The main opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has described the arrests of it top members as acts of political intimidation and threats.
On Monday, police arrested Minister of Finance, Joseph Mwanamvekha Justice Lloyd Muhara (retired), Mr. Collings Magalasi, Clief Chiunda and Jimmy Grey Kusamale over the misappropriation of K447.5 billion government money through Salima Sugar Company and Greenbelt Initiative.
According to national Police spokesperson Senior Superintendent Peter Kalaya, the arrest follows investigations which MPS has been conducting following an audit report by Audit Consult of Salima Sugar Company carried out in 2023 which revealed that the said government money was misused.
The Police also arrested Shierish Betgiri and three others immediately after launching the investigations in 2023.
He said they are currently hunting for Dr. Henry Njoloma, former Acting Chief Executive Officer for Greenbelt Initiative who is on the run.
Later in the day, Police also arrested Blantyre City South East Member of parliament Sameer Suleman.
He is accused of making defamatory remarks against MCP’s secretary general Richard Chimwendo Banda, mining minister Ken Zikhale Ng’oma and MCP’s youth director Baba Steve Malondera, in an interview that was broadcast on DPP’s Facebook page in which he said the three are planning to kill him.
“It is evident that the Chakwera Government has failed in all aspects. The people of Malawi are suffering from poverty, hunger, and the rising cost of basic necessities due to this incompetent and corrupt government. Their leaders prioritize their own personal interests through nepotism and fraud.
“Chakwera and his team are well aware that their time in power is limited. They have already lost the trust and support of the Malawian people, and they seek to silence all opposing and dissenting voices. Whether it be politicians, media reporters, business leaders, or clergy, anyone who speaks out against the failed leadership of Chakwera is met with insults and threats.
“We, as citizens, refuse to live in fear in our own country. We will not be intimidated by the Chakwera’s Government. We will continue to fight, even if it means sacrificing our lives. The people of Malawi deserve to be liberated from this clueless, incompetent, oppressive government. corrupt, nepotistic and cruel,” reads part of the statement signed by DPP spokesperson Shadric Namalomba
