Namiwa summoned to police amid Chipungu fallout

Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI) Executive Director Sylvester Namiwa has been summoned to the National Police Headquarters in Lilongwe, hours after Lands and Urban Development Minister Chimwemwe Chipungu demanded an apology over corruption allegations made against him.

According to a public alert issued by CDEDI communications officer Promise Thom on Thursday, Namiwa has been asked to report to Area 30 Police Headquarters at 2:30pm, where he is expected to meet the Head of the Criminal Investigations Department, Gerland Chiwanda, before proceeding to meet Inspector General of Police Richard Luhanga.

CDEDI said it received the summons through a WhatsApp communication.

The development comes less than a day after Chipungu, through his lawyer Khwima Mchizi, gave Namiwa 48 hours to retract and apologise for remarks made during a press briefing on Monday.

During the briefing, CDEDI called for accountability from the minister and challenged him to voluntarily undergo a lifestyle audit over allegations relating to his wealth.

The organisation also claimed that Namiwa recently received a phone call from Deputy Minister of Homeland Security Norman Chisale, who is also President Peter Mutharika’s personal bodyguard.

“Malawians may also wish to know that Mr. Namiwa received a call from President Peter Mutharika’s personal bodyguard Hon Norman Chisale, who is also Deputy Minister of Homeland Security, expressing his frustration over remarks he made in a recent Luntha TV exclusive interview,” reads the alert.

In its statement, CDEDI alleged that Namiwa has been subjected to pressure, including what it described as life-threatening remarks.

“CDEDI is assuring the nation that despite all the pressure accompanied by life-threatening remarks, including imminent arrest, Mr Namiwa has vowed to hold duty-bearers accountable for their actions and inactions,” it reads further.

Police had not yet commented on the summons by the time of publishing.