July 31, 2017. Lilongwe – The Malawi Government through the Police Service, on Monday July 31, 2017, issued a warrant of arrest for former President Dr. Joyce Hilda Banda.

In a statement released today and made available to The Maravi Post, police public relations officer, Senior Superintendent James Kadadzera said Police Service in its Fraud and Fiscal section conducted preliminary investigations on the suspected involvement of the former President, Malawi’s first woman President, in the cashgate cases.

The Police PRO release states that the conclusion of the investigations is that “the evidence gathered raises reasonable suspicion that the Former President commuted offenses relating to abuse of office and money laundering.”

The PRO statement further states because there is need for further investigation on the suspected offenses leads the Police to issue the warrant of arrest on the Former President. The statement continues by informing the public that “necessary legal formalities are being pursued.”

It is not the norm for Police to notify the public on warrants of arrest, however the heightened public interest in the cashgate cases necessitates the Police to provide information to the public.

Ironically, the warrant of arrest for the Former President comes on the heels of media reports that quotes President Peter Mutharika that he would not arrest his predecessor.

Her Excellency Dr. Joyce Banda, who ascended to the Presidency following the sudden death of Former President Dr. Bingu wa Mutharika in April 5, 2012, has been living in the US since her defeat in the June 2014 elections.

Former President Dr. Banda who has been living in the US since 2014, is concluding a fellowship program and is set to produce a book.

In informal discussions with Dr. Banda, she has informed this reporter if her eminent return following her Fellowship at the Woodrow Wilson Institute.