Malawians Enjoyed Luciano’s Show; Luciano Urge Malawi Artist to Remain Original

Luciano "Jah Messenger" did not give fans a dull performance Saturday night at Silver Stadium in the Capital Lilongwe. Some of those who patronized the show say Luciano performance was lively and he indeed made his lovely music come to life.

Luciano who appeared on stage at around 23:00 hours, was dressed in a Rastafarian pale cool brown khaki jacket and camouflage pair of trouser with military boot. He also had put on a conical hat while holding a Rastafarian walking stick on his left hand.

 

The ‘Jah Messenger’ remembered to great fans in Chichewa and could often times say “Zikomo!” (Tank you). Apart from his impressive dancing moves he did not forget to mention "Malawi" in almost more than 20 songs he performed.

Luciano did some somersault as he sings some of his unforgettable songs from various albums and in two occasions, he jumped out of stage to hug fans but with a block formed by security personnel’s they could not easily touch him.


With quality crystal clear sound system, Luciano was supported by South African Group in performing songs among them, Ulterior Motive, Lord Give Me Strength, Sweep Over My Soul, Who Could It Be and Knocking on Heavens Door.



In an interview immediately he finished his outstanding performance, Luciano asked Malawi artists to be original, “Write your own Music and be true” He added, “Aim for the sky, because sky has no limit”

Asked if he plans to collaborate with Malawian or African Artists Luciano replied, “Honestly I respect all Born Afrikan work and I really appreciate. Collaborating with that man on stage was a great vibes. It’s like a home coming for me, its family vibes really. I don’t feel like when am in Europe, I now feel like one with my people. Am going to share stage and productions along with this man, feeling the vibes”

 

About his coming he said “Oooh! It has been a great feeling man, it’s been long awaited and well anticipated. As people kept waiting for me I have been waiting also. So its anticipation from all side”

 

His last year decision to cancel the show following Ebola outbreak in Africa, Luciano said “It was not just Malawi it was an African tour that we had to postpone. We didn’t cancel it, because if we had canceled it we wouldn’t be here today. We postpone for a later date because, at the same time there was Ebola problem there was Chikungunya outbreak in Jamaica. And I caught Chikungunya, I had pain all over my joints.

 

He expressed strong desire to be back in Malawi just to have time with fellow Rastafarian Nyahbinghi’s, saying “I belong to something here”

Born Afrika performing

Born Afrikan owner of Born Afrikan productions has since expressed gratitude for support he is receiving from both Malawians and people from other countries who always participate in music shows he brings to Malawi.

“Am Happy with the turnout and support, I can’t ask for more” he said, “if there is more, then more will come”

“Look I don’t stay in Malawi and I can’t forget what Malawi is all about, I know Malawians love reggae as much as they love other genres of music, I bring them Reggae and am happy with the support”




 However, he said Born Afrikan Productions company will not be restricted in organizing only Reggae shows and bringing artists from Jamaica, but will also promote all genres of music whether Hip hop or House, “As much as Reggae is the core foundation for my company and being an artist, we will also give attention to promoting other types of music.”

Last year in December, Born African Productions also brought Fantan Mojah to Malawi.

Kandoje Spends Four Nights in Custody as Bail Hearing Expected on Monday at High Court

• The case has been committed to High Court and defense Lawyer was denied bail hearing by Senior Resident Magistrate Court 

• Kandoje charged with two counts is expected to apply for bail on Monday

The Malawi's Former Accountant General David Bill Kandoje will spend four nights in police custody as his lawyer failed to convince Lilongwe Senior Resident Magistrate Court to hear the bail application after the case had already been committed to High court.  

Kandoje, who was arrested on Thursday 26th March, 205 worked as Malawi Accountant General, appeared this Friday evening before Senior Resident Magistrate Patrick Chirwa for formal charge.

Immediately the court had read out his charges and understood by the defendant, the state prosecutor Imrani Saidi prayed that the case be committed to High Court arguing that circumstances and nature of the offense would be better in jurisdiction of the constitutional court.

Successfully, Senior Resident Magistrate Chirwa accepted the application by issuing a certificate of referring the matter to High Court.

However, defense counsel Khumbo Bonzo Soko asked the court to hear bail application. But Snr Patrick Chirwa while acknowledging that it is everyone’s right to apply for a bail but was quick to mention that having committed the case to proceed in High Court puts the lower court in a tricky situation and therefore could not hear bail application until such a time when the high court will make determination in such circumstances.

In an interview, the defense said would commence with bail application on Monday at the High Court.

David Bill Kandoje has been formally charged with two counts of Abuse of Public Office contrary to section 25B (1) of Corrupt Practices Act and Theft by Person Contrary to Section 283 (1) of the Penal Code.

The first charge particulars are that “David Kandoje in or around August 2013, being a public officer named Accountant General abused his office or position status authority as public officer by signing a cheque numbered 016148 containing the sum of K244 Million and another cheque numbered 016149 containing the sum of K255 property of Malawi government to his personal advantage and for the advantage of Stanford Mpoola the registered owner of Staddal Building Contractors when said Stanford Mpoola had not through his company provided any goods or rendered any services to government.

The particulars of second charge reads, “David Kandoje being person employed in the public service namely Accountant General stored K500 million property of Malawi government and that happened under his controlling custody.”

Kandoje was arrested on Thursday 26th July by Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB).

In a statement, the bureau said on 12th September, 2013, the Anti-Corruption Bureau received a complaint alleging that Government Officers at Capital Hill were making illegal entries in the Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS). But investigations by te bureau established that Mr. David Kandoje, the then Accountant General authorised payment of two cheques amounting to MK500m payable to Staddal Building Contractors without appropriate supporting documents.

The bureau further indicated that it was likely to charge him wit; One count of abuse of public office contrary to Section 25 B (1) of the Corrupt Practices Act; One count of procuring of a person for the improper payment of public money contrary to Section 88 g (1) of the Public Finance Management Act; and One count of theft contrary to Section 178 as read with Section 21 of the Penal Code.

Malawi Benefits From Disaster Risk Reduction UN Conference

The Malawi government is certain that the level of harm caused by this year’s worst flash floods would be significantly reduced if similar floods happen again anytime in future.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation hon Dr. George Chaponda has uttered the comment following his return from Japan where he attended the Third UN Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction where among other things he said, Malawi has learn a lot from other countries that had similar experience of floods.

The conference, reviewed progress made in the implementation of Hyogo Framework of Action (HFA) and to consider and adopt its successor, Post-2015 Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. 

Speaking on Thursday evening at a Press Conference at Capital Hill, Chaponda emphasized that it was necessary for Malawi to attend the summit following recent experience of floods which has left over 230 thousand people displaced as well as damages on property, crops and infrastructure.

“It became necessary to see what we would learn from this UN conference and also share experience with other countries that have been experiencing these issues.” He said, and assured that “It was a good learning experience”

“Agreement from the frameworks will help us to develop resilient measures so that when similar disaster happens again, we should not experience deaths and other serious damages” said Chaponda

The Foreign Affairs Minister, explained that the UN summit has given Malawi an opportunity to among others adopt new techniques on building good houses that can withstand flooding water, measures in dealing with affected people and use of modern metrological technologies that can detect and give early warnings of disaster occurrences.

He added that through JAICA, the Japanese government plans to assist Malawi in dealing with issues of water movements particularly in some parts of Lower Shire which are frequent with floods.

According to Chaponda, the conference also adopted the first major agreement of the Post-2015 Development Agenda, a far-reaching new framework for disaster risk reduction with seven targets which if successfully implemented, countries will achieve a substantial reduction of disaster risk and losses in lives, livelihoods and health.

Some of the targets are a substantial reduction in; global disaster mortality, numbers of affected people, damage to critical infrastructure and disruption of basic services; increased access to multi-hazard early warning systems and disaster information and assessments as well as enhanced international cooperation.

After attending the conference, Chaponda had several meetings with companies and governments where he invited them to assist and invest in Malawi.

After finishing his business in Japan, the Minister went to Namibia where he attended inauguration ceremony of President Hage Geingob.

2 Bodies Found Buried in Their Home, LL Police Arrest Man in Connection to Richard Master Murder

Two men were found dead and their bodies buried inside one of the three bedroom house they lived in, at Kaphiri, in Chiweza village in the Capital city, Lilongwe. Police have commenced investigations into this murder. 

One of the deceased was identified as a photographer Alex Makonyola aged 33 from Likhaka village of T/A Mwambo in Zomba while another person is only known as Patrick who is said to be the house boy of Alex.

According to Lilongwe Police Public Relations Officer, Sub Inspector Kingsley Dandaula, police suspects that the murder happened almost five to ten days before bodies were found on Tuesday 24th March 2015 saying they were in decomposed state.

Dandaula said on Monday, some members of community at Kaphiri informed Police on the matter after suspecting that Alex Makonyola was dead following a strong fetid smell from his house. But he said people in the area learnt of the development when a young boy who once stayed with Makonyola visited the house and informed neighbors that he found Makonyola’s house locked but an awful smell was coming out of it.

“When Police arrived and entered the house, could only locate the direction of the smell since the room was too dark to see anything inside” said the Sub Inspector Dandaula

“So we smashed part of the wall which was a brick sealed window, that’s when we saw the horrifying scene” he said, they saw what looked like a grave at the corner in that room and a shoulder protruding from the ground. 

He said upon dig up, they found body of Makonyola and another man which some members of the community have identified him as Patrick.

The Lilongwe Police PRO said Patrick was identified because of his necklace and not by face because the two bodies were already in decomposed state, of which he said failed medical doctors from Kamuzu Central Hospital to carry out the postmortem.

“We are investigating into this brutal murder to find the suspects and motive of doing such” said Dandaula who indicated that the two victims had severe injuries in the head leading to suspect that the murderers used heavy weapons.

The exhumed bodies have been buried by police at Chimwala cemetery behind Chimwala CCAP church.

Meanwhile Police in Lilongwe Area 36 Police Unit have arrested Tiyese James aged 22 from Kaondo village T/A Tsabango in Lilongwe in connection to March 13, 2014 murder of Richard Master aged 18 from Maloya village of T/A Chikowi in Zomba.

Lilongwe Police Public Relations Officer Sub Inspector Kingsley Dandaula says Richard Master was murdered in Area 36 and the suspect who is thought to be one of the members of Area 36 notorious group ’11 Bongo’s’ has been on the run since the crime was committed.

He will answer murder charges and other criminal activities he carried out together with 11 Bongo group.

Contractor Mis-Procurement for the Upgrade of Machinga, Chingale-Lilangwe Road Leading to More Sufferings: CCJP Urges Current Regime Not To Repeat Similar Decision

• Dr. Joyce Banda Govt misprocured contractor for the road

• Continued deaths enroute to hospital are among challenges

Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP) of Zomba Diocese says government choice to mis-procure contractor to upgrade the Machinga, Chingale-Lirangwe road to tarmac has not solved any long and increasingly sufferings of people from districts of Machinga, Zomba and Blantyre, rather another journey of misery.

The construction works for the road was stalled immediately when Peoples Party (PP) led Administration launched the upgrade of the road in March 2014, as Kuwait Fund withheld its resources after observing that Malawi government had flouted procedure by hiring a European contractor ‘Mota-Engil to do the upgrade works, tangent of the Loan agreement that ‘the contractor should be sourced from Arab country.’ 

The withheld money was a bill passed by the National Assembly in 2013 ‘Kuwait Fund Loan Authorisation’ valued at $10.2 million for the upgrading and rehabilitation of approximately 62.3km Machinga, Chingale-Lirangwe road to a tarmac by 2014 and then Deputy Minister of Finance hon Cornelius Mwalwanda signed the Loan agreement on 19 November, 2013.

Director for Zomba CCJP office Raphael Yusufu, says the stall, is continuously leading to frequent death among patients on their way to referral hospitals of; Zomba Central Hospital, Mlambe Hospital and Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital in Blantyre. 

Yusufu, further said Public as well as private servants are shunning away from working in the area; lack of viable markets even though the area is the food basket for Zomba, Machinga and Lunzu towns; and people are experiencing untimely delivery of materials such as school materials, agricultural commodities and FISP inputs when it rains because the road becomes impassable. 

While expressing disapproval of the decision made by then government and caution current government to refrain from committing such unjust procedure any time in future he said “Times for politicking is over and let us develop our nation by making sure that we respect all the due process required as stipulated in contracts signed with the cooperating partners.” 

“We have seen leaving of Mota-Engil from their designated camping site in Chipini without any explanation to the community. In addition, the road was to commence as soon as it was launched in March, 2014, however nothing has materialized on the ground.” observed Yusufu

Others who spoke to this reporter from Chingale Constituency, explained that in 2014, they had to cough in extra money to hire for a vehicle to carry their FISP inputs after the truck which was meant to deliver the same got stuck in Lirangwe and Pregnant women are still delivering along the way and patients dying on their way to referral hospitals. 

But in a recent interview, Minister of Transport and Public Works hon. Francis Kasaila acknowledged the problem but was quick to mention that current administration is in talks with Kuwait and that it has already removed Mota-Engil on the road site so that new procurement of Arab world contractor begins as per agreement of the loan. 

He said officials from Arab bank of Kuwait would be in Malawi by the end of March to finalize deal negotiations and within 90 days the Ministry would have all due processes finalized and by July latest the contractor could be on the ground.

“We are meeting with Kuwait Fund on how we move forward because they need to give us a go ahead, a no objection to procure another contractor. That process will definitely start as soon as we meet and agree on the way forward."

Kasaila equally expressed grief over the decision made by then government "It was a costly decision we have lost time, we had our relationship to save between us and the donors, because when you do mis-procurement you are putting yourself in bad light with donors as a country" 

The Minister, then said "Our colleagues in Lirangwe, Chingale and Machinga they have been expecting this construction works to start long time ago but nothing is on the ground”

“We should endeavor not to do that because it becomes sad, if that happens it is the country that loses resources, we have lost time as well. Therefore it is something that as government we have learned and we hope we will not repeat in the future." He assured

However, Zomba CCJP Director further reminds Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) government to live up to its promise of upgrading the road “Machinga-Chingale-Lirangwe is one of the priority roads promised in the DPP Manifesto and is high time they rise to the occasion by fulfilling their promises through ensuring that the socioeconomic rights of people living along this road is respected by giving them a tarmac road.”

Concerned people from areas along the road have gone to the extent of warning that if their road is not upgraded into tarmac by this regime, then they will campaign against voting for DPP and its candidates come 2019 elections.

Working with Communities in Tree Planting Helping Has Helped LL Council In Protecting Newly Planted Trees

Efforts in protecting the newly planted trees seem working with Lilongwe City Council east it boasts that working with communities no cases of uprooting of trees are being recorded this year.

The Lilongwe City Council says involving communities in Tree Planting this season has been the best alternative of protecting newly planted trees in the city.

The Council during this year’s tree planting season has been involving communities led by Chiefs in planting of trees in their communities.

Assistant Director in the Department of Parks, Repletion and Environment responsible for Forestry Activities in Lilongwe City Council, Mr. Lackson Chingana says the Council used communities is the wake of past experience where communities have been uprooting newly planted trees for fear that they will lose land for farming. 

He said current communities involvement in tree planting has develop the sense of ownership of the trees.

“As Lilongwe City Council, one of our mandates is to make sure that we are protecting environment within Lilongwe city, so as a department which is responsible for environmental rehabilitation, one of the programmes that we have put in place is to rehabilitate the environment by planting trees.”

“What we are doing right now is that we are trying to involve the community as one way of protecting trees. Though we have patrol team that goes around to make sure that people are not cutting down trees, but in the past we have observed that still when the trees are still small there are always uprooted.”

“So, we thought this time around we should involve the community, because if we involve the community in the tree planting programme we are instilling the spirit of ownership” adding that, “if somebody plants the tree will make sure that that tree is protected.”

He further said “Whereas we are involving them in tree planting we are as well sending the message to them to make sure that we protect the environment because if we don’t protect environment it is the very same community which is going to suffer.” 

Malawi Inflation Ease by 1.5% In February

The National Statistical Office (NSO) says February 2015 Malawi Consumer Price Indices (CPI) Dashboard is pegged at 19.7%.

The headline inflation for February 2015 stands at 19.7 percent compared to the headline inflation of 24.6 percent for the same period last year (February 2014). 

This figure show that, there is a decrease of 1.5 percent from last month (January 2015).

January Overall Inflation was at 21.20 while in the month of February was at 19.70

The urban and rural rates stand at 22.5 percent and 19.0 percent respectively.

Overall, food inflation stands at 19.0 percent from 21.5 percent in January 2015. 

"Although food prices have gone up the rate of increase is much lower than the corresponding rate in the same period last year, reads NSO statement "The decrease in non-food inflation is still emanating from mainly the effects of decline in fuel prices."

January Statistics Visavis February 

According to Reserve Bank of Malawi statistics:

January Overral Consumer Price Indices (CPI) was at 185.60 while in February is at 193.50

In the month of January, Food CPI was at 184.70 while February is at 195.00

January's Food Inflation was at 21.50 while February is at 19.00

This year's January Non-Food CPI was at 186.10 while in February is at 196.60

As of January 2015, Non-Food Inflation was at 20.80 while in February is at 20.40

CFTC Continues With Investigations into ‘Aqua Pure' Defective Water; Bowler Beverage Complying with Investigations

CFTC Continues With Investigations into ‘Aqua Pure' Defective Water; Bowler Beverage Complying with Investigations 

The Competition and Fair Trading Commission (CFTC) says Bowler Beverage Company alleged in selling of defective product a bottled water ‘Aqua Pure Water’ is complying to its on going investigations as the company has acknowledged of distributing of defective product.

Following increased consumer complaints, CFTC and the Ministry of Industry and Trade requested the Malawi Bureau of Standards (MBS) to conduct laboratory tests for Aqua Pure bottled water to determine its conformity with prescribed consumer safety standards, in particular MS 699- Mandatory Malawi Standard on Bottled Water other than Mineral Water Specification 

The request was in pursuit of the Commission's mandate of regulating, monitoring, controlling and preventing acts or behaviour which are likely to adversely affect competition and consumer welfare in Malawi as provided under the Competition and Fair Trading Act, 

Executive Director for the commission Charlotte Wezi Malonda said the commission is currently on preliminary stage of its investigations, which if it finds wrong doing by Bowler Beverage then the Commission together with other stakeholders would be involved in “trying to find ways of helping the company” 

The findings of laboratory tests showed that “Aqua Pure bottled water failed to comply with minimum standard requirements on total plate count and coliform bacteria.” Which essentially means that the Aqua Pure bottled water which Bowler Beverages Company Ltd was supplying into the market was certified unfit for human consumption by the bureau until it satisfies whatever requirements stipulated by MBS.

“As a Commission we are going to fully investigate the matter so that we see the extent of the defective product which was distributed on the market we received the complaint that there were some government departments that procured this product and they realized that after some time the product was having some residues in bottles, even though it had not been opened”

She said “Samples of the product were sent for testing to the bureau of standards and we requested the results which proved that indeed the product was not fit for consumption. We also understand that further action has been taken by the Malawi Bureau of Standards in relation to the production but our main concern is the distribution of the product which we feel is the breach of the law because according to the Act, an enterprise is not supposed to sell to a consumer the product which is not fit for human consumption.” 

Then CFTC ED said is pleased that Bowler Beverage has already acknowledged of distributing defective product “We have been provided with new information that, actually it is specific product manufactured within a specific period of time, so we are happy with the acknowledgement that has been made by the company, that some of their products did not pass the fitment test”

The commission’s action of recalling the product from the market Malonda said “We did not ban the product but we want the company to take the responsibility of the defective product and remove it from the market.”

She however said the commission is yet to find out if the company has completely removed its defected product on the market.

CFTC on March 11 2015, issued statement informing general public that it has instituted formal investigations against Bowler Beverages Company Ltd for alleged supply of products which are likely to cause injury to health or physical harm to consumers, when properly used or which do not comply with prescribed consumer safety standards contrary to Section 43(1)(e) of the Competition and Fair Trading Act. 

In light of the prima facie evidence on the standard of this product, and in the interest of protecting the public, the CFTC further advised Bowler Beverages Company Ltd, to immediately recall the product from the market given the substantial evidence provided by the MBS certifying that the product is unfit for human consumption.

Malawi Police Arrest a man Who Abandoned 29 Bags of Marijuana, Toyota Carina

Police in Nkhotakota finally arrests a man who has been on the run leaving behind a Carina vehicle which contained 29 bags of Cannabis Sativa

Police Public Relations Officer for Nkhotakota Police Station Williams Kaponda says the man identified as Matambo Gizito Chikwa has since been remanded to Nkhotakota Prison by Nkhotakota Magistrate Court on Thursday.

The officer says Chikwa was arrested in Blantyre on 17th March and is expected to reappear before court on Tuesday March 24, on charges of illegal found in possession of cannabis sativa.

Early this week police in the district reported that in the night of March 11, 2015 the alleged man abandoned a motor vehicle, Toyata Carina registration number NU 5592 at a snap roadblock near Mpondagaga trading centre in the district.

Police said a Toyota carina which was fast approaching at the police check-point stopped all over sudden and the driver ran away leaving the car behind.

A thoroughly check in the abandoned motor-vehicle, police discovered 29 bags of Indian-hemp and a drivers license baring the suspects particulars.

The Nkhotakota Police PRO says suspect Matambo Gizito Chikwa aged 32 who hails from Chikanje village, in Senior Chief Kanyenda area, of Nkhotaota district is exercising the right to remain silent in court.

Malawi Police Strategize to End Albino Attacks, Killings

• Strategies include; physical identification of households with people living with albinism as well as schools they go to

• Police condemns the albino killings

Kachama greeting President Mutharika

The Malawi Police Service has warned that it will not sit back and watch the misdemeanor of attacks, abductions and killings of people born albino as it says police are alert and ready to apprehend any person perpetrating such violence.

In an interview after President Peter Mutharika had addressed the nation on albino attacks on Thursday Inspector General of Police (IG) Lexten Kachama, said Commissioners from all regions of the country had a meeting where they devised strategies to completely end this crime and not reduce it.

“We the police are strongly condemning and warning all perpetrators of the unbecoming criminal behavior of killing, abducting and even selling people with albinism in the country and therefore wishes to strongly warn any would be perpetrators of such and barbaric acts that the police will not sit back and watch while this unbecoming and worrisome trend takes root in the country.”

Kachama then assured that the situation is currently being well managed as several strategies have been put in place by Police

He mentioned; physical identification of households with people living with albinism as well as schools where people with albinism goes to and engaging with traditional, religious and community leaders in support of efforts of protecting rights of people with albinism.

The Malawi Police IG further said police are enhancing Community Policing structures as well as mainstreaming issues of people living with albinism including enhancing intelligence collection to identify source, nature of markets and final destination of the alleged trade.

“We will provide maximum security in the country to all” he assured, “However we would like to urge parents, relations and guardians of people living with albinism to exercise extra security precautionary measures in protecting people with albinism at all times.”

“The community at large should also take a leading role by reporting suspects, suspected strangers whether trying propose marriage or pretending to be on business in their areas” he appealed and emphasized that “Police alone cannot succeed to combat this malpractice but with public support we can really succeed. Please everyone should take this noble cause assisting police as we are trying hard to end and not reduce these criminal acts”

Kachama, has thanked all stakeholders especially ministry of gender, the judiciary, traditional leaders and faith leaders for their efforts in this fight. He as well, expressed thanks general public for support given to police on tips that have assisted to arrest some of the suspects.

The IG has dispelled any myth that surrounds albino attacks and killings, “Regrettably, incidences of attacks against people living with albinism are allegedly fueled by beliefs that body parts of people with albinism bring good luck and fortune which is very unfortunate situation. What is important in this matter is to note that these people with albinism are just ordinary people like anyone else and that their body parts do not posses any supernatural powers.” 

Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security Hon. Paul Chibingu also echoed the IG’s appeal that the general public should play major role in providing information to police in order to end this malpractice.

Asked if Malawi is working closely with neighboring countries like Tanzania where albino attacks and killings were first reported before Malawi, the Minister said “At ministry level we haven’t yet contacted our friends how they have combated the problem but am sure in due course we will consult our friends to see if at all they have completely managed that problem and how they did it”

The most recent incidences of albino attacks happened in Zomba where a 2 year old baby with albinism was snatched from a fellow 10 year old sibling, but fortunately the baby was rescued by neighbors as the suspect tried to run away. Police have also arrested a suspect in Mangochi in connection with selling of his nephew with albinism who according to Inspector General of Police the suspect is assisting police as so far, eight suspects have been arrested connected to the issue of albinism.

Furthermore, another suspect named Saidi Mpunga aged 32 is in police custody in neighboring Mozambique answering murder charge of albino and is expected to be brought back to Malawi to answer another charge of killing an albino girlfriend in Mulanje.

Britain Committed in Empowerment of Malawi Youth Through ‘Zitheka!’

• Zitheka! Promotes entrepreneurship skills as one way of supporting Malawi economy

• British Council launched the programme on Thursday 

Michael Nevin 

The British High Commission to Malawi says remains committed in championing youth empowerment programmes as one way of supporting Malawi’s economy.

The UK government through British Council on Thursday launched ‘Zitheka!’ initiative (make happen), which aims at raising awareness of entrepreneurship amongst young Malawians and to encourage them to consider entrepreneurship as a viable route to employment for them and others.  The initiative, seeks to provide a forum to explore ideas, learn business skills, network with those who can provide support and above all motivate people to taking action.

In an exclusive interview British High Commissioner to Malawi, His Excellencey Michael Nevin says the launch of Zitheka! is a demonstration of Britain’s commitment in ensuring that Malawi youths have better skills and knowledge of how they can support themselves through entrepreneurship.

“This is not a large scale public works programme for the youth or anything like that but, what we are trying to do is to create a movement, attitude shift whilst also providing (particularly online), some tools, guidance and ideas for basically young people to do for themselves” said Mr. Nevin of this initiative

“As it has been quoted for so many times by ministers in the current government, it would be impossible for either the current private sector or government to provide jobs for such a large pool of young people. So, that means young people have got to side how they are going to help themselves”

The British High Commissioner then said Zitheka! “Is a target” trying to provide young Malawians with some guidance about how to help themselves so that they can also support Malawi economy.

“We have other programmes on economic development and agriculture sector” he said, “But this is particularly targeted on saying, Okay Young Malawians, the future is here but you've got to take it and here is how you might be able to take it. But it’s up to you to take it”

The British envoy explained that though Zitheka! has been done as one off event on Thursday where series of master classes were conducted to about 200 young people in Lilongwe, but all materials will be available on British Council Website and promoted throughout this year to make possible for every young Malawian learn various entrepreneurial skills.

He further said, such materials will assist youth in different stages of developing and implementing an idea, develop business plan and approaches to possible financiers and make that idea into reality. 

Whilst noting that Malawi is a bit lagging behind on youth entrepreneurship as compared to countries like Kenya, Mr. Nevin said initiatives like Zitheka! is another way of making Malawi go through an attitudinal shift for such a problem “This is a kick start on changing attitudes, change approaches by showing that you will need to do things for yourself in usual initiatives and this is types of things that you need to think about to be successful.”

Zitheka! project is part of the ‘Entrepreneurial Africa’ campaign being launched by the British Council to further support entrepreneurialism in Sub-Saharan Africa where a quarter of all young people are out of work and not in education.

The Britsh High Commissioner, Michael Nevin has assured that if the trial of this project develops a better of life, then British Council will see what more to do to extend its reach. 

Girl, 7 Dies in a Home Fire as Man, 25 Commit Suicide After Assaulting Wife in Salima

• Police establish the cause of the fire as a candle left unattended

A little girl, aged 7 got killed in Salima district after her grass thatched home caught on fire late hours of Wednesday, her mom is going to answer charges of conduct likely to cause breach of peace says Police.

Police Public Relations Officer for the district Sergeant Gift Chitowe says the deceased Diana Francis got burnt in her grass shelter located in Kantchetche fishing beach along Lake Malawi whilst a sleep and her body was burnt to almost ashes.

Police says the mother of the daughter is to blame for having left a candle burning as she went for a beer drinking at around 22:00 hours.

The Officer said it was people passing by the house who noticed the house engulfed in flames. 

“Our Investigations reveal that a 24 year old Felista Kumakange’s the mother of the deceased was left her daughter at 22: 30 hours of 18th March to a nearby drinking spree, leaving behind a flickering candle. Suddenly she heard a call from passers-by that her shelter has caught fire” said the Salima Police PRO, “She called for help to cease the fire but to no avail.” 

Sgt Chitowe said post mortem result has revealed that death of the young girl was due to severe burns. 

The officer said the death of little girl ‘Diana’ a Standard 1 pupil of Kachulu primary school in the area of T/A Kuluunda in Salima district was a result of her mother’s negligence. 

The mother of the girl was handed to police by Community Policing members after police had instructed that she had to be given chance to attend her daughter’s funeral ceremony.

In the same district, a 25 year old wife attacker has committed suicide to escape arrest.

• He beaten wife and Hacked her near to death

Sergeant Chitowe said Ibrahim Salimu has died after taking poisonous stuff on 18th March 2015 at Chikwawa Trading Centre.

“The deceased had altercation with his wife on family matters and failed to reach to the compromise. He then took a panga knife” said Sgt Chitowe, “He began hacking his wife, cutting her twice in the head, and another deep cut on the shoulder until she fainted”

The officer said it was at this point the husband thought her wife is dead “In the course of escaping an arrest late Salimu left home to a nearby garden field where he was found dead by some women returning from their garden field. The postmortem has revealed that he consumed poisonous stuff.” 

The injured widow is admitted at Salima hospital and the officer says health officials have confirmed that her health is improving.

The deceased man, Ibrahim Salimu hailed from Kasache village of T/A Makanjira in Salima district.

President Mutharika Sends Strong Warning on Albino Killings

• Condemned albino attacks, abductions and killings

• Describes the malpractice as inhuman and barbaric 

The Malawi President Professor Peter Mutharika finally speaks out against the ‘barbaric’ killings of people born albino- by making a strong warning that his government will hunt down perpetrators without relent until apprehended and justice take its course.

Mutharika was speaking on Thursday afternoon at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe, where in his succinct speech he has condemned the act in strongest terms and described albino killings as “in human and barbaric acts”

“As commander In Chief of Malawi Defense Force and the Malawi Police Services, my message to those perpetrating this is that, we will hunt you down and not relent until apprehended and justice takes full course on you” he said and send his and the First Lady’s message of condolence to families that lost their beloved ones through such “inhuman acts”

President Mutharika while expressing shock of the widespread reports from media of attacks, abductions and killings of albino, he said attacks of people with albinism is evil and threat to human right to life for all human beings enshrined in the republican constitution.

He said he has made a directive to Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Inspector General of Police and all security agencies to be on “high alert” and arrest all people responsible for attacks, abductions and killings of albino.

“I have further directed the Minister, Inspector General and all security agencies to provide maximum protection to our brothers and sisters with albinism”

The Malawi leader has called upon Judiciary to speedup trials for all suspects arrested in connection with attacks and killings of albino so that they move in one direction as government in stopping this vice.

President Mutharika further appealed to all people of good will to cooperate with security agents in reporting all suspected people involved in such barbaric acts. He has assured the nation that he will not allow people born with albinism to live in fear of losing their lives because of their condition following some peoples “unreasonable beliefs”  

Suspected Robber Dies, 1 Survive From Car Accident in Dowa; Two Others At Large

• The accident happened when their driver failed to negotiate a corner

• They were coming from a robbery mission

Unidentified man has died while the other is admitted at Dowa District Hospital after Toyota Stout pickup truck they were travelling in over turned three times in Dowa.

Police in the district says there were four passengers in the vehicle but, are being suspected to have been robbers who were returning from a village where they stole three cattle’s. 

Dowa Police Public Relations Officer Sergeant Richard Kaponda said two other men runaway immediately after the accident happened but one of the passengers who survived the accident is receiving treatment at Dowa Hospital for sustained serious injuries. The survivor has since been identified as Isaac Zakeyu Gwembere aged 32 of Sitole village from T/A Mzuma in Mulanje district. 

The police officer said beef meat was also found in the Toyota Stout pickup truck which its registration number is BJ 3813.

Sgt. Kaponda who said investigation are under way to arrest the two suspects currently on the run, indicated that the four suspected robbers were coming from Chibazi area where they stole three heads of cattle and slaughtered them. He said, they were going to the Capital city Lilongwe via Dzaleka when their driver failed to negotiate a corner and lost control before it over turned thrice. The deceased died on the spot due to head injuries. 

Kanengo Police Arrest 2 Suspected Armed Robbers, Recovers Pistol Gun

• The suspects have confessed of carrying out criminal activities

• Other convicts have been naming the two to be masterminders of robberies in the capital

Police in Kanengo have arrested two men who are suspected to be “notorious” criminals who have been terrorizing some parts of Capital city, Lilongwe.

Sergeant Esther Mkwanda Kanengo Police Public Relations Officer says one of the suspects had a Pistol gun used in their criminal activities.

The Kanengo PRO has identified the two as Andrew Nyirongo aged 41 of Kacheche village from T/A Lukwa in Kasungu district and Bernard Kumisuku (found with a pistol gun) aged 32 of Sambe village from T/A Kapeni in the commercial city, Blantyre”

“Nyirongo was residing in Chinsapo while Kumisuku has been residing in area 25 sector 8 and in the process we have managed to recover a Pistol with four live bullets” confirmed Sgt Mkwanda, who added “After the interviews these criminals said they have taken part in several criminal activities in different locations in Lilongwe which involved armed robberies and robbery with violence”

Kanengo PRO further said the two were being hunted following confessions made by some of the previously arrested criminals. The officer said some of the convicts have been naming Andrew Nyirongo and Bernard Kumisuku as some of the perpetrators in criminal activities led to their arrests.

They have since been charged of robbery with violence and illegal possession of firearm contrary to section 301 of the penal code.

Sgt Mkwanda has assured the nation and people in the capital city Lilongwe that “We are doing our best and we will keep on doing what we know as police to stop these criminal acts” but appealed, “As police we are also pleading with members of general public that they should also tip us whatever they see suspicious.”

“For example, where we recovered this pistol gun at Kumisuku’s house people were seeing him residing in a big house but had no clue of his job. So had it been that people tipped police way back, probably we would have arrested him earlier.”

A Lawyer ‘Cashgate Suspect’ Yambani Mulemba On Bail

• His K5 million worth bail follows Monday arrest on cash gate related suspicions

• Asked to pay K3M bond in cash, Two surerities each to pay K1M cash bond

High Court in Lilongwe has granted bail to a Nights and Nights private practice lawyer Yambani Mulemba who was arrested on cashgate related charges

Judge, Justice Esme Chombo has granted Mulemba a bail bond of K3 million in cash and provide two sureties who should each pay a cash bond of K1 million. 

The court further ordered that his two houses, in area 12 and 43 should be attached to the bond. Mulemba has also been ordered to be reporting at Lingadzi Police station every Wednesday, surrender travel documents as well as not leave Lilongwe or go outside Malawi without informing the Officer In charge of Lingadzi Police.

Yambani Mulemba has formerly been charged with money laundering to a tune of K50 million for facilitation of procurement of house which is linked to the cashgate case involving Paul Mphwiyo wife’s and her Good Deeds Trust. He is also been accused of facilitation of procurement of some cars belonging to Mr. Paul Mphwiyo among them Toyota Fortuner and Mercedes Benz.

Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) Prosecutor Imran Saidi said Mulemba charges of money laundering is related to other offenses that other people are answering before various courts.

“His involvement is that he facilitated and helped some of the accomplices in money laundering. When the money was looted he had facilitated some other activities to have laundered some of the money’s” 

Mulemba was at one point brought to the court as state witness for the ongoing case of attempted murder and conspiracy to commit murder of Malawi’s former Budget Director Mr. Paul Mphiyo who survived three gunshots.

In the afternoon of Wednesday, Mulemba was taken to Lilongwe Resident Magistrate by ACB to be told the reasons of his arrest. But eventually it was told in the court that his lawyer had earlier made an application of bail at the High Court. On that basis the lower court considered that since the matter is in the constitutional court, there was no need to proceed with bail hearing at Magistrate court.

In the evening, upon hearing arguments from both sides Judge Justice Esme Chombo felt and deemed fit that Mulemba be granted bail saying it is everyone’s right.

Prosecution Applies for Revocation of Bail to Suspects in Mphwiyo’s Attempted Murder

Suspects are interfering with and intimidating state witnesses -the State claims

The Prosecution in the case of attempted murder of former Budget Director Paul Mphwiyo has applied before presiding Judge Justice Michael Mtambo, a revocation of bail to all the accused involved in the case following claims of “interference and intimidation” to state witnesses.

On Wednesday, Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Mary Kachale told Lilongwe High Court that state wishes annulment of the bail granted to all accused persons in this case because they have “interfered with and intimidated” state witnesses. 

In the case, Raphael Kasambara, Pika and his brother Dauka Manondo, McDonald Kumwembe, Oswald Lutepo and Robert Kadzuwa are answering charges of Attempted murder and Conspiracy to commit murder of Former Budget Director Paul Mphwiyo who survived from three gunshots in September 13, 2013. 

Kachale indicated that the state has audio recordings of its two witnesses including Charles Chalunda claiming that their lives are at stake because some of the defendants are issuing various forms of threats.

“My Lord, there is an affidavit which is showing that some of our witnesses are fearful of their lives”, she continued and further said “Mr. Chalunda had called police for protection and he asked the state to have him transferred to a safe pace elsewhere in Mangochi district”

Kachale tried hard to convince court that the state plea be sustained due to seriousness of the matter and taking into consideration that Malawi has no Witness Protection Programme. 

Since the state made the application without serving the court and the defense with documents of such application, led to objection from the defense, they asked for the files before making their submissions on Thursday. Judge Mtambo has ruled that the ruling on the matter will be made during another court session since the three day session this week is dedicated for the parading of the remaining state witnesses.

The invalidation of the bail for the defendants will lead to arrest of all the five suspects currently on bail.

One of the accused who is presenting himself, Raphael Kasambara expressed displeasure with the expression used by the state to refer the accused persons in this case as persons carrying out ‘clandestine mafia’

On Wednesday, the state paraded one of its remaining witnesses. A Dedza boarder officer, Griffin Tembo was making testimony on issues surrounding travel of McDonald Kumwembe to Mozambique during the period of Paul Mphwiyo’s shooting, his witness was to clear whether Kumwembe claim that he was not in Malawi at the time of Mphwiyo’s shooting is valid or not.

Malawi Govt Denies Redeployment of Chief of State House, Mukhito

Rumours Spread claiming Mukhito

The State House has refuted widespread story on the redeployment of State Residence Chief Mr. Peter Mukhitho and Mr. Paul Norman Chisale- calling the news 'mare rumours of no substance'

In a press statement released on Wednesday afternoon, Chikondi Juma Press Officer at Kamuzu Palace, Lilongwe says it is not true that the Director General of State Residences Mr. Peter Mukhito and Mr. Paul Norman Chisale, the Director of Security have been removed or redeployed to the National Intelligence Service (NIS).

"The truth of the matter is that The State President, His Excellency Prof. Arthur Peter Mutharika who is the appointing authority at State Residences has not made that decision and does not intend to make that decision and it is not in his plans to make that decision."

"Mr. Mukhito and Mr. Chisale are still at State House and continue to discharge their duties in their respective positions just as Mr. Nicholas Dausi at the National Intelligence Service (NIS)" said the statement which is also appealing to the People of Malawi to ignore any press reports on this matter, because they "are just rumours with no substance."

Since Tuesday, rumours were widespread that Mukhitho and Norman Chisale have been redeployed to National Intelligence Bureau following revelations that they emblezzled fuel funds.

Should we say the decision has been revoked?

As the state is trying to fire-extinguish the whistleblowed information, leaves a big question if what is being spread was government initial decision but has been decided upon to forgo following any prospective criticisms.

Lilongwe High Court Revokes Bail for Robert Kadzuwa, A Suspect In Mpwhwiyo Shooting

Prosecution Complained of Kadzuwa's Abscondment of Court Sessions   

High Court in Lilongwe has revoked a bail for Robert Kadzuwa one of the accused persons in the case of attempted murder of Malawi's former Budget Director Paul Mphwiyo for failure to appear in court proceedings for over three days.

The effect will lead to arrest of Kadzuwa who was not present at the court this Wednesday.

On Wednesday, when the High Court began three day sessions, a continuation of state witness parade in the case of the attempted murder of Mphwiyo following a month recess, Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Mary Kachali made an application that Robert Kadzuwa's bail be revoked because he has stopped attending court proceedings since last month session.

Kadzuwa has been missing previous court session after an excuse that he wanted to attend funeral of his family member and failed to appear on Wednesday court proceedings.

Judge Michael Mtambo sustained the prosecution application which its effect will lead to arrest of Kadzuwa.

Robert Kadzuwa is being accused of attempted murder and conspiracy to commit murder of Paul Mphwiyo. He is being accused together with Raphael Kasambara, Pika and his brother Dauka Manondo, Oswald Lutepo and McDonald Kumwembe.

Man Abandons Vehicle Used for Smuggling 29 Bags of Marijuana In Nkhotakota

Police Launches Manhunt 

Vehicle used for smuggling Marijuana 

A man only being identified by Nkhotakota Police as Matambo Chikwa G, is suspected to have been the driver of the vehicle which was abandoned in the night of 11th March 2015 for fear of being arrested on charges of Possession of illicit herb ‘Cannabis Sativa/Indian Hemp’.

Police in the Central Lake-Shore district of Nkhotakota have confiscated 29 bags of Indian hemp locally know as Chamba in the abandoned motor-vehicle says Police in the district.

According to Nkhotakota Police Station Public Relations Officer Williams Kaponda, the motor-vehicle Toyota Carina saloon type registration number NU 5592 was abandoned in the night of March 11, 2015 after the driver unexpectedly noted a snap roadblock enacted by the police on the M1 road.

The driver he said had all over the sudden saw the police check-point and jumped out of the car and ran away leaving the engine running “A thorough check in the car, police found 29 bags of cannabis sativa systematically fitted in it and a driver’s licenses.” And identified the driver’s license bearing the particulars of Matambo Chikwa G 

The confiscated 29 bags of Indian hemp

“No one has claimed ownership of the motor-vehicle and the drivers’ license but, police are working tirelessly to bring the culprits to book.” Said Kaponda

The Nkhotakota Police PRO has appealed to the general public to report any information related to the abandoned motor-vehicle leading to the arrest of the culprits. 

“People are also asked to refrain from the malpractice (smuggling) to create a crime free Malawi, as the illicit drug fuel criminal actives more especially among the youth.” He pleaded, “It is everyone’s duty to take part in combating the crime in Nkhotakota.” 

The officer further bemoaned that cases related to smuggling of cannabis sativa are rampant in Nkhotakota citing, the year 2014 where police in the district arrested 41 people over illegal possession of Indian hemp among them 28 were convicted.

Flood Victims in Balaka, Salima Hails WOLREC for the Humanitarian Response

399 Families Supported in Balaka while 465 Reached in Salima district 

Food Distribution in Progress in Balaka district

Flash floods affected Communities of Salima and Balaka districts that have expressed thanks to ‘Women’s Legal Resource Centre’ (WOLREC) a Women Rights organization for its humanitarian assistance to families that were affected by the disaster.

As part of WOLREC’s project of Promoting Women’s Economic and Social Empowerment (PROWESE) the institution distributed assorted relief items worth K6.5 million in the areas of Traditional Authorities Chanthunya and Sawali in Balaka district and Maganga as well as Mwanza in Salima district since 25 February, 2015.

Up to 399 affected families in Balaka received various relief items including laundry soap, sachets of chlorine powder (for water treatment), Maize flour, and blankets while in Salima 465 beneficiaries have further been given 3 tonnes of Cassava Stems and Sweet Potato Veins following requests by the victims themselves after realizing that maize and legume planting season is almost gone.

Some of the beneficiaries in Salima district 

Speaking during distribution exercise in his area, Group Village Head Kaniche of Salima district, expressed grateful for the timely response to their predicament. He, however, was quick to say that the gesture was beyond their expectation “WOLREC, is our friend indeed. When we got a call that you are ready to help us, we did not think that was possible.”

“You have shown us how much you care for us far beyond our expectation,” he said with jubilation and further asked WOLREC to continue with similar types of aids.

One beneficiary, Mai Esnala John of Msambafumu, a mother of 6 children was equally grateful. After her maize garden got washed away she did not know what to do as her husband is not involved in any income generating activities. The husband cannot walk after a sickness that left him paralyzed. She says medical expenses have depleted her savings (her Village Savings and Loan VSL) as such her business (selling sweet beer – thobwa and maize flour fritters – zitumbuwa) has been affected.

Woman looks at her washed away garden

Esnala said the bag of flour she got was going to go a long way. Her family will have proper meals for a few days and the cassava stems will assure her of an alternative harvests and source of income other than the maize.

Several other beneficiaries said the aid will help them rebuild their businesses as they will at least concentrate on the same for a few days when they will be using the items received from the response.

“We are supporting flood victims with immediate material needs to help cope with their everyday livelihoods as a result of the flash floods for improved livelihood” said Programmes Officer for WOLREC Gift Mauluka who added, “We decided to help flood victims in Salima with cassava cuttings and potato veins for replanting in fields where crops were washed away or destroyed”

Washed away maize field in Balaka district

“Through an assessment that WOLREC conducted, it was found that Members of Village Savings and Loan (VSLs) that WOLREC work with in the PROWESE project, have also not been spared.” enlighten the WOLREC Programmes Officer

Mauluka further indicated that 399 (287 female headed households) and 465 (302 female headed households) in Balaka and Salima respectively were affected in different ways, “VSL members have lost their houses; livestocks and crop fields have been washed away or their fields have been water-logged to the extent that it is impossible to cultivate the fields; and some have their household items completely destroyed.” 

WOLREC has made the donation through financial assistance from Swedish Organization for Individual Relief (SOIR) a partner working with the institution in a project on Women Economic Empowerment.

Over 15 districts in Malawi including Nsanje, Chikwawa, Phalombe and Zomba are some of the worst hit areas by this year’s devastating floods in memory. Floods have destroyed many hectares of fields where people had already planted different types of crops. Livestock have been destroyed; roads and bridges have been washed away, thereby disturbing socio-economic activities of most people. 

Malawi was declared as a State of Disaster with effect from 13th January 2015 when President Peter Mutharika in accordance with powers conferred upon him by section 32 (1) of the Disaster Preparedness and Relief Act, declared all the districts affected by floods Disaster Areas.