Man Allegedly Poses as MDF Soldier, Leaves Lodge Without Paying in Nkhata Bay

Police in Nkhata Bay have arrested a 25-year-old man, Wilson Kabaghe, for allegedly personating a Malawi Defence Force (MDF) soldier.

Nkhata Bay Police Public Relations Officer Sergeant Enala Kalua said the incident occurred on September 13, 2026, when Kabaghe lodged at Ilala Bay Lodge for a night and allegedly falsely represented himself as an MDF soldier.

According to Kalua, Kabaghe further told the lodge manager that he had been sent to collect intelligence ahead of a planned visit to the Northern Region by the President of Malawi.

Kalua said Kabaghe booked a room at K40,000 and spent the night but allegedly left the lodge the following morning without settling the accommodation bill.

The matter was reported to Nkhata Bay Police Station, where detectives, through intelligence gathering, managed to arrest the suspect.

Kabaghe, who hails from Mwenelufita Village under Traditional Authority Mwaulambia in Chitipa District, is expected to appear before court soon to answer a charge of personating a public officer.