By Joseph Dumbula
The Malawi Police Service has arrested former finance minister on allegations of money laundering and misuse of office.
Simplex Chithyola, the current opposition leader in parliament, voluntarily presented himself to the police after learning that investigators were seeking him, as confirmed by his lawyer, George Kadzipatike, to AFP regarding the charges against his client.
Chithyola served as finance minister from 2023 to 2025 under the administration of ex-President Lazarus Chakwera, which was succeeded following the elections in September.
Individuals associated with the previous Malawi Congress Party (MCP) government are currently facing legal examination amid a series of investigations into purported corruption and financial impropriety during their tenure.
Chithyola had attracted public attention due to his displays of affluence during his unsuccessful bid for the position of MCP secretary general.
Until now, at least eight former cabinet ministers or prominent figures from the MCP era have been detained or interrogated by authorities.
This group includes former presidential and cabinet secretary Colleen Zamba, along with the ex-ministers of trade, local government, information, and agriculture.
Sosten Gwengwe, who held the finance minister position prior to Chithyola, was also detained but has since been released on bail.
The police have not provided any information regarding when Chithyola will be presented in court. The former minister has refrained from making any public statements concerning the charges.
