Lilongwe, November 30, 2025
Malawi police are investigating the theft of four German Shepherd dogs valued at approximately $2,300 from Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe, with the disappearance occurring between September 19 and October 4, coinciding with the country’s political transition.
Details of the Theft and Investigation
The dogs were stolen from the presidential residence during a period marking the handover of power from former President Lazarus Chakwera, who lost the September 2025 election to Peter Mutharika. Godfrey Arthur Jalale, 64, previously serving as deputy chief of staff at State House under Chakwera, was arrested in connection with the theft. Jalale denies all charges. In response to leads suggesting the stolen animals might be hidden at Chakwera’s residence, police have secured a search warrant for the former president’s home. Authorities have intensified their probe amid additional reports of property looting at Kamuzu Palace.
Political Tensions Surrounding the Incident
The theft has heightened existing political tensions in Malawi. Members of Parliament representing Chakwera’s Malawi Congress Party (MCP) have boycotted parliamentary sessions and camped outside Chakwera’s residence in Lilongwe. The MCP has accused the Mutharika administration of harassment and intimidation tactics directed at the former leader. Despite the search and allegations, police have denied rumors that Chakwera himself has been detained.
Broader Allegations of State Property Theft
Local media outlets have reported that the theft of state assets is not limited to Kamuzu Palace. Sanjika Palace in Blantyre, Malawi’s second-largest city, has also been reportedly targeted amidst the government transition. Former President Chakwera faces various accusations relating to mismanagement of public resources during the handover period, compounding the controversy surrounding the dog theft.
Context of the Political Transition
The incident unfolds against the backdrop of Malawi’s 2025 presidential election, in which Lazarus Chakwera secured 33 percent of the vote and finished in second place behind Peter Mutharika. The political transfer has been marked by unrest and allegations from both sides. Since leaving office, Chakwera, who was a pastor prior to his political career, has kept a low profile but has recently accepted a role with the Commonwealth to mediate post-election conflict in Tanzania.
The investigation into the theft of the German Shepherds, along with broader reports of looting at official residences during the transition, continues to draw national and international attention. The developments underscore the delicate and contested nature of Malawi’s political landscape as the country navigates changes in leadership and governance.