemwe Masupayi.

Following their superior’s instructions, the team proceeded to Maula Prison and successfully collected the 15 Ethiopian detainees.

The list of those collected includes Emmanuel Gebre Jaile, Misgano Yonasi Analo, Mamush Shomore, Mhsfine Ayele Ililo, Mamush Mishamo, Tasfaya Gorikabo Godebo, Adisa Abayina Bula, Mizgan Gabure Mache, Takatel Tamire, Tamirat Ashanaf Tesama, Tekele Lema, Teketel Tamirat, Yosef Kebede, Ashenesi Birihanu, and Amana Yadeto Haseni.

However, instead of following the lawful deportation procedure, Inspector Banda allegedly instructed the officers to hand over the detainees to a man driving a Nissan X-Trail vehicle at Area 47 in Lilongwe.

He reportedly assured them that this handover was officially arranged.

Acting on his command, the two officers complied with the instructions and handed over the foreign nationals to the unidentified man.

Upon returning to their offices, they were questioned by Immigration management about the procedure followed during the transfer.

The officers reportedly voluntarily explained the events and revealed the exact instructions they had received from Inspector Banda.

It was at that point that senior management discovered the irregularities and immediately raised alarm over the suspicious transfer.

Realizing that the matter had been exposed, Inspector Banda fled to an unknown destination before disciplinary or legal action could be taken against him.

Authorities have since launched a manhunt to trace his whereabouts and bring him to justice.

According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) for the Central West Region, efforts are underway in collaboration with the Regional Criminal Investigations Office (RCIO) to locate the suspect.

Police have also intensified intelligence operations within Lilongwe and surrounding districts to track any movement linked to the suspect or the missing detainees.

The alleged incident has raised serious concerns about corruption and misconduct within the Immigration Department, particularly in cases involving foreign nationals.

Sources close to the investigation suggest that the unauthorized handover may have been part of a larger human trafficking or smuggling network operating under the guise of official deportation procedures.

Authorities have vowed to conduct a thorough probe to establish whether other officers were complicit in the scheme.

Superintendent Chimtapasha, who reported the matter, said such actions compromise the integrity of Malawi’s Immigration system and undermine public trust.

He emphasized that strict disciplinary measures and criminal prosecutions will follow if any officer is found guilty of misconduct or abuse of office.

Police say the 15 Ethiopian nationals who were handed over to the unidentified man remain unaccounted for, and investigations are ongoing to determine their current whereabouts.

The Malawi Police Service (MPS) has called upon members of the public to provide any information that could assist in locating the suspect and the missing individuals.

The case underscores growing concerns about abuse of power and corruption within public institutions responsible for border and migration management.

Legal experts have described the case as a serious breach of procedure and a potential violation of Section 95 of the Penal Code, which deals with abuse of office by public officers.

The development has also attracted attention from human rights organizations, which have called for accountability and transparency in handling the matter.

Inspector Banda’s disappearance has sparked debate about internal controls within the Immigration Department, with many questioning how such a significant operation could occur without adequate oversight.

Meanwhile, the Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services has pledged full cooperation with police investigations.

The department says it will ensure that justice is served and that the rule of law is upheld in all its operations.

As the search for Inspector Banda continues, authorities are also working to trace the unidentified man who received the detainees in Area 47.

The unfolding case has highlighted the urgent need for stronger internal monitoring systems and ethical training for officers managing sensitive assignments such as deportations.

For now, police have confirmed that LL/CR/78/10/25 remains open and active as investigations progress.

The outcome of this case will likely set a precedent for how abuse of office and unlawful release of detainees are addressed within Malawi’s law enforcement institutions.

Ultimately, the Maula Prison incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of accountability, integrity, and transparency in public service.