Malawi Police Fiscal and Fraud Section detectives on Tuesday raided the residence of the former Secretary to the Office of President and cabinet (OPC) in search of alleged proceeds of money laundering, authorities have confirmed.
National Police spokesperson Lael Chimtembo confirmed the development, but did not provide further details while Zamba’s lawyer George Kadzipatike said her client was being harassed by the State.
“I can confirm that a search warrant was obtained and a search was conducted,” said Chimtembo.
A search warrant dated March 31 2026 issued by the Mkukula First Grade Magistrate Court in Lilongwe obtained by Superintendent Henry Moyo shows that Zamba is suspected of money laundering.
Reads the warrant: “To investigate or search in the premises/shop/warehouse in Area 14, Lilongwe House number 168 belonging to Mr. Babani Mandiza in which it is suspected that she is keeping proceeds of money laundering.
“However, this warrant shall be sufficient authority for the production as may be required for scrutiny by the said Superintendent Henry Moyo and such officer may take any copies of any relevant entry matter in question.”
In an interview, Kadzipatike said his client was “unnecessarily being molested”, arguing police are rushing to act on rumours rather than concrete evidence of wrongdoing.
He said: “Around 25 officers from Area 30 [National Police Headquarters] and Fiscal Police, together with police dogs, stormed her house in Area 14, searching for forex for over six hours. The police officers searched everywhere in the house but found nothing incriminating.
“I would urge the police to always have concrete evidence before they rush to obtain draconian court orders such as warrants of arrest. Ultimately, it will be Malawians who will pay damages for such negligent conduct.”
On December 3 2025, Zamba was arrested at Kamuzu International Airport in Lilongwe as she was set to travel to Geneva, Switzerland for her daughter’s graduation. She was accused of recruiting about 300 people into the public service without following procedures.
Zamba was also arrested in February 2026 alongside former Minister of Agriculture Sam Kawale and Minister of Finance Sosten Gwengwe and were charged with conspiracy to commit crime and abuse of office.
Prosecutors allege that the trio conspired to defraud the Malawi Government by corruptly awarding a contract to East Bridge Estate SRL for the supply of 600 000 metric tonnes (MT) of fertiliser purportedly in exchange for agricultural produce. However, the fertiliser was not delivered.
Zamba served as SPC, a designation now changed to Chief Secretary to the Government, under the immediate-past Malawi Congress Party (MCP) administration between 2022 and September 2025.
