Police in Lilongwe have arrested two men suspected to be behind a string of burglaries and thefts that recently hit warehouses in the Chitipi area and surrounding communities.
The suspects have been identified as Yusufu Gunde, 32, of Sankhani Village, Traditional Authority (T/A) Njewa, and Gracian Chandulira, 35, of Chilinde Village, T/A M’bwatalika, both in Lilongwe District.
According to police, the duo is believed to have targeted commercial properties over two nights last week, stealing high-value items including IBR iron sheets, solar panels, burglar bars, and water pumps.
Public Relations Officer for Lilongwe Police Station Hastings Chigalu said, “It’s suspected that on two separate nights last week Gunde and Chandulira broke into several warehouses and stole valuable items and some of the stolen property has since been recovered.”
Chigaru added that detectives from Chitipi Police unit conducted the arrests on Tuesday after receiving tips from community members and following up on physical evidence.
The suspects are expected to appear before court soon to answer charges of burglary and theft.
The Chitipi area, located along the Lilongwe Mchinji corridor, has experienced a surge in criminal activity in recent months particularly theft of construction and renewable energy materials.
According to Chigaru authorities believe these items are in demand on the black market, and the suspects may be part of a wider syndicate.
Lilongwe Police say the development is part of a broader pattern of theft in Lilongwe’s fast developing peri urban areas, where rising property development is often accompanied by limited security infrastructure.
In response to the growing threat, Lilongwe Police have stepped up patrols and community engagement through neighbourhood watch programs, urging residents to reinforce security measures at homes and business premises.
“We continue to appeal to residents to be security conscious and report any suspicious activity to nearby police units,” Chigalu added.
He further said that preventing crime is a shared responsibility, and public cooperation is vital.
Urban safety experts have noted that Malawi’s rapid urban expansion especially in districts like Lilongwe is putting pressure on policing resources.
The arrests are being hailed by local leaders as a breakthrough in restoring security in Chitipi and surrounding areas.
Police say investigations are ongoing and more arrests may follow as they dismantle what they suspect to be a broader burglary ring.
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