Malawi Freedom Network 
By MFN News Desk Team | 2 October 2026 | 5:02 PM
A 37-year-old Malawian teacher of Asian origin, Suhel Shirajamed Gangat, has been arrested at Bakili Muluzi International Airport, formerly Chileka Airport, after allegedly being found in possession of R40,000 (about K4.8 million) in South African currency without the required supporting documentation.
According to airport police spokesperson Dorrah Machila Chathyoka, Gangat was arrested while preparing to travel to South Africa.
Chathyoka said the suspect’s two suitcases were scanned before a further physical search allegedly uncovered R40,000 concealed inside a plastic bag.
“He was bound for South Africa when he had his two suitcases scanned. A further search physically found R40 000 concealed in a plastic bag by the suspect,” said Chathyoka.
Police further questioned Gangat about documentation authorising or supporting his possession of the foreign currency, but he allegedly failed to produce the required document.
The money was subsequently seized, and Gangat was arrested.
“He was asked about the supporting document, but Gangat failed to account for it, leading to his arrest and seizure of the cash,” Chathyoka said.
Gangat has since been charged with illegal possession of foreign currency and is expected to appear before a court.
The arrest comes amid tighter foreign-exchange controls in Malawi. Recent regulations reported by The Nation state that individuals may not physically possess foreign currency exceeding US$1,000 or its equivalent without permission from the Reserve Bank of Malawi.
MFN News Desk Team will provide further updates as the matter proceeds through the courts.
