Barely a week into his role as Minister of Homeland Security, billionaire Ezekiel Ching’oma has begun cracking down on senior Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) officials and former top government figures from the administration of Peter Mutharika (2014–2020).

Ching’oma, who recently purchased the Pacific Ocean Lodge in Lilongwe for MK 1 billion cash, has reportedly instructed police to arrest several prominent figures. So far, former Chief Secretary Lloyd Muhara, ex-MERA CEO Collins Magalasi, former Finance Minister Joseph Mwanamvekha, and former Secretary to the Treasury Cliff Chiunda are confirmed to be in custody.

Sources indicate that additional arrests are imminent, including former Greenbelt Authority CEO Henry Njoloma, ex-State House Chief of Staff Peter Mukhito, and former Acting Inspector General of Police Duncan Mwapasa.

Furthermore, Ching’oma has reportedly ordered the arrest of fellow parliamentarians Ben Phiri, Sameer Suleman, and Kamlepo Kalua.

Critics argue that these arrests are part of a broader pattern by the Malawi Police to suppress opposition voices, with numerous detentions over the years yielding little progress in prosecution. This latest crackdown comes just eight months before the next general elections, raising concerns about its political motivations.