Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Secretary General and former Minister of Local Government, Richard Chimwendo Banda, has been arrested by police in Area 30, Lilongwe. Following his arrest, Chimwendo Banda was transferred from Area 30 Police Station to Kanengo Police Station for further processing.
Chimwendo Banda, who is also the Member of Parliament for Dowa East, handed himself over to police on Friday afternoon after a warrant for his arrest was issued on Thursday. According to police sources, he was tipped off that officers were preparing to execute the warrant, prompting him to present himself voluntarily.
Police say the arrest is linked to an attempted murder case involving Frank Chiwanda, which allegedly occurred in Madisi, Dowa District, in 2022.
Who is Frank Chiwanda?
Frank Chiwanda is a former Malawi Congress Party member who previously defected to the MCP from the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). During his time in the MCP, Chiwanda was known for being outspoken and openly critical of President Lazarus Chakwera’s leadership style. His criticism reportedly led to disciplinary action, culminating in his expulsion from the MCP.
The 2022 Alleged Abduction
In February 2022, Chiwanda was allegedly abducted in Madisi, where he claims he was placed in a sack by unknown assailants. According to Chiwanda, during the ordeal he overheard his abductors saying they had been sent by Richard Chimwendo Banda. He was later abandoned near the Bua River, where he was discovered by passers-by and rushed to hospital for treatment.
Chiwanda subsequently reported the incident to Madisi Police, triggering investigations that have now led to Chimwendo Banda’s arrest.
Charges
Police have confirmed that Chimwendo Banda is being held on allegations of attempted murder, an offence contrary to provisions of the Malawi Penal Code. Police investigations are ongoing, and he is expected to be formally charged and appear in court in due course.
