Homeland Security Minister Warns Against Theft of Relief Items for Cyclone Freddy Survivors

Malawi - The Minister of Homeland Security, Kenneth Zikhale Ng'oma, has warned that those found stealing relief items meant for Tropical Cyclone Freddy survivors will face the full force of the law, writes Chrispine Lwanja.

Ng'oma made the statement during a visit to evacuation camps in Southern Malawi where he donated over 2400 bags of maize to survivors in Thyolo district.

Accompanied by Education Minister Madalitso Kambauwa Wilima, Deputy Minister of Local Government Owen Chomanika, and other senior government officials, Ng'oma visited Nansato and Thangadzuwa Primary School camps in the district.

Speaking to the media, Ng'oma expressed concern that some individuals were taking advantage of the situation to steal relief items meant for victims of the cyclone, adding that such behaviour is detrimental to the country's development.

The minister warned that the law would take its course on anyone found involved in such malpractice.

"Those of you who are planning to steal relief items for the survivors of the cyclone, I will catch you. You better stop your evil plans because you will see the long arm of the law," he said.

Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Local Government Owen Chomanika advised the affected people to take good care of the relief items, stressing that the government is doing its best to help all those affected by the cyclone.

Thyolo Central Member of Parliament Ben Phiri thanked the government for its support and suggested that disaster response should be decentralized to enable a quicker response when disasters occur.

According to Thyolo District Commissioner Rosemary Nawatcha, the district has registered over 3000 survivors, with 13 reported dead.

She has since appealed for more support from non-governmental organizations and well-wishers.