By Our Reporter

LILONGWE, Malawi — More than 20 officers from the Malawi Police Service and Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) on Friday raided the law offices of private practice lawyer George Kadzipatike in Lilongwe and Mzuzu, in an operation the lawyer says is linked to alleged tax issues.

Kadzipatike, who also serves as Director of Legal Affairs for the opposition Malawi Congress Party (MCP), confirmed the raids and said authorities removed a number of files from his offices.

The lawyer questioned the decision to conduct raids instead of first engaging him over the alleged tax concerns.

“I thought if they had tax issues with me, the best way was to engage me,” Kadzipatike said.

He argued that the primary responsibility of a tax authority should be to collect taxes rather than resorting to actions that could disrupt taxpayers and their businesses.Malawi Lawyer Jivason Kadzipatike questions British NCA’s court document legality circulating on social media

“The first option for a taxman should be to collect tax and not to have taxpayers imprisoned and their businesses disrupted,” he said.

Kadzipatike alleges political victimisation

Kadzipatike has linked the MRA action to his political and legal activities, alleging that he is being targeted because of his representation of MCP and opposition politicians in court cases.

He also pointed to his involvement as one of the legislators advocating for justice through the ad-hoc parliamentary committee investigating the Chikangawa plane crash.

“This action by MRA confirms my fears that I am being victimized for representing MCP and opposition figures in their cases in the Courts and for being among the legislators standing up for justice in the ad-hoc parliamentary committee on the Chikangawa plane crash inquiry,” he said.Court adjourns for MCP thugs to find another lawyer

The allegation of political victimisation remains Kadzipatike’s claim, and there was no independent confirmation in the information available that the raids were politically motivated.

Client files and computers seized

The operation has also raised concerns among clients of the law firm, according to Kadzipatike.

He said clients were worried after MRA officers took what he described as a large number of files from the two offices.

Kadzipatike further said personal computers belonging to five lawyers at Jivason and Company were seized during the operation.

The removal of legal documents and electronic equipment has raised potential concerns about access to client information and the continuity of legal work.Court Halts MEC Relocation to Blantyre in Major Legal Setback for Government

However, Kadzipatike moved to reassure clients that the firm’s operations would continue despite the raid.

“I would like to take this opportunity to assure all clients that business at my law firm has not been disrupted,” he said.

According to the lawyer, the firm has electronic backups of its files, while court records can also be accessed where necessary.

“We have electronic backup for all the files and where need be, we are going to be photocopying their files from the Courts,” he added.

Firm engages authorities

Kadzipatike said the law firm is engaging both the MRA and the police over the matter.

The lawyer did not disclose the specific tax allegations that prompted the operation, nor did the information provided indicate whether the MRA has formally accused him or his firm of tax evasion or any other offence.Law Professor questions Chimwendo’s judicial review’s bail

The MRA and Malawi Police Service have yet to publicly provide their detailed account of the operation.

The distinction is important because a tax investigation, search or seizure does not by itself establish wrongdoing. Any allegations against Kadzipatike or his firm would have to be established through the appropriate investigative and legal processes.

The developments are likely to attract significant attention given Kadzipatike’s dual role as a private lawyer representing opposition figures and as a senior MCP legal affairs official.Court Halts State Search of Chithyola Banda’s Farm

For now, the lawyer maintains that the raid amounts to intimidation and political victimisation, while the authorities’ position and the precise nature of the alleged tax issues remain central to establishing the full circumstances surrounding Friday’s operation.

Kadzipatike has nevertheless adopted a defiant stance, insisting that the law firm will continue serving its clients despite the raid.

No retreat, no surrender appears to be the message from the lawyer as he prepares to engage the authorities over the operation.Mutharika Hails Scorchers’ Historic WAFCON 2026 Quarterfinal Qualification