By Burnett Munthali
Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Vice-President for the Central Region, Alfred Gangata, has confirmed his arrest in connection to forgery allegations involving tax documents. Speaking in a phone interview with Nation Online from the Area 3 Police Station in Lilongwe, Gangata said he was taken into custody on Friday evening.
The arrest stems from allegations that Gangata forged tax documents for his company, Masters Security Services, to secure a contract with Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR). A warrant of arrest circulating on social media outlines the allegations, accusing Gangata of falsifying records to meet the contract’s bidding requirements.
When asked directly if his arrest was linked to the allegations, Gangata replied: “Yes.”
The DPP vice-president further disclosed that his legal team is preparing to apply for bail on Monday. He did not provide additional details about his defense but expressed confidence in his legal team to handle the matter.
Gangata’s arrest has sparked mixed reactions on social media and among political commentators. While some view it as a lawful move to uphold justice, others speculate it could be politically motivated.
The DPP has yet to issue an official statement regarding the arrest of one of its top officials. However, the incident could have significant implications for the party as it navigates internal leadership challenges and prepares for the 2025 general elections.
According to the warrant, the allegations relate to the preparation of fraudulent Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) Taxation Clearance Certificates (TCC) by Masters Security Services between July 2017 and June 2018. The documents allegedly facilitated the company’s eligibility for a lucrative contract with LUANAR.
The charges of forgery and falsification of records are serious offenses under Malawian law, carrying substantial penalties if proven in court.
Civil society organizations and anti-corruption advocates have called for a thorough and transparent investigation into the matter. They argue that such cases should serve as a deterrent against abuse of the country’s financial systems.
Gangata’s bail hearing on Monday will likely be a critical moment in the unfolding case. Meanwhile, political observers will watch closely to see how the DPP and its leadership respond to the allegations against one of their own.
As the case develops, Malawians are left questioning whether this arrest signals a broader crackdown on financial misconduct or if it reflects deeper political undercurrents in the nation’s political landscape.
Burnett Munthali is a journalist with a focus on politics, governance, and justice in Malawi.
