Police financial crimes investigators have arrested four former and current officials of the Malawi Electoral Commission (Mec) over alleged money laundering and abuse of office.
Among those arrested is former Mec Chief Elections Officer Andrew Mpesi who was being held at Lingadzi Police Station in Lilongwe by press time.
The other suspects are former Mec director of human resources and administration Yasinto Chikapa, former director of finance Khumbo Alfred Phiri and Andrew Michael Kamkwala.
Malawi Police Service deputy spokesperson Alfred Chimthere confirmed the arrests.
“The suspects are being investigated for offences bordering on abuse of office and money laundering,” he said.
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Mpesi’s lawyer, Chrispine Ndalama, also confirmed his client’s arrest, saying Mpesi was summoned by financial crimes investigators yesterday morning to answer questions alongside other Mec employees.
Ndalama said Mpesi later called him to say he had been taken into police custody after being questioned by investigators.
According to Ndalama, Mpesi was being taken to a police station for detention when he made the call.
The police have not yet disclosed further details about the allegations or the circumstances surrounding the arrests.
