CSEIF condemns intimidation of ACB officers

The Civil Society Elections Integrity Forum (CSEIF) has condemned what it describes as a “direct attack on democracy” following reports that Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Regional Governor for the South, Charles Mchacha, allegedly stormed the offices of the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) in Blantyre on Monday in search of a particular investigator.

According to CSEIF Executive Director Benedicto Kondowe, the incident, which allegedly caused panic and disruption among ACB staff, comes at a sensitive moment as Prof. Arthur Peter Mutharika of the DPP is expected to be sworn in as Malawi’s 7th Head of State on 4th October 2025 at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.

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In a statement, the Forum said Malawians expect calm, discipline and respect for institutions at such a critical time.

Instead, it said, intimidation against public bodies undermines trust in governance and threatens the independence of anti-corruption efforts.

“Acts of intimidation against public bodies sow fear, erode trust in governance, and tarnish the credibility of the leadership that has been entrusted with an overwhelming mandate. Such conduct is unacceptable, alarming, and poses a direct threat to the independence and integrity of institutions mandated to fight corruption.

“Officers of the ACB and indeed all governance and accountability institutions must be allowed to discharge their duties free from harassment, intimidation, or political interference,” the statement reads in part.

CSEIF has also stressed that the behaviour does not reflect the leadership or values of the President-Elect, who has previously assured Malawians of his commitment to the rule of law and strengthening of democratic institutions.

The Forum has since called on all political leaders, particularly those in the incoming administration, to exercise restraint and demonstrate fidelity to the principles of justice and good governance.

“Failure to do so risks sending a dangerous signal that political intimidation will be tolerated in the new dispensation. Malawi has fought hard for a system where no citizen, however senior, is above the law, and we remain vigilant in defending that principle,” CSEIF said.

The watchdog body further warned that failure to act decisively against such incident’s risks normalising political intimidation, thereby weakening institutions that are crucial for transparency and accountability.

Meanwhile, Mchacha has refuted the reports linking him to the alleged harrasing of the ACB Officer.

Writing on his Facebook page, Mchacha says people spreading the lies are on a mission to tarnish his image, urging Malawians to treat it as fake news.

“Some people are spreading lies that yesterday I went to the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) and assaulted an officer there. This is nothing but an attempt to tarnish my reputation and create conflict between me, my party, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), and my President, His Excellency Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika,” wrote Mchacha.

Mchacha has challenged anyone having pictures of him at the ACB to release them.