Number of Arrested Ex-Cabinet Ministers Rises, More Arrests Expected

The number of former Cabinet ministers arrested in Malawi continues to rise, with the latest developments involving Malawi Congress Party (MCP) members Sam Kawale and Sostern Gwengwe.

The Malawi Police Service has not yet formally charged the two former ministers.

Gwengwe was arrested on Sunday and is currently being held at Lumbadzi Police Station.

Meanwhile, Kawale handed himself over to the National Police Service Headquarters in Lilongwe on Today, Monday.

National Police Service spokesperson Lael Chintembo has confirmed the developments.

MCP legal advisor George Jiverson Kadzipatike also confirmed the arrests.

Police have not disclosed when the two will be taken to court for plea taking or when hearings will commence.

However, the two are likely to spend the night in police custody as investigations continue.

Their arrest adds to a growing list of former Cabinet ministers and senior MCP figures recently picked up by police.

Those already arrested include party spokesperson Jessie Kabwila, MCP 2025 general elections running mate Vitumbiko Mumba, former Minister of Homeland Security Ezekiel Xhing’oma, and former Minister of Information and Digitalisation Moses Kunkuyu.

With investigations reportedly ongoing, police action is expected to continue.

This has fuelled speculation that more arrests of high-profile political figures may follow in the coming days.