MALAWI: Man Arrested With Live Ammunition And Stolen Copper Wire In Mzimba

By Smile Hamilton, Malawi 

Police in Jenda, Mzimba, have arrested 46-year-old Domnic Kamwambi for possession of live ammunition, empty cartridges, gunpowder, and stolen copper wire without a permit.

Kamwambi, from Mwafilaso village in Karonga District, was apprehended after detectives received a tip-off about suspicious merchandise.

According to police, Kamwambi was found loading the merchandise into his vehicle when arrested.

A search revealed four bags of live ammunition, empty cartridges, and gunpowder, as well as four bags of copper wire.

Experts from the Firearms and Ballistics branch later confirmed that the seized items included thousands of dismantled cartridges, projectiles, and live ammunition.

Kamwambi claimed to have purchased the merchandise in Zambia, intending to supply it in Tanzania.

However, ESCOM officials have identified some of the copper wire as theirs, suspecting it was stolen from their sites.

The suspect is currently in custody, and all seized items, including a Toyota Hilux vehicle, are pending court proceedings.

The police are working to determine the origin of the ammunition and the extent of Kamwambi’s involvement in the illicit trade.

If convicted, Kamwambi faces serious penalties for possession of firearms and ammunition without a permit, as well as theft and trafficking of stolen goods.

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in combating crime and ensuring public safety in the region.

The police are urging anyone with information about similar cases to come forward and assist with their investigations.