By ZR Repoter
A mobile money business operator in Malawi’s Mzuzu City has been defrauded of K19 million approximately K194,370 Zambian Kwacha after his employee fell victim to a deceptive money-doubling scheme. The incident, which unfolded at Chibavi Township between June 9 and 10, 2026, has led to the arrest of two siblings.
Austin Mubaya, who manages Airtel Money and Mpamba services, had entrusted his employee, 23-year-old Mirrium Phiri, with facilitating salary payments for employees at Kawalazi Tea Estate. During the assignment, Mubaya transferred K22 million into the account for the payments. Following the successful distribution of salaries, K19 million remained in the account.
Upon returning to Chibavi, Phiri reportedly withdrew the remaining K19 million without her employer’s authorization. She was subsequently persuaded by her 20-year-old brother, Shukulani Phiri, to hand the cash over to a local individual posing as an African doctor, who had promised to multiply the funds. The siblings met the man in Chibavi and followed his instructions, only to later discover that their cash had been swapped for bundles of plain paper.
After the siblings realized they had been tricked, Phiri confessed the situation to Mubaya, who promptly alerted the police. The siblings, both hailing from Chiundira Village in Mangochi District, have since been arrested and are expected to appear in court to face charges of theft by servant.
Meanwhile, law enforcement officials have launched an intensive manhunt to locate the unidentified fraudster, who remains at large.
© Zambe Reports | June 13, 2026