The Malawi Police Service (MPS) on Wednesday raided former President Lazarus Chakwera’s residence in Lilongwe’s Area 10 as part of an investigation into the disappearance of police German Shepherds from Kamuzu Palace.
The development marks a significant escalation in a probe that has gripped public attention since reports emerged of missing state security dogs, assets normally used to guard State Residences and support specialised security operations.
The raid followed the arrest of Godfrey Jalale, the former Director of Security at State Residences, who is accused of stealing the dogs while serving in his role.
Jalale, 62, from Zulu Village in Mchinji, appeared before court earlier this week and has since been remanded pending further inquiries.
In a statement issued by Deputy National Police Public Relations Officer Superintendent Alfred Chimthere, police said investigators had obtained a search warrant after intelligence suggested that the missing dogs might be kept at the former President’s residence.
Officers entered the property on Wednesday morning as part of efforts to verify the tip-off and gather evidence.
Chimthere said the search was conducted within full legal parameters and formed part of a broader investigative framework.
“This was a standard investigative procedure carried out to pursue leads relevant to the case,” he said, emphasising that the operation was neither confrontational nor politically motivated.
Despite the visibility of the operation, the Police Service moved quickly to dispel escalating rumours on social media claiming that Chakwera had been arrested during the search.
“There is no arrest warrant for the former President. We urge the public, especially media practitioners, to verify information with our official spokespersons to prevent the spread of false and misleading stories,” said Chimthere.
The incident has amplified public debate about accountability and security within State Residences, particularly regarding the handling of government assets during and after presidential transitions.
The MPS says the investigation into the alleged looting at Kamuzu Palace is “progressing smoothly,” adding that further updates will be provided as inquiries advance.