By Madalitso Mtukula
Police in Mzuzu have arrested a 23-year-old man, Hillary Mwangomba, for allegedly impersonating a journalist in an attempt to fraudulently obtain money from Grand Palace Hotel.
Mwangomba, along with an accomplice who is still at large, reportedly visited the hotel pretending to be reporters from Nyasatimes.
The duo claimed they were investigating bookings made by officials from the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC), who were conducting workshops at the facility.
However, their cover was blown when hotel management asked them to produce identification cards, which they failed to do. Suspicious of their intentions, the hotel staff alerted officers from the Northern Region Police Headquarters. The police swiftly responded, arresting Mwangomba while his accomplice managed to flee the scene.
A source from the police, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the arrest and ongoing investigations.
Grand Palace Hotel Manager, Sam Phiri, also confirmed the arrest but referred further questions to law enforcement agencies.
Meanwhile, Mzuzu Police Deputy Publicist Cecelia Mfune said she was aware of the incident but needed time to verify the details.
“I have heard about the matter, but I am yet to get facts. Let me come back to you when I find the file for that case,” Mfune stated.
The Media Council of Malawi has recently raised concerns over the increasing number of impostors posing as journalists to extort money, particularly in hotels. The council condemned the trend, saying it tarnishes the reputation of the journalism profession.
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