Dowa Police Arrests 40 Ethiopians, 1 Malawian National for Aiding Illegal Entry

Dowa Police Arrests 40 Ethiopians, 1 Malawian National for Aiding Illegal Entry

Kaponda: stop aiding illegal immigrants

Police in Dowa District have arrested 40 Ethiopian nationals for entering the country illegally and a Malawian national has also been arrested for aiding them.

But a Malawian driver who was transporting these illegal immigrants is at large.

Police Public Relations Officer for Dowa District Sergeant Richard Kaponda says police managed to impound the vehicle transporting the illegal immigrants following tipoff from the members of the general public as police in the district were in a sweeping exercise.

Sgt Kaponda when confirming the development said the arrest was made in the dawn of Tuesday at Mbalame village along Dowa Lumbadzi Road.

“We have impounded a three ton Mitsubish Canter registration number MC 5278. Our investigations found that the owner of the vehicle is Thokozani Caria Msiska from Lilongwe” said Kaponda

“The vehicle carried 40 Ethiopians from Kasungu heading to Dzaleka refugee camp in Dowa. And we have also arrested a Malawian national Wiseman Ulambo aged 21 from Rufure village T/A Maulambya in Chitipa for aiding these people to enter the country without difficulties”

Sgnt Kaponda said police have charged the Ethiopians with charges of illegal entry and they are hunting to arrest the driver.

The officer urged Malawians to stop aiding illegal immigrants entering the country “It is not good to help illegal immigrants to enter the country, it is a bad development” he said, “This is because some of the illegal immigrants may bring weapons like rifles. Now we are talking about the deadly Ebola virus, it may happen that some of the immigrants have the disease”

Sgt Kaponda also advised members of the general public to continue informing police on any information that may assist police in arresting illegal immigrants and those that are aiding the practice.

Anti-NACGate CSOs Notify DC’s, IG, Chief Secretary On Jan 13th Demonstrations

Anti-NACGate CSOs Notify DC’s, IG, Chief Secretary On Jan 13^th Demonstrations

The Civil Society Organisations planning National wide January 13 demonstrations on the state of governance in the country and NACGATE have on Wednesday served relevant authorities with a letter of notifying them on their planned demonstrations.

The notice has also named district of Karonga and all four cities of Zomba, Blantyre, Lilongwe and Mzuzu as designated areas where the demonstrations shall take place.

The letter made available indicates that similar letters have been sent to the District Commissioners (DC) of Karonga, and cities of Lilongwe (Lilongwe district council), Zomba, Blantyre and Mzuzu. Inspector General of Police, the Chief Secretary of Government, and Station In-charge, Lilongwe Police Station have been served with copies of the letter.

A letter dated 6^th January 2015 sent to Lilongwe DCs office signed by Timothy Mtambo CHRR executive director and spokesperson for national demonstrations, endorsed by 23 civil society organizations working in various sectors is among others “notifying” the office about the planned demonstrations in line with section 96 [1] of the Police Act [2010] which requires the conveners of the demonstrations or protests to give notice of not less that forty-eight hours [48 hrs]. 

“These demonstrations are in protest of the unwarranted funding from NAC of HIV and AIDS funds to organizations that are not meant to receive such funding, and the general decay of the state of governance in Malawi.” Reads part of the contents in the letter

The letter also appeals for the security to take its rightful role on the day “We trust, Sir, that by this notice, the relevant security organs of the government will take their rightful role as provided for in the Republican Constitution, and further, in accordance with section 40 [2] [d] in respect of prevention of obstruction on occasion of public assemblies, processions or demonstrations on the public roads or streets.”

It also indicates that petition articulating pressing issues and their corresponding demands will be presented to the Chief Executive Officer.

Mtambo: Demonstrations shall be peaceful

The letter indicates that in all convening points demonstrations are expected to start at 9:00am. In Karonga, demonstrations shall start at Karonga Roundabout to the District Assembly office to deliver the petition and in the city of Mzuzu demonstrations shall start at Katoto to CIVIC offices. In Lilongwe the route is from Community Ground to CIVIC Offices, in Blantyre demonstrations will start at Upper Stadium via High Way to deliver the petition at the CIVIC Offices while in Zomba demonstrations shall start at Community Ground via Mponda Primary and direct to Zomba District Assembly to deliver the petition.

In an interview Timothy Mtambo said CSOs have chosen district of Karonga because in their prepared petition contains mining issues that are taking place in the district “there are a lot of injustice practices happening in Karonga because of Mining taking place in the district so we want people of Karonga to present their issues in their district and this is why we chose the district and nothing beyond that” he said

While warning people to refrain from starting violence as CSOs presents the petition Mtambo also assured that the demonstrations shall be peaceful. He said CSOs have also engaged with police on security issues where assurance was made by police that there shall be no intimidation on the day.

“Everything shall be peaceful, we will make sure that there is no violence and on the day we don’t want anyone to steal even a single flower” he said

CSOs have also indicated that the dressing colour during the demonstrations shall be red. Clothes/t-shirts with HIV/AIDS messages says shall also be encouraged to be worn during the day.

Detailed 13^TH JANUARY 2015 DEMONSTRATIONS ROUTES

1.       LILONGWE

·         COMMUNITY GROUND via Nchesi via Central Hospital Roundabout via Lingazi Roundabout via NAC offives via parliament then deliver the petition at the CIVIC OFFICES

2.       BLANTYRE

·         UPPER STADIUM via High Way and the deliver the petition at the CIVIC OFFICES

3.       MZUZU

·         KATOTO via Mzuzu tower via Mzuzu High Court rounderabout and then deliver a petition at CIVIC OFFICES

4.       ZOMBA

·         COMMUNITY GROUND via Mponda Primary and direct to the Zomba district assembly to deliver the petition

5.       KARONGA

·         KARONGA ROUNDABOUT the direct to Karonga DISTRICT ASSEMBLY to deliver the petition

CSOs that endorsed the letter are:

Malawi Health Equity Network (MHEN)

Centre for Human Rights and Rehabilitation (CHRR)

Centre for the Development of People (CEDEP)

Nurses Organization of Malawi

Malawi Network of Religious Leaders Living with HIV and AIDS

Malawi Network of People Living With HIV and AIDS

Citizens for Justice (CFJ)

Civic and Political Space (CPS)

Church and Society Programme– Livingstonia Synod (CSP-LS)

Human Rights Defenders Forum (HRDF)

Hebrews Misomali (In his capacity as a human rights defender)

Benedicto Kondowe (In his capacity as a human rights defender)

Malawi Human Rights Resource Centre 

National Elections Trust

ANPPCAN Malawi Chapter

Family Planning Association of Malawi

Local NGO Forum on HIV/AIDS

Foundation for Community Support Services

Youth and Society

Child Development and Support Organization

Centre for Youth Development

Outreach Scout Foundation

Youth Watch and Society

Govt Urge Farmers to Plant Drought Tolerant, Early Maturing Cultivar’s

Government has urged farmers to plant early maturing crop varieties and root tubers as the rainfall patterns for this 2014/2015 growing season are unpredictable.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development in a statement has noted that the 2014/15 rainfall season is mixed.

13th January Anti-NacGate Demonstrations No Link with Global Fund Mission

13^th January Anti-NacGate Demonstrations No Link with Global Fund Mission

Government says no link between the upcoming Global Fund Mission between January 13 and 20, 2015 and the January 13, 2015 demonstrations by Anti-NAC Gate Civil Society Organizations (CSOs).

Nankhumwa: No link

Currently there are reports that Global Fund has suspended its aid to Malawi following information that National Aids Commission (NAC) without proper procedures funded first lady’s Beautify Malawi Trust (BEAM) and Mulhakho Wa Alhomwe institutions not directly linked to HIV/AIDS response. And now CSOs are holding demonstrations on same dates demanding the two institutions to refund the money.

In a statement Kondwani Nankhumwa Minister of Information, Tourism and Culture assured that there is ABSOLUTELY no connection between the two events as the purpose of the Global Fund Mission is to provide feedback and discuss the latest draft TB/HIV and Malaria concept notes and implementation arrangements.

“One of the critical aspects of the process is engagement of relevant stakeholders. This forms part of the assessment of the eligibility of any country’s concept notes. The Civil Society is particularly given prominence in as far as stakeholder involvement in the process is concerned.” Explained the minister

Ant NAC Gate CSOs: Demanding Mulhakho and BEAM to refund
the funds to NAC

He said the mission is routine and the last Global Fund Mission happened three months ago in September 2014 and this Mission too had engagements with CSO representatives as part of both TB/HIV and Malaria concept notes writing teams.

However, in the statement Government says does not completely rule out discussion on the recent developments during the Global Fund’s meeting with the CSOs as members of the Mission may still want to hear their side of the story.

The Minister also confirmed government position on this mission by quoting an email message from the Executive Secretary of the Malawi Global Fund Coordinating Committee to all stakeholders informing them about the Mission.

In the latter to all stakeholders Executive Secretary for Malawi Global Fund Coordinating Committee Secretariat, Victor Chayamba informed all stakeholders about the Mission exactly as government statement is indicating.

Reads the letter

Dear all,

I would like to report that there will be a Global Fund Country Team mission to Malawi from 13 to 20 January 2015. The aim of the mission is to discuss the latest drafts of the joint TB/HIV and malaria concept notes and implementation arrangements. This is in alignment with the change in the New Funding Model where the Global Fund plays an active role in concept note preparation. The delegation will include disease advisors for Tuberculosis and HIV and an HSS expert. Find attached the schedule of meetings for your preparation. Note that this will note derail our road map for finalizing the concept notes. You are kindly requested to plan to be available for these important meetings.

Warm regards,

Victor Chayamba,

Executive Secretary,

Malawi Global Fund Coordinating Committee Secretariat.

Malawi Congress Party Mourns Tembo’s Wife

Malawi Congress Party Mourns Tembo’s Wife

Chakwera

Malawi congress Party (MCP) has described the death of wife of its former president Honorable John Tembo as a great loss to one of the party’s great pillars.

Ruth Tembo wife to former Leader of opposition and president for MCP John Tembo passed away in the night of 5^th January 2015 after a short illness.

In a press statement Leader of Opposition and incumbent president for MCP hon Dr. Lazarus Chakwera said “I am deeply saddened to announce on behalf of the Malawi Congress Party the passing of our dearly loved mother, Mrs Mamaria Ruth Tembo, wife to our former president Rt. Hon J.Z.U. Tembo, who passed on to be with the Lord in the late hours of 5^th January 2015.”

“She has been a woman of great outstanding virtue not only to Rt. Hon. Tembo but to us all the Malawi Congress Party and the entire nation of Malawi. On behalf of the Malawi Congress Party family, and on my own behalf, I convey our heartfelt condolences to Rt. Hon J.ZU. Tembo, the children and the entire family both here at home and in Lesotho” Reads the announcement

MCP leader in the statement has also appealed to all members of MCP and the nation of Malawi to observe a period of mourning from today 6^th January, 2015 until the day of her being laid to rest.

Kabwila

In an interview with MCP spokesperson hon. Dr Jessie Kabwila described late Ruth Tembo as a great woman and her demised is a great loss to those whom she inspired and to the party.

“She was a pillar of Malawi Congress Party, she supported the party and has greatly supported both women and youth in Malawi Congress Party in many ways” she said, and added that this is time to mourn Mrs Tembo and remember her life.

Royal Family Member Hang Himself When Elders Fined Him K500

Royal Family Member Hang Himself When Elders Fined Him K500

Kaponda: the fine did not go well with the deceased

Police in Dowa district says a man hanged himself when disappointed with a K500 fine for being late at community fundraising farming.

Sergeant Richard kaponda Dowa Police Public relations Officer confirmed to FM 101 that the man aged 44 Harold Kang’oma from a royal family and used to perform village headman roles in the village has over the weekend hanged himself to a tangerine tree.

He said the deceased was fined K500 for being late at a fundraising farming activity meant to raise money for buying hoes to be used at the village graveyard.

Sgt Kaponda said the elders imposed the fine to the deceased for lesson to others.

“The deceased did not pay the imposed fine and was later on 3^rd January 2015 found dead hanging to a tangerine tree” said the police officer and said medical report indicates that the death was due to suffocation.

The deceased was from Chimgwetseni village of T/A Chiwere in Dowa district.

Red Cross, Politicians Respond To Victims of Thunderstorm At Kauma as Bisnowaty Appeals for More Help

Red Cross, Politicians Respond To Victims of Thunderstorm At Kauma as Bisnowaty Appeals for More Help

Various institution and groups of people are now responding with relief items to families whose houses were damaged by thunderstorm that hit in some parts of Lilongwe on Friday night of 2^nd January.

On Monday at Kauma in the capital city Lilongwe, Red Cross brought to the victims 200 tarpaulin’s, former Member of Parliament for Kasungu Central Constituency Ken Kandodo brought some food items and household materials, and also of Department of Disaster Management distributed some plastic sheets.

In the same day, Leader of Opposition and president for Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Dr. Lazarus Chakwera also visited Kauma area to appreciate the magnitude of the damage made by the storm “I came here to see for myself and encourage people. I felt greatly touched, shocked at the same time, but am thankful that the resilience of the people and those that have come out to help will add on to softening the devastations effect”

Ken Kandodo while urging others to assist victims in the area as well as other areas that have been affected by the storm said “I came here with these items just to try to alleviate some of the problems that these people are going through at the moment”

But, Member of Parliament for the area Lilongwe City Centre honorable David Bisnowaty said he is overwhelmed that people are now coming in to his constituency to assist following his appeal made hours after the incident happened.

“Am now happy that we are now taking some very serious actions following this incident” he said while thanking Kandodo for his gesture.

He added that earlier in the day he has had some discussions with City Council on how the city can quicken its response to such natural disasters. He also mentioned that the meeting also looked at other measures like planting of trees in the city and setting house standards to prevent future occurrence of similar disaster as most affected houses seem to be those that were not of up to standards.

He further appealed to all well wishers and international community like United Nations to come and help the victims with tents, clothes and food as items most needed at the moment.

Baxter Simoko one of the victims said he is more grateful that he has received tarpaulin and some household items. Like hon. Bisnowaty Simoko also asked for more help like big tents that can accommodate his family of three children and have privacy where children and parents can have their separate rooms.

“My house was completely destroyed I’m now living in a school block meant for Early Childhood Development classes.” He said, “We are sharing the block with other five families we just demarcated the class using some bamboos.”

“Am not sure if am building a house this year,” he added, “if I do then it will be a very small one because I don’t have anything now, everything was destroyed, and clothes that you are seeing me putting on was given by a friend”

The estimated number of victims of Friday night thunderstorm is at 392 families according to list of names of victims collected by Hon. Bisnowaty.