Police, ACB jump fence in Failed Raid on Ex-Minister Kawale;

…as Chakwera is linked to K100bn Greenbelt loot

LILONGWE — A high-stakes joint operation by the Malawi Police Service and the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) took a turn for the absurd on Wednesday, as officers were forced to abandon an attempted arrest of former Agriculture Minister Sam Kawale after realizing they had forgotten the legal warrant arrest.

The botched raid is the latest chapter in a widening investigation into the alleged looting of the Greenbelt Authority, a scandal that sources say has siphoned over K100 billion from public coffers.

The dramatic scene unfolded at Kawale’s private residence. After the former minister reportedly refused to open his gates to the authorities, officers from both agencies scaled the perimeter fence to gain entry. However, the mission stalled when the team discovered they lacked the necessary paperwork to take him into custody.

“The Police and ACB wanted to arrest Kawale as early as Monday but were told to review the cases again,” a highly placed source told The Investigator. “On Wednesday, they went as far as jumping the fence because he wouldn’t open up, but their luck ran out. They had forgotten the warrant of arrest.”

Kawale remains a primary target and is expected to be the fifth high-ranking official to be detained in this sweep. He follows the recent arrests of Secretary General Richard Chimwendo Banda, Homeland Security Minister Ezeckiel Ching’oma, Education Minister Jessie Kabwila, and Trade Minister Vitumbiko Mumba.

At the heart of the probe is a “conspicuous” money trail that investigators claim leads directly to the highest levels of the previous administration. Evidence suggests that billions of Kwacha were funneled from the Greenbelt Authority into the personal bank accounts of former President Lazarus Chakwera’s aides.

Credible sources indicate that President Chakwera himself is now under investigation. The siphoned funds were allegedly used to bankroll lavish activities at the State House, including parties for traditional chiefs, teachers, and religious leaders in the lead-up to the September 2025 elections.

“The trail is so clear, and Greenbelt is just the start,” a senior investigator revealed. “There is NEEF (National Economic Empowerment Fund) and others. Like the ‘Cashgate’ scandal, billions were transferred into accounts of State House officials and used for these political events.”

As the investigation intensifies, questions are being raised about the former President’s travel plans. Sources within the security departments have raised alarms over a reported U.S. visa application by Chakwera, viewing it as a potential attempt to evade questioning.

“We are aware he has applied for a USA visa and is likely to travel anytime,” the investigator added. “He was the host of these parties. We don’t know if we will be able to question him if he leaves.”

The investigation is being conducted amid signs of internal upheaval. In a move that has seen the ACB’s Chief Investigator abruptly transferred to the Ministry of Transport this week.

Despite these setbacks and the procedural embarrassment at Kawale’s residence, the ACB and Police insist the operation remains active.