Police in Malawi have launched a wide-ranging investigation into the disappearance of four police dogs from the presidential residence in Lilongwe, an incident that has further intensified political tensions following the country’s September power transition.

The dogs German Shepherds assigned to the State House security unit vanished between 19 September and 4 October, during the handover period after former President Lazarus Chakwera conceded defeat to his predecessor, Peter Mutharika.

According to prosecutors, the animals were removed from Kamuzu Palace under unclear circumstances, prompting a criminal probe and renewed scrutiny of how state property was handled during the transition.

Police have arrested Godfrey Arthur Jalale, who served as deputy chief of staff in Chakwera’s administration, alleging he played a role in the theft. Jalale denies wrongdoing and says the charges are politically motivated.

Investigators say they are pursuing several leads and have widened the inquiry to include individuals who had access to the palace during the transition.

Late Wednesday, police dismissed persistent social media rumours claiming that former President Chakwera had been arrested.

However, they confirmed obtaining a search warrant for his private residence after receiving intelligence suggesting the missing dogs may have been moved there.

Officers did not disclose whether any evidence was recovered during the search.

Chakwera, who finished second in the election with 33% of the vote, has remained largely silent as the situation unfolds.

His Malawi Congress Party (MCP) has accused President Mutharika’s administration of attempting to “harass and intimidate” him through selective investigations.

The controversy triggered an unusual scene in Malawi’s legislature on Wednesday, where MCP lawmakers boycotted parliamentary proceedings and instead camped outside Chakwera’s residence in Lilongwe amid reports he was at risk of arrest.

Party officials said the solidarity action was intended to highlight growing concerns about the treatment of opposition figures since Mutharika returned to office.

The dog theft is part of a broader investigation into alleged removal of state property from two presidential residences Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe and Sanjika Palace in Blantyre during the transition period.

Local media have reported that furnishings, electronics, and other assets may have been taken, though police have not publicly confirmed these claims.

In a statement, the Malawi Police Service said it had “intensified investigations following reports of property looting” and assured the public the inquiries were progressing well.

Chakwera, a theologian-turned-politician who governed from 2020 to 2025, has kept a low profile since leaving office.

His only public appearance in recent weeks was to announce that he had accepted a Commonwealth appointment to help mediate political unrest in Tanzania.

His successor, 85-year-old Peter Mutharika, campaigned on the promise of restoring stability and experience to a nation struggling with chronic fuel shortages, an unstable currency, and rising public frustration.

Mutharika’s limited public presence during the campaign despite ultimately winning the election has also fueled speculation about his health, even as his allies insist he remains capable of leading the country.

Police are expected to record statements from additional former State House staff and security personnel as they try to trace the missing dogs, valued at about $2,300.

Authorities have not indicated when they expect to conclude the probe, but say more arrests could follow.

ALSO READ:Why dating a Journalist is not for the faint-hearted