Police in Mangochi on the evening of August 18, 2025, arrested four men and one woman for possessing liquid petroleum without a permit during an intelligence-driven operation targeting illegal fuel trading within the township.
The suspects have been identified as Bizwick Buli, 28, Mponda Moffat, 48, Dickson January, 41, Jamilah Nuru, 20, and Chisomo Gondwe, 46.
The operation, led by Mangochi Police Officer-in-Charge Mr. Limbani Bekete, Assistant Commissioner of Police(ACP), was aimed at curbing the rising trend of illegal fuel trading, which negatively affects the country’s economy and national security. An ad-hoc roadblock was mounted at Villa Tafika Roundabout, leading to the arrests.
Buli was intercepted in a 2-ton Toyota Dyna, registration number MH 11073, with 650 litres of fuel concealed under groceries. Moffat was found with 410 litres in an unregistered 5-ton truck heading to Makanjira, while his passenger, January, possessed 120 litres of petrol.
Jamilah was intercepted with 50 litres of petrol on a motorcycle, while Gondwe was caught with 500 litres of diesel in a Toyota Hilux double-cabin, registration number KA 8285 A. All suspects were heading from the main roundabout towards the Bakili Muluzi Highway.
In a related development, police also busted a black-market fuel dealer within the township where 500 litres of fuel were recovered. The owner, however, fled the scene. The suspects are in police custody and will appear in court soon.
Statistics indicate that from February to date, Mangochi Police have confiscated a total of 7,855 litres of fuel through intelligence-led operations, with several arrests and convictions recorded in connection with the malpractice.
Police are assuring the public of their continued commitment to fighting fuel smuggling and other illegal activities through intensified patrols and intelligence-driven operations.
Inspector Amina Tepani Daudi
Public Relations Officer
Mangochi Police Station
Cell: 0999-706-525
Email: amina.tepani@police.gov.mw
Website: www.police.gov.mw