Malawi police shake-up at KIA: CID officers demoted over human trafficking

Malawi police headquarters has demoted Kamuzu International Airport (KIA) officers working under the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for engaging in human trafficking deals, Nyasa Times has established.

Impeccable sources at police’s Area 30 say the officers have since been reverted to general duties.

“They let three Bangladesh nationals enter the country without their passports being stamped by KIA immigration officials,” said our source.

Apparently, our source added, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Somali and Ethiopian national are not allowed to enter the country without proper documents of security clearance.

“Police and National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) officers connived to allow free pass of these Bangladesh nationals after getting a bribe from a certain Pakistan human trafficker,” revealed our source.

 Nyasa Times has established that the Pakistan national palm oiled each of the security departments with US$1 500 (about K661 500).

Malawi police was not immediately available for comment Sunday but the syndicate was reportedly busted by some disgruntled junior officers who didn’t get a share of the bribes.

KIA police’s Mr. Kasongo, supt. Dinala, assistant supt. Meyasi, Inspector Malula and immigration in charge a Mr. Yesaya and supt. Malata  plus junior officers were implicated and have since been demoted.

Also implicated were NIB’s Francis Kaseka and a Mr. Yambani.

Our sources further explained that upon getting wind that they were being reported to the police, Kasongo ordered the deportation of the Bangladesh nationals but to his surprise CID officers under instructions from acting superintendent Olipa Nyalugwe released the foreign nationals after allegedly receiving money from host of the three who claimed to be working with PIPCO Ltd. in Blantyre.

The development, nevertheless, got to the Inspector General of Police ears who immediately ordered the demotion and transfer of all CID personnel who were on duty during the period in question.

A spate of negatives continue to overshadow the Malawi Police Service, with most of its staff being involved in a number of ugly syndicates including criminal acts such as robbery.

National Police Spokesperson Rhoda Manjolo recently told Nyasa Times that the service will not spare an officer who breaks the law.

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