A funeral procession in Mchinji experienced an unexpected turn of events as thieves, disguised as mourners, stole four smartphones during the night.

In a swift response, police arrested the culprits, Andrew Manase, 28, Steven Mofolo, 31, and Innocent Phiri, 33, at Kamuzu Central Hospital mortuary, where they conducted their criminal activities.

Constable Khumbo Sanyiwa provided confirmation of the arrests and highlighted that the suspects operated from Kamuzu Central Hospital mortuary.

The stolen items, including four cellphones, a power bank, and car keys, were successfully recovered during the arrest.

Shockingly, the suspects confessed to executing their crimes in collaboration with female accomplices who posed as grieving family members during funeral ceremonies.