Police arrest bridge trickster

Lilongwe Police have arrested a 35-year-old ex-convict, James Paulo, for allegedly attempting to steal money using the “Chimtambala” trick after rescuing him from an angry mob that attempted to set him on fire.

Paulo, hailing from Kamwendo Village, Traditional Authority Chikowi in Zomba District, was fished out of the Lilongwe River, where he had sought refuge after being caught in theft.

According to Hastings Chigalu, Public Relations Officer for Lilongwe Police, the arrest occurred on Wednesday morning, around 06:30 hours.

Police officers, while on a routine patrol along the Lilongwe River footpath near Wullian, stumbled upon Paulo and six accomplices attempting to steal K1.5 million from an unsuspecting victim using the Chimtambala scam.

The officers from the Shire Bus Depot Police Unit, who were in civilian clothing, intervened just as the thieves were about to execute their plan.

Sensing danger, the group of criminals fled, prompting a cat-and-mouse chase with passersby joining in.

Paulo’s accomplices jumped into the river, but with the help of residents, police managed to apprehend Paulo, who was hiding behind reeds in deep water.

The other six suspects remain at large, and a manhunt is underway.

Chigalu confirmed that Paulo is an ex-convict with 15 years of experience in this form of theft, often targeting individuals who use shortcuts along the Lilongwe River. He is set to appear in court soon to answer charges of theft.

“Lilongwe Police Station has registered at least five cases in the past three months where over ten million kwacha has been stolen from victims using similar tactics,” Chigalu said.

“People should also resist any approach asking them to accompany strangers on the pretext of sharing money supposedly found,” Chigalu advised.

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