Police in Malawi are investigating how four police dogs went missing from a presidential palace in the capital, Lilongwe, during a political transition period in September.
Godfrey Arthur Jalale, who previously served as the State House deputy chief of staff under former President Lazarus Chakwera, has been arrested in connection with the theft of the four German Shepherds. He denies the allegations.
Chakwera left the palace after losing the elections to President Peter Mutharika, who made a remarkable political comeback.
Late on Wednesday, police refuted claims that Chakwera had been arrested, but confirmed they had obtained a search warrant for his residence following reports that the stolen dogs might be kept there.
Chakwera, who became the second in the September elections with 33% of the vote, is facing multiple allegations regarding the mismanagement of public resources, particularly during the political handover.
His party, the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), has accused Mutharika's administration of harassment and intimidation against Chakwera. The former president has remained silent on these developments.
Reports have surfaced regarding the theft of state property from two presidential palaces—the Kamuzu Palace and Sanjika Palace located in Blantyre, Malawi's second largest city.
The dogs, valued at approximately $2,300 (£1,700), were reportedly taken between September 19 and October 4, as indicated by state prosecutors. In a statement on Wednesday, the police announced they are intensifying investigations following reports of property looting from Kamuzu Palace.
The Malawi Police Service assures the public that the investigation is progressing smoothly, the statement noted.
In protest over the situation, MCP MPs boycotted parliamentary sessions and gathered outside Chakwera's residence in Lilongwe amid heightened police presence surrounding the former leader, local media reported.
Chakwera, a pastor prior to his political career, conceded defeat and has kept a low profile since losing the elections, only appearing publicly last week to accept a Commonwealth appointment aimed at mediating unrest in Tanzania following its recent elections.
President Mutharika previously governed from 2014 to 2020 and returned to power during a time of significant crisis in Malawi, marked by severe shortages of fuel and foreign currency.
As speculation grows around Mutharika's health at the age of 85, questions remain regarding his ability to effectively lead the nation again, particularly given his limited public visibility during the campaign.
