Police have detained two Mozambican nationals after intercepting them at Kamuzu Bridge Roadblock with four firearms and several other weapons.

The suspects, identified as 25-year-old Julio Aromado and 30-year-old Steven George, were arrested on Sunday after police officers became suspicious when the pair allegedly tried to avoid the roadblock.

Malawi Police Service spokesperson Senior Superintendent Gladys Chiawala says officers moved in and searched the suspects, leading to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, two Star pistols and a Heckler & Koch firearm.

Police also seized a pick, panga knife and pound hammer from the two suspects.

Chiawala has warned that possession of illegal firearms and other offensive weapons is a criminal offence and urged those holding such weapons to surrender them to police under the ongoing firearms amnesty.

She said authorities will continue taking action against people found with illegal weapons.