By Burnett Munthali
Police at Muloza border in Mulanje have arrested a 53-year-old Mozambican businessperson, Fadweck Thomas, for illegally possessing 600 litres of diesel fuel and attempting to export them to Mozambique without any documentation.
The arrest occurred over the weekend as part of an ongoing border security operation aimed at curbing fuel smuggling and cross-border crime.
South East Region Police publicist, Edward Kabango, confirmed the arrest and said officers acted on a tip from the public.
He stated that a Toyota Land Cruiser with Mozambican registration plates was intercepted by officers stationed at Muloza border.
The vehicle was reportedly carrying three large drums of diesel fuel concealed under a tarpaulin.
The police, upon searching the vehicle, discovered the drums and questioned the driver about their origin and intended destination.
Fadweck Thomas, the driver and owner of the fuel, failed to produce any legal documentation authorizing the possession or transportation of the diesel.
Kabango further explained that Fadweck was arrested on the spot for violating Malawi’s fuel regulations.
He has since been charged with possession and exportation of fuel without proper documentation.
He is expected to appear in court on Tuesday to face the charges.
Police believe the fuel was purchased in Malawi at a local filling station and was being transported to Mozambique for resale.
Authorities say the smuggling of fuel across the Malawi-Mozambique border has become a serious concern due to the price differences between the two countries.
Kabango warned that such acts not only violate fuel laws but also pose risks to national security and economic stability.
He also cautioned fuel station operators against selling fuel in containers.
Kabango emphasized that selling fuel in unauthorized containers or to unlicensed individuals is a criminal offence.
Police have pledged to continue monitoring filling stations and vehicles suspected of being involved in illegal fuel trade.
Meanwhile, investigations are underway to determine the source of the fuel and whether local filling stations were complicit in the deal.
Fadweck Thomas, the suspect, hails from Villa Milanje in Mozambique’s Zambezia Province.
His arrest underscores the Malawi Police Service’s firm stance on cross-border criminal activities and the illegal fuel trade.
Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies.
This incident is the latest in a series of fuel smuggling cases reported along Malawi’s porous border points with Mozambique.
The police have since intensified patrols at Muloza and surrounding areas to deter would-be offenders.
As the case proceeds to court, it will serve as a test of Malawi’s ability to enforce fuel trade laws and prosecute offenders accordingly.
Police are calling on all stakeholders, including fuel companies and border authorities, to work together in tightening fuel distribution channels.
The Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA) has also been urged to conduct regular audits on fuel stations operating in border districts.
With increased surveillance and cooperation, the authorities hope to reduce the illicit fuel trade and ensure fair and legal fuel distribution in Malawi.
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