Police obtain search warrant to tackle theft of cyclone Freddy donations

Blantyre, Malawi-Police have obtained a search warrant to deal with the theft of donations meant for Tropical Cyclone Freddy survivors, following an order from the Minister of Homeland Security, Kenneth Zikhale Ng'oma, writes Chrispine Lwanja.

The warrant was obtained after a senior government official reported malpractice at one of the camps, prompting Ng'oma to take action.

"The search warrant will help in dealing with the theft of the donations," Ng'oma said in an interview, adding that such thefts frustrate efforts to support cyclone survivors.

Ng'oma also warned anyone involved in the malpractice that they would face the law if caught.

"I am warning anybody involved in the malpractice to immediately stop, or else they will face the law," he said.

To further combat theft in evacuation camps, Ng'oma said the government plans to introduce a hotline where people can report malpractice.

However, he advised citizens to come up with genuine tips to avoid harming innocent people.

The police have already begun searching houses in Chilobwe Township as part of their efforts to recover stolen items.