By Wendy Mkandawire
Police at Kawale in Lilongwe have arrested two suspects for allegedly impersonating a Malawi Defence Force (MDF) officer and supplying military uniforms without authorization.
Kawale Police Station Public Relations Officer, Sub Inspector Precious Mavuto Phiri, has identified the suspects as Leonard Photiwa, 18, from Nalikata Village, Traditional Authority Mkanda in Mulanje District, and Pichesi Chitenje from Chilanga Village, Traditional Authority Mposa in Machinga District.
According to Phiri, the incident came to light on October 25, 2026, at Area 23 Tambalale in Lilongwe after a shop owner became suspicious of Photiwa, who was a regular customer.
” The suspect had allegedly been presenting himself as an MDF officer and frequently appeared at the shop wearing military uniform. He had obtained groceries worth K20,000 and a mobile phone valued at K40,000 on credit but failed to settle the debt”, he added.
Phri also said that when the shop owner questioned him about his workplace, the two proceeded to Kamuzu Barracks Military Police for verification.
“Police coordinated with military police officers to verify his records, but there was no information confirming that Photiwa was an MDF officer. The suspect later admitted that he was not a member of the MDF,” Phiri said.
A search at his residence led to the recovery of several military uniforms. During interrogation, Photiwa allegedly revealed that he had purchased the uniforms from Chitenje, a tailor operating at Kamuzu Barracks.
Chitenje was subsequently arrested and both suspects were handed over to Kawale Police for further investigations.
The two remain in police custody as investigations continue.
