Police in Ndirande have arrested a 39-year-old man, Enock Usumali, on suspicion of obtaining more than K800,000 by false pretence from a businesswoman who sells Irish potatoes at Majiga Market.

According to Ndirande Police Station Public Relations Officer, Chibisa Mulimbika, the incident occurred around 5 a.m. when the suspect approached the woman at her market stall and claimed he was responsible for the success of another well-known businesswoman through charms that allegedly brought prosperity and protection to her business.

Mulimbika said the victim expressed interest, prompting the suspect to accompany her to her house, where he claimed he would perform a ritual that would make her wealthy before the end of the year.

“He instructed the woman to hand him some bank notes, which he burnt to ashes before mixing them with dry roots. He later asked her to bring out all the money she had in the house, amounting to over K800,000, and place it on a table,” said Mulimbika.

The police spokesperson said Usumali then gave the woman the ash and herbal mixture, instructing her to mix it with water and bathe while he remained in the house.

However, the woman became suspicious and left the bathroom door slightly open, where she allegedly saw the suspect quietly leaving with the cash.

She immediately raised an alarm, attracting members of the public who apprehended the suspect and handed him over to Ndirande Police.

Police recovered the entire amount of money, which has since been kept as evidence together with the ash and charm mixture.

Usumali has been charged with obtaining money by false pretence, contrary to Section 319(1) of the Penal Code, and is expected to appear in court soon.

The suspect comes from Ngasale Village under Traditional Authority Kalembo in Balaka District.