Authorities in Malawi have arrested former finance minister Simplex Chithyola on suspicion of money laundering and abuse of office, marking the latest development in an expanding post-election crackdown on former senior government officials.
Chithyola, who also serves as opposition leader in the current parliament, reportedly handed himself over to police after learning that investigators were seeking him. His lawyer, George Kadzipatike, confirmed the charges, saying his client cooperated with authorities.
The former minister held the finance portfolio between 2023 and 2025 under the administration of ex-president Lazarus Chakwera, whose government was voted out in elections held in September amid rising economic hardship and soaring cost-of-living pressures in the southern African nation.
Since the change of government, figures associated with the former Malawi Congress Party (MCP) administration have come under increasing scrutiny in a series of corruption and financial misconduct investigations.
Chithyola had previously attracted public attention during his unsuccessful bid for MCP secretary general, amid allegations and public perception of conspicuous wealth.
According to a tally by AFP, at least eight former cabinet ministers and senior officials from the previous administration have been detained or questioned by authorities. Those affected include former cabinet secretary Colleen Zamba and former ministers overseeing trade, local government, information, and agriculture.
Another former finance minister, Sosten Gwengwe, who preceded Chithyola in office, was also detained and later released on bail.
While authorities have not disclosed full details of the ongoing investigations, the arrests are widely seen as part of efforts by the current administration of President Peter Mutharika to review and potentially challenge decisions taken under the previous government.
Police have not confirmed when Chithyola will appear in court, and the former minister has yet to publicly respond to the allegations.
