The Malawi Police Service (MPS) has arrested a 39-year-old man in Kasungu over a fake press release bearing forged Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC) credentials.
The suspect has been identified as Emmanuel Soko of Maliwa village, Traditional Authority Munjala in Kasungu district. He was arrested following investigations into the circulation of the fake document which was being shared on social media.
According to the police, Soko is a businessman who is suspected to have created and circulated the forged press release, misleading members of the public into believing it was an official communication from the OPC.
Police say Soko is suspected to have committed several offences, including Spamming, contrary to Section 91 of the Electronic Transactions and Cyber Security Act of 2016.
He is also facing charges of Spreading False Information Likely to Cause Fear to the Public, contrary to Section 60 of the Penal Code, and Seditious Intention, contrary to Section 50 of the Penal Code, among other offences.
The suspect is expected to appear before court soon to answer the charges levelled against him as police continue with investigations into the matter.
Meanwhile, the Malawi Police Service has warned the public against creating, circulating or publishing fake official communications, saying such conduct attracts criminal liability.
The police have since urged Malawians to always verify information from official government channels before sharing it to avoid spreading misinformation and causing unnecessary panic.
