Police in Chama District have detained two security guards employed at Nthonko Rural Health Post for the theft of government medicines valued at K12,750.
Eastern province Police Commanding Officer Robertson Mweemba has identified the the suspects, identified as Chiulu Mwandila, 47, and Ringford Nyimbili, 29, both security guards at the rural health facility.
The suspects are facing charges of theft by public servant after 17 boxes of Coartem 24, a vital anti-malarial drug, were stolen from the health post’s pharmacy room.
The theft occurred on an unknown date between January 1 and February 23, 2026, but was only formally reported to Chama Police Station on April 13, 2026, at 11:00 hours by the Medical Director for Chama District Health.
Authorities revealed that the perpetrator gained entry and exit through the pharmacy door using an unknown key, leaving no immediate signs of forced entry.
A breakthrough in the case came on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, when police recovered the missing pharmacy key from Selina Tembo, a 23-year-old woman of Nthonko Village, who is the girlfriend of suspect Ringford Nyimbili.
This evidence led to the swift apprehension of both guards.
Investigations further revealed that Mwandila had allegedly sought the services of a traditional healer, Bright Musukwa, in a bid to spiritually obstruct the police investigation and avoid capture.
However, law enforcement officers proved to be steps ahead, foiling the suspects’ plans.
The two men remain in police custody at Chama Police Station and are expected to appear in court soon to answer to the charges.
The stolen medicines belonged to the Ministry of Health and were intended for public use at the Nthonko Rural Health Post under Chief Kambombo’s area.
By Samuel Khwawe
