By Twink Jones Gadama

The Lilongwe Resident Magistrate Court has issued a warrant of arrest for Alfred Gangata, DPP’s vice president for the centre on charges of falsifying records and forgery. The allegations stem from Gangata’s alleged preparation of a false tax clearance certificate between 2017 and 2018 to meet the bidding process requirements advertised by the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR).

According to the court documents, Gangata is accused of contravening Section 112(4) of the Taxation Act and Section 336 of the Penal Code. The warrant of arrest comes amidst reports that the ruling Malawi Congress Party (MCP) is attempting to silence the opposition by arresting its members on trivial charges.

Gangata has been actively conducting political rallies in the central region of Malawi, particularly in Lilongwe, where he has been drawing large crowds. This has reportedly threatened the MCP’s grip on power, prompting the ruling party to employ intimidation tactics against the opposition.

The DPP has expressed concerns that the arrest warrant is a politically motivated move aimed at stifling the opposition’s momentum. Reports indicate that the police, allegedly under the MCP’s influence, have planned to arrest senior DPP members in a bid to weaken the party’s structures.

The development has sparked widespread condemnation from human rights activists and opposition parties, who view the arrest warrant as a blatant attempt to muzzle the opposition. The DPP has vowed to continue its political activities, despite the intimidation tactics employed by the ruling party.

Gangata’s case has raised questions about the independence of the judiciary and the police’s impartiality in handling cases involving opposition figures. As the country gears up for the 2025 general elections, the opposition has expressed concerns about the ruling party’s intentions to use state institutions to suppress dissenting voices.

The DPP has called upon the international community to take note of the developments and to exert pressure on the Malawi government to respect human rights and the rule of law. The party has also urged its supporters to remain calm and to continue participating in peaceful political activities.

As the drama unfolds, Malawians are watching with bated breath to see how the situation will play out. One thing is certain, however: the arrest warrant issued for Alfred Gangata has set the stage for a tense and potentially explosive political showdown in the lead-up to the 2025 elections.