Police in Malawi are investigating how four police dogs went missing from a presidential palace in the capital, Lilongwe, during the political transition in September.
Godfrey Arthur Jalale, who served as State House deputy chief of staff under former President Lazarus Chakwera, has been arrested in connection with the theft of the four German Shepherds. He denies the charge.
Chakwera vacated the palace after losing the elections to President Peter Mutharika, who made a stunning comeback.
Late on Wednesday, police denied reports that Chakwera had been arrested but confirmed securing a search warrant for his residence after information suggested the stolen dogs were being kept there.
Chakwera, who came second with 33% of the vote in September, is facing numerous allegations of public resources mismanagement, especially during the handover.
His Malawi Congress Party (MCP) has accused Mutharika's administration of 'harassing and intimidating' the former leader. Chakwera has not commented.
Local media have reported the theft of state property from two presidential residences - the Kamuzu Palace, and Sanjika Palace, in Blantyre, the country's second biggest city.
The four dogs, valued at $2,300 (£1,700), were taken from the palace between 19 September and 4 October, according to state prosecutors.
In a statement on Wednesday, police said they had intensified investigations following reports of property looting from Kamuzu Palace. The Malawi Police Service assures the public that the investigation is progressing smoothly, it added.
As of now, MCP MPs have boycotted parliamentary sessions and camped out at Chakwera's residence amid reports he faced arrest following a heightened police presence, local media reported.
Chakwera, a pastor before entering politics, conceded defeat and has kept a low profile since he lost the vote while Mutharika's administration faces scrutiny over the political climate of Malawi.
