Police in Mzuzu last week arrested two men who were impersonating Court Officials and collecting money from relations of inmates promising their release from prison.
Mzuzu Police Public Relations Officer (PRO), Edith Kachotsa identified the two suspects as Blessings Msambo, 42, of Gonam’mwamba Village, Traditional Authority (TA) Kaluluma in Kasungu and Alfred Phiri, 45, of Ndembela Village, TA Chikowi in Zomba District.
She said the suspects were collecting money from Rodrick Mwandira, 32, from TA Chikulamayembe in Rumphi District, promising him that they would facilitate the release of his brother from Rumphi Prison.
The PRO said Mwandira reported to Mzuzu Police Station that he had been receiving phone calls from Msambo that he was working at Mzuzu High Court and could facilitate the release.
“The complainant said the suspect demanded K 40,000.00. The complainant agreed and they planned to meet at the Mzuzu High Court on 6 August 2018,” Kachotsa explained.
She added that Mwandira reported the matter to Mzuzu Police Station soon after he had delivered the money to Phiri who said he had been sent by his boss (Msambo) to collect the money.
“Mwandira was suspicious with the conduct of Msambo who sent Phiri to collect the money on his behalf and he reported the matter to the police station. We followed up the suspects and arrested them in town,” the PRO stated.
The suspects are expected to appear in court to answer charges of obtaining money by false pretense and impersonating a public officer contrary to section 319 and 99 (b), respectively, of the Penal Code.
