Lawyer George Jivason Kadzipatike says he has received reports that the Malawi Police Service is planning to arrest former President Lazarus Chakwera over the procession he led from the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) headquarters to Kamuzu Mausoleum in Lilongwe.
Kadzipatike says the planned arrest is linked to the wreath-laying ceremony held on May 14, 2026, which he insists had been duly authorized by relevant government authorities.
“If these reports are true, then it is very unfortunate, considering that the wreath-laying ceremony was duly authorized by the relevant government officer,” said Kadzipatike.
He argued that, with official authorization granted, Chakwera was entitled to access the mausoleum by any means necessary, accusing the police of provoking peaceful and law-abiding citizens who participated in the procession.
Kadzipatike, who also serves as the MCP’s legal director, further urged the Malawi Police Service to stop what he described as continued provocation of Chakwera’s supporters.
“Planning to arrest the former President on the grounds that he was attending a duly authorized event is not only laughable, but also shows a lack of seriousness on the part of the police,” he added.
The Malawi Police Service has not yet commented on the matter.