Immigration officials at Mchinji border post yesterday detained James Chuma, a senior Democratic Progressive Party official as he tried to exit the country into neighbouring Zambia.

 

Chuma, according to Banda, has been held until such clearance is given by government.

 

"Upon production of his passport, we noticed there was need to get clearance from our seniors in Lilongwe and for this reason we decided to withhold it," said Banda.

 

He said, "We are keeping his passport and Mr. Chuma is still with us as we await government clearance".

 

On Monday this week, Immigration officials in the border district also blocked former Malawi Electoral Commission chairperson Dr. Jane Ansah from exiting without clearance. She had to get approval from her boss, Chief Justice, to be allowed through.

 

Dr. Ansah is in Zambia where she is expected to fly out next week to the United Kingdom on holiday pending her retirement in October this year.