By Faith Simbi
Former Malawi leader Arthur Peter Mutharika has reportedly summoned five senior members of his opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) over allegations of stealing government motor vehicles during his tenure.
According to reliable sources, the summons came weeks after Malawi Focus reported that top officials were implicated in the theft of government vehicles, prompting an investigation by the Malawi Police Service.
The accused officials include Norman Chisale, the party’s National Director of Youth and Mutharika’s former personal bodyguard; Peter Mukhito, the party’s Secretary General and former Inspector General of Police; Chimwemwe Chipungu, a former Deputy Minister of Agriculture under the DPP regime; George Chaponda, a former Minister of Agriculture and current Leader of the Opposition; and William Susuwela, the Zomba Likangala legislator.
Upset by the scale of the alleged theft, Mutharika called the officials to his Page House in Mangochi to understand the situation and assess their readiness to clear their names.
“The former president is deeply saddened by the allegations due to their seriousness. He fears the accusations could tarnish the party’s image and is concerned that this occurred under his leadership,” a source revealed.
The source added that while Susuwela was absent, citing an excuse, the other officials attended the meeting.
“The former president feels embarrassed that his associates were involved in a scandal of this magnitude. He worries that any action by authorities could negatively impact the party’s campaign,” said the source.
The Anti-Motor Vehicle Theft Unit of the police in Lilongwe is reportedly investigating the matter.
One source disclosed details of a stolen vehicle, an Iveco ambulance (TRN No. 4526102144242), which entered Malawi on June 26, 2017. Originally owned by the Office of the President, it was allegedly transferred to Chisale’s name and later sold to Simon Salambula, a legislator from the United Transformation Movement.
Another Iveco ambulance (TRN No. 8063250161566), imported on August 15, 2015, was also reportedly stolen by Chisale.
Mukhito, who once served as Chief of Staff at State House, is accused of taking two vehicles: a VX (TRN No. 3618867552236), imported on May 22, 2018, and a bus (TRN No. 2347800056212), imported on April 7, 2016, originally owned by Malawi Police.
Chipungu is alleged to have taken a VX (TRN No. 2186421586622), imported on June 19, 2017, and owned by the Ministry of Health. Another VX, reportedly without a number plate but styled “Ana a Dad,” is also linked to Chipungu.
Susuwela is accused of taking a VX (TRN No. 6526783329066), imported on November 20, 2017, and owned by the National Aids Commission.
George Chaponda, no stranger to controversy, is implicated in the theft of a vehicle (TRN No. 2256789055611), imported on June 22, 2018, and owned by the Office of the President.
Sources within the Malawi Police Service described the theft as a blatant abuse of authority and a careless misappropriation of government property.