Authorities in Malawi are investigating the disappearance of four police dogs from the presidential palace in Lilongwe during the country’s political transition in September.
Godfrey Arthur Jalale, a former deputy chief of staff at the State House under outgoing leader Lazarus Chakwera, has been arrested in connection with the alleged theft of the German Shepherds. He has pleaded not guilty.
The dogs reportedly vanished between 19 September and 4 October, during the period Chakwera vacated the palace after losing the election to President Peter Mutharika. Their combined value is estimated at $2,300.
On Wednesday, police dismissed rumors that Chakwera had been arrested but confirmed they had obtained a search warrant for his home after intelligence suggested the missing dogs might be there. Chakwera, who secured 33% of the vote and placed second in the September polls, is facing a wave of allegations related to the handling of state resources during the transition.
Reports in Malawi’s local media indicate that property theft occurred at both Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe and Sanjika Palace in Blantyre. Police say they have intensified investigations into the looting and assured the public that progress is being made.
Meanwhile, MPs from the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) boycotted parliamentary proceedings and stayed near Chakwera’s residence out of concern that he was about to be arrested following increased police activity nearby.
Since conceding defeat, the former president — who served as a pastor before entering politics — has largely kept out of the public eye. His first appearance came last week when he announced he had accepted a Commonwealth role to assist in mediating unrest in Tanzania following recent elections.
Mutharika, who previously governed Malawi from 2014 to 2020, returned to office promising a “return to proven leadership,” a message that resonated with voters amid a crippling shortage of fuel and foreign currency. However, his limited public appearances during the campaign have fueled speculation about his health at 85, raising questions about his ability to govern effectively.
The MCP has accused Mutharika’s new administration of targeting Chakwera with intimidation and harassment. Chakwera himself has not publicly responded to the claims.