Police spokesman Willie Mwaluka said the law enforcers were still
carrying investigations into the case but Home Affairs Minister Ernest
Malenga said the state has sufficient evidence to prove their case
against Chakuamba.
"We are still investigating statements he made against the Lhomwes," Mwaluka.
However, Home Affairs Minister, Malenga said the New Republican Party
(NRP) president was recorded by the intelligence and security officers
during the meeting and that the state has an audio evidence.
"We will have to find out what is covered in the Penal code and find
out an appropriate charge.We have real recording of what was said,
that's what we are basing," said Malenga.
Malenga said the arrest is not politically motivated but prevention
against tribal conflict claiming Chakuamba incited tribal violence
against Mutharika's tribe.
"We do not want to have anarchy in this country and we are trying to
prevent. We don't war into this country," said the Home Affairs
Minister.
Human rights activist Nigel Mwalweni said the state’s case had no
chance of success because it was based entirely on a government news
agency -Mana- report which he said may lack credibility.
"Chakuamba may have been quoted out of context. And any audio recording
can not be objective material evidence against the politicians because
of the known fact that this government is crooked and can do copy and
paste to his speech.
"Recording of the tape should not be permissible in court as evidence as it may be a Makiyolobasi recording," said Mwalweni.
Chakuamba described by PANA report as a fire-brand politician known for
his no-holds-all-barred speeches is in an electoral alliance with the
former ruling United Democratic Front (UDF) of former president Dr
Bakili Muluzi.
He is accused of urging people to rough up all Lhomwes because they are
becoming pompous because Mutharika wants to promote them against other
tribes using the recently established Mulakho wa Alhomwe group.
Chakuamba was a founding member of ruling DPP and served as vice
president and minister of agriculture until he fell out of grace.