By Sibongile Hauya
A 24-year-old pharmacist, Jevick Mazumba, from Lufita Village, Traditional Authority Mwaulambia, in Chitipa, has been arrested by police in Namwera, Mangochi, for allegedly stealing assorted government medical drugs from Chiponde Health Center.
Inspector Amina Tepani Daudi, Public Relations Officer for Mangochi Police Station, confirmed the arrest, stating that Mazumba has been charged with theft by a public servant, contravening Section 286 of the Penal Code.
On September 20, 2024, police officers at the Idrusi Roadblock along the Bakili Muluzi Highway intercepted an unregistered Toyota Sienta traveling from Namwera to Mangochi. Inside, they found two bags containing assorted medical drugs without proper documentation.
"When questioned, the driver revealed that he had been sent by the suspect to deliver the bags to an undisclosed person within Mangochi Township," Daudi revealed.
Mazumba claimed he was instructed by District Hospital officials to send the drugs to Mangochi District Hospital. However, police investigations revealed this was false. "When police questioned the officials, they denied the claim, stating that the transfer of government medical drugs between hospitals follows strict procedures," Daudi indicated.
The seized drugs included paracetamol, ibuprofen, ceftriaxone, LA4, LA3, doxycycline, benzathine penicillin, amoxicillin, and indomethacin, totaling 30,184 tablets and capsules and 200 vials.
Mazumba is expected to appear in court upon completion of necessary paperwork.
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