Police in Thyolo have arrested a Malawi College of Health Sciences student from Blantyre Campus on suspicion that he stole medical supplies at Thyolo District Hospital.

According to the district police spokesperson, Sergeant Amos Tiwone, Brian Phiri was caught with assorted items by security guards on Monday evening at the hospital’s gate on his way out.

The items include Syringes, Gentamicin, and contraceptive pills. The monetary value for the items, however, is yet to be established.

It is reported that the hospital’s security guards were tipped by members of the surrounding communities.

Thyolo District Director of Health and Social Services, Dr. Arnold Jumbe, commended the community for acting responsibly.

“This is what is needed for the provision of quality health care. We implore on all citizens in this district to continue helping us safeguarding hospital medical supplies and other tools that we use,” he said.

The arrest comes amid rising cases of theft at the hospital including a K4 million CD4 count machine which went missing two weeks ago.