CityLenz News

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.

Flames ace Frank Gabadinho Mhango has claimed the Golden Boot accolade with Orlando Pirates in South Africa's top tier league. Mhango netted his 16th goal in Pirates’ 1-0 win over Stellenbosch on Saturday the last day of the season to tie with Highlands Park's Namibian striker Peter Shalulile. Mamelodi Sundowns are the winner of the league.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has said that once a Covid-19 vaccine is approved, Africa will get at least 220 million initial doses. The first batch will prioritise front-line healthcare workers and vulnerable groups, according to the WHO Africa Program Area Manager Richard Mihigo. He said distribution will be based on the population of each country. Mr Mihigo said all 54 countries had expressed interest in a Covid-19 vaccine. Africa has a population of more than 1.3 billion people. The global vaccine initiative, called COVAX, intends to help purchase and fairly distribute 2 billion doses of approved vaccines by the end of 2021. The initiative has nine vaccine candidates that are being tested globally. Two of the vaccine candidates are currently being tested in Africa, according to the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) boss Richard Hatchett.

The Malawi Electoral Commission says by-elections in five constituencies will be held on 10 November, 2020. Here are the constituencies. Mangochi West which fell vacant on 20th December, 2019 Mangochi North East which fell vacant on 8th June, 2020 Phalombe North which fell vacant on 22nd June, 2020 Lilongwe North West which fell vacant on 8th May, 2020, and Karonga Central which fell vacant on 16th July, 2020 The Commission will hold meetings in all the five constituencies on 10 September, 2020 to meet with all stakeholders regarding this process.

Today's #Covid19 situation in #Malawi New cases: 3 No new deaths ( 175 total deaths) No new recoveries ( 3,551 total) Total active cases: 1,888 Total confirmed cases: 5,614 New tests: 152 (Total tests, 46,636)

Schools in the country, officially open today with government expressing satisfaction with the state of preparedness for the reopening which has come after five months. All education institutions were sealed in March as a preventative measure against the spread of Covid-19. But the Ministry of education says it is impressed with the preparedness of schools as they will be reopening tomorrow. According to Chikondano Mussa principal secretary in the ministry of education, they are hopeful all schools have the capacity to open now as measures have been monitored by government. Meanwhile, in the past 24 hours, the country has registered three new Covid19 cases, no new recoveries, and no new deaths. All new cases which involve Two Mozambican truck drivers and one Malawian driver were identified at the Mwanza border during routine screening. This now means that in total, the country has recorded 5,614 cases including hundred and seventy five deaths. Of these cases, 1,133 are imported infecti

Police at Mponela in Dowa are keeping in custody a 47-year-old man for allegedly attempting to deposit counterfeit money with a face value of K440,000 in K2,000 notes into an Airtel Money account. Mponela Police spokesperson Inspector Kaitano Lubrino has told Zodiak Online that the suspect, Chimwemwe Masanje from Chioza Village, T/A Kayembe in the district, allegedly approached an Airtel Money agent at Nambuma Trading Center to deposit the cash into value but the agent refused after realising that the notes were counterfeit. He added that working on a tip from a well-wisher, the Police rushed to the scene where they arrested the suspect and confiscated the fake notes.

The Department of Disaster Management Affairs DoDMA has moved in to assist the 52 households in Nkhata Bay whose houses and property were torched in a fracas over land which saw two people killed on Monday. Group Village Headman Nkungulo and Village Headwoman Kalonga, who thanked government for the timely response, say the affected villagers are still in desperate need of temporary shelters, clothes, soap and other sanitary materials for women. District Disaster Officer Taonga Kamanga has confirmed to Zodiak Online that each of the affected families has received a 50 Kilogram bag of rice, a plastic bucket, four plastic plates and five plastic cups together with 9.5 meter plastic roll for roofing. Police Officer-In-Charge for Nkhata Bay, Assistant Commissioner Macpherson Nthenda has assured the community of continued police presence in the area to ensure the restoration of peace, law and order.

A grouping of Pastors and Sheikhs in Dedza has called on parliamentarians not to pass into law the safe abortion bill when it is presented in parliament. Earlier this week, Chairperson of the Parliamentary Health Committee Dr Mathews Ngwale told a meeting of Safe abortion advocates that an amended bill could be presented during this sitting of parliament. But Chairperson of the Dedza Pastors Fraternal, Moses Chikuta, has told Zodiak Online that Malawi is a God fearing country hence no need to legalise safe abortion in the country. Proponents of the law on safe abortion, however, argue that without it, many women die due to complications that arise from unsafe abortions.

DREAM Community of Saint Egidio has intensified awareness campaign on HIV Prevention of Mother To Child Transmission (PMTCT) in Thyolo where local leaders discourage home deliveries and other unsafe delivery practices. DREAM Project Field Officer in Thyolo, Evison Mwenda said the campaign aims at supporting government- initiated campaign on PMTCT. Mwenda was speaking in Magombo Village on Friday during the PMTCT awareness campaign amid increasing cases of HIV transmission from mother to child. “We are here to raise awareness on protection of the child from HIV transmission, as cases of mother to child HIV transmission are escalating,” Mwenda said. He said that was why DREAMS Community of Saint Egidio came in to compliment government efforts in reducing the transmission. The organisation hopes to implement PMTCT activities so that in ten years, issues of mother to child HIV transmission should be history in Nchiramwera area in the district. “We’re here to sensitise people on PMTCT so th

There are fears that around 709 learners will not go back to school in Chikwawa as the institutions are set for reopening this Monday, Malawi News Agency (MANA) has learnt. Records from the District Education Office show that out of the 709, about 632 are girls who have fallen pregnant in the period schools were closed due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Director of Education, Youth and Sports in the district, Chrissie Chimsale disclosed the figures at a meeting held recently in the district. “Girls in the district have been sexually abused since schools were closed due to the pandemic,” said Chimsale. She said most girls are in early marriages, adding that the girls were not well prepared as schools were closing. "We expect that 709 learners are likely drop out of school in the district, mostly due to early marriages and pregnancies during the period the schools were closed due to COVID-19 pandemic,” she added. She said the right to education is compromised, especially among girls w

A 59-year-old man was slapped with a 10-year jail term on Friday at Namwera in Mangochi District for impregnating a 27-year-old mentally challenged woman. First Grade Magistrate Court sitting at Namwera heard that the man, George Chambo, was arrested in June, 2020, after it was revealed that he had slept with and impregnated the mentally challenged woman. Namwera Police Prosecution In-Charge, Sub-Inspector Blessings Madikhula said a sister to the impregnated woman noted some changes on her sister and this prompted her to query. “When quizzed, the mentally challenged woman disclosed that the accused had slept with her several times. The matter was reported to Masuku Police unit,” explained Madikhula. “The mentally challenged woman was referred to Bwananyambi Health Centre for examination, and it was later confirmed that she had a seven-month-old pregnancy,” he added. This led to the arrest of Chambo on charges of having sexual intercourse with and impregnating a mentally challenged woma

First Grade Magistrate Court in Ntcheu has convicted and sentenced a minibus driver to pay five different fines with custodial sentence in default, and a six months custodial sentence without an option of a fine for intimidating traffic police officers whilst on duty. The court, through state prosecutor, sub inspector Kesten Chimwala, heard that on September 2, three Sharpevale traffic police officers were on duty along Balaka-Salima M5 road at Chisoni village. 35 year-old James Mbendera, who was driving a Nissan Vanette Minbus registration number DZ 8823, was stopped. Upon checking, officers detected four different offences, and was told to pay the fines. But, in a twist of events James Mbendera, started insulting the officers with abusive words. He also challenged the officers that he cannot pay the fines. Furthermore, he warned that he will kill each of the officers with his vehicle whenever they attempt to stop him again. So, when he tried to jump into his vehicle and starts off,