Ex-convict arrested for possessing stolen military equipment

By Everister Lungu

Police in Mangochi have arrested a 42-year-old-ex-convict, Wisiki Kaunda, for possessing three military handcuffs allegedly stolen from Mangochi Prison Services while serving a five-year sentence for burglary.

To appear in court soon- PIC courtesy of Mangochi police

Spokesperson for Mangochi police Amina Tepani Daudi said that on February 6, 2025, detectives received a tip from community members that the suspect was in possession of military equipment, which he allegedly used to terrorize residents.

She said acting on the information, officers raided Kaunda’s house, where they discovered three handcuffs hidden in a laptop bag and subsequently arrested him.

Daudi said during interrogation, Kaunda, who was recently released from prison, confessed to unlawfully obtaining the handcuffs from a storeroom at Mangochi Prison.

The ex-convict explained that while serving his sentence, he was assigned cleaning duties in the storeroom, which he used as an opportunity to steal the handcuffs.

"He buried them under a tree outside the prison premises while working on a farming assignment and upon his release in July last year, he retrieved the handcuffs and began using them," Daud explained.

Prison authorities have positively identified both the suspect and the recovered handcuffs.

Kaunda is expected to appear in court once paperwork is completed, where he will face charges of unlawful possession of military equipment and theft.

He hails from Kalonga Village, under Traditional Authority Mapira in Mangochi.