Police in Malawi are investigating the disappearance of four police dogs from the presidential palace in Lilongwe during the political transition in September.
Godfrey Arthur Jalale, former State House deputy chief of staff under ex-President Lazarus Chakwera, has been arrested and charged in connection with the theft of the four German Shepherds. He denies the allegations.
Chakwera left the palace after losing the election to President Peter Mutharika.
Police have denied reports that the former president himself was arrested but confirmed obtaining a search warrant for his home after receiving information that the missing dogs might be there.
Chakwera, who finished second with 33% of the vote, is also facing wider accusations of mismanaging state resources during the handover period. His Malawi Congress Party (MCP) says he is being “harassed and intimidated” by the new administration. He has not commented publicly.
Local media have reported that property was taken from two official residences — Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe and Sanjika Palace in Blantyre. Prosecutors say the dogs, valued at $2,300 (£1,700), were removed from the palace between 19 September and 4 October.
Police said investigations had been “intensified” following reports of looting at Kamuzu Palace and assured the public that progress was being made.
On Wednesday, MCP MPs boycotted parliament and camped outside Chakwera’s home amid rumours he might be detained after a rise in police presence in the area.
Chakwera, a former pastor, accepted his election loss and has largely kept a low profile. Last week, he made his first public appearance since the vote, announcing he had accepted a Commonwealth role to help mediate unrest in Tanzania.
Mutharika, who previously served as president from 2014 to 2020, returned to office campaigning on a promise of “proven leadership.” He takes over a country facing severe fuel and foreign currency shortages. His limited visibility during the campaign has fuelled speculation about his health as he returns to power at age 85.
