Update: Supporters of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) gathered at the Area 10 residence of former President Lazarus Chakwera in Lilongwe following rumours of his imminent arrest, according to Nation Online. MCP secretary general Richard Chimwendo Banda confirmed the gathering, noting that the premises were placed under tight security by official guards and party loyalists. The tensions follow a recent police intervention where authorities used tear gas to disperse MCP supporters marching to the Kamuzu Mausoleum during Kamuzu Day commemorations.
Following the gathering of supporters, officials moved to calm the situation. MCP director of legal affairs George Kadzipatike stated that the party received formal assurances from the government that Chakwera will not be detained. According to Kadzipatike, authorities conceded that the former president committed no offenses during the events of May 14. National Police spokesperson Lael Chimtembo and his deputy Alfred Chimthere declined to comment on the matter when approached by reporters.