Police in Monkey Bay, Mangochi District, are keeping in custody two men identified as Brasco Mhango (31) and Tiyamike Chiume (31) for allegedly stealing a boat engine and fuel tank belonging to the Malawi Defence Force (MDF) Maritime Unit.
Monkey Bay Police Station Public Relations Officer, Sergeant Alice Sichali, confirmed the arrest and said the incident occurred between October 3 and 4, 2025, around 5:00 a.m.
According to Sergeant Sichali, Maritime officers on duty discovered that a Digger boat, fitted with a fuel tank and a Yamaha 15-horsepower engine, had gone missing.
On October 5, 2025, MDF officers received a tip-off that two men were attempting to sell a boat engine and fuel tank at Mvunguti area. Acting on the information, police and military officers conducted a joint operation that led to the arrest of the two suspects.
Upon investigation, it was established that the boat had been swept away by strong winds on the day of the incident. The suspects allegedly found it floating on Lake Malawi, removed the engine and fuel tank, and attempted to sell them.
The suspects are expected to appear in court soon to answer charges of theft by finding.
Both Mhango and Chiume hail from Sumbi Village, under Traditional Authority Nankumba in Mangochi District.
