MZUZU-(MaraviPost)-Malawi Police Service in Mzuzu are keeping in custody arrested a 30-year old business woman for allegedly obtaining 41 million Malawian kwacha from Cecilia Chinyama under false pretence of business partnership.

Mzuzu Police Station Deputy publicist Cecilia Mfune has identified the suspect as Rita Mkandawire who was arrested on February 11, 2025, at Mchengautuwa township within the city.

Mfune told The Maravi Post that the suspect and Chinyama are best friends.

“In July 2024, Mkandawire suggested that they start a joint business of buying agricultural inputs, to which Chinyama agreed.

“However, Mkandawire allegedly started demanding more money from Chinyama to boost the business and at times pretending to be a customer into their business by using various phone numbers giving the victim an assurance that the business was doing fine,” she said.

The police publicist adds, “Chinyama reported the issue to Mzuzu Police Station after realizing that she was not receiving any profits from the business and also she discovered that all numbers used as clients were registered in her partners name.

“Following an investigation, Mkandawire was arrested, and seven phones which she allegedly used to commit the crimes were seized”.

The suspect Mkandawire, who hails from Mtiweranyifwa Village, Traditional Authority (T.A) Wansambo in Karonga district, will soon appear in court to answer charges of theft/fraud other than false pretence.