The Malawi National Police Service has confirmed the arrest of former Trade and Industry Minister Vitumbiko Mumba, as well as Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Secretary General Richard Chimwendo Banda, in separate operations carried out in Lilongwe.
Police Spokesperson Lael Chimtembo said the two were taken into custody on Wednesday. Mumba, who served as the MCP’s running mate in the September 16 general elections, is alleged to have been detained over remarks he made at a joint press briefing held in Lilongwe shortly after voting day.
At that briefing, he and other party officials alleged electoral fraud by the Democratic Progressive Party, despite the Malawi Electoral Commission not yet having announced the official results.
His arrest comes just hours after that of Chimwendo Banda, making him the second high-ranking MCP official to be detained in quick succession. Authorities have not indicated whether further arrests may follow, leaving the political climate tense and uncertain.
–ChannelAfrica–
