MCP Spokesperson Dr. Jessie Kabwila Spends Night in Police Custody
Published on December 15, 2025 at 8:30 AM by Evance Kapito
Malawi Congress Party (MCP) spokesperson Dr. Jessie Kabwila spent the night in police custody after she was arrested on Sunday, 14 December, and taken into detention by police in Lilongwe.
Dr. Kabwila handed herself over to police at the National Police Headquarters in Lilongwe at around 9:30am after reports emerged that law enforcers were looking for her in connection with a case whose details have not yet been disclosed.
Her lawyer, George Jivason Kadzipatike, confirmed that by the time of her arrest, Dr. Kabwila had not been formally charged.
“Police have only told us that the reasons for her arrest will be communicated later,” said Kadzipatike.
Following her arrest, police initially detained Dr. Kabwila at Kanengo Police Station before later transferring her to Lumbadzi Police Station, where she spent the night.
Sources indicate that the transfer was done to ensure that senior MCP officials currently in police custody are held at different police stations. MCP Secretary General Richard Chimwendo Banda, who was arrested earlier, is being held at Kanengo Police Station, while former Minister of Trade and MCP vice-presidential running mate Vitumbiko Mumba is being detained at Lingadzi Police Station.
Meanwhile, National Police Deputy Spokesperson Alfred Chimthere has confirmed Dr. Kabwila’s arrest but declined to disclose the reasons, saying details will be provided in due course.
There is growing expectation that Dr. Kabwila, Chimwendo Banda and Mumba will be taken to court where police are expected to formally outline the charges against them.
