POLICE In Malawi Are Investigating The Disappearance Of Four Police Dogs From The Presidential Palace In Lilongwe, An Incident That Occurred During The Political Transition In September. Godfrey Arthur Jalale, Who Served As Deputy Chief Of Staff To Former President Lazarus Chakwera, Has Been Arrested In Connection With The Incident, Although He Has Denied The Charges.
Local Reports Suggest That The German Shepherds, Worth About $2,300, Were Stolen Between September 19 And October 4. While Police Denied Reports That Chakwera Himself Had Been Arrested, They Confirmed That They Had Obtained A Search Warrant For His Residence Following Reports That The Dogs May Have Been Hidden There.
Local Media Have Reported Other Incidents Of Looting Of Government Property From The Residences Of Senior Officials, Including Kamuzu House In Lilongwe And Sanjika House In Blantyre. The Situation Has Raised Concerns About Security And Integrity During The Transition Period.
In A Statement, The Police Said Investigations Are Ongoing And The Public Has Been Assured That Appropriate Action Is Being Taken. MCP Mps Have Boycotted Parliamentary Sessions And Decided To Camp At Chakwera's Residence, A Move That Shows Political Tensions Have Not Yet Been Resolved.