The Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) has arrested former Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Member of Parliament for Ntchisi South, Ulemu Chilapondwa, over allegations of unlawfully collecting and failing to remit K884.7 million in Value Added Tax (VAT).
In a press release issued on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, MRA identified Chilapondwa as a taxpayer registered for income tax purposes who operates Chamachete General Dealers and J.U.C Investments.
The authority alleges that Chilapondwa collected VAT amounting to K884,653,566.72 despite not being registered for VAT purposes and subsequently failed to remit the money to MRA.
According to the authority, the allegations relate to Invoice Number 105, dated November 11, 2024, issued to the Ministry of Energy for supplies under the Malawi Rural Electrification Programme (MAREP).
“The allegations relate to Invoice Number 105, dated 11th November 2024, issued to the Ministry of Energy for supplies under the Malawi Rural Electrification Programme (MAREP),” reads part of the statement signed by MRA Head of Corporate Affairs, Wilma Chalulu.
MRA says the alleged conduct constitutes an offence under Section 109(3)(a) of the Tax Administration Act, 2021 (Act No. 13 of 2021).
The authority has reiterated its commitment to enforcing tax laws and protecting public revenue while respecting the rights of suspects.
“MRA remains committed to enforcing the civil and criminal provisions of Malawi’s tax laws, safeguarding public revenue and upholding the public’s right to information, while respecting the presumption of innocence and due process of law,” the statement reads.
