The arrest of a senior opposition politician has sparked fresh accusations of political intimidation, with his party questioning whether criminal investigations are being used to pressure opposition voices.
Police have today arrested Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Director of Legal Affairs and Dowa Kasangazi Member of Parliament, George Jivason Kadzipatike.
National Police spokesperson Gladys Chiwaula has confirmed the arrest, saying Kadzipatike was arrested in connection with issues involving the Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA).
Chiwaula said police could not provide further details on whether Kadzipatike is expected to appear in court, adding that more information on the matter should be obtained from the MRA.
However, according to information gathered by Malawi24, Kadzipatike’s arrest is linked to a tax-related matter involving the MRA.
MCP says the arrest of its National Director of Legal Affairs and Dowa Kasangadzi MP George Kadzipatike is part of a wider pattern of intimidation targeting opposition leaders and legal practitioners.
In a statement, MCP National Publicity Secretary Jessie Kabwila said the simultaneous search and arrest warrants obtained by the Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) and Malawi Police Service raise serious concerns about the possible weaponisation of the criminal justice system.
The party has also questioned the seizure of computers, phones and confidential legal files from Kadzipatike’s law firm, which it says represents more than 500 clients.
MCP further alleges that Kadzipatike’s arrest may have violated parliamentary privilege under Section 60(1) of the Constitution, as he was arrested while travelling to Parliament for a meeting of a committee investigating the Chikangawa Plane Crash.
The party has called on the courts, Malawi Law Society, Malawi Human Rights Commission and other governance and human rights bodies to scrutinise the matter.
MCP says it supports the rule of law but insists that investigative powers must not be used for political intimidation or persecution.
