'Coup plot' foiled in Malawi

President Muluzi's position was under threat

By Raphael Tenthani in Blantyre

Six people have been arrested in Malawi for allegedly planning a coup against the government of President Bakili Muluzi, police said.

Police said the six were charged with treason, which carries the death sentence.

Police Commissioner Milward Chikwamba said the alleged leader of the plot was political activist Sudi Adaki Sulaimana.

Former President Banda was the target of a coup plot in 1993

He was arrested in 1993 for trying to overthrow the previous government of former dictator Hastings Kamuzu Banda.

President Muluzi pardoned him when he came power in 1994.

The identities of the five other people arrested have not been revealed.

Mr Chikwamba said the suspects are currently in police custody in the city of Blantyre and would not be given bail until the investigation is over.

Army involvement?

He declined to comment on whether those arrested are soldiers or civilians.

He described the investigations as very sensitive and said divulging more information would be counter-productive to the police's inquiries.

Mr Chikwamba said the suspects were cooperating with the investigators and more arrests are likely in the next few days.

Army spokesman, Lieutenant Colonel MacLlyod Chidzalo, said he had no knowledge of the alleged plot and no information on whether soldiers were involved.

He did say, however, that he would be meeting army commander General Joseph Chimbayo to discuss the issue.

Sources close to the police say the five unnamed suspects are soldiers.