The 2025 Malawi general elections campaign has taken another dramatic turn after UTM parliamentary aspirant Mustafa Pongolani was arrested in Machinga District on allegations of inciting violence and injuring a supporter of his rival candidate.
According to Ntaja Police in Machinga, Pongolani, who is contesting for a parliamentary seat in Machinga East Constituency, was taken into custody after a violent confrontation involving his supporters and those of UDF candidate Esther Jolobala.
Reports indicate that Pongolani and a group of youths allegedly ambushed Jolobala while she was returning from a political rally in another area. During the clash, one of Jolobala’s supporters was assaulted and left injured.
Adding fuel to the controversy, a video recorded by Pongolani surfaced on social media platforms, in which he accused Esther Jolobala of performing rituals at a graveyard. The video went viral, sparking heated political debate and widespread condemnation from different quarters.
Eastern Region Police spokesperson Patrick Mussa confirmed the arrest, saying Pongolani was detained yesterday but later released on bail pending further investigations.
The incident has raised fresh concerns about political violence in Malawi’s 2025 elections, with analysts warning that growing tensions between rival parties like the UTM and UDF could undermine peaceful campaigning in the run-up to the September 16 polls.
Observers argue that if unchecked, such acts of violence may erode public trust in the credibility of Malawi’s electoral process, which is already under scrutiny.
