Malawi: Chimbanga Accused of Threatening Boss At Malawi's Pretoria Mission As Ministry Stays Silent

What the report says

A senior Malawian diplomat posted at the country’s High Commission in Pretoria is facing allegations of misconduct after reportedly threatening to assault his line manager during an official meeting in late October. The accused officer is First Secretary (Political) Leonard Chimbanga, whom Nyasa Times says became aggressive, raised his voice and had to be calmed by other staff members during the incident in South Africa.

According to the report, the complaint has been relayed to Malawi’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquarters in Lilongwe, as well as to Foreign Affairs Minister George Chaponda and Principal Secretary Chimango Chirwa. However, the article says no disciplinary action has been taken so far, and the ministry has not publicly confirmed whether a formal complaint has been filed or whether Chimbanga has been asked to respond.

The story also says some officials believe Chimbanga has claimed influence with President Peter Mutharika during disputes with colleagues, though those assertions are presented as allegations. The article places the latest dispute in the context of earlier criticism over his social media activity and reports of absences from the mission. In general, public servants in Malawi are expected to follow standards of impartiality and professional conduct, but the publication says any review would still need to follow due process.