MCP Youth Militia Figure Arrested Over K392 Million Lilongwe Robbery

A suspected Malawi Congress Party (MCP) youth militia figure has been arrested in connection with a daring K392 million robbery in Lilongwe.

Superintendent Alfred Chimthere, National Police Deputy Public Relations Officer,  has confirmed the arrest of Nelson Chipokosa (49), following a covert operation conducted on February 21, 2026.

Chipokosa hails from Nsozi Village under Traditional Authority Khongoni in Lilongwe District.

The robbery occurred on February 9, 2026, at around 3:00pm near the Autotech Building in Lilongwe.

Police say the victim, a Malawian of Asian origin, was lured into a purported foreign currency exchange transaction involving US dollars.

Upon arrival at the meeting point, the victim was ambushed, assaulted, and robbed of K392,000,000 in cash.

According to investigators, the crime was executed by a well-organized syndicate operating in two coordinated teams.

One team arranged the fake USD-to-Malawi Kwacha exchange meeting, while a second team — comprising four men described as bouncers — carried out the violent robbery.

After the attack, the suspects fled the scene in a black Mazda Demio without registration plates.

Police investigations indicate that the stolen money was later shared among the gang members at an apartment in Area 12 of Lilongwe.

Authorities say efforts to recover the stolen K392 million are ongoing.

Police have further disclosed that Chipokosa was already on the wanted list for his alleged involvement in a series of violent crimes in the capital, including panga-wielding attacks that have left residents living in fear.

Among the incidents linked to him is the attack on human rights activist Sylvester Namiwa of the Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI).

The arrest has intensified scrutiny of politically affiliated youth militias, amid growing public concern that such groups are increasingly being linked to acts of violence, intimidation, and organized criminal activity.

Meanwhile, police have launched intensified manhunts to apprehend the remaining members of the criminal syndicate, who are still at large.

In a public warning, police have cautioned Malawians against engaging in informal or unverified foreign currency exchange transactions, noting that criminal syndicates are exploiting such arrangements to orchestrate robberies.

The statement was signed by Superintendent Alfred Chimthere, National Police Deputy Public Relations Officer, who said investigations are continuing and more arrests are expected.