16-year jail term for K2.4m drug theft of Mzuzu Central Hospital worker

Magistrate Court in Mzuzu sentences former Mzuzu Central Hospital laboratory attendant Kondwani Kanthenga, 37,  to 16 years imprisonment for drug theft.

Kanthenga was arrested on May 29 for stealing various medical drugs and equipment at the hospital.

His box of malaria drugs and antibiotics led to the recovery of 12 more cartons of assorted medical drugs and equipment when police raided his home on Saturday night.

The consignment estimated at K2.4 million bore Ministry of Health labels pointing to Mzuzu Central Hospital.

President Peter Mutharika recently issued a stern warning for  drug theft in public health facilities,

Mutharika threatened to fire all public servants depriving health facilities of drugs.

“We’ll deal with you, even those who steal a pill of malaria will not be spared. This is not just criminal. It is inhumane, sinful and it endangers lives. It must stop and stop forthwith,” he said.

Minister of Health, Peter Kumpalume also warned that time for suspending health workers who steal drugs is over.

“We will track you. We will fire you. We will arrest you. We will prosecute you. We will deal with you,” he said.

He thanked the police for apprehending those who steal drugs.