Malawi police have obtained a search warrant to investigate former president Lazarus Chakwera’s residence in Lilongwe’s Area 10 as part of an ongoing probe into suspected looting at Kamuzu Palace, including the alleged theft of police dogs.
Deputy police spokesperson Alfred Chimthere confirmed the warrant late Wednesday, saying investigators are pursuing evidence that dogs stolen from the State House were transferred to Chakwera’s property.
“Police obtained a search warrant in pursuing evidence by the suspect that the police dogs are being kept at the former President’s residence in Area 10, Lilongwe,” Chimthere said.
The move followed the arrest of Godfrey Jalale, the former Director of Security at State Residences, who is accused of orchestrating the theft.
Jalale was remanded after appearing in court earlier this week.
The investigation stems from reports of widespread looting at Kamuzu Palace during Chakwera’s presidency.
Police say the probe is expanding to track assets allegedly diverted by senior officials.
Chimthere stressed that Chakwera himself has not been arrested, dismissing social media rumours of his detention.
“There is no arrest warrant for the former President,” he said, urging the public to rely on official police communication.
Chakwera, who lost the September 2025 elections after a turbulent single term marked by economic hardship and corruption scandals, has faced mounting scrutiny since leaving office.
His defeat ended five years of rule under the Malawi Congress Party, ushering in a new administration that has vowed to tackle graft at the highest levels.
JN/APA