Malawi Congress Party (MCP) spokesperson Jessie Kabwila yesterday handed herself over to police in Lilongwe.
She joins MCP secretary general Richard Chimwendo Banda and former president Lazarus Chakwera’s running mate in the September 16 General Election Vitumbiko Mumba in police custody.
Chimwendo Banda and Mumba were arrested on Friday.
Lawyer George Kadzipatike, who is representing Kabwila, said his client was arrested at National Police Headquarters in Area 30, Lilongwe after voluntarily presenting herself following a summons.
“I accompanied her to Area 30 where she handed herself over to police. She has since been arrested,” he said.
Kadzipatike said police were yet to disclose the charges against Kabwila, but said he suspected they relate to the case involving Mumba who was arrested for allegedly spreading false information concerning the September 16 General Election.
After her arrest, Kabwila was initially taken to Kanengo Police Station before being transferred to Lumbadzi Police Station later in the day where she is being held pending court proceedings.
National Police deputy public relations officer Alfred Chimthere confirmed the arrest, saying the charges will be disclosed when Kabwila appears in court today.
He said Chimwendo Banda and Mumba are also expected to appear before court today.
Reacting to the arrests, MCP deputy publicity secretary Ken Msonda accused government of using the police to intimidate the opposition and divert attention from pressing national issues.
He urged the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) administration to focus on addressing the country’s economic challenges instead of targeting opposition figures.
“We trust in our judicial system. The truth will prevail,” said Msonda.
Kabwila was among MCP officials who attended Mumba’s press briefing where he alleged irregularities in the presidential race in the September 16 General Election, whose provisional results then showed DPP presidential candidate Peter Mutharika was in the lead. Mutharika eventually won the election, dislodging Chakwera.
