Lilongwe Police Arrest Couple and Six Others for Defrauding Salima Sugar Company of K264 Million

By Burnett Munthali

Lilongwe, Malawi — Police in Lilongwe have arrested a couple and six others for allegedly defrauding Salima Sugar Company of K264 million by altering bank transaction details.

According to Lilongwe Police spokesperson Hastings Chigalu, 56-year-old Bangladeshi national Najulu Miah and his Malawian wife, Smeda Juma, along with their accomplices, committed the fraud in May. The suspects falsely claimed they were purchasing sugar to distribute to the underprivileged in Chikwawa district.

The group reportedly deposited K12,300 into the company’s bank account but altered the transaction receipt to show K123 million by adding extra zeros. They carried out similar fraudulent transactions with K30,750 and K110,960.

• Kalindo advises Chakwera to read signs on the wall
  By Vincent Gunde Political activist Bon Kalindo has advised President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera to read the signs on the wall…
• Now I understand why Jose got angry’ – Essien on life as a coach
  During a distinguished 20-year playing career that included spells with Chelsea, Real Madrid and AC Milan, Michael Essien played under…
• MCP Councillor Yolanda Ngwira defects to DPP, citing leadership failures
  By Burnett Munthali In a significant political development, Njuyu Ward Councillor Yolanda Ngwira has announced her resignation from the Malawi…
• Vocal Brothers to launch Mauwo album
  Acapella singers, Vocals Brothers from Michiru Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) Church in Blantyre will launch their first album titled; Mauwo…
• Yamikani Chester part ways with Mozambiquan giants Costa do sol
  Former Mighty Mukuru Wanderers Midfielder Yamikani Chester has parted ways with Mozambiquan giants Costa do sol, following the expiry of…

Salima Sugar Company eventually detected the fraud and reported the matter to the police. Despite attempts by the suspects to conceal their tracks by changing phone numbers, police investigations led to their capture.

Other suspects in the case include Abbas Adam (38) from Tanzania, Innocent Zinjaro (26) from Burundi, Kelvin Gellah (43), Mike Nkhono (47), Vincent Phiri (33), and Alick Rabson (42).

The accused will face charges ranging from providing false documents, theft, and conspiracy to commit a crime.

The case underscores the continued challenge of financial fraud and the vigilance required by companies to protect their resources.