General Paul Velentino Phiri, the immediate-past commander of the Malawi Defence Force (MDF), was taken into police custody yesterday after the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) postponed his scheduled court appearance at the last minute. Phiri was interrogated at the ACB offices in Lilongwe's City Centre before being driven to the Lilongwe Magistrate's Court in Area 3 for formal charging and a possible bail application. However, the hearing was rescheduled for a later date, leaving those at the court puzzled.
Phiri's lawyer, Powell Nkhutabasa, received communication that the hearing would take place on a different day, but neither the ACB nor the defence provided an explanation for the postponement. The ACB had initially planned to charge Phiri with five counts relating to abuse of office and dealing in terrorist property. According to the bureau, Phiri allegedly facilitated the illegal trafficking of firearms between June and July 2025. As a result of the postponement, Phiri was driven to police custody for the night in a Toyota Hilux twin-cab.
Phiri's sympathisers, including Malawi Congress Party politicians such as George Zulu, appeared concerned by the development. Some of them hugged Phiri before he left the court, while others called for warm clothing to be brought for his night in custody. Despite the situation, Phiri himself seemed relaxed throughout the day, consulting with his lawyer and making several phone calls before being taken away. Earlier, at the ACB offices, he smiled as photographers took his pictures.
The ACB's principal public relations officer, Jacqueline Ngongonda, did not respond to inquiries about the postponement. However, a court official stated that the communication came from the ACB and that the court was ready to proceed with the case. National Advocacy Platform chairperson Benedicto Kondowe expressed concern about the State's handling of the matter, saying that postponing a case without a valid reason or explanation risks turning remand into punishment before trial.
Kondowe, a lawyer, noted that he had observed a similar trend in other recent cases, citing economist Collins Magalasi, whose scheduled court session also failed to proceed, resulting in continued detention. Magalasi's case is expected to come before court today. Kondowe's comments highlight concerns about the potential for prolonged detention without due process.
Phiri was appointed as MDF commander by former President Lazarus Chakwera on July 11, 2023, succeeding General Vincent Nundwe. He served in the position until October 2025, when President Peter Mutharika replaced him with General George Alexander Jaffu Jnr. The circumstances surrounding Phiri's arrest and the postponement of his court appearance have raised questions about the handling of high-profile cases in Malawi.
As Phiri spends the night in police custody, his case is set to come before court on a later date. The ACB's allegations against him are serious, and the outcome of the case will likely have significant implications for his future. The postponement of his court appearance has raised concerns about the efficiency and transparency of Malawi's justice system.
Key points
- The Anti-Corruption Bureau postponed General Paul Velentino Phiri's court appearance at the last minute, resulting in his overnight stay in police custody.
- Phiri faces five counts relating to abuse of office and dealing in terrorist property, allegedly facilitating the illegal trafficking of firearms between June and July 2025.
- The postponement of Phiri's court appearance has raised concerns about the potential for prolonged detention without due process in Malawi.
