Reports by South African media outlets indicate that the country’s border management authority arrested two Malawian nationals and intercepted a truck carrying methaqualone worth R1 billion, approximately K106 billion.
Methaqualone is a substance used in the production of mandrax, a drug associated with symptoms such as over-excitement, staggering, slurred speech, blurred vision, slowed heart rate and breathing difficulties when consumed.
2026.5.28 27 charged with murder in Shire Valley mob attacks
South East Region Police Commissioner Frank Kumukumu says 27 of the 92 suspects detained in connection with the killing of eight people in Chikwawa and Nsanje districts have been charged with murder.
Police three weeks ago arrested 92 people suspected of inciting violence and killing eight people accused of causing the disappearance of private parts of other people, especially men in the Shire Valley twin districts of Nsanje and Chikwawa.
Kumukumu, who made the announcement during a press briefing on Thursday in Nsanje organised by Malawi Human Rights Resource Centre (MHRRC) in partnership with the Evangelical Association of Malawi (EAM) and Public Affairs Committee (PAC), asked people in the area to stop the attacks.
He said: “So far the Criminal Investigative Department has finished its work. About 27 have been charged with murder, 25 have been charged with spreading false information, five will answer the charge of citing violence while 30 were deemed innocent and will be released after proper procedures are followed.”
EAM general secretary the Reverend Francis Mkandawire said churches are concerned with what happened in the two districts.
He appealed to Malawians to maintain peace and order and encouraging traditional leaders to engage their subjects to refrain from mob justice.
On his part, PAC executive committee member Sheikh Amiri Jaafar Kawinga said as a God-fearing nation, people should know that both the Bible and Quran condemn murder.
He said: “God gave 10 commandments in Exodus 20:1-14 and one of the laws states that ‘Do not kill’ while in Quaran Surah 5:32 it stipulates that if you kill a person you have killed a nation.
“This tells us that we should not kill one another.”
MHRRC executive director Emma Kaliya asked non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to work with police to end the mob attacks.
Anayiwa ndi a Chisomo Simenti azaka 32, a Gift Galimoto (21), a Jimmy Chiwaula (25) komanso a Dickson Gremu.
Mneneri wa polisi ya Liwonde, Ngwashape Msume watsimikiza za nkhaniyi ponena kuti poyamba apolisi adamanga a Simenti m’boma la Phalombe atapezeka ndi njinga ya moto ya mtundu wa GT yomwe akutu adabera malemuwa pa nthawi ya chiwembuchi.
Iye wati kusatira kafukufuku apolisiwa akwanitsanso kumanga a Galimoto Lolemba mu mzinda wa Blantyre, pamodzi ndi a Chiwaula komanso a Gremu.
A Msume ati pakadalipano oganiziridwa avomera kuti adapalamuladi mlanduwu ndipo akaonekera kubwalo la milandu posachedwa.
Awiriwa omwe ali kale ndi milandu ina ndi a Steven Kanongola Kambwiri azaka 54 ndi a Philip Lazaro azaka 51 ndipo munthu wina wachitatu anakwanitsa kuthawa.
Malingana ndi a Hastings Chigalu mneneri wa polisi ya Lilongwe anthuwa anawapeza ndi mfutiwu mu galimoto yomwe amayendela pomwe apolisi anawaimitsa kuti achite chipikicheni mu galimoto lawo.
A Chigalu ati pochita chipikicheni ndi pomwe anapeza mfuti ya zipolopolo.
A Chigalu ati mmodzi mwa omangidwawa ali pa belo pa mulandu wobela nzika ya ku India.
DEDZA-In a dramatic and potentially explosive development, notorious Chinese wildlife trafficker Lin Yunhua — whose controversial presidential pardon last year sparked outrage among conservationists and anti-corruption advocates — is allegedly being prepared for a secret release and deportation to China before the conclusion of his ongoing corruption trial, The Maravi Post has established through independent investigations.
Lin, who had initially been sentenced to 14 years imprisonment for wildlife trafficking offences, served only four years before being granted a presidential pardon under the administration of former president Lazarus Chakwera.
The decision was heavily criticised both locally and internationally, with conservation groups warning that the pardon undermined Malawi’s hard-earned reputation as one of Africa’s emerging success stories in the fight against transnational wildlife crime.
Following his release, Lin was immediately re-arrested by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on separate corruption-related charges.
Prosecutors allege that while serving his sentence for wildlife crimes, Lin attempted to bribe judicial officers and prison authorities in exchange for favourable treatment, sentence reductions, and special privileges while incarcerated.
Court records show that Lin made several unsuccessful attempts to secure bail, with the courts consistently declaring him a flight risk due to the seriousness of the allegations and the international dimensions of the case.
Despite those findings by the judiciary, credible intelligence gathered by The Maravi Post now suggests that some of the country’s authorities are working behind the scenes to facilitate his release and deportation before the courts conclude hearing the corruption case against him.
According to highly placed sources familiar with developments surrounding the matter, efforts are reportedly underway to quietly remove Lin from Malawi to avoid the possibility of another lengthy custodial sentence should he be convicted on the corruption charges.
“Authorities are working around the clock to ensure that he is released and deported before the next court hearing. The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Ministry of Justice should be aware of these developments,” a source told The Maravi Post on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals.
If true, such a move would likely ignite another storm of criticism against Malawi’s justice system and raise serious questions about political interference, institutional capture, and the country’s commitment to combating organised environmental crime.
The controversy surrounding Lin’s pardon has remained one of the most debated governance and conservation issues in Malawi over the past year.
At the time of his release, several local and international conservation organisations warned that pardoning a convicted wildlife trafficker sent dangerous signals to international criminal syndicates operating across southern Africa.
Critics argued that the decision risked reversing years of progress Malawi had made in strengthening wildlife crime prosecutions, particularly after international donors and conservation partners invested millions of dollars into anti-poaching operations, judicial reforms, and wildlife protection programmes.
Governance analysts also questioned how an individual accused of attempting to corrupt prison and judicial officials could simultaneously be deemed deserving of clemency on grounds of “good behaviour.”
International conservation commentators described the pardon as a troubling contradiction in a country that had previously been praised for adopting tougher penalties against wildlife traffickers.
Some donor agencies privately expressed concerns that such actions could undermine confidence in Malawi’s accountability systems and potentially affect future conservation-related assistance to the donor-dependent nation.
However, hope among conservationists was temporarily restored after Lin’s immediate re-arrest on corruption charges.
The current administration under President Peter Mutharika was viewed by some observers as taking a firmer stance on wildlife protection, particularly following Mutharika’s recent appointment as patron of the Peace Parks Foundation, a major regional conservation organisation involved in transboundary environmental protection efforts across southern Africa.
Many within the conservation community believed the corruption proceedings against Lin represented an opportunity for Malawi’s institutions to demonstrate that no individual — regardless of nationality, financial influence, or political connections — was above the law.
But the latest allegations of a possible secret deportation are now threatening to reignite fears of interference and impunity.
When contacted for comment, Director of Public Prosecutions Fostino Maere, who previously served as Lin’s defence lawyer before his appointment as DPP, denied having knowledge of any planned release or deportation.
“I am not aware of this, but you can also ask Mr Frank Namangale, who is the spokesperson for the Ministry of Justice,” Maere said.
Repeated attempts by The Maravi Post to obtain comment from Frank Namangale proved unsuccessful by the time of publication.
Lin last appeared before the Lilongwe High Court earlier this month, where two state witnesses reportedly testified against him as the corruption trial continued.
The court later adjourned the matter to a date yet to be announced.
Meanwhile, Anti-Corruption Bureau prosecutor Peter Sambani had not responded to requests for comment regarding the next hearing date or the allegations surrounding the suspected deportation plan.
Legal experts say that deporting an accused person before the conclusion of criminal proceedings would raise serious procedural and constitutional concerns, particularly in a case involving allegations of corruption within state institutions themselves.
As speculation intensifies, attention is now turning toward whether Malawi’s justice institutions will withstand mounting scrutiny and ensure that the case proceeds transparently and independently — or whether one of the country’s most controversial wildlife crime cases will end amid allegations of secrecy, political influence, and impunity.
Police have since recovered all the stationery items from Biwi and City Centre in Lilongwe that were allegedly obtained fraudulently from Central Government Stores offices in Lilongwe and Blantyre.
Lilongwe Police spokesperson Hastings Chigalu identified the suspects as Reuben Nzandu, 42, and Joseph Phiri, 50.
He said investigations established that on April 28 2026, the suspects, allegedly posing as employees of Ntcheu District Council, obtained assorted stationery worth K20.4 million from Central Government Stores at Area 4 in Lilongwe.
“They reportedly used a cheque purportedly issued by Ntcheu District Council. However, the cheque was later rejected by the bank after discrepancies were discovered in the account details,” said Chigalu.
While investigating the incident, Area 3 Police officers uncovered a similar case at Central Government Stores in Blantyre, where individuals pretending to be employees of Thyolo District Council allegedly attempted to obtain stationery worth K28 million using another forged cheque.
Police intercepted the suspects before they could leave the premises with the stationery.
Nzandu comes from Kafwafwa Village, Traditional Authority Kalumo in Ntchisi, while Phiri is from Malembe Village, Traditional Authority Chitukula in Lilongwe.x1200
2026.5.25 Two men jailed for illegal charcoal production in Thuma Forest Reserve
LILONGWE-The Salima First Grade Magistrate’s Court has handed down 30-month prison terms with hard labour to two men found guilty of producing charcoal without a permit inside Thuma Forest Reserve.
Gift Zamanemba and Chikondi Manyowa were arrested on May 10, 2026 after forest rangers on routine patrols discovered them operating charcoal kilns within the protected area. Both suspects admitted to the offence when questioned at the scene.
When they appeared before the court, the pair pleaded guilty to the charges.
State Prosecutor Memory Shawa urged the court to impose a deterrent sentence, noting that despite ongoing awareness campaigns and repeated warnings, illegal activities in the reserve persist.
First Grade Magistrate Imran Phiri agreed with the prosecution’s submission.
He sentenced each convict to eight months with hard labour for unlawfully entering the forest reserve, another eight months for possession of prohibited weapons, and 30 months with hard labour for producing charcoal without authorisation.
The magistrate ordered that the sentences run concurrently, meaning the pair will serve 30 months.
The court’s ruling underscores ongoing efforts by authorities to curb deforestation and illegal resource extraction in Malawi’s forest reserves.
Officials have repeatedly warned that such activities undermine conservation efforts and threaten environmental sustainability.
Thuma Forest Reserve has been a focus of government and conservation groups due to persistent encroachment and charcoal production, which continue despite public sensitisation programmes.
As darkness falls over Kakumbi and Makokota villages in Mpamba, under Senior Chiefs Mkumbila and Timbiri in Nkhata Bay District, the sound of waves from Lake Malawi is quickly drowned out by blaring music, drunken quarrels and the clinking of beer bottles.
For many families, once peaceful nights have turned into endless hours of noise, fear and disorder as unregulated beer-selling points continue to mushroom within residential areas.
In some homes, children fall asleep to the sounds of fights outside their doors. By dawn, residents say, empty sachets, broken bottles and intoxicated patrons litter pathways used by school-going children and women heading to the lake.
“What pains us most is that our children are growing up believing this lifestyle is normal,” said Esther Phiri, a resident of Kakumbi.
“Every night there is noise, insults and fights right outside our homes. Sometimes, drunk people urinate openly or undress themselves without shame, even when children are around,” she lamented.
Traditional leaders say the problem has escalated beyond control.
Senior Chief Timbiri estimates that nearly half of the households in Makokota and Hiba villages are involved in beer selling or kachasu brewing, effectively transforming residential communities into informal drinking zones.
The outlets, many operating without proper regulation, remain open late into the night, disrupting peace and exposing young people to alcohol abuse at an early age.
Owen Mwambungu from Makokota said residents have slowly become prisoners of a lifestyle they never chose.
“The noise is relentless throughout the year. We are now used to it, but this was supposed to be a decent place for families to live peacefully,” he said.
For many families along the lakeshore, brewing kachasu and selling beer has become one of the few available sources of income amid rising poverty and unemployment.
Lucy Kaunda, who operates a kachasu brewery in Kakumbi, admitted that while the business affects communities, many households see it as a means of survival.
“The population has grown, and there are no designated places for pubs or breweries here. Most families depend on this business to survive because opportunities are very limited,” she explained.
Senior Chief Mkumbila described the situation as alarming, warning that the rapid expansion of beer outlets in residential areas is eroding discipline among young people and weakening social order.
“Beer outlets are supposed to operate in designated trading centres, not in the middle of homes where children are growing up,” he said.
He further called for stricter assessments and monitoring before licences are issued, arguing that some operators continue to violate regulations with little consequence.
Under Malawi’s liquor laws and district by-laws, alcohol-selling outlets are expected to operate within approved trading areas and observe regulated business hours.
Residents allege enforcement remains weak, letting some operators run businesses beyond permitted hours and in prohibited locations.
Nonetheless, Nkhata Bay Police Deputy spokesperson, Devoter Mithi, says law enforcement agencies are preparing intensified operations to restore peace and order in affected communities.
Malawi Bureau of Standards (MBS), whose responsibility includes ensuring that products consumed by the public meet required safety and quality standards, admitted that illicit brews such as kachasu largely fall outside formal regulatory systems because they are produced and sold in unlicensed spaces.
“Kakumbi and Makokota in Mpamba are unregistered markets, so we cannot take any action there. Our mandate only covers products sold in registered or formal markets,” said Annie Kalonjere, Public Relations Officer for the MBS.
Health authorities warn that the impact extends beyond noise and public nuisance.
Senior Health Promotion Officer at Nkhata Bay District Hospital, Christopher Singini, said prolonged exposure to excessive noise and alcohol abuse poses serious public health risks.
“Noise pollution can affect concentration, mental wellness and contribute to stress and depression. At the same time, alcohol abuse fuels domestic violence, addiction and other social problems that place pressure on families and health services,” he said.
Social Welfare Officer in the district, Macsencie Chagomerana, acknowledged that authorities have previously conducted enforcement operations, but admitted the problem persists.
“There is a need for collective effort to protect the younger generation from this environment. We will continue carrying out operations and awareness campaigns to address the situation,” Chagomerana said.
Nkhata Bay District Council Director of Human Resources and Administration, James Tembo, defended the council’s licensing procedures, insisting that licences are not issued carelessly.
However, he admitted that some operators disregard restrictions, particularly on operating hours.
“There are clear guidelines that must be followed, but some business operators ignore them. We intend to strengthen monitoring and enforcement so that those violating the law are held accountable,” he said.
Tembo further noted that regulating kachasu brewing remains difficult because the law itself prohibits the practice.
“Licensing kachasu would mean legalising an illegal activity, which current legislation does not allow,” he explained.
Kachasu, a locally distilled spirit made from fermented maize, sugar and other readily available materials, is often produced in makeshift and unregulated setups across rural communities.
2026.5.12 Special Needs Teacher Jailed in NN for 14-Yrs for Sex with a Minor
The Neno First Grade Magistrate court has today 11th May, 2026 sentenced a Primary School teacher Innocent Misomali, 34, to 14 years imprisonment with hard labour for having sexual intercourse with a 9-year-old pupil, contrary to section 138 (1) of the Penal Code.
The court heard through State Prosecutor Inspector Levison Musote, that on 6th May, 2025, Misomali who is a special needs teacher at Mapanga Primary School, asked the victim to clean plates and as she was cleaning the plates, Misomali followed her and forcefully had sexual intercourse with her.
Musote further informed the court that the victim reported the ordeal to her elder sister who informed her mother who later took the girl to Matope Health Center for medical examination and treatment before reporting to Matope Police Unit.
Medical report from Matope Health Centre revealed that the girl was indeed canary known and this prompted the police to institute investigations leading to the arrest of Misomali.
Appearing before court, Misomali pleaded not guilty to the offence of having sexual intercourse with a minor and this forced the state to palade four witnesses who proved the case beyond reasonable doubt.
In his aggravating factors, Musote asked the court for a stiffer punishment citing that Misomali’s conduct is a disgrace to the teaching profession as teachers are entrusted with the responsibility of protecting the pupils and not to victimize them.
In mitigation, Misomali asked the court for leniency saying that he is a first offender, he has served the civil service for a long time and he has benefits after retirement and that he also looks after his late brother’s children and his immediate family.
Passing sentence, First Grade Magistrate Margret Khobiri concurred with the State and sentenced Misomali to 14-years imprisonment with hard labour, effective from the day of his arrest.
Innocent Misomali comes from Zalewa village, Traditional Authority Symon in Neno district.
2026.4.30 Gold, Guns, and Grief: The Fallout of Operation Samala Mgodi
The night of April 7, 2026, did not just burn down the makeshift shelters of the Kamchocho gold miners and vendors, it incinerated the futures of women like 29 year old Rose Chirwa.
In a single hour of state sanctioned chaos under what is termed as Operation Samala Mgodi, the green hilly areas of Kamchocho were transformed from a land of opportunity into a landscape of screams and black smoke.
For Rose, the nightmare began with the splintering of wood.
In the frantic moments that followed, Rose describes a scene of harrowing vulnerability. Soldiers seized her, tore her wrapper away, and left her shivering and naked in the freezing night air.
As she fled into the darkness to save her life, she looked back to see her shelter and her entire livelihood erupt in flames.
Rose had come from Champhira along the M1 Road to Lilongwe, lured by the promise of the gold rush in Senior Chief Mabulabo’s area.
She wasn’t there to dig for gold. She was there to build a life through honest trade after obtaining a K25 million loan from Vision Fund. She had established a grocery stall to serve the miners.
In sixty minutes of rampage, her K4 million in cash savings and millions more in stock turned to ash.
“I came here to do business and when I was sleeping on seven April without knowing anything I just heard the shattering of the door of my shelter, I woke up and they seized me they tore all my clothes I was completely naked they took me out and started assaulting me, all groceries almost worth K20 million was destroyed, cash from the weeks sales totaling about 4 million vanished I had a big stall, I had gotten a loan of 25 million from Vision fund but now I don’t even know how I will be able to repay the loan.
A few yards away, Bernadeta Kajani from Embangweni is equally devastated. She also came to the area to sell plastic containers, shovels, mats and tents, things which are essential for sifting gold from the swampy riverbanks.
Kajani says she was dragged out of her shelter; her clothes were torn and she watched her shelter and merchandize go up in smoke
“We heard gun sounds outside, I tried to get out and they grabbed my hand and started beating me they tore my clothes destroyed my merchandize, about 50 tents, 45 mats and some shovels I was selling were destroyed, even money from the sales I had done was destroyed or vanished, about K3 million was nowhere to be seen, I am worried I got a loan from Vision fund and am now stranded, I don’t know how I will pay back the loan,” said Kajani.
For Rose and Bernadeta, the millions lost in this operation are not just figures, they are the amounts of unpaid loans and the loss of the only safety nets they had.
Both women are now haunted by a single, desperate question , how to pay back a debt when the very tools they used to earn it have been reduced to ashes?
Brighton Ngalonde, popularly known as “Bizzo,” was picked up in Area 49 following investigations into the June 24, 2025 incident.
According to police, Ngalonde and three others allegedly lured the victim to a hotel in Lilongwe under the guise of exchanging Malawian kwacha for United States dollars.
The meeting took place in the hotel’s car park. The suspects reportedly invited the victim into their BMW to discuss the deal.
Police say two more suspects then emerged from another vehicle, grabbed the victim’s car keys and threatened to shoot him with what appeared to be a pistol if he resisted.
The suspects allegedly accessed the victim’s vehicle and stole K104 million in cash.
After the robbery, they reportedly abducted the victim and drove him away before dumping him in Area 47.
Investigations later revealed that the BMW used in the crime belongs to Ngalonde.
He is expected to appear in court soon to answer charges of robbery and abduction.
Police have since launched a manhunt for the remaining three suspects.
Ngalonde hails from Chisemphere Village under Traditional Authority Chisemphere in Kasungu District.
A statement from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services says Abdul Rashid was found guilty of contravening immigration permit conditions, contrary to Section 37(b) as read with Section 37(d) of the Act.
Sabiha Sarikan of Turkey was convicted for illegal stay under Section 21(1) as read with Section 37(d).
The court ordered each to pay a fine of K25 000 or serve six months’ imprisonment in default. The court further ordered their deportation to India and Turkey respectively.
Both have since paid the fines and are being held at Mzuzu Prison pending completion of deportation processes.
“The Department remains committed to enforcing immigration laws without fear or favour, and all foreign nationals are expected to comply fully with the conditions of their permits and stay,” reads part of the statement.
Malingana ndi a Beatrice Mlauzi, omwe ndi wachiwiri kwa mneneli wa polisi ya Ntcheu, mayi awo a Lester anaphika chimanga chomwe anadya panyumbapo ndi anthu ena nthawi yomwe woganilizidwayu anali atachokapo.
Koma atabwelera kunyumba anapeza kuti doweyu wadyedwa yense zomwe zinamukwiyitsa kwambiri.
Ndipo mkangano unabuka zomwe zinapangitsa woganizilidwayu kubaya mayi wake mu nthiti ndipo kaamba Ka ichi malemuwa anagwa pansi ndikukomoka.
Malemuwa anathamangira nawo ku Chipatala cha Kalimanjira komwe anakatsimikiza kuti amwalira.
In a charge sheet, signed by FAM general secretary Abdul Chiwalo, Bullets have been ordered to provide the association with its position in relation to the charges within 48 hours of the notification.
The first count, Bullets has been charged with failure to prevent supporters and officials from assaulting and bullying opponents, tampering with competition area as well as obstructing the security, contrary to articles 23.3 and 23.9 (b) of the competition’s rules and regulations and article 17.2 (a) (h) of the Fifa Disciplinary Code.
The second count of assaulting and bullying match officials, Bullets have been blamed for failure to stop their supporters from assaulting and bullying match official contrary to articles 23.3 of the cup’s rules.
The third count is that of “Bringing the game of football into disrepute contrary to Article 67 of the FAM Disciplinary Code.”
The charge sheet claim that, on arrival of Hammers, and at half time, Bullets supporters led by Chingeni Gumbala Kadam’manja, Shaibu Woyera, Trouble Ndikida Kapito, Alick Tsegula, Ganizani Baba and Dyton Bello, obstructed the dressing room access, threatening and verbally abusing the visiting team.
“At half time, Bullets failed to prevent their supporter, led by Agumbala, Kadammanja, Woyera, Kapito, Tsegula, Baba and Bello, by confronting and manhandling match officials,” reads the statement in part.
Bullets won the match 2-0 to progress to the final, where they will face Goshen City Dedza Dynamos.
x1200
Four out of the five people arrested on January 27, 2026 on suspicion of being involved in the exhumation of the grave of Maunsamatha Zacharia—a person with albinism from Khombera Village, Traditional Authority (TA) Msakambewa, in Dowa District—have pleaded guilty to all charges brought against them.
The four, who allegedly committed the offence on January 12 this year, appeared before the Mkukula Magistrate court.
The suspects admitted to charges that include unlawful entry into a graveyard, exhumation of a grave and possession of human bones, among others.
Those who pleaded guilty to the charges are Tikambirane Samu, Loyd James, Keliyasi Weluzani, Kennedy Kafa Sainani and Malitoni Maguya.
However, suspects Farai Mwambakulu and Tonny Chawanda Mwale pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
And, in a twist, the prosecution has withdrawn charges against three other individuals who appeared before the magistrate court on Monday this week.
Those whose charges have been withdrawn include Village Headman Khombera, with the prosecution saying there is no evidence linking them to the offences.
State Prosecutor Ian Ntaba has since asked the court to grant the prosecution team 10 days to start parading witnesses for the two suspects who pleaded not guilty, as well as the narration of facts, including medical evidence, for those who have pleaded guilty to the charges.
One of the suspects who pleaded not guilty is Farai Mwambukulu, a businessman from Ntchisi District.
Meanwhile, First Grade Magistrate Kondani Chinangwa has adjourned the case to February 9 this year.
The Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM) has launched a formal internal investigation following a tragic accident at its Nsaru site in Lilongwe on Sunday, January 18, which claimed the life of one employee and left three others injured.
ESCOM confirmed that a linesperson was fatally injured while performing duties at the site. The three other employees involved sustained injuries of varying severity and are currently receiving medical attention. Their conditions are being closely monitored.
In an official statement issued on Monday, ESCOM management said the investigation aims to determine the exact circumstances and cause of the accident. The company emphasized that the inquiry will be conducted thoroughly and transparently, with updates to be provided as the investigation progresses.
“The safety of our employees is our top priority. This investigation will not only establish what happened but will also help us strengthen our safety protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future,” ESCOM said.
The corporation extended its deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the deceased employee and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the injured staff during their recovery.
ESCOM noted that such investigations are standard procedure following serious operational incidents, and the findings will be used to improve workplace safety across all its facilities.
2025.12.3 Court adjourns Case on criminalizing Begging
High Court in Blantyre sitting as Constitutional Court has adjourned to 13th January 2026 hearing of a case in which persons with disabilities are challenging Section 180b of Penal Code, which criminalizes begging.
The applicants were arrested on 11th April in 2017 following a sweeping exercise by police and were charged with idle and disorderly.
They were all convicted on their own pleas of guilty and sentenced by lower court to one week’s imprisonment with hard labour.
Lawyer representing the 13 applicants, Bob Chimkango argues that begging has been a very old profession which dates back from Biblical times, and his clients, all of whom live with disabilities are keen to see that their rights are protected and upheld by the Court.
Meanwhile, Justices Chirwa, Kanthambi and Kamowa have given the state seven days to bring forth their arguments on the case.
2025.12.1 Islamic teacher Arrested For Allegedly Forcing Male Children To S@ck His D!ck
Police in Lilongwe have arrested an Islamic teacher at Kamphuno Mosque in Chinsapo 2, for allegedly forcing five male children to suck his manhood.
The suspect has been identified as Ishmael Smart, 36. It is reported that, after being fed up with the experience between the months of June and November this year, one of the victims, a 15-year-old Islamic student, revealed what he, and other colleagues were going through at the mosque, perpetrated by the suspect.
However, the matter was not reported to the police until November 24, at around 23:00 hours, when an angry mob stormed the suspect’s house where they seriously assaulted him using panga knives.
Fortunately, after receipt of the report, the police at Chinsapo rushed to the scene on time and managed to rescue the suspect from the jaws of the angry mob who wanted to set him ablaze.
Police then rushed the suspect to Bwaila District Hospital for medical attention.
The suspect, who is in police custody at Lilongwe Police, will be taken to court soon to answer Indecent Assault charges.
He hails from Ntapula Village, Traditional Authority Nkowola in Machinga District.
VJ Ken akuganiziridwa kuti amasunga mwana wachichepere mokakamiza komanso kugona naye.
Koma iye wakana milandu yonseyi.
Omuyimira pamlandu, napempha bwaloli kuti lipereke belo kwa oganiziridwayu ponena kuti ndi mzika yodalilika.
Komabe oyimira mbali ya boma pa mlanduwu, Humphreys Makhaliha, anapempha bwaloli kuti lisapereke belo ponena kuti zisokoneza mboni ziwiri za boma zomwe zilipo kale.
Makhaliha, anatiso VJ Ken sakuyenera kupatsidwa belo chifukwa akuganiziridwanso kuti anapalamula mlandu oba ndalama zokwana K16.7 million ndipo akufunidwa ndi apolisi ya Chileka.
Ndipo popereka chigamulo chake pa pempholi, Senior Resident Magistrate Mercy Bonongwe wakana kupereka belo ati kamba koti mlanduwu ndi waukulu.
Mlanduwu ulowanso mu bwaloli lachisanu lino.
2025.11.12 Scandal in the Courts: Evidence Car in Cross-Border Theft Case Returned to Buyer
Zimbabwean businessman Nesbert Mukora has filed a fresh urgent application in the High Court in Lilongwe, challenging the decision to return his K300 million Toyota Land Cruiser 300 to Malawian businessman Yollam Kawanga, even though the vehicle remains a key exhibit in a pending criminal case.
Mukora, who is the legitimate owner of the luxury SUV, argues that the vehicle was illegally released while a criminal case involving two foreign suspects — Tendai Mtunguwazi, a Zimbabwean, and Kabelo Khotlele, a South African — is still before the courts. The two are currently on remand at Maula Prison facing charges linked to the theft and fraudulent sale of Mukora’s vehicle.
According to court filings seen by Nyasa Times, Mukora’s application seeks an order that the vehicle be seized and placed under the custody of Interpol Malawi until the conclusion of the criminal proceedings. He contends that the decision to hand the vehicle to Kawanga, who claims to have bought it in good faith, compromises the integrity of the case and jeopardizes justice.
Mukora’s legal team, led by lawyer Khwima Mchizi, argues that the car is “vital evidence in an ongoing criminal prosecution” and that its release to a civilian owner “undermines the evidentiary chain and interferes with active proceedings.”
The disputed Land Cruiser was reportedly stolen from Zimbabwe earlier this year and smuggled into Malawi through Mozambique. Investigations show that it was sold to Kawanga using forged South African registration documents, allegedly prepared by the now-remanded Mtunguwazi and Khotlele.
Documents from the South African Police Service (SAPS), signed by Captain Jeffry Barry Lucas, confirm that the registration papers were fraudulent and that the vehicle had been listed as stolen. SAPS has also confirmed that Jolene Margaret Janse Van Vuuren, another South African woman linked to the fraud, is wanted in both South Africa and Namibia for similar crimes involving high-end vehicles.
Despite these revelations, the vehicle was released to Kawanga after he successfully applied to the High Court, arguing that he bought it legitimately from Van Vuuren and that Interpol Malawi had initially cleared it as not stolen.
However, Mukora’s new application challenges that clearance, noting that Interpol’s records were later updated following SAPS verification, showing that the Land Cruiser was indeed stolen.
Legal analysts say the development raises serious concerns about how exhibits in active criminal cases are being handled in Malawi.
“This is not just a procedural lapse; it’s a major breach of justice,” said one Lilongwe-based lawyer familiar with the case. “You cannot release an exhibit while the accused persons are still in custody and the matter is pending trial.”
The matter, which is before Justice Simeon Mdeza, will determine whether the vehicle should be re-seized and placed under Interpol custody or remain with Kawanga until the criminal case concludes.
Meanwhile, Mtunguwazi and Khotlele remain detained at Maula Prison, awaiting trial for their alleged roles in what investigators describe as a transnational vehicle theft and smuggling syndicate stretching across South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Malawi.
As the legal battle intensifies, Mukora insists that all he wants is justice and the return of his rightful property.
2025.11.3 Woman Arrested of Taking Albinism Girl on Collateral
Police in Mangochi has arrested a woman Sarah Gerald on allegation of forcibly taking a 4 year old girl with albinism as collateral after her mother Grace Chinjala failed to repay a loan of 20, 000
The incident occurred on 1st November at M’baluku Trading Centre and it is reported that the suspect is well known as a loan shark at the market
On September 12 Chinjala borrowed 50, 000 to repay 75, 000 by 30th October but repaid only 55, 000 kwacha due to financial constraints
On 1st November the suspect angrily visited Chinjala’s house to demand the outstanding balance
When Chinjala requested more time the suspect became angry, she entered the house and took some household items including the girl with albinism vowing to return her only upon full debt settlement
Police rescued the child and the suspect from Chikwawa district has been charged with conduct likely to cause a breach of peace
Lingadzi police in Lilongwe have arrested four suspected armed robbers who have been terrorising and robbing households in New Area 43 in the city.
Central West Police Spokesperson Foster Benjamin says last night several members of the gang invaded a construction site in the area where they were attempting to steal materials.
Benjamin says the four, together with other members who are currently on the run, were nabbed by police who were manning the scene after being tipped off about the planned robbery.
He says one suspect, James Ngwenya, was shot in the stomach as he was attempting to snatch an officer’s rifle but is currently receiving treatment at Kamuzu Central Hospital.
“Prior to this, the four suspects, and others at large, had been targeting the site, stealing building materials in the process. The owner sought police intervention to secure her premises,” disclosed Benjamin.
“In the middle of the night, the gang invaded the place and first threatened the premises’ watchman and his wife with pangas. Immediately, two police officers manning the same yard rushed and fired warning shots, but to no avail,” he added.
He has identified the other three as Precious Malipo, aged 20; Duncan Charles, aged 21; and Khumbo Makwinja, 27, all from Mgona township.
发表回复