By: Burnett Munthali
Police are investigating the disappearance of four German Shepherds from the presidential Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe.
The dogs went missing during the political transition in September, a period marked by the handover of power from former President Lazarus Chakwera to President Peter Mutharika.
Godfrey Arthur Jalale, who served as State House deputy chief of staff under Chakwera, has been arrested in connection with the theft of the four dogs, although he denies the charge.
Authorities clarified that Chakwera himself has not been arrested, but police obtained a search warrant for his residence following information suggesting that the stolen animals might be kept there.
Chakwera, a pastor before entering politics, lost the September election to Mutharika, receiving 33% of the vote, and has maintained a low public profile since conceding defeat.
During this period, Malawi Congress Party (MCP) officials accused the current administration of harassing and intimidating the former president amid the investigation.
Local media have reported that the theft of state property affected not only Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe but also Sanjika Palace in Blantyre, the nation’s second-largest city.
The four German Shepherds, valued at approximately $2,300, were removed from the palace between 19 September and 4 October, according to state prosecutors.
Police said on Wednesday that they had intensified investigations following reports of property looting from Kamuzu Palace.
“The Malawi Police Service assures the public that the investigation is progressing smoothly,” the authorities stated in an official release.
Meanwhile, MCP Members of Parliament boycotted parliamentary sessions and gathered outside Chakwera’s residence amid speculation about a possible arrest, as local media reported.
Chakwera made his first public appearance last week when he accepted a Commonwealth appointment to assist in mediating post-election unrest in Tanzania.
President Mutharika, who served his first term from 2014 to 2020, campaigned on a promise of a “return to proven leadership,” which resonated strongly with voters.
He returned to office at a time when Malawi faces severe economic challenges, including fuel shortages and a lack of foreign currency reserves.
Observers note that Mutharika, now 85, has been rarely seen in public during his campaign, raising questions about his health and stamina to lead the country again.
The unfolding investigation into the missing dogs has ignited debate over accountability, transparency, and the protection of state property during political transitions.
The case continues to develop as authorities work to recover the stolen dogs and establish full facts surrounding the incident.
