Malawi police are investigating the disappearance of four police dogs from a presidential palace in the capital, Lilongwe, during the September political transition.
Godfrey Arthur Jalale, who served as Deputy Chief of Staff at State House under former President Lazarus Chakwera, was arrested in connection with the theft of the four German Shepherds. He denies the accusation.
Chakwera left the palace after losing the election to President Peter Mutharika.
On Wednesday evening, police denied reports that Chakwera had been arrested, but confirmed they had obtained a search warrant for his residence after reports suggested the stolen dogs were being kept there.
Chakwera, who came second with 33% of the vote in the September elections, faces numerous allegations of mismanagement of public resources, particularly during the transfer of power.
His Malawi Congress Party (MCP) accused Mutharika’s administration of “harassing and intimidating” the former leader. Chakwera has not commented.
Local media reported the theft of state property from two presidential residences: Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe and Sanjika Palace in Blantyre, the country’s second largest city.
The four dogs, worth $2,300 (£1,700), were taken from the palace between September 19 and October 4, according to state prosecutors.
In a statement released Wednesday, police said they had “intensified investigations following reports of looting of property” at Kamuzu Palace.
“Malawi Police assure the public that the investigation is progressing smoothly,” the statement added.
MCP MPs boycotted parliamentary sessions on Wednesday and camped at Chakwera’s residence in Lilongwe amid reports of risks of arrest following an increased police presence, local media reported.
Chakwera, a pastor before entering politics, accepted defeat and has kept a low profile since the elections.
He made his first public appearance last week when he announced he had accepted a Commonwealth appointment to help mediate Tanzania’s post-election unrest.
Mutharika, who first served as president between 2014 and 2020, campaigned promising a “return to proven leadership” – which resonated with Malawian voters.
He returned to power in a country in deep crisis, with a serious shortage of fuel and foreign currency.
The former law professor was rarely seen in public during the campaign, unlike Chakwera who held numerous rallies across Malawi.
As a result, speculation about Mutharika’s health is rife and there are questions about whether he will have the stamina to lead Malawi again at the age of 85.
