Behind war explosives

 Explosives retrieved in Lilongwe as police probe cross-border origins

By Kondwani Nyondo

Police in Lilongwe have retrieved 19 explosive devices within Area 23 Township following reports from community members who discovered the deadly objects in different locations, including a graveyard and scrap metal collection points.

The explosives — a mix of exploded and unexploded mortars — were voluntarily surrendered to Kawale Police Station by residents over the past seven days. Authorities have since launched investigations to establish how the items found their way into the densely populated area.

According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Davie Chilalire, the discoveries were made possible through the vigilance of community members who promptly alerted the police.

“We commend the people of Area 23 for their cooperation,” said Chilalire. “These are not ordinary metals — they are dangerous explosives that could have caused loss of life if mishandled.”

Police have since organized an awareness campaign and football bonanza at Chiuzira Primary School Ground to sensitize residents on how to identify and report suspicious metallic objects. During the campaign, Assistant Superintendent Funny Majoni, Area 23’s Community Policing Coordinator, presented pictures of various types of explosives and cautioned residents never to touch or carry unknown metallic objects.

“If you come across anything that looks like a bomb or shell, don’t move it. Step away and report to police immediately,” Majoni warned.

Community Effort Turns Investigative

While police praise the community for taking initiative, the sudden discovery of such a large number of explosives has triggered deeper questions.

Police sources and residents suspect that the mortars may have originated from Mozambique, where decades of civil conflict left behind thousands of unexploded war devices.

A soldier from Kamuzu Barracks, who examined some of the retrieved items, said their structure and markings resemble “old Eastern Bloc” munitions used in Mozambique in the 1980s and 1990s.

“These mortars are not locally made,” he said. “They are remnants of war — probably trafficked here through the informal scrap metal trade that operates along the border.”

Scrap Metal Trade Under Watch

Investigations indicate that some of the explosives were offered for sale to local scrap dealers, with residents mistaking the devices for old machine parts. One device was even found at a graveyard, suggesting that more could still be buried or abandoned around the township.

A Kawale detective involved in the probe said the police are tracking possible cross-border smuggling routes and scrap metal suppliers who might have unknowingly collected the items from border areas.

“We can’t rule out that these explosives came in mixed with scrap from Mozambique or war-affected regions,” the officer said. “It’s a serious national security concern.”

Residents have since expressed fear, calling for a full sweep of the area. Senior Group Chiuzira said children had previously played with some of the objects, thinking they were toys.

“We’re lucky nobody was hurt,” he said. “We want police to extend their search to Kang’oma and Mchitanjiru where similar items have been spotted.”

To strengthen community-police collaboration, DCP Chilalire announced a monetary reward for anyone who reports explosive materials or other high-risk security hazards.

“Every credible report will attract a reward,” he said. “The public is our strongest ally in ensuring safety.

As detectives dig deeper, both the Malawi Police Service and Malawi Defence Force (MDF) are working together to conduct forensic analysis on the devices to determine their chemical composition and exact origin.

Officials fear the discovery may be just the tip of the iceberg — a sign that Malawi’s scrap metal trade and border security systems could be unknowingly allowing dangerous remnants of war to slip into civilian areas.

“We need tighter controls,” said a security analyst. “If 19 explosives can surface in one township in a week, it means there could be more hidden in other parts of the country.”

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