The journalist was doing a story for the media firm's vernacular newspaper, Mkwaso, where his intention was to contrast the poverty present in people, surrounding the private estate of the president, and the wealth oozing from the recently developed property that also include his wife's multi-million kwacha mausoleum.
The property located at Ndata Farm in Thyolo, the president's home district, has been subject of gossip due to the secrecy that surrounds its construction and tight security.
Mahwayo, who is assistant editor for the newspaper, has already appeared before court and has spent a second night in custody as he is expected to appear before court today, 14 September 2011.
Southern region police spokesman, Davie Chingwalu told the media after the arrest, that they are detaining Mahwayo to question him why he was taking pictures of the private home of President Bingu wa Mutharika.
The journalist who has been charged with an offence of 'conduct likely to cause breach of peace' pleaded guilty in his court appearance on Monday, but was still refused bail. Police officers have confiscated Mahwayo's digital camera and have deleted its pictures.
One of the 20 demands, in the petition the civil society organisations presented to the President after the July anti-government demonstrations, was for him to explain his wealth, including how he built his Ndata Palace.
Media reports indicate that the private palace has over 50 rooms with adjoining bathrooms and spas, four floors complete with escalators, a nuclear bunker, a dam and several expensive swimming pools and is estimated to have cost several million dollar.
