By Burnett Munthali
In a move perceived as an attempt to shift attention from the ongoing scandal involving Secretary to the President and Cabinet (SPC) Colleen Zamba, sources have revealed that the government is planning a cabinet reshuffle and the arrest of up to eight high-profile opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) officials. The scandal in question revolves around the procurement of K1.5 trillion worth of fuel and fertiliser from an alleged fake Sheikh Al Qassimi.
Leaked information from Police and State House officials, reported by The Investigator Magazine, suggests that arrests are imminent, with the Fiscal Police expected to invite prominent DPP figures, including the party’s Vice President for the South, Joseph Mwanamvekha; Leader of Opposition George Chaponda; Director of Political Affairs Ben Phiri; Organising Secretary Sameer Suleiman; and police operative Norman Chisale.
Others named in the leak are former SPC Lloyd Muhara and former acting Inspector General of Police Duncan Mwapasa, who currently serves as Deputy Ambassador at Malawi’s mission in Nairobi, Kenya. These individuals are reportedly facing charges related to various offenses, including their alleged involvement in funding anti-government demonstrations and attacks on MCP functionaries.
The accusations are consistent with recent public statements by MCP Secretary General Richard Chimwendo Banda, who has claimed that the DPP has been financing protests aimed at destabilising the ruling party. According to sources within the police force, Chimwendo Banda has urged the authorities to examine statements made by these individuals closely, with the goal of finding sufficient evidence to bring them to justice.
Arrests amid political tensions
The planned arrests come at a time when tensions between the MCP and DPP are at an all-time high, especially following allegations that the DPP has been orchestrating demonstrations and attacks on MCP supporters. The arrests, if they proceed, are likely to heighten political divisions in Malawi, potentially leading to protests or unrest from opposition supporters.
The timing of the arrests also raises questions about whether they are genuinely aimed at addressing legal issues or if they are politically motivated, designed to weaken the opposition ahead of the next elections. Many observers see the move as a strategic effort by the government to shift the public’s focus away from the embarrassing revelations surrounding Colleen Zamba’s involvement in the K1.5 trillion procurement scandal.
The Zamba scandal: A growing crisis
The scandal involving Colleen Zamba has become a significant headache for President Lazarus Chakwera’s administration. Reports that Zamba facilitated the procurement of fuel and fertiliser from a fake Sheikh Al Qassimi have caused outrage, with many questioning how such a colossal mistake could have occurred at the highest level of government. The revelation has placed a cloud of suspicion over the administration’s procurement processes and its ability to ensure accountability.
As public pressure mounts, insiders claim that some members of President Chakwera’s cabinet are contemplating resigning over the fallout from the scandal. These rumoured resignations have reportedly prompted the President to consider a cabinet reshuffle, which could be announced as early as this week.
Cabinet reshuffle to deflect blame?
The planned reshuffle is seen by many as an effort to contain the damage caused by the scandal and restore public confidence in the government. While the specifics of the reshuffle remain unclear, sources suggest that President Chakwera is keen to bring in new faces to mitigate the political backlash and to demonstrate that his administration is committed to transparency and reform.
However, critics argue that the reshuffle may be too little, too late. They contend that the scandal has already caused irreparable damage to the government’s image, and any attempt to shift attention away from the issue—whether through reshuffles or arrests—will only deepen the public’s mistrust.
Political fallout
The political fallout from the Zamba scandal, the planned arrests of DPP officials, and the cabinet reshuffle will likely dominate Malawian politics in the coming weeks. The opposition DPP, already critical of the government’s handling of the economy, corruption, and governance, is expected to react strongly to the arrests, potentially leading to a volatile political climate.
As the situation develops, Malawians will be closely watching to see how President Chakwera navigates this crisis. His ability to manage both the scandal and the political implications of the arrests could determine the future stability of his administration and his party’s chances in the next general election.
For now, the looming reshuffle and arrests are seen as an indication of a government in damage control mode, attempting to manage a scandal that threatens to define its legacy.
About the author
Burnett Munthali is a political analyst and a journalist. He writes extensively on governance, political developments, and major national events.
