MALAWI: Police Intercept Fake Funeral Vehicle Carrying Charcoal in Chikwawa

By Smile Hamilton

A vehicle disguised as a funeral procession has been impounded by police in Chikwawa after it was discovered transporting charcoal instead of a deceased person.

Speaking to Zodiak Online, the District Forestry Officer for Chikwawa, Hector Mkawihe, said his office received a tip-off from members of the public about the suspicious vehicle.

“We received information from concerned members of the public that a funeral vehicle was carrying charcoal, and we immediately followed it,” said Mkawihe.

He explained that the vehicle appeared convincing at first glance.

“The vehicle looked like it was carrying a dead body. There was a coffin inside, women dressed in church attire, and people were singing funeral songs,” he said.

Mkawihe added that his office informed the Malawi Police Service, and officers at Thabwa intercepted the vehicle.

“When the police stopped and searched the vehicle, they found it loaded with charcoal. They opened the coffin expecting to find a body, but there was none inside,” he said.

Meanwhile, Chikwawa Police spokesperson Dickson Matemba has not yet issued an official comment, saying police need more time before releas

ing a statement.