Mama Ye Project Call Media To Prop Up Efforts In Maternal, Newborn Survival

Mama Ye Project has called on Media to keep alive issues of maternal and newborn survival for the country to continue registering progress.

Chatuluka

Country Project Leader of Mama Ye Campaign, Mathias Chatuluka made the call at a two day media orientation workshop on Thursday, aimed at equipping Journalists at national level to understand current situation of Maternal and Newborn and the interventions being carried out and in turn help to amplify the work of the MamaYe Campaign in Malawi.

Chatuluka said media is a key strategic partner in promoting survival of mothers and newborn.

He said media can play its role by reporting positive stories that highlights the progress in maternal and newborn survival through number of interventions by Government and various institutions including Mama Ye campaign.

He observed that at present, media is not giving much attention to issues of maternal and newborn and as such it is "rare to find such stories on front pages" in newspaper articles.

But Chatuluka encouraged the media to publicize positively the achievements being made on maternal and infant mortality and encourage safe motherhood.

Chatuluka highlighted that Maternal mortality rate in Malawi stands at 574 per 100,000 live births, a significant improvement from the situation ten years before when the mortality rate was 984.

He said improvements are partly owing to a number of factors including improved coverage for antenatal care by skilled health personnel. 

However, he said gaps still exist in terms of poorly equipped facilities, long distances to a health facility, inadequate human resources and insufficient funding.

But he said The Evidence4Action MamaYe Campaign has been working on a number of parameters to address the gaps and that most of its interventions are producing significant results which are helping in the reduction of maternal and infant deaths.

Macadamia Entertainment Releases ‘The Goon Tape’ With Bull-Dozer

Entertainment and events brand, Macadamia Entertainment, has released a Mixtape called The Goon Tape with one of the music asset in the label; Bull-Dozer.  

Lutepo Nearly Run Over By Prison Vehicle After Delivering Testimony In Mphwiyo Shooting Case

Lutepo: pushing approaching vehicle with hand as
Officer comew quickly to his rescue 

 The ‘chief Cashgate’ convict Oswald Lutepo was narrowly run over by Malawi Prison vehicle which he was about to get into just after he had finished giving his testimony in the ongoing case of attempted murder of former budget director Paul Mphwiyo.

Lutepo just coming out of court

Lutepo was told to wait for the Prison Vehicle to pick him near 

court entrance

The incident was captured Wednesday evening outside Lilongwe High Court as he was about to start off to Blantyre, Chichiri Prison where he is serving his 11 year sentence, after appearing as witness for the defense of the first accused, McDonald Kumwembe.

The vehicle is finally here

Prison officer pushing Lutepo near the reversing vehicle

The driver of the prison vehicle was reversing so as to get close position of picking Lutepo into the car. Unfortunately, he moved beyond too close as the back of the vehicle got contact of Lutepo who sat on his wheelchair waiting for the reversing car to pick him.

Now drama begins

unexpectedly, the reversing vehicle getting so close

Lutepo attempted in a vain to push himself away from the slowly approaching vehicle in a bid to protect his life and he tried to rescue himself by using his right hand which was trying to push the back of the approaching vehicle.

Lutepo: pushing approaching vehicle with hand as
Officer come quickly to his rescue 

 But as some prison officers tried to make shouts, warning the driver to stop, another officer was seen quickly rushing save Lutepo by trying to push the wheelchair away from the vehicle.

Lutepo being taken into the vehicle that nearly run over him

That was great escape: Lutepo looked so calm after the incident

Fortunately, the driver heard the shouts and stopped the vehicle. He made a forward move which gave space for the officers to carry Lutepo into the car and start off back to Blantyre, Chichiri Prison where he is serving his 11 year sentence.

Lutepo taken into the car after people had watched the horror

Mphwiyo Shooting Case: DPP Says Kasambara Threatened Her As The Accused Pray For Bail, Access To Computer While In Prison

Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Mary Kachale on Wednesday had recused herself from commenting on bail application for Raphael Kasambara after she openly said she was afraid of him following a recent incident where he had threatened her and spoke in her face that she was the reason why court had revoked his bail last year.

After third accused, Kasambara who is answering the charge of conspiracy in the attempted murder trial of former budget director Paul Mphwiyo had finished submitting his request to have his bail revocation dropped, the DPP said she was not going to comment anything as she was still terrified by threats made by Kasambara during their recent closed meeting where he also made accusations that she was responsible for his bail revocation.

“I would like to recuse myself from commenting on bail application for the third accused because he threatened and shouted at me in our recent meeting. He reached the point of mentioning my name that You Mary, are the reason why I am in prison.” revealed Kachale 

She indicated that it was State Counsel, Enoch Chibwana who helped to ease the tension in the room when he quickly made himself seat between the two.

“I Came out of that meeting while shaking and am still shaking now" she added

However, court did not comment on the claim made by the DPP.

Kasambara On Wednesday asked court to let him free on bail because restrictive conditions in prison are barring him from interacting with his witnesses and that he is also failing to access to medical attention.   

But, Justice Michael Mtambo ruled that the third accused should make a formal bail application which the State would be expected to respond to. 

The third accused also made a second request asking the court to make directive that prison officials must allow him to have access to supporting materials like computers where he can use to do research and write some valuable documents for the court proceedings. 

Kasambara said he is being denied to fair trial in the ongoing case because he is being restricted to access to computer.

But Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Mary Kachale responded that the state was not aware that the accused were not allowed to access to computer and said if were informed, a good arrangement could have been made to provide defense with such facilities.

When making his ruling on the matter, Justice Michael Mtambo ordered that “access to computers for the research, should have a restricted access in accordance with the prison orders."

Last year, court revoked bail of both Raphael Kasambara and first accused McDonald Kumwembe for number of applications which were delaying the proceedings of the case and on security issues. 

Former Justice Minister, Raphael Kasambara is answering conspiracy while second accused, Pika Manondo and first accused, McDonald Kumwembe are answering both conspiracy and attempted murder of their friend also former budget director Paul Mphwiyo.

Paul Mpwhiyo was shot outside the gate of his house in area 43 in Lilongwe in the night of September, 13th 2013.

Mphwiyo Shooting Case: Court Failing To Trace Brown Mpinganjira Home In Mulanje

The scheduled appearance of court witness, Evangelist Brown James Mpinganjira to testify on conspiracy and attempted murder trial of former budget director Paul Mphwiyo will not be possible this week as court says, they are failing to trace the permanent residence of him in Mulanje where they can hand him court summon.

One of the Court reporters told Judge Michael Mtambo that they attempted in vain to locate home of the former Mulanje Central legislature there in Mulanje district.

Former Cabinet Minister also former Vice President of Peoples Party (PP) in the South, Mpinganjira is wanted by court following his naming as one of then cabinet ministers of Dr. Joyce Banda who warned Mphwiyo that some irate individuals who were forcing him to authorise dubious payments have numbered his days to ten if he  continues to refuse to bow down to their demands.

Brown Mpinganjira matter also brought legal argument between Prosecution and Defense which took some minutes before Judge Michael Mtambo dismissed the conversation saying he was to make a ruling on the same.

Actually, the state were of the view that it was not proper for the defense to interfere with Court witness when third accused Raphael Kasambara told the court that he got a note from Brown Mpinganjira informing him that he has never received court summons.

But Kasambara maintained that there was never flouting of any legal procedure for receiving a note from the court witness.

The matter on Mpinganjira came just after man considered as "Chief" Cashgate convict, Oswald Lutepo had finished to testify as last witness of the first accused, McDonald Kumwembe.

Lutepo pictured with Dr. Joyce Banda

Some of major highlights in Oswald Lutepo testimony were  that former Deputy Inspector General of Malawi Police, Nelson Bophani forced him to change his statement recorded by police to one which could have implicated Raphael Kasambara as one who masterminded cashgate.

However, Lutepo denied that the former police IG had forced him to implicate Kasambara on issue of Paul Mphwiyo shooting.

Lutepo told first accused McDonal Kumwembe during cross-examination in chief that after his arrest he told police everything of his knowledge pertaining to cashgate.

But he said the deputy police IG, Bophani at one point arranged the meeting at Zomba Prison between him and the second accused Pika Manondo, so that the two should come up with framed claim that cashgate was masterminded by Kasambara but they both refused to do so.

He also denied that to the best of his knowledge and his involvement in cashgste, that he had transacted with Raphael Kasambara any business which was related to cashgate.

Asked about Paul Mphwiyo shooting, Lutepo told court that he was the person who had informed former President Dr. Joyce Banda of Paul Mphwiyo shooting just like he had done to the rest of Mphwiyo's friends.

He also explained that his best friend Paul Mphwiyo had in his house a desktop which was connected to the cctv camera's which were placed out side his house.

Now, second accused, Pika Manondo has entered his defense which will be continued this morning starting at 10 am.

Malawi Election Into UNAIDS Board ‘PCB’ To Increase Global Efforts In HIV Response

Malawi’s election into the UNAIDS Board, ‘Programme Coordinating Board (PCB)’ gives hope to UNAIDS that more countries will learn best practices in HIV fight, as the country becomes a global role model for number of achievements in its HIV response programme.

Ms Jan Beagle, UNAIDS Deputy Executive Director and Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations, made the observation on Tuesday morning, when meeting President Peter Mutharika at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe.

Mphwiyo Shooting Case: Lutepo Says Former Police IG Bophani Forced Him To Fake Statement Against Kasambara

Oswald Lutepo has told Lilongwe High Court today, that former Deputy Inspector General of Malawi Police, Nelson Bophani forced him to change his statement recorded by police to one which could have implicated Raphael Kasambara as one who masterminded the calculated looting of public money at Capital Hill dubbed cashgate.

However, Lutepo has denied that the former police IG had forced him to implicate Kasambara on issue of  Paul Mphwiyo shooting.

Lutepo told first accused McDonald Kumwembe during cross-examination in chief that after his arrest he told police everything of his knowledge pertaining to cashgate.

But he said then deputy police IG, Nelson Bophani arranged meeting by between him and Pika Manondo the second at Zomba Prison, so that the two should come up with framed claim that cashgate was masterminded by Kasambara but they both refused to do so.

He also denied that to the best of his knowledge and his involvement in cashgste, he had transacted with Raphael Kasambara any business which was related to cashgate.

Asked about Paul Mphwiyo shooting, Lutepo told court that he was the person who had informed former President Dr. Joyce Banda of Paul Mphwiyo shooting and also mentioned that he was meant to believe that Paul Mphwiyo and Dr. Joyce Banda had a very good relationship.

He also explained that his best friend Paul Mphwiyo had in his house a desktop which was connected to the cctv camera's which were placed out side his house.

Now, second accused, Pika Manondo has entered his defense.

Mphwiyo Shooting Case: Lutepo Testimony Today

Case of Attempted murder of former Budget Director Paul Mphwiyo continues sitting this morning with testimony from Oswald Lutepo, man considered as ‘chief cashgate convict’

Lutepo is already in court sitting on his wheelchair and his appearance to day in court follows first accused, McDonald Kumwembe choice to pick Oswald Lutepo and dropping of former secretary to treasury Radson Mwadiwa as his witness.

Kumwembe on 14th January this year dropped Mwadiwa saying testimony of him had been addressed by other witnesses 

It was disclosed on that Thursday morning when the Court resumed sitting after a short break that Radson Mwadiwa who was outside the court waiting to enter the court room to testify would not do so as the first accused, McDonald Kumwembe had changed his mind and instead decided to call Lutepo during the next sitting of court which begins today 27th up to 29th January 2016.

The court directed that Lutepo will be the first witness to testify today.

Former minister and evangelist, Brown James Mpinganjira, who also failed to give testimony in the ongoing case is expected to give his testimony.

Last court sitting, Mpinganjira failed to testify because court summons which were sent by the registrars’ office never reached his hands.

Mpinganira, former People’s Party (PP) Vice President for the Southern Region was expected to stand in court before Justice Michael Mtambo to inform the court what he knows about the attempted murder of former budget director Paul Mphwiyo in September 2013. Judge presiding the ongoing case, Justice Michael Mtambo directed court that following evidence, it was necessary to call Mpinganjira whose name has been mentioned through ought. 

Victim, Paul Mphwiyo was first to name him when he told court that prior to his shooting former minister of information, Mpinganjira alerted him that people who are threatening him to make dubious payments had given him ultimatum of 10 days to live if he continues not to comply.

Former minister, Raphael Kasambara, Pika Manondo and McDonald Kumwembe are answering the charges of attempted and conspiracy to commit murder.

President Mutharika Hails MW, UNAIDS Partnership: Pledged To End HIV By 2030

Mutharika with Beagle 

The Malawi President, Peter Mutharika on Tuesday said close collaboration between Government and the UNAIDS is propelling the country to continue registering tremendous success in the fight against HIV and AIDS and committed to end HIV by 2030 if working partnership continues with a clear and focused vision, and human-rights centred approach.

Mutharika was speaking at Kamuzu Palace in the Capital City, Lilongwe during his meeting with the UNAIDS Deputy Executive Director and Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations Ms Jan Beagle.

“To me and my government, UNAIDS is a distinguished leader in the global HIV and AIDS response, and our close collaboration has borne positive results for global health and development” said President Mutharika 

With UNAIDS support, Mutharika said Malawi has gained its global reputation in the scaling up HIV treatment program considerably and pioneer the “Option B+” program. He indicated that coverage for HIV treatment has increased by 82 percent since 2011 as the country has now over 600,000 people on Anti-retroviral therapy.

“Indeed, more than half of the estimated 1.1 million Malawians living with HIV are on treatment. Perhaps, one of our most notable achievements, is that Malawi has achieved a 67 percent decline in Mother-to-Child infections. This is the highest decline achieved for all the 22 high priority countries in the world, as you may be aware.

New HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths have also fallen rapidly. These are significant achievements.” He said 

He therefore thanked UNAIDS for providing technical assistance to Malawi Government on the development of the Global Fund proposal as well as the development of Malawi’s new National Strategic Plan for HIV and AIDS and Malawi’s Prevention Strategy which earned Malawi the first country in the world to embrace the UNAIDS targets of 90.90.90. 

Malawi leader further expressed thanks for technical and financial assistance together with UNFPA and UNICEF, rendered  to the First Lady’s’ program which includes children and young women and girls in the HIV response, and address cervical cancer.

“UNAIDS is working at all levels of government and society to support my Government to inspire Malawians about the fact that it is possible to end AIDS. This is in tandem with my government’s ideal for a people-centred government.” Added Mutharika

While reaffirming his commitment to strengthening efforts towards universal treatment eligibility in April this year, the Malawi leader also committed that the country will compliment support getting from donors by making a domestic contribution of $8.5 million to procure ARVs for the period 2015 to 2017 as one way of addressing HIV and AIDS in the country.

“These are hard earned resources and I am making demonstrable efforts to ensure they are managed in a transparent and accountable manner.” Said President Mutharika

He also expressed his commitment to continue mobilize and encourage young people to adopt responsible behaviour in preventing and managing HIV after a year since he signed the global Heads of State football to pledge his support for the “Protect the Goal” Campaign.

In her remarks, the UNAIDS Deputy Executive Director, Ms Jan Beagle said international community admires and respect Malawi Government for scaling up efforts on prevention of HIV transmission from mother to child by being the first country to adopt the Option B+ (a new guideline on the use of Antiretroviral Treatment (ART). 

She agreed with President Mutharika that the HIV Programme that Malawi is pioneering on putting HIV positive pregnant and lactating women on life-long ARV to prevent infections among children and to keep children alive, has indeed helped the country to achieve highest decline of new HIV infections in babies among the 22 high burden countries globally.

Beagle said significant strides like drastic reduction in HIV related deaths including placing HIV issues into the National Strategic Plan have accorded the country to a status of a role model in the fight against HIV globally.

“These achievements are not only significant to Malawi but also a signal to other countries to follow the same” she added

While encouraging the country to continue using HIV resources and invest wisely to achieve results, Beagle has commended Malawi for showing commitment to “invest HIV resources wisely” and that the recent largest per capita allocation from Global Fund affirms international admiration for Malawi’s commitment on this course.

But she urged Malawi to keep HIV on agenda and integration of HIV issues by looking at other diseases like cervical cancer.

Later, Ms Beagle also met with the First Lady, Madame Gertrude Mutharika who is also the Vice President for Organisation of African First Ladies Against HIV/AIDS (OAFLA), who expressed her appreciation on number of areas that UNAIDS is supporting her.

“I am thankful for the support rendered in the implementation of activities for the OAFLA work plan. Through your support, I have mobilized resources for Point of Care Machines for Early Infant Diagnosis and dual HIV and syphilis test kits” she said and further mention the launching of a stop cervical cancer campaign as some of activities carried out with UNAIDS support.

She further informed the UNAIDS Deputy Executive Director, Ms Beagle that OAFLA Malawi is keen to address HIV and AIDS among children in line with the goals of the Global Plan, address HIV among young people and to eliminate Cervical Cancer 

Madame Mutharika also assured UNAIDS that as OAFLA and as the country they have embraced the agenda to Fast- Track AIDS response and she is personally committed to meaningful change.

“I have no doubt in my mind that together we can leave the legacy for future where AIDS is no longer a public threat” added Madame Mutharika 

The UNAIDS Deputy Executive Director and Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations Jan Beagle is in the country for an important visit pertaining to the HIV and AIDS response in Malawi.

Ms Beagle is expected to meet various stakeholders in the HIV/AIDS response including the Civil Society.

Two Men Who Stole Gun From Veteran Evangelist Wame Sentenced 3 Years Imprisonment

Two men who stole a Greener Rifle (Gun) and 17 rounds of ammunitions belonging to Malawi's veteran evangelist, Shadreck Wame, have been sentenced to three years imprisonment.

Convicts, Chisomo Sayenere aged 20 from Kamwana village, T/A Mponela in Dowa district and Michael Esau aged 22 from Godi village, T/A Kabudula in  Lilongwe committed the offense when they were working as tenants at the farm of the renowned evangelist.

Police charged the two two tenants with Theft by Servant charges.

Salima Magistrate Court on Thursday, heard that they stole the rifle from the farm house of the Evangelist who was at that time away from home.

Passing the judgement, First Grade Magistrate Alex Kamtiki said the two had an evil agenda to do with the gun as the Greener Rifle is a dangerous weapon which can either injure or kill a person if not properly handled.

He therefore said to set a lesson to others with similar motive the two deserve custodial sentence although the convicts did not use the weapon.

President Mutharika Transforms State House Streets: Plants Royal Palm Trees As BEAM, LL City Council Joins Him In Planting Palm Trees Along Presidential Road

• President Peter Mutharika lead state house residents and staff in planting royal palm trees along all streets in the compound
• He then went outside the compound to launch BEAM Trust and Lilongwe City Council project of planting palm trees along presidential road 
• Lilongwe City Mayor, Willie Chapondera welcomes the palm tree project with excitement 

One of the Palm Tree planted by
President Mutharika
along Presidential road

The Malawi State House will have a new face, full of Royal Palm trees along all sides of streets located in the compound as President Peter Mutharika and the First Lady, Madam Gertrude Mutharika leadtate House staff and residents in plan''''ting the trees on Saturday afternoon.

Then after, the first citizen together with first lady, went outside the main gate of state House to commission planting of palm trees along Presidential way, starting from the gate to parliament building, a project jointly being done by Beautify Malawi Trust (BEAM Trust) and the Lilongwe City Council.

Madame Mutharika in summer hat

President Mutharika told the media after commissioning the BEAM Trust and Lilongwe City Council project that him as first citizen was in this exercise walking the talk that everyone should take initiative in planting as many trees as possible during this rainy season.

“My house is right here at the State House, so I felt the need to plant these palm trees from State House and pass the gate all the way to the Parliament so that there will be beautiful trees along the whole road to parliament. This is also part of beautifying Malawi.” Said President Mutharika

He then encouraged all Malawians to plant trees of any type this season and as many as they can.

“If you have a little space, plant a tree there. This will beautify our country as well the planted trees will help to attract rains. So, where ever you are, whether you have a little space, plant any type of tree.”

The Malawi leader, officially launched this years’ National Forestry Season at Masasa Primary School ground in Ntcheu on January 18th, 2016.

This Satuarday, Mutharika expressed his desire for the country to reach to a record of 60 percent and above of the survival of the trees being planted this season against previous records of 50 percent and below. He said he wants to see over one million trees surviving from this tree planting season and he therefore encouraged Malawians that when they plant trees this season they must take good care of them including watering them throughout the year to maximize survival of the tree seedlings. 

Mayamiko Mwinjiro

BEAM Trust Chairperson, Mayamiko Mwinjiro, said in an interview that the joint project with Lilongwe City Council of planting palm trees along Presidential road was one of many projects that BEAM is going to undertake throughout the year in beautifying the Capital City.

 “We are planting palm trees from State House gate all the way to Parliament building and this is just a first phase because we want to do this in several areas within the city of Lilongwe.”

Mwinjiro hinted that the next phase will see BEAM Trust planting palm trees along Kamuzu International Airport road from the junction of M1 road and then transform some of the roundabouts to a completely new face.

“We are going to plant palm trees from M1 Junction all the way to the airport. This is just begging of things, I think in the next three to four weeks we are also going to see roundabout at Capital Hotel being transformed into a complete new roundabout. It will have a certain Malawian theme to it, but it will be very different

When we are done with that one, we are going to move on to Parliament roundabout as well to have it a completely new face so that at least Lilongwe should look different. We plan that, when we reach December 2016 the capital city should be seen as capital city of Malawi” he explains

Mwinjiro also assured that “something” will be done to beautify other three cities of Mzuzu, Blantyre and Zomba. He also added that this year BEAM Trust will be “ambitious beyond the way” it were, last year because it plans to plant beyond 20 thousand trees surpassing last year’s target of planting about 6 thousand trees.

Mayor Willie Chapondera 

Lilongwe City Mayor, Willie Chapondera said he was delighted that the President and BEAM Trust decided to plant palm trees not only from the State House compound but along the presidential way. 

“It is very important because in one way or the other the road will look smart. In some other places that I visited I have seen highways with palm trees, looks good and smart. And what the president has done is a history” said Chapondera

He said the city council has been involved in digging holes and that the project will involve a total of 1500 palm trees.

President Mutharika Meets CMD Members; Advocates For Interparty Dialogue As Cornerstone Of Development

President Peter Mutharika says Malawi will move forward if all political parties embrace tolerance and dialogue.

The Malawi leader, was speaking at Kamuzu Palace on Thursday, evening during his meeting with members of Center for Multiparty Democracy (CMD).

“I would like to assure you the members of CMD, that Government will do all it can to support the noble cause that you have. We need dialogue in order to work together. We have one Malawi, and its development is the responsibility of all of us.” Said Mutharika

He also appealed to CMD and all Political Parties to promote Patriotism, Integrity and hard work.

Mutharika also expressed his profound appreciation with developments taking place at CMD. He mentioned that he was happy to hear number of important issues that have been discussed in CMD relating to the general principle for the regulation of political parties; the political independence of registrar of political parties; process of registering and de-registering political party’s; transparency and accountability of political parties among others.

“This is interesting and commendable” he added

The CMD meeting with President was first of its kind because there has never been a meeting between the grouping and sitting President. 

CMD executive director, Kizito Tenthani indicated that the institution was through the engagement introducing board members and Political Party’s bill to president as well updated him of number of activities that were carried out by the institution.

At the end of the closed meeting with the president, Tenthani said president Mutharika has given a nod to the proposed Political Parties Bill, “He has said that he will try to see to it that the bill runs though its necessary process and he agreed that it was important for the country to have effective political parties and one of the ways he said is to look at the legal regulations of political parties.”

The bill which has been endorsed by all political parties, seeks political parties to be exercise accountability and transparency on their source of financing, internal democracy in political parties as well as making sure that political parties have legal personality so that political parties can sue or be sued. The bill further encourages effectiveness of the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties.

Tenthani also indicated that President Mutharika has asked CMD look for other sustainable sources of funding for the institution as well as consider issues of safeguarding independence of CMD after the institution had requested the President to be assisted financially by the Government.

Tenthani further mentioned that the president also has welcomed the idea of establishing Leaders of Political Parties Forum but “he did not make a commitment because he noted that we didn’t have enough time to engage on other things but on principle he seemed to have no problem”

Currently there are seven political parties that are members for CMD and the board comprises of Political Party Secretary Generals.

Malawi To Enact ATI Bill Once Inconsistencies Are Corrected-President Mutharika

President Peter Mutharika maintains that his Government is going to enact Access to Information Bill (ATI) after all inconsistencies in the bill are resolved. 

He was speaking during the meeting with Media Council of Malawi and Media Owners at Kamuzu Palace in the capital city, Lilongwe on Thursday who engaged him on the progress of ATI Bill.

The bill was previously rejected by cabinet after noting some inconsistencies and was referred to Cabinet Committee on Legal Constitution to resolve the problem. Meanwhile Minister of Justice and Constitution Affairs, Samuel Tembenu says the bill has been finalized and will be taken to back to cabinet soon.

When responding to media plea that the bill needs to be enacted, President Mutharika reiterated that it is his wish to see the bill enacted. But he repeated sentiments made last year, that two major inconsistencies in the bill, Sections such as: 6(2) and 3(1) are most problematic areas that were being resolved so that, once enacted, the bill should be free of inconsistencies. 

Mutharika said Section 6(2) which reads “Any law enacted after the commencement of this Act which restricts the rights and obligations provided for in this Act, shall have no effect.” actually restricts future parliament from repealing the law and said this is against sovereignty of the parliament of repealing and passing any law.

Section 3(1) reads; “This Act shall apply to information in the custody or under the control of any public body, relevant private body or other information holders listed in the Schedule hereto regardless of whether such information came into existence before the commencement of this Act.”

On this section, President Mutharika explained that the provision is retrogressive because it seeks to obtain information which originated back before the existence of the bill. He said this is against principle of common law (ex post facto law) which prohibits application of the legislation to things that happened it was adopted. 

“There is no way” he emphasized “and I cannot accept to assent the bill which its sections are inconsistence with the principle of common law.” 

Without specifying dates he said cabinet is meeting where the bill will be discussed and after approval it will be taken to National Assembly for tabling but he underlined that enactment of the bill will not be as the result of pressure from anybody or conditionality of donor aid from development partners. 

“This Government will not accept ultimatums, no more ultimatums. Let’s act in fair and respectful manner” said Mutharika

“Should your Cabinet gloss over inconsistencies in the intended Law just because everyone is pressurising us? Will you not be the first people to say we made a bad law when the problems begin to surface? Should we overlook addressing the anticipated challenges that will face implementation because the media fraternity and donors are giving the Government of Malawi ultimatums” inquires Mutharika

Earlier, Media Council of Malawi Chairperson, Wiseman Chijere Chirwa noted the importance of the bill to both media and all Malawians.

Chirwa, said Government needs to enact the bill in order to help media to easily access to information from Government. 

The Media Council chairperson, underlined that failure to enact the bill will fuel unfavorable costs which includes creation of an environment for corruption, lack of accountability as well as lack of public trust into public officers.

President Mutharika rejected Media Council proposal that using his executive powers, the President should reject “adulterated” Bill which went to Cabinet, instead approve the “original” version of the bill which was formulated through duly consultative process. Mutharika argued that him alone cannot change “collective decisions” made by cabinet.

After the meeting, Chijere Chirwa said media council was happy that they finally met president and were explained in detail why the bill is facing delays but was quick to mention that media council is waiting to see how Government will reconcile media concerns and the problems raised by President.

During the meeting, Minister of Justice and Constitution Affairs, Samuel Tembenu assured the media that the bill before cabinet is not adulterated document but they are only trying to sort out problems with some provisions and further promised that the refined bill will be the best law in Africa.

Manet+ Epress Worry Over Mw Govt Failure To Meet Abuja Declaration Targets

Safari Mbewe

An ambrella body of people living with HIVMalawi Network of People Living with HIV (Manet+), says Malawi seems to be far from meeting agreed target of allocating 15% of the total national budget to the health sector.

The body has expressed its concern during the stakeholder Meeting aiming at strategizing as CSOs on what they can do to help Government meet its commitment made in 2001 on Abuja Declaration.

In 2001 African Governments including Malawi  committed to allocate at least 15% of total annual budget to the health sector, However, records indicates that in 2012/2013 budget, Malawi allocated 12%, in 2013/2014 it was 8.3% while in 2014/2016 budget the allocation was 9.7%.

Safari Mbewe, executive Director for Manet+ said Malawi Government failure to fulfill its commitment to allocate 15% of national budget towards health sector is a worrisome development looking at how at the moment the health sector is continuously struggling to provide services.

“We are concerned on issues of sustainable financing especially when we reflect back on the commitment that our own Government made and this is in line with 2001 Abuja Declaration where our government committed to contribute at least 15% of the domestic resources towards health.”

And we see that that commitment is not being fulfilled and especially when we see the challenges that are facing our health delivery system”

Daniel Mkandawire, Mary Mount Catholic Secondary School Crowned Best In Old Mutual Maths Olympiad

Daniel Mkandawire of Nkhotakota Secondary School emerged as the best student and Mary Mount Catholic Secondary as the best school, during secondary school Mathematics competition dubbed “Old Mutual Maths Olympiad”

This year’s (2016) Old Mutual Mathematics Olympiad National Competition attracted 167 participants from 58 schools across the country representing 18 districts and drew to a close on Thursday.

This year, each school was allowed to send a maximum of three participants and out of the 167 participants, 64 were female and 103 were male.

As part of its corporate responsibility, Old Mutual—a long-term savings, protection and investment Group which provides life assurance, asset management and unit trusts in the country—sponsors the competition as a way of promoting interest in Mathematics among secondary school students in the country. This highly competitive competition is done in partnership with Mzuzu University’s department of Mathematics.  

Secondary school students across the country sit for a number of Mathematics examination papers aiming at identifying the 'crème de la crème' of Mathematics in the competition. 

After gruelling three examinations, Daniel Mkandawire of Nkhotakota emerged as the best student and was awarded K70, 000 cash prize together with a scientific calculator, while other 24 best students also walked home with cash prize, a scientific calculator and a certificate.

The competition had three stages. All students took a preliminary exam on Monday, 11th January.  A total of 75 qualified for semi final examinations which were written on Tuesday, 12th January. Out of these, 54 were male and 21 were female.

The top 25 students wrote the final exam on Wednesday, 13th January. 8 females made it into the final against 17 boys. 

This year, the Department of Mathematics also ranked the best Mathematics schools. This was dependent on the performance of their students. The score obtained by a school was the total score obtained by its representatives at all stages of the competition.

The best three schools this year were Mary Mount Catholic Secondary School, St. Mary’s Catholic Secondary School, Kasungu Secondary School, Chaminade Secondary School and Mzuzu Government Secondary School.

Two Men Arrested For Stealing Gun Belonging To Mw Evangelist Shadreck Wame

Police in Salima are keeping in lawful custody two young men for stealing Greener rifle (gun) which belongs to Malawi's renown Evangelist, Shadreck Wame. 

Police in the district have identified the two as Sayenera Chisomo aged 20 and Michael Esau aged 22 who were working as tenants at Pastor's estate located at Chifuniro village, T/A Kalonga in Salima.

"On the night of 26th December 2015 the two broke into the house of their master while the owner was away and stole a Greener rifle(gun) together with 17 rounds of ammunitions and escaped an arrest." Says Sub Inspector Gift Chitowe, Salima District Police Public Relations Officer

He went on, "When the owner had returned from where he went, he was surprised to see that his rifle was missing and his tenants also were nowhere to be traced."

Chitowe said the suspects were arrested following man hunt operation launched by police after receiving several leads to their whereabouts.

Sub Inspector Chitowe said the  first suspect was apprehended at his home village of Kamwana T/A Mponela in Dowa district who revealed that the rifle was with the his accomplice, who was also at his home village of Godi, T/A Kabudula in Lilongwe district where the rifle was recovered together with the amunitions.

The two suspects will appear in court soon where they will be answering to Burglary and Theft charges.

Ntchisi ADMARC Official In Maize, Fertilizer Theft; Police Officer Involved

• Admarc official was arrested on after stealing Maize worth close to a Million Kwacha after customer logged complaints about fertilizer 
• Few hours after arrest police were tipped that last night he diverted 300 bags of fertiliser subsidy with help of Police Officer 

Police officer was also involved in fertilizer theft

Police in Ntchisi have arrested Unit Marketing Officer for Msumba ADMARC for allegedly stealing maize valued close to a Million Kwacha and few hours after his arrest, police stumbled upon information connecting him to the missing 300 bags of subsidy fertiliser in Ntchisi district.

Police have identified the suspect as George Kambwiri, aged 56, of Nankhako village in the area of Traditional Authority Ntema in Lilongwe.

Ntchisi Police Public Relations Officer Sergeant Gladson M'bumpha says his arrest on maize allegations came following complaints from customers around Msumba ADMARC depot that the officer had tricked them to pay money for fertilizer but was unable to give them the commodity in return.

M'bumpha says "The complaints reached ADMARC officials at Mponela who reacted by sending an internal auditor supervisor, Prince George Kambwiri to follow up the matter but upon carrying out  maize and fertilizer stock inspection at the depot, it was discovered that bags of maize in quantities of 50kgs worth K787, 930 (Seven Hundred and Eighty Seven Thousand Kwacha, Nine Hundred and Thirty Kwacha), were found missing."

M'bumpha says police arrested the Unit Marketing Officer on charges of Theft by Servant immediately when the incident was reported to Ntchisi Police Station on 15th January, 2016.

He further indicated that, police in the district are investigating other complaints related to the matter and in the mean time, no single bag of maize has been recovered.

Fertilizer Scandal Involving Police Officer 

As police are continuing with the maize investigations, have also leveled new charge to George Kambwiri on Official Corruption after coming across information that the maize suspect, was involved together with three other individuals among them a police officer, in fertiliser theft which occurred night before his arrest.

Sergeant M'bumpha has disclosed that Kambwiri is currently in police custody together with the three accomplices suspected to be responsible of the missing 300 bags of 50kgs containing Urea fertilizer meant for Nsinda and Mzandu ADMARC depots in Ntchisi.

Three other suspects have been identified as Dalitso Chafika, a driver aged 36, business man, Chikondi Kalulu aged 34, and a police officer, Sub Inspector Stephen Katundu working at VIP Branch in Lilongwe. 

"The motor vehicle registration number BU 3009 for Apita Investment carrying subsidy fertilizer from Kanengo to Mzandu and Nsinda ADMARC selling points in Ntchisi under police escort of Sub Inspector Stephen Katundu was diverted to Msumba ADMARC selling point (where Kambwiri worked as Unit Marketing Officer) where 200 bags were offloaded and the remaining 100 bags were sold to a vendor at Ntchisi Trading Centre" explains M'bumpha

Police Public Relations Officer for Ntchisi district, Sergeant Gladson M'bumpha says the  fertiliser of Urea type was under Government program, Farm Input Subsidy Programme (FISP) being sold to smallholder farmers.

According to M'bumpha police have established that business man, Chikondi Kalulu bribed the Unit Marketing Officer with K175, 000, the driver with K130, 000, the Police officer with K50,000 and assistant driver with K20,000.

"The Unit Marketing Officer (George Kambwiri) admitted to have been bribed." confirmed M'bumpha

Driver, Dalitso Chafika comes from Chizumba village, Traditional Authority Ntema in Lilongwe, while business man, Chikondi Kalulu comes from Ndendere village, Traditional Authority Chikho in Ntchisi and Sub Inspector Stephen Katundu works at VIP Branch in Lilongwe.

Man, 49, Admits Having Anal Sex With 15 Year Old Boy: Sentenced To 9 Years Imprisonment

Girls kissing 

A male security guard has been sentenced to 9 years imprisonment after admitting having forced anal sex with his junior, a 15 year old boy, between September and October 2015.

The convict Epharaim Kangandula aged 49 who hails from Njalam’mano village of T/A Saimoni in Mneno district had anal sex with the boy in two separate occasions when both were on night duty.

Lilongwe Senior Resident Magistrate Court heard on Wednesday 13th January 2016 that both the convict and the victim were employees for Maka Security Company in the capital, city Lilongwe, and that the convict was a Security Supervisor.

Court heard from Police Prosecutor, Sergeant Daiton Phiri that in two separate occasions between 30th September and 5th October 2015, Mr. Kangandula had sexual acts with his male junior and these incidences happened at their office premises.

The prosecutor, explained in court that on the first occasion, just like it happened on the second day, the convict told the victim that they will work together at the office during the night. But in the middle of the night, the convict invited the young man into a dark room and switched off his torch when the boy entered the room.

Court heard that in both occasions, Mr. Kangandula, would lay on his back naked, ordering his junior to perform foreplay on his genitals. Then, he would order the boy to remove his pants while he stands in a bend position and have anal sex afterwards.

The prosecutor, Daiton Phiri, said, in all occasions, the young man was warned not to reveal the sexual ordeal to anybody and that if he does he will be killed.

Court was further told that, few days after the two separate incidences, the boy had abnormal stomach pains while at work and was sobbing  incessantly and was given pain killers by the convict. However, the pain never stopped and was forced to privately disclosed about the sexual encounter with his supervisor to his trusted workmate who took the matter to Area 36 Police Unit.

Kamuzu Central Hospital examination proved that there was canal knowledge.

On Wednesday, the convict asked court during mitigation that he wants leniency because he is old.

However, the Police prosecutor, Daiton Phiri prayed for stiffer punishment “This practice is unacceptable; in our laws, even in our cultures and our religious groups. More unfortunate thing is that this has happened to a young boy who is now traumatized by this incident. We pray for a stiffer sentence to deter the would be offenders”

In his verdict, Senior Resident Magistrate Paul Chiotcha said such acts are criminal in the country and agreed with prosecutor that it was sad that the incident happened to a young man. 

Before sentencing the man to 9 years imprisonment, Chiotcha also asked for good protection of young male victims in these incidences.

Public Hospital Problems: Everyone Needs To Support Hospitals

• A Health personnel believes Communities can help to end Public Hospital Woes just like they did during Chrismas and New Year Festivities helping Patient's 
• He said more company's and individuals came to help patients but forgotten hospitals striving to provide good care for patients

Kedson Masiyano

The noble gesture of hospital visits to share gifts with patients as part of festivities for Christmas and New Year may actually be unforeseeable lesson to communities that in the same manner they helped patients, they can make a collective efforts to end uncountable challenges facing public hospitals.

Says Kedson Masiyano Chief Clinical Officer for Area 18 Health Centre in the capital, Lilongwe, that the trend if continued throughout the year with focus on supporting public hospital facilities could be a problem solving for numerous challenges in hospitals.

He said during New Year and Christmas Festive Season Area 18 Health Centre saw a lot of well-wishers, companies and institutions coming to support patients admitted at the hospital. 

He said this noble course was done as the public hospital like many others, continue to experience number of problems while trying hard to save lives of patients.

He said communities around public hospitals like Area 18 Health Centre can draw a lesson from the spirit shown during festive season by taking ownership of their nearby hospital and start to solve the challenges so that people can start to see improvement in the quality of services from the public hospitals.

“Since this hospital is our hospital, people should take responsibility and ownership of the hospital by not expecting that Government can do everything.” Said Masiyano adding "Government has a lot of issues to take care of"

Masiyano said in an interview that the better way of solving public hospital challenges which includes insufficient beds and other hospital equipments is through ownership by communities than just sit and wait for government do everything.

“I urge companies and well-wishers to come forward, this is our hospital. Let’s assist where Government may not reach, in that way we will make the health of the people around this area better and in that way we will also help to make our health sector move forward” he said

At the moment, public hospitals are experiencing number of challenges including shortage of drugs, fuel for ambulances and beds due to inadequate funding from Government. Companies, institutions and well-wishers celebrated with the patients in hospitals across the nation, but probably overlooked the aspect of assisting also the public hospitals which are trying to save lives.

Mphwiyo Shooting Case: Mpinganjira Not Ready To Testify As His Summon Delayed

Brown Mpinganjira

On Thursday, Brown James Mpinganjira, failed to give testimony in the ongoing attempted murder case of former budget director Paul Mphwiyo because summons which were sent by the registrars’ office never reached his hands.

Mpinganira, former People’s Party (PP) Vice President for the Southern Region was expected to stand in court before Justice Michael Mtambo to inform the court what he knows about the attempted murder of former budget director Paul Mphwiyo in September 2013.

Judge presiding the ongoing case, Justice Michael Mtambo directed court that following evidence, it was necessary to call Mpinganjira whose name has been mentioned through ought. Victim, Paul Mphwiyo was first to name him when he told court that prior to his shooting former minister of information, Mpinganjira alerted him that people who are threatening him to make dubious payments had given him ultimatum of 10 days to live if he continues not to comply.

On Thursday morning, the former Mulanje Central Legislature, Mpinganjira, actually presented himself to court and held closed door meeting with both parties where he informed them that he never came to testify because court summons never reached him therefore he needed more time to spend with his lawyer since he was not ready to testify.

Chibwana

“What happened was that there was some kind of communication breakdown.” Explains Enock Chibwana, state advocate, “The one who was sent to Blantyre to give him the summon was "told that Mr. Mpinganjira lives in Mulanje and he did not travel to Mulanje to hand him the summon. Unfortunately, this information was never relayed to the court”

However, Chibwana said “Had he relayed the information that there was need to travel to Mulanje we would have done so. But since there is proof that he wasn’t served with the summons it is in the interest of justice that he should prepare himself before he takes stand”

 

Director of Public Prosecution, Mary Kachale informed court after the closed meeting with Mpinganjira that he will testify in the next sitting of court scheduled for  27, 28 and 29 January, 2016.

Later, in the day, Chief Secretary to the Government, George Mkondiwa who testified around ministerial engagements which Kasambara had starting on 13th September 2013 the day Paul Mphwiyo was shot and on 14th of September.

Mkondiwa replied to Kasambara during cross examination that "it would be surprising" to hear someone stating that on 13th September Kasambara was with Mphwiyo around 3pm following tesimony last year by his former nanny who claimed that on 13th September Kasambara was with Paul Mphwiyo who was later shot that night.

Later, the court heard testimony from Mercy Mwadiwa from Reserve Bank whose testimony concur with that made on yesterday by an economist Daniel Jenya that there was investigative meetings early September on suspicious rise in government expenditure immediately Paul Mphwiyo was appointed as budget director.

Paul Mphwiyo was shot the night of 13th September, 2013 while serving as budget director.

This unearthed massive plunder of public resources which led to number of arrests of public officers and business gurus.

Former Minister of Justice, Raphael Kasambara, is answering Conspiracy while two others, McDonald Kumwembe and Pika Manondo are both answering the same charge together with attempted murder.