By Burnett Munthali
Some notable figures were seen on Tuesday, 3rd June 2025, at the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) offices in Mzuzu, drawing public attention as they rallied behind Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Vice President for the North, Jappie Mhango.
Their presence came a day after Mhango was arrested on Monday over allegations of abuse of office, charges which have since sparked mixed reactions across the political spectrum.
The high-profile show of solidarity appeared to be a calculated political gesture, aimed at demonstrating the Northern Region’s support for Mhango, a key figure within the opposition DPP.
Eyewitnesses reported a visibly tense atmosphere at the ACB premises, as supporters and sympathizers gathered in anticipation of developments regarding Mhango’s legal situation.
Among those present were political allies, regional party officials, and a few former cabinet ministers, signaling that the arrest may be viewed as politically charged by some quarters.
Mhango, who once served as Minister of Transport and Public Works under the DPP administration, has long been seen as a heavyweight in Northern Region politics.
His arrest marks another chapter in the widening crackdown on suspected corruption involving former government officials, a campaign that continues to divide opinion in Malawi.
While the ACB has maintained that its investigations are guided purely by evidence and legal standards, DPP loyalists argue that the arrest of Mhango is part of a broader strategy to weaken the opposition ahead of the 2025 general elections.
As of Tuesday evening, the ACB had not released full details surrounding the specific nature of the alleged abuse of office, although sources suggest the case may be linked to procurement irregularities during Mhango’s ministerial tenure.
Supporters of Mhango have vowed to continue standing by him, insisting on his innocence until proven guilty and accusing the authorities of selective justice.
The arrest and the subsequent reaction have once again placed the ACB at the center of Malawi’s political discourse, as the institution balances its anti-corruption mandate with growing public scrutiny.
More updates are expected in the coming days as the case unfolds and Mhango’s legal team prepares to challenge the charges in court.
