Malawi Police blame influx of guns on Mozambique

Malawi Police say the influx of guns in the country is the aftermath of war in Mozambique where rebels Renamo fought Frelimo for two decades.

The police comment comes after Malawians were shocked of a gruesome murder of a 44 year old lady Grace Chipanda and her 13 year old son Gift in Zingwangwa, Blantyre gunned down by the woman’s husband, Charles Chipanda, 52, raising questions why more people are now found with guns.

Nicholas Gondwa, police spokesman said the pistol used by Charles to kill his wife and step son was unregistered.

“People with licenced guns do not misuse the firearms, it is only those with illegal firearms,” said Gondwa.

He said more firearms find their way into Malawi from Mozambique although there are controls at Malawi border with Mozambique.

“These people use unchartered routes from Mozambique to Malawi, they don’t go through the normal border posts,” said Gondwa.

There are fears that more guns will be smuggled into the country threatening more lives as civil war in Mozambique has resurfaced especially in Tete.

Renamo has been engaged in insurgency war with Frelimo after Alfonso Dlakama, the Renamo leader lost the presidential election last year.

Mwanza district commissioner Gift Rapozo estimates 3,000 Mozambicans have trekked to the border district to seek refuge.