Daily News Online

02/02/2025

Happy Sunday Daily News family!

01/02/2025

Two arrested for illegal manufacturing of maize flour

Police in Nkhata Bay District have arrested two men for allegedly being found producing and selling counterfeit maize flour, contravening Malawi Bureau of Standards Act.

The suspects have been identified as Jona Mwale aged 28, of Masautso Village, Traditional Authority Mkanda in Mchinji and his accomplice Martin Soko 35, of Phangwa Village, Traditional Authority Malengachanzi in Nkhotakota.

The arrest followed a tip-off on January 31, 2025 about the presence of a business man (Mwale) at Mpamba trading centre in the district who was found at Silva Wholesale offering for sale the fake fortified A1 Cream of Maize flour which is actual brand of Rab Processors Limited.

Mwale was found with nine (9) bales of the said fake maize flour each containing 10, 2Kgs packets labelled A1 Cream of Maize.

Upon being quizzed further, Mwale revealed that they produce the commodity with his accomplice Martin Soko who resides in Mzuzu. He led the team of investigators at Kaviware in Mzuzu where an arrest of the accomplice was effected.

Soko was found with 369, 2Kgs empty plastic packets bearing A1 Cream of Maize label, a digital weighing scale and an Impulse sealer used for sealing the packets.

The duo have apparently been charged with manufacturing of commodity without authority which is contrary to section 29(1) of Malawi Bureau of Standards Act.

They will appear in court after paper work.

Further investigations are underway to trace and apprehend those who were providing the suspects with the empty packets belonging to Rab Processors Limited illegitimately.

CREDIT:
Sergeant Kondwani James
Nkhata Bay Police PRO

01/02/2025

Man arrested for duping Magistrate in fake Facebook estate agency deal

LILONGWE: Lilongwe Police has arrested a42 years old, Damiano Nkhoma for duping a certain Magistrate of K400,000 on the pretext that he was a property agent who had secured him a house for rent in the capital.

According to Lilongwe police spokesperson, Hastings Chigalu, in July last year when the victim was transferred to work at Lilongwe Magistrate court, he contacted Nkhoma after coming across the suspect’s details on Facebook that he was a property agent based in the capital city.

Chigalu said a few days later, the suspect told the Magistrates that he was free to move his family to Lilongwe, lying that the suspect had secured a house for the victim’s accommodation in Area 49.

“However, he asked the Magistrate to first send K250,000 meant for rentals, K100,000 as agent fee, and K50,000 for other logistics.

Little did the Magistrate know that he was releasing rentals fees to a phone contact of the suspect’s fellow trickster who posed as a landlord of the apartment Nkhoma claimed to have secure” He said.

Chigalu also stated that when the victim and his family arrived in Lilongwe with a loaded truck of household property, both the suspect, and the so called landlord’s phone could not be reached, a development thaat rendered the victim helpless and forced the family to seek temporary shelter at their relation’s house in town.

Since the incident in July last year, the two con men have been on the run, only for the first suspect to be nabbed on Friday, interestingly when detectives asked the suspect if he knew in advance that the person he duped is a court Magistrate, he said he was well aware since they first introduced to each other.

Meanwhile, Area 3 Police detectives are still hunting for the other suspect.

Damiano Nkhoma is expected to appear in court next week to answer a case of fraud other than false pretense.

Mana

01/02/2025

Private sector investment crucial for megafarms – Kawale

LILONGWE: Minister of Agriculture Sam Kawale says private sector investment is crucial for Malawi's megafarms initiative, aligning with Malawi 2063 for economic stability.

The minister made these remarks during a briefing organized and hosted by the Minister of Information and Digitalisation, Moses Kunkuyu, Friday, at Golden Peacock hotel, where four ministers from Labour, Agriculture, Trade and Tourism were present to provide details to Malawians on initiatives being implemented by their respective ministries.

Kawale emphasized that the future of megafarms is in the hands of the private sector as government alone cannot accomplish everything.

“Our President Lazarus Chakwera was concerned with the old farming system which was mostly operated by small farmers who were involved in subsistence farming which is contrary to Malawi 2063, hence bringing farming into commercial farming to move forward by indulging in Mega farms to have bumper yields,” he said.

He disclosed that farmers who wish to run mega farms should have at least 20 hectares and be registered to Mega farm support unit to acquire a certificate adding that as of now at least 2000 famers are benefiting from the initiative here in Malawi in different districts.

He stated that as of now, Salima district has almost 200 hectares while Nkopola in Mangochi there are 800 hectares under megafarms. Adding that as of now more farmers have benefited from the megafarms which is a big up to the nation of Malawi."

According to Kawale, with over 2,000 farmers already benefiting from the megafarms initiative, Malawi's agricultural sector is poised for significant growth in line with Malawi 2063 development blueprint.

By Austin Kananji-MANA

01/02/2025

Two police officers; Stanley Chigaru and Charles Mbewe and and businessman Mavuto Chikhwaza in Mulanje who were charged with eight counts related to neglect of official duties and grievous harm have been found with a case to answer.

Chikhwaza allegedly tied both arms of a 13 year boy with a rubber belt and took him to Misanjo police formation where the two police officers allegedly kept him in their hands for three days without untying him.

This led to severe injuries of both arms of the boy and he was consequently amputated his both limbs.

In delivering his ruling on Friday, Resident Magistrate Gift Clement Msume said the evidence that the state presented before the court was sufficient to call upon the three accused persons to enter their defence.

The state through Counsels Josephine Gwaza and Samuel Chisanga from the office of Director of Public Prosecutions said they are happy with the ruling while Counsel Hannif Aufi representing the accused declined to comment on the ruling.

ZBS

01/02/2025

Nkhani M'chichewa
Ochita malonda ogulitsa matupi ati akweza mitengo ya malonda awo kaamba ka kusowa kwa mafuta komanso kugwa kwa kwacha.

Mitengoyi yakwera with immediate effect from February 1.

1. Plain (overnight): K50, 000

2. Plain (short time): K30, 000

3. With condom (overnight): K30, 000

4. With condom (short time): K15, 000
Discount: K10, 000

5. Any style (short time): K20, 000

6. Th*****me: K60, 000

Malawi Voice

01/02/2025

ESCOM SLAMS CUSTOMERS WITH 16% TARIFF HIKE

The Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM) has announced a whopping 16% tariff increase, effective immediately.

The hike, which ESCOM claims will help improve service delivery, is part of a four-year base tariff approved by the Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA) in 2023.

But consumers are not buying it. Many have taken to social media to express their outrage and frustration, citing the already high cost of living in Malawi.

"This is a slap in the face for ordinary Malawians who are already struggling to make ends meet," said one disgruntled customer. "How can ESCOM justify such a massive increase when their service is still so unreliable?"

The tariff hike is set to affect households, businesses, and industries across the country, and many are bracing themselves for the financial impact.

As one business owner put it, "This increase will be passed on to consumers, which means prices for goods and services will go up. It's a vicious cycle that will hurt everyone."

01/02/2025

Ndege yonyamula anthu odwala yagwa pafupi ndi nyumba yogulila katundu m'dela la philadelphia mu dziko la America.

Ndengeyi yomwe inanyamula anthu asanu ndi modzi yagwa patangotha kanthawi kochepa itasiya kuwoneka pa makina oyang'anila momwe ndege ikuyendela.

Malipoti akusonyeza kuti palibe wapulumuka pa ngoziyo.

Izi zikudza pomwe masiku apitawa anthu ena 64 aluzaso miyoyo, ndege yonyamula anthu itagwa potsatira kuwombana ndi ndege ya asilikali mu m'dera la Washington DC mdziko lomweli la America.

Wolemba: Charles Jimu

01/02/2025

Apolisi amanga mnyamata wa zaka 19-Mike Hara chifukwa chomupeza ali ndi mfuti mopanda chilolezo.

Mneneri wa Polisi ya Mzimba a Maria Banda wati apolisi amafufuza mlandu wokhudza kubedwa kwa njinga yamoto, ndipo atapita kofufuza ku nyumba ya mnyamatayu ku Masasa M'mzinda wa Mzuzu, ndipamene anamupeza ali ndi mfutiyi.

A Banda ati munthuyu amagwiritsa ntchito mfutiyi kuopseza anthu pa nthawi yakuba.

Hara amachokera mmudzi mwa Kapokolo, mfumu yaikulu Kampingo Sibande m'bomali la Mzimba.

Times

31/01/2025

Stakeout to host Noche Mexicana

BLANTYRE: Stakeout Entertainers Promotion has organised a cultural cooking showcase, Noche Mexicana, on February 2 at Amaryllis Hotel in Blantyre to bring an authentic taste of Mexican culture to Malawi.

Managing Director of Stakeout Entertainers, Temwa Banda, told Malawi News agency (Mana) that the event seeks to provide a cultural exchange through food, games and festivities.

“We want to take our guests to Mexico for a night, offering them an opportunity to enjoy the richness of Mexican traditions and to create lasting memories through the food that will be available,” he said.

Banda explained that Noche Mexicana translates to Mexican Night, a name that perfectly captures the essence of the event, which will be a night dedicated to celebrating the vibrant culture and spirit of Mexico in Malawi.

He added that guests should look forward to an exciting night filled with interactive games like Limbo and a vibrant piñata experience.

“Adding to the authenticity, Chef Rosse, straight from Mexico, will prepare traditional Mexican dishes, giving everyone a true taste of Mexico. Expect colourful decorations, lively music, and an atmosphere full of fun and culture,” according to Banda.

In a separate interview with Mana, headlining Chef, Rosalba Ortega said the event was inspired by people's growing interest in Mexican culture and cuisine.

“This time, we don’t want to showcase only food. We want to create a real fiesta (party) with music from Mexico and DJs creating an incredible atmosphere,” Ortega added.

She urged attendees to come and experience an unforgettable Mexican celebration, complete with traditional piñatas, the Limbo dance, and a few surprises.

By Agatha Kadzinje-MANA

31/01/2025

Ministry of Health has urged its stakeholders to strengthen their health finances for them to be independent and stop relying on donations only.

Speaking during the handover ceremony of vehicles and medical equipments to it's stakeholders funded by the Global Fund, Minister of Health Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda said her ministry has already launched it's health financing strategy which will help them to source funds on their own.

"As a ministry we sat down and discussed how we can source funds from what we get from the Ministry of Finance, so we came up with a financing strategy, I also urge the stakeholders to come up with their own strategy, incase donors decide not to support them, their work should not stop," she said.

She also urged the stakeholders to have a proper maintenance policy, to ensure sustainability.

In her remarks Manager for Global Fund and Gavi Implementation Unit in the Ministry of Health Doreen Sanje said, Global Fund has been a true partner to the Government of Malawi through it's various grants such as Tuberculosis, Malaria and Covid grants.

"It is through the Covid grants that we have been able to procure these vehicles and medical equipments. Global Fund wants to see the money given being used for the intended purpose," she explained.

Ministry of Health handed over vehicles and medical equipments worthy $5.3 million to Malawi Defence Force, Malawi Police, Christian Health Association (CHAM) Civil Society Organisations, Mzuzu central hospital, Kasungu District hospital, Bwaila and Mangochi hospitals.

31/01/2025

The Minister of Higher Education, Dr. Jessie Kabwila and the Minister of Basic and Secondary Education, Madalitso Kambauwa Wirima are today presiding over Malawi's commemoration of National Day of Education at Katoto Secondary School in Mzuzu.

The event is being celebrated under the theme, " Artificial Intelligence and Education: Preserving human agency in a world of automation."

Upon arrival, the two ministers inspected pavillions mounted by educational institutions among others showcasing innovations in line with this year's theme.

Principal Secretary for Basic and Secondary Education, Dr. Rachel Chimbwete Phiri, Director of Quality Assurance Services; Associate Prof. Golden Msilimba, Director of Science Technology and Innovation; Associate Prof. Chomora Mikeka, Director of Administration; Steve Chikopa, Director of Teacher Education and Development; Dr. Zizwa Msukuma, Director of Open Distance and E Learning; Associate Professor, Joshua Valeta, Deputy Director of Inclusive Education Lucy Magagula are among senior officials from the Ministry of Education attending the event at Katoto Secondary School in Mzuzu.

-Malawi Government-

31/01/2025

Reports emerging from a plane crash that occurred on Wednesday in the United States of America, outside Washington D.C, show no signs of survivors.

Reported by Charles Jimu

31/01/2025

Bambo wa zaka 26 ku Area 36 ku Lilongwe ali mmanja mwa apolisi chifukwa chomuganizila kuti adagwilira komanso kupha mlamu wake wa zaka 13.

Malingana ndi mneneri wa polisi ya Lilongwe a Hastings Chigalu, oganizilidwayu, a Tsisa Mbangali adadzuka m'bandakucha ndikuuza akazi awo kuti mnyumba mwawo mwalowa munthu.

Atadzuka, anapeza kuti mtsikanayu panalibe pamalo pamene amagona ndipo anapeza thupi lake mmunda wa chimanga omwe uli pafupi ndi nyumba ya ogazilidwayu.

Achipatala anapeza kuti thupi la mtsikanayu limatuluka magazi kumalo obisika komanso mphuno zimene zikuonetsa kuti anakhomedwa m'mutu ndi chitsulo.

Ndipo a Mbangali awamanga chifukwa apolisi atawunika, apeza kuti ngakhale iwo adawuza akazi awo kuti mnyumba mwawo munalowa munthu, panalibe chilichonse choyikira umboni kuti nyumbayi inaswedwa paliponse.

30/01/2025

𝐌𝐳𝐮𝐳𝐮 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐭 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐠𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟒 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬

The Senior Resident Magistrate Court in Mzuzu has set free Rashid Mfaume, who was arrested on suspicion of theft of mobile phones in January 2021. At that time, he was suspected of having stolen cellphones that were put on charge in a barbershop.

The incident occurred in Mzuzu and the phones were being charged in Zea Maize barbershop. Mfaume sought legal aid and when granted, he was represented in Court by Chief Legal Aid Advocate Chikondi Samuel Duke with assistance from Legal Aid Officer Alexander Kondowe.

In Court, the State paraded four witnesses to prove that Mfaume indeed stole the said mobile phones. The evidence of the State was accusing the Mfaume of having stolen phones that were put on charge by customers. This was on the basis that he was found in the barbershop at the time the owner realized that the phones were nowhere to be seen.

When he was found with a case to answer, he entered his defence through Counsel Duke and paraded two witnesses. Mfaume denied having played a hand in the missing of the phones.

The defense emphasized that the State did not prove its case beyond reasonable doubt because there was no evidence to show that the accused person had stolen the phones. Being found in the barbershop was not evidence enough to warrant a conviction.

On 30 January 2025, the Senior Resident Magistrate Court found that there was a lack of proper evidence to show that it was Mfaume who had taken the phones. He has since been acquitted after four years.

📷𝐶𝐿𝐴𝐴 𝐷𝑢𝑘𝑒 (𝑙𝑒𝑓𝑡) 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑀𝑓𝑎𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑢𝑡𝑠𝑖𝑑𝑒 𝐶𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑡 𝑎𝑓𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑎𝑐𝑞𝑢𝑖𝑡𝑡𝑎𝑙

30/01/2025

Fortune Milanzi laid to rest, may he rest in peace!

30/01/2025

Airtel Africa registers customer base growth in last quarter

NIGERIA: Airtel Africa says it has registered an increase in customer base in its last quarter that ended on December 31, 2024.

The statement which Airtel Africa released on Thursday indicates that the customer base increased by 7.9 percent.

“The total customer base grew by 7.9% to 163.1 million, data customer pe*******on continues to rise, with a 13.8% increase in data customers to 71.4 million, data usage per customer increased by 32.3% to 6.9 GBs, with smart-phone pe*******on increasing by 5.2% to reach 44.2%,” the statement indicates.

Read more at:

By Moses Nyirenda

30/01/2025

A passenger plane has crashed after colliding with a military helicopter in the United States of America.

The incident occurred near Reagan National Airport outside Washington D.C.

According to federal aviation officials, the plane carrying sixty passengers and four crew members collided mid-air with a Black Hawk military helicopter while approaching Reagan National Airport.

Military officials said the helicopter was participating in a training flight and had three people on board when the collision took place.

Meanwhile, a massive search operation is underway, and casualties are still unknown.

Reported by Charles Jimu