UTM President Dalitso Kabambe is facing legal action from AHL Group and a security guard following a dramatic and controversial confrontation which led to a dangerous assault of an employee at Chinkhoma Auction Floors on Tuesday.
Kabambe and his security detail forced their way into the restricted premises, leading to a physical altercation and assault that has now triggered civil and possible criminal proceedings.
The incident, which unfolded in full view of farmers and AHL staff, has shocked many Malawians and raised serious questions about Kabambe’s judgement, motives, and leadership temperament as he positions himself as a contender in the upcoming September presidential election.
According to an official statement from AHL Group released immediately after the incident, Kabambe and his team arrived at the Chinkhoma floors unannounced and attempted to force entry into the premises, which are governed by strict access protocols under the Tobacco Commission (TC) regulations.
“AHL Tobacco Markets are legally restricted areas. Entry is strictly subject to clearance and coordination with the Tobacco Commission. No candidate, regardless of political status, can enter auction markets without following due process,” reads the statement from AHL Group.
In the fracas that ensued, Kabambe’s security personnel carrying some pangas and another spotted with a gun assaulted the security guard who was trying to enforce the entry protocol and reason with them.
The guard has since filed an official complaint, and AHL has confirmed it is pursuing legal action against both the UTM leader and his bodyguards for trespassing and violent acts at their premises.
According to a statement from the Tobacco Commission, Section 98 of the Tobacco Industry Act: “It is an offence to interfere with the work of officers of the Commission and other stakeholders while discharging their duties during sales.”
The motivations behind Kabambe’s risky and unlawful attempt to enter the auction floors remain unclear. While his party has not released an official statement explaining the visit, political analysts suggest it was a poorly calculated publicity stunt aimed at gaining rural visibility and courting farmers’ sympathy.
“Chinkhoma is a highly symbolic place for Malawi’s agriculture economy,” said a political analyst. “Kabambe may have thought entering the auction floors unannounced would show solidarity with tobacco farmers. But instead of gaining political capital, he now has a legal scandal on his hands.”
Others believe the move was also meant to portray the government and auction systems as anti-farmers, a narrative often pushed by opposition parties. However, critics argue that such reckless populism only endangers individuals, institutions and undermines rule of law.
Civil society groups and social media commentators have described Kabambe’s actions as “irresponsible,” “disrespectful,” and “dangerously provocative.”
“This is not the leadership Malawians are looking for,” said one farmer’s union representative. “We need leaders who respect institutions, not those who abuse their positions to violate rules for media optics.”
Many are now calling on Kabambe to publicly apologize for the incident and take full responsibility for the actions of his security team.
Lawyers familiar with the case say Kabambe could face both civil and criminal liability. The assault case filed by the security guard could attract criminal charges if police pursue it. Meanwhile, AHL’s suit may seek financial damages and an official apology.
The Malawi Police Service is reportedly investigating the matter, and sources close to the case say statements have already been collected from witnesses and AHL staff.
So far, UTM has remained silent on the issue, a move that observers say may be a deliberate attempt to contain the political fallout. However, silence may not be an option for long, especially as the case picks up media and legal traction.
“Kabambe is still trying to establish his political identity following the tragic death of Dr. Saulos Chilima,” noted a governance expert. “But this incident reflects poor judgement and a serious lack of political maturity.”
This latest scandal adds to growing concerns about Kabambe’s suitability for national leadership. Critics point out that a former Reserve Bank Governor should understand the importance of institutional integrity and lawful conduct.
“This is not a greenhorn in politics or governance. This is someone who ran the country’s central bank. If he can’t respect entry procedures at auction floors, how will he respect procurement laws, the Constitution, or Parliament?” added the governance expert.
In the strongly-worded statement, AHL reiterated that auction floors are highly regulated environments governed by national laws and industry rules. It warned politicians against using them as political playgrounds.
“Any unauthorized entry not only violates security protocols but also risks disrupting sensitive market operations. Politicians must exercise responsibility and lead by example,” the company said.
THE PANGOLIN SAYS:
With just months to go before the September polls, Kabambe’s campaign has now been overshadowed by a scandal of his own making. His attempt to force access to a protected facility and the subsequent assault have raised questions about his leadership ethics, discipline, and readiness for high office.
With this incident, Dalitso Kabambe has ironically closed a door for himself, the door to credible, respectable leadership. He may have intended to show strength and solidarity with farmers, but what the nation saw was arrogance, violence, and entitlement.
In a country that still bears the scars of past impunity and elite misconduct, this is unacceptable.
Kabambe must indeed publicly apologize. UTM must talk to its leader. And Malawians must think long and hard about who they entrust with their future. We need leaders who uplift institutions, not invade them. We need politics rooted in service, not in showmanship.
The real question now is not whether Kabambe can recover from this episode politically, but whether his party and supporters will continue to see him as a serious contender, or just another opportunist and a joker out for political theatrics.
As AHL and the assaulted guard head to court, this story is far from over. What’s clear is that Kabambe’s gamble at Chinkhoma may have just backfired spectacularly. Follow www.thepangolin.online and our Facebook page for new developments on this story and other stories.
