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A Medical Assistant at Makanjira Health Centre in Mangochi has been found dead in one of the rooms at Jazaka Lodge. The deceased, identified as Thomas Kasambwe, aged 30, was discovered dead on the morning of September 3, 2020. Mangochi Police Station investigations have revealed that, on the evening of September 2, 2020, Thomas booked a room at the said lodge when he arrived back from his home village in Thyolo. He is said to have gone out for a drinking spree before he came back in the wee hours to sleep alone. Around 11:00 hours the lodge's cleaner was surprised at the silence from the room which was locked from inside despite knocking several times, prompting her to report the matter to the manager. The team used a master key and found the lodger (Kasambwe) dead in a pool of blood oozing from the nose. Deputy public relations officer for Mangochi Police Amina Tepani Daudi said when the matter was reported at Mangochi Police Station, officers rushed to the scene to unearth vital

Credit: Malawi 24 Former Minister Henry Mussa says disagreements in the opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) have reached dangerous levels and, if left uncontrolled, can be a recipe for destruction of the party. The politician who is a senior member of the DPP made the remarks in a letter dated 29 August and addressed to acting secretary general Chimwemwe Chipungu and party leader Peter Mutharika. Mussa described the divisions as factionalism which he said is being manifested through political civil wars being waged in the party on almost daily basis. He said these divisions have reached “intensive care proportions” and have created fertile ground for demonic culture of gossip, reputation ravaging smear and counter–smear campaigns, negatively unfair labeling and general aura of mistrust in the Party resulting in suppression of otherwise positive pinions. “Sound opinions which would have helped in the rebuilding process of the Party are being suppressed for fear of be

High Court Judge Ruth Chinangwa has this morning handed Chanthunya life imprisonment but his lawyer Michael Goba-Chipeta has hinted on an appeal. According to Goba-Chipeta the appeal is on the basis that the ruling violates a number of principles of law. Chanthunya murdered his girl friend, Linda Gasa in 2010 and fled to South Africa before his repatriation in March 2018.

Credit: Maravi Post Nkhata Bay District Hospital has revealed that it is going through financial challenges as it is failing to service over K300 million debt that the facility owes different utility service companies. The situation has heavily paralysed operations of the hospital as it is currently unable to repair oxygen plant which went dysfunctional in January this year. According to Director of health and social services at the hospital, Dr Mwatikonda Mbendera, the oxygen plant is only serviced by South African based technicians because it is highly sophisticated. Dr Mbendera further said water and electricity bills have also contributed to the huge debts of the hospital as it is regarded as an industry; and so brings high bills. “We have projects; some short term, others long term, but what I may need is a bail out from government on these high utility bills,” said Dr Mbendera. Commenting on the development, Deputy Minister of Health, Chrissie Kalamula Kanyasho, who toured the ho

President Dr Lazarus Chakwera told Parliament that his Administration will engage top gear in the health sector to stop the spread of diseases including the deadly COVID-19. The President highlighted the following: --Eliminate AIDS by 2030. --Treating 29000 TB patients, half of whom are children. --Eradicate malaria, a top killer disease. --K2.4 billion for COVID-19 prevention. --K3.9 billion for procurement of PPE's.

President Dr Lazarus Chakwera has hit on bogus expatriates, who come to Malawi to take jobs that can be done by locals. He said in his first SONA that Malawi has seen an influx of expatriates without expertise. He blamed institutions that are responsible for recruitment of expatriates as responsible for this laxity. "We shall not allow our hospitality to disadvantage our citizens," the Malawi leader said. He added:" Jobs created in Malawi are not free for all."

Malawi leader Dr Lazarus Chakwera said Friday during his inaugral State of the Nation Address (SONA) that his administration will not "tolerate corruption nor interfere in the affairs of institutions fighting corruption." On Economic Prospects for 2020/21 financial year, Chakwera said the success of Malawi's economy "will be anchored on institutional foundation." "We will observe the rule of law in order to provide predictability of the political and economic environment, we will provide the necessary security to all residents," the President said during the 49th session of Malawi Parliament. K315 BILLION DEFICIT The President said during the 2019/20 fiscal year, Malawi recorded a revenue of K1.527 trillion against an expenditure of K1.841 trillion. He said this led to a deficit of K315 billion, which was financed by domestic borrowing, resulting in the crowding out of the private sector from accessing financial services for productive purposes

Secondary school headtechers in the country have expressed concern over government delay to send funding to buy materials for COVID19 in Secondary schools. Some Concerned Secondary school Headtechers in Dedza and Ntcheu for example told Zodiak Online Thursday that despite schools are opening monday preparations have not been done in secondary schools due to lack of resources . Education Planer at Central West Education Division Magrete Aufazema acknowledged the delay saying government is in the process of sending COVID 19 resources to secondary schools . Aufazema said mass screening will be conducted in all schools when students will be entering school campuses.

YOUR EXCELLENCY MADAME MONICA CHAKWERA, FIRST LADY OF THE REPUBLIC OF MALAWI; RIGHT HONOURABLE DR. SAULOS KLAUS CHILIMA, VICE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF MALAWI; RIGHT HONOURABLE CATHERINE GOTANI HARA, M.P., SPEAKER OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY; YOUR LORDSHIP HONOURABLE ANDREW NYIRENDA, SC, CHIEF JUSTICE; HONOURABLE DEPUTY SPEAKERS; HONOURABLE LEADER OF THE HOUSE; HONOURABLE CABINET MINISTERS AND DEPUTY MINISTERS; HONOURABLE JUSTICES OF APPEAL AND JUDGES OF THE HIGH COURT; HONOURABLE LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION; LEADERS OF POLITICAL PARTIES REPRESENTED IN PARLIAMENT; HONOURABLE MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT; HIS EXCELLENCY JORGE DAVIDE GUNE, DEAN OF THE DIPLOMATIC CORPS AND HEADS OF DIPLOMATIC MISSIONS; MR. ZANGA-ZANGA CHIKHOSI, SECRETARY TO THE PRESIDENT AND CABINET; SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS; DISTINGUISHED INVITED GUESTS; LADIES AND GENTLEMEN. Madam Speaker, Malawi stands in the twilight hours between the receding gloom of a long dark night and the rising bloom of a new day. In this time of tran

Unknown people have killed a motorist by strangling him to death in Balaka, Balaka Police Station Public Relations Officer Inspector Felix Misomali has confirmed. In a police report, Misomali identified the deceased as James Manjombe (25) who was found dead in the early hours of Thursday, September 3, along Khwisa-Binon earth road in Balaka. According to Misomali, the late Manjombe is suspected to have been strangled to death by unknown criminals between the night of September 2-3 at Tembo Village in the area of Senior Chief Sawali along the said earth road. “His brother, Sylvester Joseph, 31, said Manjombe left home on September 2 for his motorcycle taxi business, but he did not return until the following morning when his body was found tied on the neck with rope (linya). The assailants are suspected to have robbed him both his motorcycle and his cellphone, ” said Misomali. Postmortem conducted by Balaka District Hospital personnel has revealed asphyxia as cause of death secondary to

Unknown criminals on Thursday night invaded Mvera Chipiku Stores in Dedza and went away with assorted items. Dowa Police publicist Sub-inspector Gladson M’bumpha confirmed of the development in an interview with Zodiak Broadcasting Station (ZBS). M’bumpha said that the criminals are alleged to have stolen cigarettes and other property. The criminals are said to have tampered with the cash chest by means of hooking. M’bumpha said “information gathered indicates that the unknown criminals were using a black saloon motor vehicle”. Meanwhile law enforcers have launched a manhunt for the suspected thieves.

Credit: Times 360 Malawi The High Court in Zomba has sentenced Misozi Chanthunya to life imprisonment for the murder of his 25 year old girlfriend, Linda Gasa. She was killed in 2010 and her remains were exhumed at Mwala Lodge in Mangochi, owned by Chanthunya. Chanthunya has also been slapped with two years custodial sentence for the second count of hindering burial of a dead body. On the charge of perjury, he has been sentenced to two years imprisonment. The sentences will run concurrently.

The Ntchisi First Grade Magistrate’s court has sentenced a crime prevention panel chairperson for Kakhuta village in the district to 8 years for raping a 15-year-old girl. The convict, Bunaya Jana, aged 40, was jailed on September 2, 2020. The court through state prosecutor Sub Inspector Patrick Phambana heard that on July 14, 2020 the victim went to her aunt’s house which is 30 metres away from her father’s house. On her way back home, she met the convict who grabbed and dragged her to a nearby bush and raped her. After the act, Jana told the victim to mention another community policing member of the area as the one who had raped her. He also threatened to kill the girl. The court further heard that the convict took the victim to her aunt, who reported the matter to police. After close investigations by the police, the girl revealed that she was raped by Jana. Appearing before court, Jana denied the charge of defilement under Section 138(1) of the Penal code in which four witnesses we

Police in Dedza have arrested 22-year-old Jonasi Anacklet for strangling to death a sex worker following a dispute. The sex worker has been identified as 33-year-old Suzeni Malodza. Dedza police station deputy publicist Cassim Manda the murder took place at the man’s apartment on the night of Tuesday, September 1, 2020. Malodza was a sex worker plying her trade at Kabowola Bar within Dedza township. It is alleged that Anacklet went to the bar and took her to his house at Airfield where disagreements erupted. Anacklet is suspected to have strangled the woman following the dispute. When he saw that Malodza was unresponsive, Anacklet went to the police to report the incident. Upon receiving the complaint, police officers rushed to the scene where they found Malodza unconscious and unresponsive. Malodza was taken to Dedza district hospital where she was pronounced dead on arrival. The suspect was also taken into custody for alleged murder, as police were waiting for post-mortem results. A

As the fight against the Coronavirus in the country is still on, for the past three days no Covid-19 related death has occurred. According to a daily report released by the Ministry of health in conjunction with the Presidential task force on Covid-19, the fight against Coronavirus is progressing. For the last 24 hours, Malawi has registered 14 new cases and at least 16 people have recovered from the virus without a single death. As it stands, the country has 1902 active cases with over 3000 recoveries. Since the country registered its first Covid-19 cases over 5000 people tested positive for the novel coronavirus. Dr. John Phuka chairperson for the presidential task force on Covid-19 is urging people to continue following preventive measure with an aim of defeating the virus as the progress s still there. Among others, maintain social distance, wash hands with soap always, put on a mask when in crowded places and seek medical attention when you feel unusual sign that might be related

The High Court in Lilongwe has dismissed the application by de facto vice president Everton Chimulirenji to get an injunction against businessman Matias Bonongwe from visiting Chimulirenji’s premises to collect his money. Few weeks ago Sheriffs raided the house of the deposed second in command of the then ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) under the directives of Bonongwe whom he said Chimulirenji owes him money. According to submissions made in court, Chimulirenji owes Bonongwe K100 million which he has not been paying back, which led to Bonongwe sending debt collectors to the former vice president’s residence to grab his property. High Court Judge Kenyatta Nyirenda has dismissed the application of the injunction and has also slapped Chimulirenji with costs of the case.

The High Court in Zomba is today expected to deliver a ruling in Misozi Chanthunya’s murder case. On Wednesday this week, the court shifted the ruling today due to what Chnthunya’s lawyer Michael Goba Chipeta said it was a mixed up. The High Court on Friday last week convicted Chanthunya on three counts of murder, perjury and hindering the burial of a dead person, Linda Gasa. Presiding judge Ruth Chinangwa said Chanthunya’s conviction follows circumstantial evidences in the days Gasa went missing citing call logs as well as availability of the deceased’s body in the convict’s lodge, among others. More details to follow..

A man aged 23 has died in Nkhatabay after a tree fell on him as he was cutting it. Nkhatabay Police Publicist Kondwani James has identified the victim as, Boniface Msiska. According to the police PRO, the incident happened on Wednesday at Siliya Village Traditional Authority Fukamapiri in the district. “A sister to the victim told police that her brother and his friend were clearing a piece of land for cultivation. As the duo was cutting one of the trees, Msiska misjudged its falling direction and unfortunately the tree crushed on him, ” said James. The victim died on the spot following the impact. Postmortem done at Chintheche Rural Hospital showed that the death was due to internal injuries. The deceased hailed from Siliya Village in the area of TA Fukamapiri in Nkhata Bay District.

A 22 year old man has strangled to death his girlfriend identified as Suzeni Malodza after disagreement emerged between the two. Dedza Assistant Police Spokesperson Cassim Manda has confirmed of the development in an interview with the press and identified the suspect as Jonasi Anacklet who is currently in police cell. According to Manda,the deceased was a sex worker plying her trade at Kabowola Bar within Dedza township. It is said that the suspect went to the bar and took the deceased to his house at Airfield where disagreement erupted, leading to her strangulation. Manda said post-mortem examination on Susan’s body has showed well-developed signs of asphyxia, consistent with fingers and thumbs being placed on the front of the neck.

At least 400 primary and 200 secondary schools in the country have no access to water sources, a development that may negatively affect the fight against the spread of Covid-19 when schools re-open from September 7 this year. This was disclosed Thursday in Mzimba when Minister of Education, Science and Technology Agnes Nyalonje went to see the measures being put in place to curb the spread of the virus when schools re-open. However, Nyalonje was quick to state that they have put in place deliberate measures where, for instance, communities and leaners in these schools will be bringing their own water while the ministry, with support from non state actors such as Water Aid is working towards providing water to the affected institutions.

A rapid assessment is underway aimed at tracing the authenticity of increased reports of teenage pregnancies in the country. Plan International Malawi is among organisations that have launched an assessment on the development. Reports indicate that since the closure of schools due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the country has recorded over 10,000 teenage pregnancies

The government has issued a stern warning against contractors who erect substandard structures out of funds sourced by community based organizations. The stern warning came when Minister of Tourism, Culture and Wildlife Michael Usi handed over a teacher’s house in Salima district. The house was built by the Mangochi-Salima Lake Park Association (MASALAPA) with finances generated from the Lake Malawi National Park tourist operations. MASALAPA Chairperson Brighten Ndawala told the gathering that they spent K4 million to construct the house. But in reaction, Usi called the building substandard for a K4 million budget before demanding a breakdown of the expenditure.

Malawian playmaker Andrew Malisero has signed for Kenyan side Gor Mahia, the club has announced. After signing a three-year deal, Andrew becomes the first Malawian national to play for K’Ogalo. He has signed from African Warriors FC of South Africa. The former Surestream Academy player, has already turned out for the Malawian Under 20 side. Andrew can play both as an attacking midfielder and striker and will provide much needed attacking options to the team, a statement on the club website reads.

President Lazarus Chakwera will deliver his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) during the opening of 49th session of parliament today in the capital Lilongwe. In a press statement seen by CityLenz, the event is expected to start at 10:00 am. The opening of the new Session will coincide with the opening of the Budget Meeting of the National Assembly to consider the 2020/2021 national budget. Social commentators have said they are expecting Chakwera to address pertinent issues affecting the livelihood of the citizenry in his inaugural SONA. President Chakwera will present his first SONA in parliament today after assuming the presidency in June this year. During this parliament sitting, Minister of Finance Felix Mlusu is also expected to present the 2020/2021 national budget.

The Constitutional Court sitting in Lilongwe has today ruled that the planned lockdown by the former ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) was unconstitutional. The three-judge panel has also recommended that in future, before any lockdown is imposed, practical and realistic measures should be put in place to cushion social economic needs of the poor.

Authorities in Phalombe have challenged traditional leaders to take a leading role in the fight against early marriages. Phalombe District Youth Officer, Ian Sukali has told Zodiak Online, Wednesday that some traditional leaders are not active in their respective areas in dissolving early marriages. Sukali said an assessment which was conducted by a committee mandated to dissolve early marriages established that mother groups are facing challenges because some local leaders are not in the fore front. “We would want to appeal to some local leaders to join the fight against early marriages so that boys and girls should continue schooling” said Sukali. He made the remarks when a local organization, Linguni Hope for Youth in partnership with some stake holders dissolved 30 child marriages in the area of Group village headman Mphonde in the district. Group Village Headman Mphonde vowed to continue working with some stakeholders to end early marriages despite facing resistance from some pare

The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has started reviewing polling procedures, manual and forms. MEC Commissioner Retired Major Steve Duwa who opened the meeting on Wednesday said it is important to start reviewing polling procedures, manual and forms in compliance with the law and judgment of the February 3, 2020 Presidential Elections case. “The commission might be doing right things but if not supported by law will once again put it at fault and be challenged in court. For example, the issue of having Constituency Tally Centres was unanimously agreed by elections stakeholders but the courts found them illegal,” said Duwa. The meeting has been financially supported by International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES). IFES country Officer Martin Chiphwanya said apart from financing MEC in trainings, the organization is also a technical component in its support towards MEC activities. “IFES agrees with all stakeholders that said the Fresh Presidential Elections Malawi held on 23r

Minister of Tourism, Culture and Wildlife Dr. Michel Usi has urged the African Parks, operators of Liwonde National Park, to end wildlife-human conflict which has been experienced for a long time. Usi made the call on Wednesday on a familiarisation tour of Liwonde National Park where among other things he was briefed on the park’s activities, taken to the park’s control room and later flown around the Liwonde National Park on a helicopter to appreciate the park area. He emphasised on the need for involving traditional leaders in dealing with wildlife-human conflict which he said is ideal as a lasting solution to the problems to be dealt with ‘once and for all.’ The minister suggested that chiefs should also involve their subjects in finding lasting solutions to the problem which he said has been there for ages. “I am aware that Government and African Parks have been in this partnership for some years and over the years this partnership has grown from strength to strength,” the ministe

The Lilongwe First Grade Magistrate's Court has sentenced a notorious thief to one year imprisonment with hard labour (IHL) for stealing police kit and a laptop from a police officer's car. Lilongwe Police Station Public Relations Officer, Sergeant Foster Benjamin, said the convict, Gift Mtambalika, 40 years old, was found guilty on Tuesday before Magistrate Diana Mangwana. “The court through State Prosecutor Sub-Inspector Bauleni Namasani heard that a police officer, who is based at Central West Region Headquarters, parked his vehicle at Game Complex Mall and went shopping. “On his return, the officer discovered his car had been forcibly opened and his laptop bag missing,” Benjamin said. The laptop bag contained a laptop, police identification card, handcuff, button stick, police torch, national identification card, two ATM cards and K60, 000 cash. Upon his arrest, Mtambalika led the police to Sana Shop in Area 2 where he had deliberately left the stolen bag at the shop with

Leadership squabbles continue to rock the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) as member of the National Governing Council (NGC) have come on the open to push for an early convention to replace former President Peter Mutharika. The development comes barely a week after former DPP Secretary General Grezeldar Jeffrey also back calls for convention. The grouping has also asked the National Executive Committee (NEC) to dissolve recent appointment made during the emergency meeting held at Mutharika’s retirement home in Mangochi. The grouping claims that NEC has no powers to fire and hire members who were duly elected during the convention. But newly appointed spokesperson Brown Mpinganjira claims he is not aware of the grouping. Mpinganjira went further by claiming that Mutharika will soon call for an NGC meeting where some burning issues in the party will be resolved. Since losing the fresh Presidential polls on June 23, 2020, DPP has been embroiled in leadership squabbles.

Political commentator, Enerst Thindwa says the former ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) needs a new leader for the party to stand a chance of bouncing back and rule this country again. The remarks come after the recent shake up which have taken place in the party where Grezelder Jeffrey was fired as Secretary General and Ben Phiri stepped down as director of Elections. Thindwa added that the party’s leader, Peter Mutharika should retire from politics and hold no other position in the party in older for the party to democratically identify the new leader. “In as long as Mutharika maintains his place the Democratic process to identify the leader will not be adhered to therefore that will have an impact on the leadership and leader to be which will negatively impact on the prospects of DPP going forward,” said Thindwa He further added that DPP run the risk of taking the same path as Alliance for Democracy (Aford) and United Democratic Front (UDF) “Aford and UDF the mistake they ma

a panel of 3 high court judges is slated to deliver its judgment in a case in which some concerned citizens dragged government to court over its decision to impose a 21 day lockdown as a Covid-19 preventive measure earlier this year. In April this year, HRDC, Church and Society and 4 other concerned citizens obtained an injunction restraining government from enforcing the 21 day lockdown during the Peter Mutharika leadership. The applicants arguing that government had failed to clearly give out directions as to how Malawians would survive during the lockdown period. They also argued that then Health Minister of Health, Jappie Mhango erred by imposing guidelines on the judiciary and parliament which are independent arms. Later, the matter was referred to the constitutional court where it was heard by a panel of 3 judges namely Fiona Mwale, Dorothy DeGabriealle and Ken Manda. One of the lawyers representing HRDC has confided in MIJ that judgment in the matter is ready and will be deliver

In a bid to reduce road accidents in the district, Mangochi Police Station has embarked on intensive awareness campaigns which will target all road users. The initiative rolled out on Wednesday at Namwera Trading Centre where 38 motorcyclists were engaged. Speaking during the meeting, Mangochi Police Station Traffic Officer, Rhodes Chitera urged the motorcyclists to adhere to traffic rules at all times. Chitera outlined that, almost 60% of the road accidents in the district involve the motorcyclists due to non compliance to road traffic rules. Chitera advised the motorcyclists to put on crush helmets, reflecting jackets, insure and register their motorcycles, get riding licence, avoid carrying more than one pillion passenger and follow proper riding of their motorcycles to avoid accidents. Adding up, Traffic Sub Inspector Maxwell Sabola urged the motorcyclists to be vigilant when operating their businesses as some criminals pretend to be customers with an aim of robbing or killing them

Social commentators are expecting President Lazarus Chakwera to address pertinent issues affecting the livelihood of the citizenry in his inaugural State of the Nation Address (SONA). President Chakwera will present his first SONA in parliament tomorrow after assuming the presidency in June this year. During this parliament sitting, Minister of Finance Felix Mlusu is also expected to present the 2020/2021 national budget.

About 1127 households in Mangochi are benefiting from Malawi Red Cross Society (MRCS) support following the outbreak of Coronavirus which has heavily affected their financial well-being. The Society is giving money to poor families from Mangochi in Traditional Authority Jalasi according to government data to cushion them from the effects of the pandemic. Speaking during the donation, MRCS Communications and Humanitarian Diplomacy Specialist Felix Washon said the support is targeting vulnerable households in the district who cannot support themselves. “These people were selected by government’s unified beneficially registry which is data collected by government that describes the different categories of poverty such people are experiencing,” he explained. According to Washon, the beneficiary households were supposed to be in government's Social cash transfer programme, but they are not on the list hence the intervention. He expressed satisfaction over the money distribution program

In an effort to make families of lower Neno food secure and migrate them from low income to middle income citizens, World Vision International Malawi has distributed 300 goats to sixty families in a Pass-On program. The organisation says a total of two thousand goats will be distributed in the program. Its Programs Support and Strategy Manager Innocent Pendame said World Vision came up with the initiative after noticing that lower Neno favours animal farming due to its weather pattern, which is dry-hot, as opposed to crop farming. One of the beneficiaries, Dorris Zakaliya who received five goats, thanked the organisation saying the livestock will help her and her two children. Neno Agriculture Environment and Natural Resources Officer Patrick Msiyambiri advised the beneficiaries to take good care of the goats for the program to sustain. Lower Neno encompasses the Areas of Senior Chief Symon, Kamwamba, Zalewa, Lisungwi, Chifunga Matope and Midzemba.

Credit: Manna Machinga District Council has oriented 21 chiefs in the district on their roles and responsibilities on social issues and on COVID-19 pandemic in order to ensure that they discharge their duties to satisfy the needs of their subjects. The one-day orientation meeting covered topics such as Chiefs Act, deceased estate, relationship between chiefs and public officers, child marriage, conflict management and Covid-19 pandemic. Machinga District Commissioner (DC), Rosemary Nawasha, said the orientation was organised to remind chiefs of their critical role in development in their respective communities. Nawasha said traditional leaders need to be knowledgeable on various social issues to ensure they respond well to the needs of their subjects. “Chiefs are the ones who inform and mobilise their subjects to take part in development activities, they promote the welfare of their subject, promote culture and perform other traditional functions,” she said. The DC said aMachinga D