Stolen police gun, Muzzle loader Recovered as Two Are Arrested

Police in Balaka and Karonga have arrested two people in separate incidents for allegedly being found in possession of firearms without permits.

In Balaka, police arrested Rhoda Amos, 55, of Lupanga Village, after she was allegedly found with a firearm and ammunition at her house.

The arrest follows investigations into a Jericho pistol that went missing from Balaka Police Station on December 14, 2025.

Balaka Police Station spokesperson Gladson M’bumpha said police acted on information that the suspect was keeping a gun at her home.

A search led to the recovery of a pistol and seven rounds of ammunition, hidden in a sack wrapped in plastic.

Police say Amos told investigators that the firearm was sent to her by her son, Amos Poison, who lives in Johannesburg, South Africa, and that it was smuggled into the country inside a subwoofer.

Amos is in police custody and is expected to appear in court soon on charges of possessing a firearm and ammunition without a permit or licence.

Meanwhile, in Karonga District, police have arrested Lyford Simfukwe, 22, at Wiliro, for allegedly being found with a muzzle loader without a permit.

Karonga Police public relations officer Margret Msiska said the arrest followed a tip-off from members of the public, which led to the suspect’s arrest and the seizure of the firearm.

Both suspects remain in police custody as investigations continue.