Police in Kasungu have arrested a 41-year-old primary school teacher accused of using false death documents in an attempt to stop salary deductions for a loan.

Francis Peter Mtema, a teacher at Kalimanyungu School, allegedly became the subject of the scheme after a woman claiming to be his wife reported his death to Select Financial Services Limited.

Police said the woman, identified as Jackleen Phiri, reported in February 2024 that Mtema had died on November 14, 2023.

She allegedly presented a death report, a letter from a village headman, and a copy of Mtema’s national identity card to support the claim.

According to Kasungu Police deputy public relations officer Sergeant Miracle Hauli, Mtema had borrowed K1,114,128.15 (almost GHS 8,000) from Select Financial Services Limited and had an outstanding balance of K1,043,497.52 (over GHS 7,000).

Following the reported death, the company stopped deducting money from Mtema’s salary. The matter later came to light after the company’s internal auditor reported it to Kasungu Police upon discovering that Mtema was still alive.

Police subsequently arrested Mtema at Kalimanyungu School.

He is being held on allegations of giving a false statement for a death register, forgery, and uttering false documents.

Meanwhile, police are investigating the matter and trying to locate Phiri, whose full particulars are not yet known.

Mtema hails from Mantchichi in Traditional Authority Chiseka, Lilongwe District.

Police have not indicated when the suspect will appear in court.