Musician Joe Gwaladi was on Wednesday arrested in relation to allegations that he defaced and damaged the Malawian currency at Migowi Trading Centre in Phalombe district.
The Tumbocid hitmaker is alleged to have committed the offence on 17th April this year at a drinking joint where he allegedly splashed, soiled and damaged K2000 notes.
Confirming the development, Phalombe Police spokesperson, Innocent Moses said Gwaladi was held at Limbe Police Station where he was being interrogated on the matter but has been released on police bail pending court appearance.
“Yes, I can confirm that Gwaladi was in police hands but now he is on police bail. He was arrested following a complainant lodged by the Reserve Bank of Malawi (RBM) through their investigator Spencer Gondwe at Limbe Police Station in Blantyre,” Moses said.
Moses added that a team of detectives from Limbe and Phalombe together with RBM investigators followed up the case and apprehended Gwaladi.
He further disclosed that the musician has been charged with willfully defacing, soiling and damaging the Malawi currency contrary to Section 54 of the Reserve Bank of Malawi Act.
His arrest has happened as RBM is sensitizing the public to avoid stepping on banknotes during weddings, bridal showers and all events.
Gwaladi, 29, hails from Magaleta Village, T/A Nkanda in Mulanje District.
