By Innocent Manda

LILONGWE-(MANA)-The Malawi Police at Kanengo station in Lilongwe have arrested a 37-year-old woman, Bertha Chikuni, for allegedly stealing two mobile phones worth over MK800,000 at a funeral vigil in Area 25A.

According to Kanengo Police Public Relations Officer, Sub Inspector Gresham Ngwira, the suspect was arrested following complaints from two mourners who reported missing phones during the vigil on November 6, 2025.

“The victims discovered that their phones had gone missing the following morning, prompting immediate investigations that led to the arrest of the suspect,” Ngwira said.

Ngwira said the suspect was traced to her residence in Area 50, where police recovered the stolen phones before she could sell them to unsuspecting buyers.

“Our officers acted swiftly upon receiving the report. During the search, both the Samsung and Itel smartphones were found in the suspect’s possession,” he said.

Police investigations have revealed that the suspect has been targeting funeral gatherings and other social events, where she takes advantage of people to steal their property.

“Preliminary findings show that this is not the first time she has committed such crimes, as she has been frequenting funerals and other gatherings to steal from unsuspecting people,” Ngwira explained.

Police have since advised members of the public to remain vigilant when attending gatherings such as funerals or worship services, where thieves often take advantage of the situation.

Chikuni, who hails from Mthunzi Village in the area of Traditional Authority Kayembe in Dowa, will appear in court soon to answer theft charges.

The Maravi Post