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Malawi police investigate disappearance of four presidential guard dogs
Authorities in Malawi are probing the theft of four German Shepherds from the Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe, the official presidential residence, during the September leadership transition, with one senior aide already arrested and a search warrant executed at former President Lazarus Chakwera's home.
Arrest and allegations
Godfrey Arthur Jalale, who served as deputy chief of staff at State House under Chakwera, was detained in connection with the dogs' disappearance, valued at approximately $2,300 (£1,700). Jalale has denied the charges. The animals went missing between 19 September and 4 October, according to prosecutors.
Police confirmed late Wednesday that they had secured a search warrant for Chakwera's residence following reports the dogs might be kept there. However, they dismissed local media claims that Chakwera himself had been arrested.
Broader accusations of misconduct
The case is part of wider allegations against Chakwera, who lost the September election to President Peter Mutharika with 33% of the vote. Prosecutors are investigating claims of mismanagement of public resources during the handover period. Chakwera, a former pastor, has maintained a low profile since conceding defeat, though he recently accepted a Commonwealth role mediating Tanzania's post-election unrest.
His Malawi Congress Party (MCP) has accused Mutharika's administration of "harassing and intimidating" the former leader, a charge the government has not addressed publicly. Meanwhile, MCP lawmakers boycotted parliamentary sessions on Wednesday, gathering at Chakwera's residence amid reports of a heightened police presence.
Political backdrop and public concerns
The investigation unfolds as Malawi grapples with economic turmoil, including acute fuel and foreign currency shortages. Mutharika, 85, returned to power after campaigning on a "return to proven leadership" platform, though his limited public appearances during the campaign have fueled speculation about his health and capacity to govern.
Local media have also reported thefts of state property from two presidential residences-the Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe and Sanjika Palace in Blantyre, Malawi's second-largest city. Police stated Wednesday that investigations into "property looting" at Kamuzu Palace were "progressing smoothly."
The Malawi Police Service assures the public that the investigation is progressing smoothly.
Malawi Police Service statement, 27 November 2025
