Kabambe Denies Assault Allegations at Chinkhoma Auction Floors

United Transformation Movement (UTM) President Dr. Dalitso Kabambe has denied allegations made by Auction Holdings Limited (AHL) that his security team assaulted guards during a recent visit to the Chinkhoma Tobacco Auction Floors in Kasungu.

Speaking at a press briefing in Lilongwe on Wednesday, Kabambe dismissed the claims as “a complete lie,” stating that he was accompanied by journalists throughout the visit who can testify to the conduct of his team. He emphasized the importance of fact-checking before issuing public statements, warning against what he described as attempts to distort the truth and shrink democratic space for opposition parties.

Kabambe further alleged that the UTM has been unfairly denied access to hold public lectures at institutions such as the University of Malawi (Unima) and Mzuzu University, adding to concerns about increasing political repression.

However, in a press release issued shortly after the incident on June 17, 2025, AHL Group Plc and its subsidiary, AHL Tobacco Sales Limited, strongly condemned Kabambe and his entourage, accusing them of unlawfully entering the auction premises without proper clearance from the Tobacco Commission.

According to AHL, an advance UTM team had earlier been informed that only registered tobacco farmers with access cards are allowed into the market on sale days, and that prior authorization from the Tobacco Commission was required for visits. Despite this, Kabambe and his security detail allegedly forced their way in, leading to a scuffle in which one AHL security officer was reportedly injured.

AHL stated that no staff accompanied Kabambe on any official tour and described the incident as “violent and unlawful.” The company expressed disappointment in the UTM leader’s conduct, stating that individuals seeking the presidency should lead by example and respect institutional procedures.