Police in Likoma net two for drug theft

Police on Likoma Island are keeping in custody two people for allegedly stealing medicines.

Jacob Chasowa, a pharmacy attendant at St Peter’s Anglican Mission Hospital on the island, was arrested on Saturday along with Mozambican Banzo Paliani, 34.
The arrest followed a tip-off from a concerned citizen, said Likoma Police Station spokesperson Mcliff Ngulube.

“On April 8, the informant saw Chasowa giving out large stocks of drugs to Paliani at a secluded place in Mbamba, the Island’s central market,” he said.

Following the alert, a patrol party led by Sergeant Mark Kapwhiti tracked down the suspects and seized a laptop bag in which they found malaria drugs, painkillers and other drugs.
Minister of Health Peter Kumpalume promised to fire all health workers involved in drug pilferage which costs the country almost K7 billion a year.

The tendency also poses a threat to the country’s donor-dependent healthcare system as US Ambassador Virginia Palmer said her government would terminate aid if it continues.

Chasowa has been charged with theft by a public servant while his suspected accomplice will be tried for being found in possession of medical drugs without requisite permits. Further investigations are underway.

Likoma district health officer David Sibale said it was unfortunate the malpractice continues while government was struggling to guarantee availability of essential drugs in many health facilities.
“It is unfortunate this is happening amid calls for health workers to desist from stealing drugs,” he said.