Malawi Freedom Network 
By MFN Reporter
October 25, 2026
The governing Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has hit back at opposition Malawi Congress Party (MCP) over allegations that suspected DPP sympathisers attacked vehicles belonging to former President Lazarus Chakwera and other party officials at Henry Henderson Institute (HHI) in Blantyre.
DPP spokesperson Shadric Namalomba has rejected the accusations, shifting attention to internal divisions within the MCP and suggesting that the party’s leadership wrangles could be contributing to the reported violence.
“We do not have any business with them. I mean, why should DPP attack them? They need to check within their party,” Namalomba said.
His remarks come after the MCP accused suspected thugs of targeting Chakwera’s entourage as party officials arrived at HHI to attend celebrations marking 150 years of the CCAP Blantyre Synod.
The incident has raised questions about security at a major religious gathering that brought together political leaders and other dignitaries.
MCP Accuses Suspected Thugs
Speaking during a press briefing in Blantyre, MCP spokesperson Jessie Kabwila alleged that Chakwera’s entourage came under attack upon arriving at the venue.
Kabwila said the party had reported the matter to the police and called for increased security for its leadership and members.
However, the allegations have not been independently verified, and the identity of those responsible for the reported attack remains unclear.
The MCP’s accusations have drawn a firm response from the DPP, which has distanced itself from the incident and challenged the opposition party to examine its own internal affairs.
Police Yet to Comment
Police had not commented on the matter at the time of publication, leaving key questions unanswered about what happened at HHI, who was involved and whether any arrests had been made.
The absence of an official police account means the allegations against suspected DPP sympathisers remain unconfirmed.
The incident comes amid heightened political tensions, with the exchange of accusations between the two major parties threatening to overshadow celebrations marking a significant milestone in the history of the CCAP Blantyre Synod.
For now, the central question remains whether the reported attack was the result of political hostility, an internal dispute or circumstances that have yet to be established.
An official police statement is expected to help clarify the incident and establish accountability if wrongdoing is confirmed.
