Community vigilance leads to recovery of K26 million water pipes in Nkhata Bay

Police in Nkhata Bay have arrested seven people in connection with the theft of 21 galvanized water pipes valued at more than K26 million at Usingini area in the district.

Confirming the development, Nkhata Bay Police Station Deputy Public Relations Officer, Sergeant Devoter Mithi, said the incident occurred during the night of May 24 to 25, 2026.

Mithi said the breakthrough followed a tip-off received by the chairperson of the Usingini Water Users Association, who was informed that unknown individuals had been spotted carrying the pipes.

“The chairperson mobilised villagers and followed the suspects up to Matenda Farm where the stolen pipes had been hidden. The community managed to apprehend seven suspects while four others escaped,” said Mithi.

She added that the matter was later reported to Usisya Police Unit, where officers visited the scene and successfully recovered all the 21 galvanized steel pipes.

According to Mithi, the main suspects have been identified as Elias Nkhata, 28, Gift Nkhata, 36, Khwima Nguluwe, 29, and Juan Msewa, 15.

The other three suspects Lyton Kambira, 39, Uchindami Nthala, 30, and Kingwell Mhone, 22 were allegedly hired to transport the stolen pipes using a Toyota Dyna registration number DA 6720.

She further said all seven suspects come from the area of Traditional Authority Mthwalo in Mzimba District and are expected to appear before court soon to answer theft-related charges.

Meanwhile, police have launched intensive investigations to trace the four suspects who are still at large.