Minister of Homeland Security Peter Mukhito has assured Parliament that First Vice-President Jane Ansah’s security detail remains intact as per entitlement and dismissed fears of a national security breakdown.
The minister gave the assurance in response to a question from Mchinji North East lawmaker Anthony Masamba (Malawi Congress Party-MCP) who sought clarification on reports that some police officers were transferred from the Office Vice-President thereby reducing her security.
He asked: “I want to find out what has delayed the posting back of the security detail. Or does it mean that the Office of the Vice-President has been operating without security detail?”
Dedza Kasina legislator Joshua Malango (MCP) also chipped in and cautioned that the alleged reduction in security personnel could pose a risk to the country’s number two.
In response, Mukhito, himself a former police chief, said changes in security details are standard when there is a shift in administration.
He said names of officers have already been proposed for redeployment to the Office of the VP.
Said Mukhito: “Our Constitution provides for the number of police officers that should be deployed at the offices of the President and the Vice-President. There is a set limit. The officers who were transferred were not part of that limit; they were in excess.
“However, due to her security needs, the Vice-President requested that those officers be replaced and that is what we are doing. The required number of officers for her security is being maintained.”
In a related development, Dedza Mulunduni legislator Moses Kunkuyu (MCP) questioned what he described as a national security breakdown and the government’s failure to update the public on major criminal investigations.
He said Malawians are demanding answers on incidents, including murders, abductions and attacks on vulnerable groups such as people with albinism.
Kunkuyu, who is also MCP chief whip in Parliament, cited the murder of medical doctor Victoria Bobe in Blantyre where suspects were publicly identified but authorities have yet to clarify whether they have been prosecuted or remain under investigation.
He also referred to the February 6 2026 abduction of Crossroads Hotel owner Sameer Sacrane who was later reported to have walked into his house weeks after going missing.
In his response, Mukhito maintained that the country’s security remains under control, saying some reports are based on perception rather than verified facts.
He acknowledged isolated criminal incidents but dismissed claims of a systemic breakdown.
Mukhito said the Malawi Police Service, alongside other agencies, has intensified security operations and warned that those behind criminal acts will face the law.
On Sacrane’s case, the minister said police summoned him for questioning and a medical examination to assess his state of mind, during which statements were recorded.
He added that investigations are ongoing and that he will present a report to Parliament in due course.
