Malawi Presidential Palace Dog Heist Under Investigation

Thu Nov 27 2025 23:17:40 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Police in Malawi are probing the theft of four German Shepherds from the presidential palace as a former aide is arrested amid political turmoil.

The theft of four police dogs from the Malawi presidential palace is under investigation by local authorities. Godfrey Arthur Jalale, a former deputy chief of staff, has been arrested but denies involvement. The incident occurred during a political transition, raising concerns over state property management and leading to accusations of harassment against the current administration. The dogs, valued at $2,300, were taken during a politically charged period, and ongoing investigations suggest broader issues of looting from state residences.

Police in Malawi are investigating how four police dogs went missing from a presidential palace in the capital, Lilongwe, during the political transition in September.

Godfrey Arthur Jalale, who served as State House deputy chief of staff under former President Lazarus Chakwera, has been arrested in connection with the theft of the four German Shepherds. He denies the charge.

Chakwera vacated the palace after losing the elections to President Peter Mutharika, who made a stunning comeback.

Police have denied reports of Chakwera's arrest but confirmed they obtained a search warrant for his residence following tips that the stolen dogs might be housed there.

Chakwera, who came second with 33% of the vote in the September elections, faces multiple allegations of public resource mismanagement, particularly during the handover phase.

His Malawi Congress Party (MCP) has accused Mutharika's administration of harassing and intimidating the former leader. Chakwera has remained silent on these allegations.

Local media have reported the theft of state property from two presidential residences, including the Kamuzu Palace and Sanjika Palace in Blantyre. The four dogs, valued at $2,300 (£1,700), were reportedly taken between September 19 and October 4, according to state prosecutors.

Police stated they have intensified investigations amid reports of looting from state homes. The Malawi Police Service assures the public that the investigation is progressing smoothly, they indicated.

MCP MPs boycotted parliamentary sessions and camped at Chakwera's residence amid rumors of his impending arrest due to increased police presence around his home.

Chakwera, a pastor turned politician, had kept a low profile since losing the election, only making his first public appearance last week when he accepted a Commonwealth appointment to mediate in Tanzania's post-election unrest.

President Mutharika returned to power in a country grappling with crises, including severe fuel and currency shortages. At 85, concerns about his health and ability to lead are mounting, especially as he was less visible during the campaign compared to Chakwera, who held numerous rallies across the nation.

The situation in Malawi continues to evolve as investigations proceed and political tensions remain high.