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 Drivers in the country have petitioned parliament to address various challenges they are facing in discharging their duties. According to Chairman of Professional Drivers Union of Malawi, Major Mkandawire, their concerns range from low pay and poor working conditions as some of the main challenges they have raised in their petition. ALSO READ:  Former Minister of Information, Henry Mussa and former director of Information Gideon Munthali have been denied bail. The drivers held a vigil at parliament today, as part of their quest to have the challenges solved. In an interview, Mkandawire disclosed that some of their members have been unlawfully dismissed and their cases do not successfully end. "We have pleaded with parliamentarians to address such issues which we feel are undermining our roles to national development" said Mkandawire. The petition was received by Dedza South East lawmaker Patrick Bandawe and Lilongwe City Centre Mp, Alfred Jiya. Earlier this year, the drivers

In joining efforts to curb the spread of Covid-19, Oxfam has donated preventive equipment to 18 primary schools in Dowa district. Oxfam Malawi deputy country director, Ellias Khozombwe, says the donation which is worth 2.8 million kwacha has come in a bid to ensure that learners are safe as schools fully resume next month. On his part, Director of Education, Youth and Sports for Dowa district council Christopher Kumikunde hailed Oxfam for the gesture saying it will go a long way to assist learners as schools open.

This follows an injunction granted by the High Court to one of the aspirants on 18th September, 2020 which is restraining the Commission from registering new voters, receiving nomination papers and using presiding officers that worked during the 21 May 2019 Tripartite Elections. The Commission will proceed with voter verification and replacement of lost voter certificates in Mangochi North East Constituency up to 27th September, 2020.

Police in Lilongwe have arrested four minibus touts for allegedly assaulting a 28-year-old man and his brother-in law over traffic jam accusations. The suspects are identified as Steven Jika, Andrew Lipenga, Brighton Malani and Ishmael Andison. The four were picked on Thursday at the minibus terminal outside Lilongwe Bus Depot near Banja La Mtsogolo clinic. The suspects allegedly pounced on Yohane Kamwendo, a man with albinism, and Mphatso Lice, accusing them of causing traffic jam. The victims were traveling in a Toyota Ractis on their way from Bwaila District Hospital where Kamwendo was being treated. But the victims ended up into the hands of the four minibus call-boys, who initially accused driver Victoria, who happens to be Lice's wife, of blocking the road. Following the attack, Kamwendo sustained an injury to his head while Lice suffered serious injuries to his chest. The two were rushed to Bwaila District Hospital where they were treated as outpatients. Police arrested the

A 40-year-old pregnant woman, Harriet Gabriel Ngombelo, has died in a fire accident when her house caught fire while in there. The incident occurred in the morning of September 17, 2020 at Namwira Village, Traditional Authority Kunthembwe in Blantyre. On her fateful day, Harriet left her home to draw water from the village borehole when her husband had gone to fetch firewood. Upon her return, she found nobody back. She felt so tired that she went into the house to rest. The house later caught on fire and the woman was unable to get out. She was later found burnt to ashes. Police from Chikuli Police Unit and Chikowa Health Centre clinician went to the scene and confirmed the death as due to severe burns and suffocation due to inhailing of heavy smoke. The cause of the fire still remains unknown as investigations are still underway.

The Deputy Minister for Health, Chrisse Kalamula Kanyasko, on Friday said the Tonse government is committed to finishing the construction of the Mponela Community Hospital saying existing reliable health facilities in the district are dilapidated. Speaking in Dowa after inspecting the two hospitals and visiting the proposed site for Dowa district hospital, she said the progress for the construction is slow but expressed hope that the work will speed up when all the allocated resources are given to the contractors. “In Mponela the construction commenced in 2019, the foundation part is done but we still have a long way to go. As government, we are committed to seeing this hospital completed within three years," she said. She said in the new budget they have allocated one billion kwacha for the hospital and they are processing 300 Million kwacha which will be available in a month or two. During the inspection, she also noted that the two hospitals are dilapidated and are facing many

Police in Dowa arrested Titani Chikumbutso, 24, on Thursday for allegedly kidnapping Lemoni Chikumbutso, 19, his blood brother with the intention of murdering him.According to Dowa Police Public Relations Officer, Sub Inspector Gladson M’bumpha, both the suspect and the victim hail from Nsomba village, Traditional Authority Mkukula and on the said day, the suspect approached a businessman (name withheld) at Dowa Boma Trading Center alleging that he had a boy whom he was selling at K250,000. The businessman who has just started operating a maize mill reported the matter to Police after tricking the suspect into another meeting to finalize the deal and promising him that the boy would work in the maize mill. When the agreed time clocked, the businessman was accompanied by one Police officer who pretended to be a potential buyer. The suspect brought the victim for sale and was immediately arrested by Police Officers who were on ambush," M’bumpha said. The suspect was later brought t

Pharmavova Malawi Limited Saturday donated 50 boxes of face masks, 500 bottles of hand sanitiser and 1000 bottles of sun screen lotion worth MK1.3 million to the Association of Persons with Albinism (APAM). Giving the donation, Marketing manager for Pharmanova Malawi Limited Swapnil Kawle commended the work APAM is doing in supporting people with albinism by insuring full human rights and sustainable livelihood for people with albinism. Swapnil said: “as Pharmanova we thought that it is necessary and an honor to donate 50 boxes Of masks and 200 hand sanitizers to APAM due to this pandemic that has hit the world at large.” He further said, it is good for people with albinism to be protected from the sun as their skin is sensitive to direct sunlight and Pharmanova has also donated 1000 bottles of novacare Camphor cream as it moisturizes the skin and the donation is worthy 1.3 million kwacha. Representative of National Executive Council for APAM Viginia Chimodzi expressed gratitude tow

The call has come as authorities are yet to unmask the alleged markets of body parts of people with albinism. According to Ian Simbota, President for Association of Persons with Albinism in Malawi, lack of a collective effort to end the malpractice is still fueling the situation. Simbota has since stressed the need for the country to uproot the main cause for abductions and killings of persons living with albinism.

The revelation comes at a time the Roads Authority had already awarded contracts to various companies that are constructing the tollgates. In an interview, Andrew Nthiko Spokesperson in the ministry of Transport and Public Works said construction of the Chingeni and Kalinyeke toll gates is in progress and operations  are expected to commence before the next budget presentation. Nthiko has since hinted that government will use the two tollgates to evaluate the functionality of tollgates in the country Families continue to struggle in Sudan as heavy rains keep hitting the country. as a critical factor for revenue generation.

Vendors plying their trade on the walk -throughs of Malawi's commercial city of Blantyre have defied Blantyre City Council (BCC) order to vacate from the undesignated markets. Friday saw the vendors leave for a couple of hours before they returned. Kulinji.com's rounds and spot interviews showed the vendors are unwilling to leave with some citing accessibility to their customers as paramount. ALSO READ:  A 40-year-old woman has died and 15 other others sustained injuries after a minibus they were traveling in overturned in Chikwawa on Sunday. Speaking on condition of anonymity for fear of being identified by authorities some of the vendors said the market they were allocated to is far from the business district and would result in losses. Some claimed those already in the designated market have conspired to have their business fail by refusing to share space. BCC in response said its officers in all markets will help in allocating space to all vendors. It said the order it put

This is according to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to inform members of the general public that his Excellency Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, President of the Republic of Malawi, will go on a one day Official Working Visit to the Republic of Zambia on 22nd September, 2020. “His Excellency the President is expected to depart through the Kamuzu International Airport at 08:00 hrs and return at 16:00hrs” He is expected to hold talks with his Zambian counterpart Edgar Lungu. According to Foreign Affairs Minister Eisenhower Mkaka the two leaders will discuss among others issues on trade and the economy. Full details of the outcome of the state visit to Zambia will be announced later.

The Deputy Minister of Local Government, HalimaDaudi on Friday advised against rushing to court with wrangles on chieftaincy but rather resolve them within the royal families. She made the remarks during the elevation ceremony ofMikayere John from group village headman chikalema to sub- Traditional Authority chikalema in Neno District. Daudi said that matters in court take time to be concluded and that affects a lot of things including development. She decried the increased number of remaining unresolved cases in various courts of the country. The minister said: “There are many cases in court on chieftaincy disputes in the country so is Neno, as government we cannot interfere but we will advise them to resolve them peacefully within the royal families and not rushing to courts." Earlier during the ceremony, Traditional Authority Mlauli, speaking on behalf of Senior chief Dambe and Chairperson of Neno Council, Biswas Maganga pleaded with the deputy minister to intervene in the ma

The Malawi Congress of Trade Unions (MCTU) is appealing to the private sector to consider revising upward salaries of their employees. This comes after the government proposed a 13 percent salary increment for public sector workers. MCTU has also expressed satisfaction over the proposed salary increment for public sector workers. According to MCTU Secretary General Denis Kalekeni, most Malawians are currently affected by impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic such that a salary revision and an increase in the tax-free threshold are welcome. Finance Minister Felix Mlusu announced the plan during presentation of his K2.2 trillion 2020/2021 national budget statement last Friday.

Prophet Shepherd Bushiri is fighting with Prophet Paseka Mboro Motsoeneng over, among other things, recent claims made by a South African woman, Felicia Sibeko as Mboro accuses Bushiri of hacking social media accounts belonging to both Mboro and Sibeko. Sibeko had alleged that Prophet Bushiri who is the leader of Enlightened Christian Gathering (ECG) church scammed her of millions she invested in Bushiri’s gold and forex commodities scheme. She claims to have invested about K7.4 million (R150 thousand) in the scheme when she was promised that her investment would generate close to K49 million (R1 million) in the space of six months. However, she accused Bushiri who is commonly known as Major 1 of running away with her money without giving her a single coin. ALSO READ:  Former Minister of Information, Henry Mussa and former director of Information Gideon Munthali have been denied bail. “I was scammed by Shepherd Bushiri after investing the last money we had secured for us and the futur

The two who have been charged with theft by public servant and abuse of office appeared before the Principal Resident Magistrate's Court in Lilongwe after their lawyers applied for bail. However, Principal Resident Magistrate Viva Nyimba has denied them bail saying the state still needs to make recoveries of the stolen items. The court has since given the State seven days to conclude the recoveries. The court has since been adjourned to September 21.

A Malawian woman, identified as Magret Chitaya, has gone missing from her husband’s house in South Africa. The missing Lady hails from the area of traditional authority Kampingo Sibande in Mzimba. According to our sources in South Africa, the lady is believed to have some chronical mental impairments. ALSO READ:  Astray hyena has attacked a 33-year-old man in Dedza, leaving him seriously injured “She left her husband in their quarters and its been three weeks now. Those who can find her should hand her over to police or inform any authorities,” said Richard Sibande, cousin to Chitaya. ALSO READ:  One dies, 15 injured in Chikwawa road accident

A 40-year-old woman has died and 15 other others sustained injuries after a minibus they were traveling in overturned in Chikwawa on Sunday. Two people, including a baby, escaped unhurt in an accident which happened at Kalima Village along Ngabu-Nchalo M1 road. Chikwawa Police Station, Public Relations Officer, Sergeant Dickson Matemba told Malawi News Agency (Mana) Monday morning that the people, who were in a Nissan Caravan minibus, registration number MN8021 Nissan, that was being driven by 32-year-oldAlex Milis, were on their way from a funeral ceremony. "The minibus's rear tyre burst and, due to speeding, the driver failed to control the vehicle and it swerved to extreme left where it overturned. ALSO READ:  Malani Mtonga Resigns As DPP Member "Due to the impact, one passenger, Enala Andilade, 40, of Kaphesesi Village Traditional Authority Ndamera in Nsanje District, sustained severe head injury and was pronounced dead upon arrival at Ngabu Rural Hospital,"

Former Member of Parliament for Karonga South Constituency Malani Mtonga has withdrawn his membership from the former ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). In a statement directed to DPP’s Secretary General, Mtonga expressed his appreciation and gratitude for the trust that was render to him as the party’s Deputy National Organizing Secretary. According to Mtonga it was an honour to serve in the great movement like DPP. “I would like to express my appreciation and gratitude for the trust that was rendered unto me to hold the office of Deputy National Organizing Secretary and as a member of Democratic Progressive Party. It is an honour when one is called to serve and especially to a great movement like DPP,” he said. Mtonga said his resignation is effective from today. “However time has come for me to bid you all farewell and to render in my resignation effective as of today,” Mtonga said. He added; “My respect and well wishes go to His Excellency Professor Peter Mutharika, each of

A 29 – year – old man identified as Dumbani Ngwira has hanged himself after being quizzed on the missing of six cattle he was responsible for. This happened on Sunday at Zatepeta village in Rumphi district. ALSO READ:  Two arrested for possessing Pangolin in Balaka Ngwira was until his death working as cattle-herder at Zatepeta village. On Sunday morning, the owner of cattle, Yifwayawo Mtegha went to her kraal and noticed that six of her cattle were missing. Mtegha immediately asked Ngwira about the missing cattle. However Ngwira promised to bring back the lost cattle, but he never returned. As time passed, Mtegha informed neighbours about the development and launched a manhunt. Unfortunately, Ngwira was found hanging in a nearby mango tree. Postmortem results from Rumphi hospital confirmed that Ngwira died due to strangulation. Ngwira came from Chiwambala village in the area of Paramount chief Chikulamayembe in Rumphi.

Police in Balaka are keeping in custody two men, Yusuf Sadik, 32, and Pemphero Sydney, 42, for allegedly possessing specimen of listed species contrary to Section 86 (1) of National Parks and Wildlife Act. Confirming the arrest to Malawi News Agency (MANA), Monday, Balaka Police Station Publicist, Felix Misomali, said the duo is suspected to have offered on sale a live Pangolin worth K7 million on Friday, September 11 around 19:00 hours within Balaka Township. ALSO READ:  Astray hyena has attacked a 33-year-old man in Dedza, leaving him seriously injured Said Misomali: "On the material evening, a well wisher who posed as a potential buyer tipped the police that three men were offering for sale government trophies within Balaka Township.” Following the tip, police detectives rushed to the scene where they seized the Pangolin and arrested the two who were using a Lorry Mitsubishi Canter registration number BLK 8452 driven by the second suspect, Sydney, but one suspect immediately

Former Secretary General for Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Grezelder Jeffrey has appeared in public for the first time since being fired from her post by the party President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika. Jeffrey was fired after backing calls for an early convention in DPP to replace Mutharika as the party leader. The former SG said Mutharika has done his part and it’s time for the party to look for a new leader to revamp the party ahead of the 2025 general election. Jeffrey was on Sunday sported in Mchinji North East Constituency of Hon Esther Majaza MP where she urged DPP supporters to remain royal to the party despite the party being booted out of power. She assured the party followers that DPP will bounce back in 2025. Jeffrey hinted that its time for the party to concentrate in rebuilding exercise to avoid the June 23, 2020 embarrassment in future. DPP was booted out of power by Tonse Alliance under President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera through the fresh polls. Since then the p

The beast has since been killed by villagers. The victim, Henry Bazilio, met his fate Thursday at Kanyama village. “He is said to have gone to his irish potato farm for harvesting then the hyena emerged, prompting Henry to alert some women washing clothes in a nearby stream.” Sergeant Beatrice Jefita Assistant Public relations officer narrated “The women rushed to Henry and, in a sudden twist, the monster started running after Henry, leaving the women. While running, he fell down and the hyena pounced on him. A certain villager came to Henry’s rescue but the vicious beast turned on the rescuer.” She Added A band of villagers gathered and hunted the beast down until it fell into a pit. It was quickly speared to death before its victim (Henry) was rushed to Dedza District Hospital for treatment.

Police in Dowa have arrested a 25-year-old man on allegation that he raped an 85-year-old woman. The suspect has been identified as Thoko Andrew from Kaziputa Village in the area of Traditional Authority Msakambewa in Dowa District. The suspect is alleged to have committed the offence on Wednesday evening at Kapilingiza Village in Traditional Authority Msakambewa in the district. ALSO READ:  ADZIPHA KU NYUMBA YA CHIBWEZI CHAKE It is reported that the victim (name withheld) on this particular day went to collect charcoal in a certain garden where the suspect grabbed and undressed her and later raped her.The victim screamed for help but to no avail. Upon arrival at home, the victim complained to her relatives who in turn reported to community policing members who apprehended the suspect and brought him to police. The victim was later referred to Dowa District Hospital for examination and treatment. The suspect will appear before court soon to answer a charge of rape.

Minister of Information Gospel Kazako says the country will be saving billions of Kwacha when government constructs houses for legislators in all 193 constituencies across the country. Kazako said the reason why some legislators are resisting accepting this reality is that they are inclined in doing business as usual. He said the Tonse Administration is setting a firm foundation for the development of the country by sealing all loopholes that drain the country’s resources. He emphasized that the vision of the country’s leadership is to set all parameters that will drive prosperity to the citizenry one of which is to save billions of kwacha when Government completes the envisaged project of building constituency houses for the lawmakers. ALSO READ:  CHAKWERA HITS ON BOGUS 'EXPATRIATES' “We think this is a very good idea because in every five years Government spends over K2.5 billion and this is in housing for every Member of Parliament. In the next 10 years this figure is bou

Group Village Headman Tengatenga of Kawale Township has asked for support of basic needs towards the elderly during this COVID- 19 period. The Village Head was speaking on Saturday in Lilongwe after Ntunthama Lions Club donated food items and masks to assist the elderly in the area. She said the elderly face a lot of challenges in the society to find basic needs such as food because they have limited means of getting money to buy those items due to their age. She added that COVID -19 has made it worse for the elderly leaving them with no food in their homes. She therefore commended the club for the donation saying that it will help them a lot for the time being. ALSO READ:  30, 000 COVID19 Test Kits Expected in the Country on Sept 29 Ntunthama Lions President, Veronica Ndalama said what pushed the club to have the donation is the COVID-19 pandemic which has put a lot of things to a stop as such people are not able to assess a lot of things. “Apart from the preventive measures set

Bwalo la milandu la Nkhunga First Grade Magistrate lalamula kuti a MacDonald Mussa a zaka 28 akakhale ku ndende kwa miyezi yokwana 30 Chifukwa choti anathyola ofesi yomwe amkayang'anira ndikubamo kompyuta. Bamboyo amagwira ntchito ngati mlonda wa chitetezo ku kampani yopereka chitetezo ya GardaWorld Security. Pa usiku wapa 29-30 August 2020, bamboyo anapatsidwa ntchito yoyang'anira ma ofesi aku kampani ya Illovo ku Dwangwa. Bamboyo anathyola ofesi imodzi momwe anatengamo kompyuta ya ndalama zokwana Mk 360,000. Tsiku lotsatilalo ayini ake a ofesiyo anadabwa kuwona kuti kompyuta inali itasowa mpakana mlondayo anamangidwa komanso kompyutayo inapezeka ndi mlondayo. Mlondayo anakawonekera ku bwalo la milandu pa 7 September 2020 komwe amulamula kukakhala ku ndende kwa miyezi yokwana 30. MacDonald Mussa amachokera m'mudzi mwa Mavwere T/A Mavwere m'boma la Mchinji.

Apolisi dzulo m'boma la Kasungu amanga a Filodi Goodson Chifukwa chopezeka ndi ndalama za pepala zomwe ndima Mk 2,000 achinyengo zokwana Mk 320,000. Munthuyo wamangidwa m'mudzi mwa Vijumo T/A Mwase m'bomalo. Anthu ena anadziwitsa apolisi kuti Mkuluyo anagona pa malo ogonako alendo a Midima komanso anati Mkuluyo anali ndi ndalama za chinyengo zomwe zinachititsa apolisi kuchita kafukufuku mpakana apolisiwo anapita ku maloko komwe anazipeza ndalamazo kuchokera kwa Mkuluyo. Ndalamazo zinali ndi nambala yofana ya AT4426785. Goodson amachokera m'mudzi mwa Ngolovani T/A Nsakambewa m'boma la Dowa.

Uyu ndi Shakirah Wenga ndipo amakhala ku Karonga.Tsikanayu adachoka ku Mudzi kwawo kupita ku Kasungu kwa Chibwezi chake chomwe ndi Msilikali kuti akacheze. Ndipo adafikadi dzuro pa Nyumbapo ndipo adacheza mpaka mamunayo adamusazika Shakirah kuti akupita ku Ntchito usiku monga mwa Ntchito za Usilikali. Koma kucha kwa lero mamuna atabwelera pa Nyumba kuchoka ku Ntchito kuja adapeza Shakirah atazimangilira.Koma chomwe chapangitsa kuti mkaziyu adziphe sichikudziwika ndipo tikadafufuzabe kuti tidziwe kuti nchiyani.

Bwalo la milandu la Phalombe First Grade Magistrate lalamula mtsikana wa zaka 18 kukakhala ku ndende kwa zaka ziwiri (2) pa mlandu wokuba mwana wa nkhanda yemwe anali atangobadwa kumene. Mtsikanayo anaba mwanayo pa 29 August 2020 pa chipatala cha Holy Family Mission. Mtsikanayo anaberekera mwana wake pa chipatalacho koma mwanayo anamwalira atangobadwa kumene zomwe zinapangitsa mtsikanayo kuba mwana wa nkhanda wa munthu wina. Mtsikanayo dzina lake ndi Esther Brighton.

Attention will this afternoon shift to the new parliament building where President Lazarus Chakwera is expected to take questions from members of Parliament. Chakwera becomes Malawi's only second democratically elected president to avail himself before the August House after former president Dr Bakili Muluzi who first appeared before the house in 1996. Confirming Chakwera's presence in parliament,first deputy speaker Madalitso Kazombo said the president will be in the house at exactly 2 ocklock this afternoon. According to Kazombo the president will take 5 questions from members of parliament and then will proceed to take supplementary questions from the 5 questions. The president's question time session is expected to last 1 hour 30 minutes.

Tonse Alliance yanena kuti pulezidenti Dr Lazarus Chakwera pamodzi ndi wachiwiri wake Dr Saulos Chilima akugwira ntchito limodzi bwino bwino yolimbana ndi kuthetsa mavuto omwe alipo m'dziko muno omwe anayambitsidwa ndi utsogoleri wa pulezidenti yemwe anachoka pasanabwere a Chakwera.

A 24 year old woman identified as Josophine Andsen has been killed by an angry mob for trying to steal a motorbike from a motorcycle tax operator in Dedza. Dedza Deputy Police Spokesperson Cassim Manda told Zodiak Online that Josephine Andsen and an unidentified man hired a motorcycle taxi from linthipe one depot to travel together to Gowoke village. Manda said, while on the way, Josophine and her friend attacked the motorcycle tax operator who was ferrying them and he shouted for help. Upon hearing the shouts, nearby villagers rushed to the scene and stoned the two. Comfiming the development, Manda said Josophine died on the spot while his friend sustained serious injuries and currently admitted to Dedza district hospital.

The Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace of the Karonga Diocese has called on party officials to discipline MCP Vice President Harry Mkandawire and UTM Secretary General Patricia Kaliati for politicizing MEDF loans. The two were recently said to have uttered remarks and made actions assumed to indicate that supporters of the two parties would be prioritized in the disbursement of the loans. Speaking at a Press Conference on Tuesday CCJP Desk Officer Louis Nkhata said the remarks undermines the Tonse Alliance Government’s promise to ensure equal distribution of public resources to the citizenry.

Concerned with severe waste disposal in Dedza mountain that is contributing to several environmental risks and hazards to community in Dedza district, a new organisation called Chifuno Changa Green Initiative has been established. Founder of the Organization Chifuno Stevens told Zodiak Wednesday ,they are mobilising resources to clean up all the wastes in Dedza mountain. She said,they are organising a fundraising event on 26 September ,a running challenge to bring awareness and to get funds for the cleaning exercise. Dedza citizens and people of Good will are requested to participate in the running challenge or contribute any amount of money for the cleaning exercise by contacting this number 0887205982.

The Rhema Institute for Development has embarked on a K60 million supply of prepaid piped water project in growing trade centres in Dowa district which will benefit over 500 households. Executive Director for the organisation , Innocent Semu told Zodiak Online today, Wednesday that due to increased population growth in trade centers such as Dowa Turn-off, Chivala and Chimwaza, there is need to have safe piped water to help reduce distance and time that people spend to fetch water from boreholes. Meanwhile, Dowa District Water Officer, Timothy Banda has hailed the Rhema Institute for Development for the initiative saying it has come timely as Dowa District has water problems due to hilly topography.

The Tonse Alliance, which formed government after the June 23, 2020 fresh presidential election, has refuted allegations that there are divisions in the alliance, especially in its approach to development. In a statement, the alliance says both President Lazarus Chakwera and his Vice Saulos Chilima are united in their resolve to work together in cleaning up what it calls the mess left by the DPP regime.

The government of Malawi has received medical assistance from the Arab Republic of Egypt. The medical assistance which will help combat the corona virus includes 1042 face shields. There are also 729 goggles, 218 rubber boots, 702 sharp disposal containers, 1841 sterile gloves and 2590 protective gowns and suits. The donation has a value of approximately MK 88 million. Credit: Foreign Affairs Malawi

Vice President Saulosi Chilima sent back officials from Malawi Institute of Management (MIM) having felt that the institution did no prepare enough for its presentation on reforms it is undertaking. Chilima was slated to meet MIM officials as part of his continued engagement with public entities to appreciate reforms and roadmaps at the institutions. However, Chilima said the meeting did not proceed as MIM officials lacked a sense of preparedness in their presentation before he sent them back to prepare again. He also described the presentation as the most uninspiring portrait of an organization since he resumed working on public sector reforms. Chilima has since questioned the capabilities of the institution saying it is not demonstrating enough of what is expected of an institution meant to train public officers.

An 11 year old boy, identified as Humphreys Chipeta, has died after drinking five bottles of Jada at a liquor contest show in Mzimba district. Information sourced by Akometsi indicates that the boy, who, according to his peers, was an avid drunkard had reached finals of the contest when he collapsed. The beer downing competition which was pegged at MK20,000 had been raised amongst all fierce boozers in the area and was organized for boys under the age of 14, according to our source. “The contest was in categories. They took ages used in football like under 14 to under 21 then the seniors,” said Emanuel Chirwa, an eye witness. He added: “it usually happens and the deceased boy was a defending champion. We suspect foul play on the death. Otherwise, he was not just an amateur boozer.” Some of the rules of the contest, according to Chirwa, included the mandatory contribution of contest fee of MK1000 and eating before beginning the gambling. “So, he didn’t die because he didn’t eat before

In an effort to address the shortage of field extension workers across Malawi, government through the Department of Agriculture Extension Services and the ministry of agriculture says it will soon start hiring extension workers with the aim of filling gaps that have existed due to scarcity of the extension workers. Currently the country has about 57 percent available extension workers working across the country who are not enough to address the needs of farmers which makes some extension workers meant for livestock to also engage in crop farming. Dr. Gerome Nkhoma who is the Director of Extension in the department of agriculture and extension services told Malawi News Agency that he acknowledges the acute shortage of extension workers in the country but said government is doing all it can to address the situation. “We are not operating at 100 percent extension worker capacity as a country due to a number of factors including attrition rates, retirement, resignations without immediate

Blantyre City Council (BCC) has embarked on a Donate a Mask Campaign in a quest to help vulnerable learners to be safe from COVID-19 in school. Mayor Wild Ndipo says most households in the city are in a fix to decide whether to buy a child a mask or food. Wednesday morning, National Bank of Malawi (NBM) presented 1, 000 masks towards the campaign, which Ndipo is good response to the campaign. “These reusable masks will cater to many vulnerable learners whom otherwise might not have the protection afforded by face masks against coronavirus, as they go back to school. “Let me assure you that these masks will reach the intended beneficiaries. “We have slightly above 15, 000 Standard 8 leaners in the City who are already back in class,” he said. NBM Chief Executive Officer, Lucius Mandala said that “it is apparent that vulnerable members of the society cannot afford to purchase masks. “As a Bank of the Nation, NBM plc is committing to helping in critical areas that affect the inhabitants

Police in Mulanje have arrested a 32-year-old man for killing his 3-year-old niece over a land dispute. The man, Richard Mphito, is suspected to have killed the girl on Wednesday by hitting her on the forehead with a metal bar. Sub Inspector Gresham Ngwira, spokesperson for Mulanje Police Station, said the girl’s mother told police that the suspect apportioned his piece of land to her three years ago. She was using the land until Wednesday morning when she was confronted by her brother to stop cultivating the land. In the morning, the woman went to the said land to cultivate and carried her 3-year-old daughter. This led to a quarrel whereby the suspect told his sister that he could kill both her and her 3-year-old child who was at her back. Mphito hit the child on the forehead with a metal bar and the kid became unconscious. She was immediately taken to Chambe Health Centre for treatment where medical personnel pronounced her dead upon arrival. Following the report, police visited the

President Lazarus Chakwera says his administration will ensure de-politicization of the Malawi Enterprise Development Fund (MEDF) loan scheme to ensure it benefits everyone regardless of one’s political affiliation. Addressing the press, State House Director of Communications Sean Kampondeni explained that following reports of abuse and partisan interests in loan disbursements, the MEDF management has been sent on leave to pave way for an audit on the fund’s operations. This also comes in the wake of remarks made by Malawi Congress Party’s second deputy President Harry Mkandawire who is on record to have said that the funds are for the party’s supporters.

Two female passengers have died this morning, while two others sustained serious injuries after a lorry they were travelling in hit a shop at Mphate Trading Centre in Ntcheu. It is said a man identified as James Mulore was driving a Lorry, Hino Ranger, registration number BX 8528, from the direction of Ntcheu heading Dedza carrying 32 bags of onions, with three passengers onboard. Upon arrival at Eneya village along Ntcheu-Dedza M1 road, he lost control of the vehicle and went to the extreme nearside road where it hit a shop. Following the impact, two female passengers, Stella Louis Frank,32 and Magret Manuel, 31, of Kabowola village, Traditional Authority Kamenyagwaza in Dedza, sustained serious head injuries and were pronounced dead upon arrival at Ntcheu District Hospital. The driver, and other male passenger, Chifuniro Gonthi, 23, of Zamani village, Traditional Authority Chakhumbira, in the district, sustained different degrees of injuries and are receiving medical attention at Ntc

One of the country's corporate players Pest Chem 1B has disinfected Maula prison in Lilongwe as a way of partnering government efforts in disrupting the further spread of COVID - 19 global health pandemic. According to Managing Director for the fumigation company Martin Mainja, the step is part of the firm's response to bolster Malawi's fight against the global health outbreak. Environmental officer with the prison Welbes Tembo has since lauded the company for the gesture, pointing out that the step is key to efforts aimed at keeping the prison COVID - 19 free. "Maula prison currently has 23 inmates in isolation," he added. Among other reasons, health experts say isolation is effected if one has tested positive for coronavirus, or if they project symptoms of coronavirus. Such include high body temperature, loss or change to your sense of smell or taste and a new, continuous cough.

Alliance For Democracy (AFORD) has distances itself from remarks made by the party’s president Yeremiah Chihana when responding to State of National Address (SONA) by President Lazarus Chakwera. In a press statement made available to Face of Malawi, AFORD’s acting Secretary General Grace Chupa said the remarks made by Chihana do not reflect the views of the party. According to the statement, AFORD cannot respond to the SONA because it is part and parcel of Tonse Alliance. “AFORD cannot respond to the SONA for we are part and parcel of the Tonse Alliance. Hon Chihana was voicing out his concerns in his capacity as a member of of parliament,” reads the statement. Furthermore the statement; “AFORD wishes to categorically state that the position taken by the Honourable Chihana is entirely his personal views and does not in a way represent the stand of AFORD in the Tonse Alliance,” said Chupa.

The Tonse administration says it will keep its manifesto that ushered it into Government. Leader of the House Richard Chimwendo Banda disclosed this in Parliament in response to remarks by leader of opposition Kondwani Nankhumwa who said it has nothing to show on all promises made. Nankhumwa pinpointed gaps that were supposed to be addressed by the State of the nation Address (SONA). He said the Tonse Administration made colourful promises but he emphasized that there’s nothing tangible on the ground since the new Government took office. ” I know that the Tonse Administration promised universal subsidy, that’s what people are asking for. You remember they promised one million jobs, three months down the line how many jobs have been created? They also promised free connection of water and electricity that is nowhere to be seen,” said Nankhumwa. However, Banda said Nankhumwa’s remarks were unfortunate and he expected him as an experienced politician not to make such misleading remark

Three public officers are in police custody for allegedly embezzling K33 million at the Mchinji District Council. The two are Davie Chikhadwe an Accounts Assistant and Precious Kapachika a retired accountant both at Mchinji District Hospital. The third one is Lawrence Mchocho, an Assistant Accountant at District Agriculture Office. Confirming the development, Mchinji District Commissioner Peter Jimusole revealed that the three were arrested after a financial audit at the council. Jimusole says the three allegedly syphoned the money from January to August this year after tampering with the Integrated Financial Management System (IFMS).

A 27-year-old woman in Dowa has died due to head injuries when the motor vehicle she was travelling in bumped into a pothole. Sub Inspector Gladson M’bumpha, Dowa Police Public Relations Officer (PRO) said the deceased has been identified as Tolia Phiri from Mafuta Village in the area of Traditional Authority Kabunduli in Nkhatabay District. According to M’bumpha, the accident happened on Monday evening at Chiponda Village along Salima-Lilongwe road, involving a motor vehicle registration number MN 7422 Nissan Serena, driven by Abel Phiri, 32, of Mafuta Village in Traditional Authority Kabunduli in Nkhatabay. “Traffic police report indicates that on the fateful day, the vehicle was coming from Lilongwe to Salima direction with six passengers on board. Upon reaching at Chiponda Village the driver bumped into a big pothole and as a result the motor vehicle overturned and rested sideways at the middle of the road.” Explained M’bumpha “Due to the impact, the victim Tolia Phiri sustained se

Police this morning have chased out vendors plying their trade in undesignated areas in the city of Mzuzu. Right now the Council, executive Committee for Flea Market and the representatives of the illegal vendors are at flea market trying to resolve the matter amicably. Mzuzu city council has been complaining that illegal vending has affected the city's revenue generation.

Apostle Innocent Nyirenda has resigned as National Pastor for Enlightened Christian Gathering (ECG) church of Prophet Shepherd Bushiri in Malawi. National Advisory Council (NAC) of ECG has confirmed of the development in a statement made available to faceofmalawi. According to ECG Advisor Council, Apostle Nyirenda has resigned on personal grounds. “The National Advisory Council (NAC) of the Enlightened Christian Gathering (ECG) in Malawi wishes to inform its members, followers and the general public that is has notably received a resignation letter from Apostle Innocent Nyirenda who was the National Pastor. “In his letter, Apostle Nyirenda cited ‘personal reasons’ as the reason behind the resignation. However, the Church admittedly notes the impulsiveness of his decision as it was prompt and sudden with no prior notice as protocol demands,” reads in part the statement. Added the statement: “It is, for the record, imperative to underscore that that Apostle Innocent, in his resignation l

Their representative, Moses Kalipinde, says they intend to start with prayers at the stadium and they are looking for well-wishing religious leaders to lead them with the prayers. They can reach Mr. Kalipinde on 0999311601. The stampede occurred as people forced their way into the stadium in commemoration of the National Independence Day on 6 July. Malawi Human Rights Commission's inquiry faulted late opening of the gates and demanded government to compensate the victims but they are yet to get the compensation.

President Dr Lazarus Chakwera has lined up a range of activities in the week including a meeting with Vice President Dr Saulos Chilima on the dissolved boards of various parastatals. State House Director of Communication and Executive Assistant to the President, Sean Kampondeni, disclosed this on Monday during the newly introduced weekly media interaction, the Weekly Brief. Kampondeni has also said Chakwera is for depoliticisation of Medef loans by all political players across the board. In response to a question from the media, Kampondeni says the Access To Information bill will be operationalised and since it's a long process the Ministry of Information will be updating the nation on the progress. He also clarified that it is the position of the President that every constituency should have a house for its legislator. The project is being scrutinized and government will invite interested investors to pump funds into the initiative which will give constituents access to their parl

According to Mangochi Police deputy spokesperson, Sub Inspector Amina Tepani Daudi, the child died while receiving treatment at Zomba general hospital, Saturday where he was referred. Tepani Daudi said the victim and his 2-year-old sister were left alone at the house after the parents had gone out for business, leaving them with an elder sister who also later on, left the house to clean kitchen utensils at the lake. “The kids later started playing around with matches, so, one of the lit sticks fell on a sofa sparking fire that razed the sitting room before spreading to one of the bedrooms,” said Tepani Daudi. She said well-wishers rushed to rescue the two but the victim was trapped as he hid under the bed, so, it took some time for people to rescue him and sustained severe burns on the stomach and thighs. “The boy was rushed to Mangochi district hospital and later referred to Zomba General Hospital for further medical attention where he died while receiving treatment,” explained Tepani

As the developed countries compete to acquire scarce medical equipment to combat the coronavirus, another troubling divide is also emerging, with developing countries losing out to wealthier ones in the global scrum for testing materials. The global skyrocketing demand for test kits is outstripping production capacities. Ministry of Health Principal Secretary, Dr. Charles Mwansambo has told Zodiak Online that 30, 000 test kits from Global Fund will arrive in the country end of this month. "Although the country has the capacity to test over 2000 people per day, only 300 tests are taking place because currently there are less than 10,000 testing kits in stock. The reopening of airports and schools could increase the need for more test kits but we hope this consignment will fill the gap" said Dr. Mwansambo. Meanwhile, Public Health expert, Professor Maureen Chirwa has asked Malawians to continue observing preventing measures if the fight against the pandemic is to be won. "

Minister of Lands Kezzie Msukwa says government will institute an investigation to probe how funds meant for the construction of houses for persons with albinism during the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) led administration were used. This follows suggestions by the Association of Persons with Albinism in Malawi (APAM) who feels the funds were mismanaged as no single house was constructed. Msukwa told Zodiak Online that the suggestion by APAM on this matter is important, hence government’s interest on the same. "The investigation will help to uncover corrupt practices over the initiative as it was the habit of the previous regime," he said adding that the Tonse Alliance administration is determined to end corruption at all levels. However, APAM President, Ian Simbota has called on the Chakwera administration to be transparent in handling the audit process. "For transparency sake, all stakeholders including APAM should be involved in the whole investigation process up

A 2-year-old boy has drowned in a well which was dug at the compound for irrigation purposes. The tragedy occured on the morning of September 6, 2020 at Mtalimanja village Traditional Authority Mponda in Mangochi. According to the father, Abdul-Rashid Ajusa(35) who is a farmer, he dug the well at his compound for irrigation purposes. On the evening of September 5, 2020 the family discovered the missing of their son who was playing outside when the mother was busy doing house chores. Search was conducted along with well-wishers but to no avail. The following day the child's dead body was discovered floating in the well. Police rushed to the scene and took the dead body to Mangochi District hospital where postmortem revealed suffocation as the cause of death. Police is appealing to parents and guardians to cover their  wells with strong lids and not to leave their young children unattended since they need parental care, guidance and close supervision.

Jesus Christ has been literally stolen from a Church in Mangochi. Robbers on Sunday 30 August broke into a Church in the Eastern region of Mangochi district and went away with Jesus, among other valuables. According to a letter that is circulating signed by the episcopal head of the Catholic Church in Mangochi Diocese, Montfort Sitima, the robbers tied guards before breaking into the Church premises. “Once inside, they stole money, computers and they ransacked the tabernacle where the holy Eucharist is stored, we do not know what they are going to do with it or where they have taken it to,” laments Sitima. In the Christian faith, the holy Eucharist represents the body of Christ; thus the robbers in stealing the Eucharist they have stolen the body of Christ, a thing which has defined the message of Sitima’s letter which has raised eyebrows among Malawians especially in its claim that Jesus has been stolen. Meanwhile Sitima has indicated that they have reported to Police the incident a

In a bid to fight child marriages, police in Rumphi have managed to withdraw three girls from early marriages. According to Rumphi police spokesperson Inspector Henry Mnjere, information reached Bolero Police Unit that the said girls were married to three boys in the nearby villages. In conjunction with child protection officer of the area, Austin Mwafulilwa, a follow up was made which led to withdrawal of the teens from the marriages. Their parents were called and counseled together with ward councillors. The victims were sent to seek medical help and advised to go back to school on Monday. Police have since appealed to parents and guardians to take care of their girl-children and ensure that they go to school.

Credit: Manna British High Commission has urged eligible Malawians to apply to study in the United Kingdom (UK) under the Chevening Scholarship which has opened for applications from September 3 to November 3, 2020. Acting British High Commissioner to Malawi, David Beer, disclosed the development on Thursday through a press statement made available to Malawi News Agency (MANA). “The scholarships are awarded to university graduates who can demonstrate their commitment and skills required to create positive change, and show how a UK Master’s degree will help them do that,” he said. The British Acting High Commissioner added that the scholarship offers full financial support for future leaders to study for any eligible master’s degree at any UK University whilst also gaining access to a wide range of exclusive academic, professional and cultural experiences. “The one year scholarship is available for individuals with demonstrable potential to become future leaders, decision-makers and op

Body of former minister of disabilities in the Joyce Banda administration, late Rachel Kamchacha Kachaje, was laid to rest on Saturday at Linga in Traditional Authority Mwase in Kasungu. The funeral was accorded military honours as per directive of President Dr Lazarus Chakwera. Representing the President was Minister of Local Government Lingson Belekanyama who described late Kachaje as ‘humble and with integrity’. In 2001 Southern African Federation of the Disabled recognized late Kachaje to be part of them and she was elected chair between 2002 and 2007 and was first woman to be chair of the federation. In 2002 together with friends established Disability Women in Africa an organisation that champions for the rights of women with disabilities in Africa. In 2007 she was elected deputy chair for Disabled People International responsible for development and was in 2011 re-elected on same position. In October 2013 though not being a politician, she was appointed as Minister of Disabili

The Seven year-old boy who was rescued from a fierce fire that caught a house at Makawa Village in Mangochi on Friday died Saturday evening due to severe burns he had sustained. Malawi News Agency (MANA) had earlier reported that the boy was rushed to Mangochi District Hospital where he was referred to Zomba General Hospital for further medication. Mangochi Police Deputy Public Relations Officer, Sub-Inspector Amina Tepani Daudi later told MANA the boy died Saturday evening in Zomba. “The child died on Saturday at around 5 p.m. while receiving treatment at Zomba General Hospital where he had been referred for medication,” said Daudi in confirmation. On Friday morning, fire gutted the house of Mr and Mrs Fred of Makawa Village in Mangochi and severely burned the seven-year-old boy while his two year-old sibling was rescued with no serious injuries. According to Daudi, Mr and Mrs Fred had gone to Kela Fishing Dock for business, leaving the two children asleep and in care of an aunt, Amin

Second vice president for Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Harry Mkandawire has made it clear that he will not apologies over the Malawi Enterprise Development Fund (MEDEF) saga. Over the weekend in Karonga Mkandawire unveiled MCP candidate for the by elections scheduled in November this year said people to be considered first for the MEDEF loans are supporters of MCP. According to Mkandawire, on the ballot during the June 23 fresh presidential elections there was President Lazarus Chakwera and no one else. But in reaction to the calls, Mkandawire says he made the statement because some UTM officials were deceiving people in Karonga central constituency that the loan will be disbursed this week by the party’s structures. He has since warned other politicians against politicizing the loans. Strong calls are still growing for Chakwera to discipline Mkandawire over his division remarks.

Business magnate Thomson Mpinganjira, who was Group Chief Executive Officer of FDH Financial Holdings and had recently gone on leave, has announced his retirement from the company. According to a statement by the company's board of directors, seasoned banker and son William Mpinganjira has now taken over the mantle as Group CEO, while George Chitera is the new deputy Managing Director for FDH Financial Holdings. It follows approval of the appointments by the Reserve Bank of Malawi.