Breaking News: Kapondamgaga served in former president Lazarus Chakwera’s administration and was one of the most senior officials attached to State House. Former Chief of Staff of the State Residences in Malawi Prince Kapondamgaga has been arrested in Lilongwe, police have confirmed.
National Police spokesperson Lael Chimtembo confirmed the arrest but declined to provide further details on the circumstances or charges involved.
Kapondamgaga has previously been mentioned in public discussions surrounding the controversial acquisition of Amaryllis Hotel by the Public Service Pension Trust Fund (PSPTF), a transaction that attracted scrutiny after the hotel was reportedly purchased from Yusuf Investments for about K128.7 billion despite independent valuations placing its value at around K48 billion.
Reports on the transaction identified Kapondamgaga among senior officials alleged to have been involved in discussions surrounding the deal, alongside former Secretary to the President and Cabinet Colleen Zamba and former PSPTF board chairperson Chizaso Nyirongo. The transaction remains one of the most controversial public spending decisions associated with the previous administration.
His arrest also comes at a time when authorities are pursuing investigations into several high-profile cases linked to the former administration, including the Greenbelt Authority scandal in which nearly K40 billion is alleged to have been looted through fraudulent contracts and procurement arrangements.
The previous administration also faced scrutiny over controversial fertiliser procurement transactions and payments involving foreign companies, matters that have attracted public debate and ongoing investigations.
Police have not indicated whether Kapondamgaga’s arrest is connected to the Amaryllis Hotel transaction, the Greenbelt Authority investigations, the fertiliser procurement controversies or any other matter.
Police are yet to disclose the reasons behind the arrest.
This is a developing story. More details to follow.
