Malawi Cables
The Malawi Police Service is reportedly undergoing significant leadership changes during the Easter season, marked by a series of promotions and arrests within its ranks. These developments have notably led to the arrest of Commissioner Richard Luhanga, who was previously anticipated to be appointed as Deputy Inspector General of Police.
Sources indicate that Ackis Angello Muwanga, who has been serving as the Designate Inspector General, is slated for promotion to Deputy Inspector General (Operations). Additionally, Gladson Chipumphula, former Guard Commander for outgoing President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera and Officer-in-Charge at Limbe, is being considered for the role of Deputy Inspector General (Administration).
The vacancies in the Deputy Inspector General positions arose following the retirement of Happy Mkandawire (Administration) and the untimely death of Casper Chakwera, who reportedly suffered a stroke linked to a Viagra overdose.
Ackis Angello Muwanga, known for his close ties to President Lazarus Chakwera, has been a central figure in the police force’s recent actions, including the suppression of unarmed citizens by Malawi Congress Party youths—a situation the police have been criticized for failing to address. His influence is said to overshadow that of Inspector General Merlyn Yolamu, leading to various controversial decisions within the police service.
It is alleged that Ackis Muwanga orchestrated the arrest of Luhanga to eliminate him from contention for the Deputy Inspector General position. Furthermore, Muwanga is accused of undermining Commissioner Kaira, another respected officer considered for the Deputy Inspector General role, by initiating investigations against him that are reportedly being forwarded to the Anti-Corruption Bureau.
These internal power dynamics and leadership changes within the Malawi Police Service have raised concerns about the direction and integrity of the institution as it undergoes this transition.
