Malawi Police Service has named videographer Easau Nalikole as the person who allegedly flew a drone over First Vice-President Jane Ansah’s residence in Lilongwe on Friday in breach of security.
The 32-year-old was arrested on Saturday after the security agents at Ansah’s residence in Area 3, Lilongwe on Friday night captured the drone flying over the premises.
In an update on Saturday evening, National Police spokesperson Lael Chimtembo confirmed the arrest of Nalikole and that he is facing charges of criminal trespass and illegally flying a drone over a restricted area.
taken to court. | Nation
He said: “He was found operating a controlled DJI drone. Officers on duty spotted a drone flying over the premises. They conducted a search, located the suspect, and apprehended him.
“During interrogation, Nalikole claimed he was taking videos in the area for his client’s upcoming song. Investigations into the matter are ongoing, and the suspect will be taken to court soon.”
Office of the Vice-President spokesperson Richard Mveriwa confirmed the development in an interview yesterday, saying: “As you are well aware that this is a protected area and drones are not allowed. That’s why they captured this drone as well as apprehended the person who was controlling the drone”
The drone was said to have been operating on live coverage at the time.
Nalikole comes from Mthetsa Village, Traditional Authority Mazengera in Lilongwe.
In Parliament last month, Minister of Homeland Security Peter Mukhito assured legislators that Ansah’s security detail remained intact as per entitlement and dismissed fears of a national security breakdown.
He was responding to a question from Mchinji North East lawmaker Anthony Masamba (Malawi Congress Party) who sought clarification on reports that some police officers were transferred from the Office of the Vice-President.
