DOWA NURSE ARRESTED OVER K10 MILLION JOB SCAM

Police in Dowa have arrested a 30-year-old nurse at Dowa District Hospital for allegedly obtaining over K10 million from unsuspecting people by promising to help them secure jobs as Health Surveillance Assistants (HSAs).

The suspect has been identified as Chipiliro Suwali, who is alleged to have collected money from job seekers in Balaka, Mangochi, Ntchisi, Salima, Blantyre and Dowa districts over the past two weeks.

Investigations have revealed that Suwali allegedly claimed to have connections with Human Resource Management officers at the Ministry of Health.

He reportedly convinced his victims that he could influence their recruitment into the health service if they paid him money upfront.

Dowa Police Station Sub Inspector Alice Sitima has confirmed the arrest, saying the suspect was picked up following complaints from some of the victims who realised they had been duped after paying large sums of money without getting the promised jobs.

According to Sitima, the suspect’s mobile phone has been seized to assist with further investigations.

Police believe the phone may contain crucial evidence, including messages and transaction records linking him to the alleged fraud and to other potential victims.

Sitima further disclosed that Suwali is also answering a theft charge and is currently on court bail.

He will soon appear before court to answer the fresh charge of fraud other than false pretence.

Meanwhile, Dowa Police are advising the public not to pay money to anyone promising to secure government jobs. Members of the public have been urged to report such people to the police immediately to avoid falling victim to similar scams.

Suwali comes from Nkhonya Village, Traditional Authority Chikumbu in Mulanje District. Police say investigations are continuing and more charges may follow as more victims come forward.