If a very presentable Malawian, aged 22, by the
name of WYSON LONGOTI hailing from Nsanje comes to ask for work, I would be very
careful. He has a glowing reference from American Missionaries for whom he
worked in Zomba and who had known him since he was a child. They left the
country and I found him at my gate. He speaks very good English and was
quiet and unobtrusive, working as a gardener and occasional
house-cleaner. He was in his second year of service. Yesterday, whilst I
walked my dog at 7am he cleared me out of all the money I had in a locked
room, in a locked drawer ! He had obviously been 'casing the joint' and biding
his time. He stole British Pounds, Zambian Kwacha and a large amount of MK
which was to be used for paying this weeks bills. He probably won't be looking
for work as he can retire on his takings from me, BUT be warned. If other
people have had similar experiences, I suggest a black list should be started of
'Whom Not To Employ' in Lilongwe !