By: Staff Writer
A 23-year-old man, Hillary Mwangomba, has been arrested by Mzuzu police for allegedly impersonating a journalist to fraudulently obtain money from a local hotel.
According to reports, Mwangomba and an accomplice visited the Grand Palace Hotel, claiming to be investigating bookings by the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) officials who were conducting workshops at the Grand Palace Hotel.
Mwangomba posed as a Nyasatimes reporter, but when hotel management indicated they would invite the police, his accomplice fled, leaving him to be arrested by officers from the Northern Region Police Headquarters.
Mzuzu City police Public Relations Officer, Cecilia Mfune, confirmed awareness of the case, but requested more time to establish details.
“I’ve heard about the matter from one of my superiors, but I am yet to get facts. Let me come back to you when I find the file for that case,” Mfune said.
The Grand Palace Hotel manager, Sam Chamanza Phiri, confirmed the arrest of one individual at the facility, stating that the matter is in the hands of the police.
“Some gentlemen impersonating as journalist came to the hotel without proper identification documents, we called the police, who are investigating the matter,” said Phiri.
Meanwhile, Phillip Pasula, a Nyasatimes reporter based in Mzuzu, could not confirm Mwangomba’s affiliation with the publication.
“Honestly, I don’t know anyone by the name Hillary Mwangomba as a contributor to Nyasa Times,” said Pasula.
Mwangomba’s case highlights the importance of verifying identities and credentials, especially in sensitive situations.
A week ago, the Media Council of Malawi, the media umbrella body, expressed sadness over the increasing number of impersonators posing as journalists at hotels to fraudulently obtain money from potential news sources.
