The police in Mzimba have arrested a man on suspicion of receiving money from young people by falsely claiming he was recruiting them for military service.

Lovewell Singini, a 27-year-old, was arrested on Wednesday. He is said to have deceived the youths into believing they would be working for the Malawi Defense Force (MDF) at Moyale Barracks in Mzuzu.

Police spokesperson for Mzimba, Mariah Banda, said some of the victims were Halmiton Charles, 24, Wanangwa Mazunda, 24, Kenneth Sichawo, 23, and Beatrice Shonga, 24.

Singini reportedly began teaching the youths about military service in the village, an activity that raised concerns among those who learned about it, according to the police.

During the arrest, the police found a toy gun, ammunition, soldier-style shirts, as well as flour and pans in their possession.

Singini hails from the village of Andrea Jere, under Chief Mthwalo in the district.