Potato plot busted: 20 sim cards seized at Zomba Prison

A batch of boiled potatoes turned into an unlikely prison smuggling operation after authorities discovered 20 Sim cards cleverly hidden inside the food at Zomba Central Prison.

The SIM cards were intercepted on Thursday, September 3, 2026, during routine screening of food brought into the prison by a visitor for two inmates.

According to the Zomba Central Prison Public Relations Office, the SIM cards had been packed in four bundles and hidden inside the potatoes brought by Sphiwe Ngwira for inmates Yusuf Kankosya and Esau Billy.

The contraband was detected by a security scanner installed at the facility as part of measures to prevent the smuggling of prohibited items.

Suspects

Gaoler Tamara Gondwe noticed an anomaly during the initial scan and ordered a second screening. A subsequent manual search confirmed that the potatoes contained the SIM cards.

Officer-in-Charge of Zomba Central Prison, Deputy Commissioner of Prisons Owen Mahalawipha Levi, commended the officers for their vigilance and issued a stern warning to anyone attempting to smuggle contraband into the facility.

“This scanning machine is part of our commitment to enhance security. Let this serve as a warning to anyone attempting to smuggle contraband. Such acts will not be tolerated and offenders will face the law,” Levi said.

Prison records indicate that Kankosya and Billy are serving 24-year sentences for entering a protected area with a weapon and possession of endangered species.

The seized SIM cards have been handed over to relevant authorities for further investigation.

The prison says it has intensified security measures to prevent the entry of prohibited items and curb cybercrime within the facility.