CSOs Dates Law Makers on Passing Trafficking in Persons Bill, Minimum Marriage Age Bill

CSOs Dates Law Makers on Passing Trafficking in Persons Bill, Minimum Marriage Age Bill

Several Civil Society Organisations working in the fight for Women and Children rights on Monday engaged members of Parliament encouraging them to pass two bills 'The Marriage, Divorce and Family Relations Bill of 2015 and Trafficking in Persons Bill.

Among others members were individually approached to emphasize that the two bills are very important for the best interest of Malawians because they will help to support traditional leader's efforts to stop marriages below the age of 18. And they have strength to curb human trafficking which Malawi is being rated a country registering highest incidences due to lack of specific anti trafficking legislation and porous borders. CSOs indicates that in 2014 alone, there were 2000 estimated cases of trafficking, with 500 police cases that have been handled by various partners.

Programme Officer for Women's Legal Legal Resource Centre (WOLREC) Mr. Gift Mauluka said two bills are on the order paper and wanted to interact with all members of parliament highlighting them "importance and advantages of passing the bills"

He said CSOs are proposing the marriage age to be above 18 years but members can even reach a bold decision to raise the age to 21 "even under consent of parents"

"We want the bill to be above the current age of 15 because of the complications that come about if a person is under that age and when they are in a marriage. We feel that 18 years is  comfortable age to say that a person can be in a marriage and can give birth properly"

Mauluka said of the Marriage Bill "As advocates we don't see a lot of contentious issues that need do be re-looked for it it to be passed. Very often the Law is not 100% positive, but currently the bill as it is we feel it is in good position to be passed"

ECM AMECEA Thanks Giving Mass; Credits the Faithful, Zuza & MW Govt for Supporting the Plenary

ECM AMECEA Thanks Giving Mass; Credits the Faithful, Zuza & MW Govt for Supporting the Plenary 

Arch Bishop Thomas Msusa
Photo by ECM Communications

The Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM) has recognized the role Catholic faithful, all Malawians, individuals and government played for the support towards the successful hosting for the 18th Plenary of Association for Member Episcopal Conferences for East Africa (AMECEA) last year in July.

During the Thanks Giving Mass for the successful hosting of AMECEA Plenary on Saturday at Don Bosco Parish in the Arch Diocese of Lilongwe, the newly elected chairman for ECM His Grace Arch Bishop Thomas Msusa said the church in Malawi has been the envy for the AMECEA region for the successful host of the conference between 16th to 26th July 2014. 

He among others said the church did well in preparations, hosting delegates and ensure that everything went on as planned to the last hour of the conference. He said this was dedication and cooperation by the faithful a positive spirit shoeing that the church in Malawi can do more.

Arch Bishop Thomas Msusa
Photo by ECM Communications

“As we are thanking God for the successful host of AMECEA conference, we also have to remember all those who worked tirelessly ensuring that we have a very successful conference.” said Msusa in his introductory remarks at the beginning of the mass, “We Catholic Bishops are very grateful that this success came from all of you and all other groups in the church. You really made us proud hosting that event” 

Part of Congregation

Arch Bishop Msusa also attributed successful host of AMECEA conference to the wise leadership of the late Bishop Joseph Mukasa Zuza who at that time as a chairman for ECM provided various oversight roles that enabled the church to take a good path for hosting the conference and asked the congregation to remember him in prayers.

Congregation asked to Pray for
Late Bishop Zuza

Msusa further thanked the Malawi government for supporting the church during the time of the conference particularly on security of all the delegates from AMECEA region.

The Chairman noted “a very big contribution to the success of the plenary” the support to the church from State President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika towards the conference using his pocket money.

He also expressed gratitude for the continued support to the church by the Vice President of Malawi Hon. Saulosi Chilima. The Arch Bishop said from start, Chilima helped the church in mobilizing resources for the conference.

Chilima appreciated for his support 

Collections for the mass were dedicated towards the help of flood victims of all the affected 15 districts and Bishop Msusa reminded priests, religious and the faithful to set aside Sunday 8th February 2015, as a special day for collections towards assistance of flood victims and appealed for more donation of cash or basic needs like food (non perishable), kitchen utensils, clothes among others.. He also reminded that all items collected at parishes should be brought to the Bishop’s House by Saturday 14th February 2015 for records and forwarding to the affected people.

At the end of the Mass representatives from all eight dioceses were given a book containing agreements made by Bishops during the 18th Plenary for AMECEA so that the message is taken to all the people. 

Chilima and madam Chilima exiting from
Don Bosco church 

The Thanks Giving Mass was attended by the vice president of the republic of Malawi honorable Saulosi Chilima

Malawi Catholic Bishops Elects Msusa ECM Chairman, Chimombo Acting Secretary, Fr. Buleya CUNIMA Vice Chancellor

Malawi Catholic Bishops Elects Msusa ECM Chairman, Chimombo Acting Secretary, Fr. Buleya CUNIMA Vice Chancellor

Arch Bishop Thomas Luke Msusa 

The first Annual Plenary Meeting of Episcopal Conference of  Malawi  convened from 26th to 30th January 2015 has elected Arch Bishop for Blantyre Arch Diocese His Grace Thomas Luke Msusa as its Chairman.

The new chairman has been unveiled on Saturday 31st January 2015 at Don Bisco Parish in the Arch Diocese of Lilongwe during the Thanks Giving Mass celebrations for the successful conference of 18th Plenary for Association for Member Episcopal Conferences for East Africa (AMECEA) held last year in July.

During the congregation other office bearers were also announced including the Acting Secretary General for ECM Fr. Emmanuel Chimombo and Vice Chancellor for Catholic University Fr. George Buleya who is taking the post from Professor Anacklet Phiri.

Fr. George Buleya walking upper
Stairs on the right side 

Arch Bishop Msusa is taking the post from the late Bishop Joseph Mukasa Zuza of Mzuzu diocese who passed away early this year during a car accident. Msusa served as Vice chairman for ECM and later Acting Chairman following Bishop Zuza's death.

In an interview ECM Acting Secretary General Fr. Emmanuel Chimombo clarified that the election of Arch Bishop Msusa follows ECM statutes and not the result of death of Bishop Joseph Zuza.

Fr. Chimombo walking to the left

"Episcopal Conference of Malawi statutes stipulates that every three years elections be held to fill in new office bearers, so 2015 was an election year." He said, "It was coincidence that these elections happened few weeks after the death of the sitting chairman late bishop Zuza."

The chairmanship for Episcopal Conference of Malawi and other posts are valid for three years but one can be elected for two consecutive time.

The other officers elected to run various institutions for ECM for the next three years are; Vice chairman and Bishop Chairman for the Catholic Education Commission His Lordship Bishop Martin Mtumbuka, Bishop Chairman for Catholic Secretariat His Grace Arch Bishop Tarsizio Ziyaye, Bishop Chairman for Pastoral Commission and Chairman for the Health Commission His Lordship Bishop Peter Musikuwa,

Bishop Chairman for Ecumenism and Interfaith Dialogue His Lordship Bishop Emmanuel Kanyama and Bishop Chairman for the Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace His Lordship Bishop Montfort Sitima.

ECM Set Aside 31 Jan, 8 Feb Collections Towards Flood Victims As the Church, UN Continue Appealing for More Help

ECM Set Aside 31 Jan, 8 Feb Collections Towards Flood Victims As the Church, UN Continue Appealing for More Help

The Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM) to dedicate all collections for AMECEA Thanks Giving Mass collection on 31st January and set aside Sunday 8th February 2015 a special day for collections towards the help of flood victims of all the affected 15 districts.

In a letter expressing dismay over the tragic consequences of the heavy rains since the onset of the first rains and solidarity message to the victims, the Church has also appealed to all well wishers to help the affected victims of floods. 

“Our Brothers and Sisters who have been affected by this national disaster, require immediate assistance for them to continue living a dignified life” reads the letter signed by Arch Bishop Thomas Msusa Chairman for ECM addressed to the church, all people of good will, companies and organizations

“In the spirit of solidarity we the Catholic Bishops in Malawi, call upon catholic faithful and all people of Goodwill to join hands and contribute generously”

“Inspired by the gospel values of our Lord; “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me” (Mt 25:35-36) we Catholic Bishops in Malawi are inviting priests, religious and the faithful to set aside Sunday 8th February 2015, as a special day for collections towards this noble cause” 

The letter says people can donate cash or basic needs like food (non perishable), kitchen utensils clothes, water, shelter, blankets and many other items and instructed that all items collected at the parish should be brought to the Bishop’s House by Saturday 14th February 2015 for records and forwarding to the affected people.

The letter also urged people to contribute through mobile phones either on Airtel or TNM by sending an SMS ‘Floods’ or ‘Pepani’ to 50121 where each SMS shall cost K100 “it is more blessed to gve than to receive (Acts 20:35)“ reminded the Bishops.

The Malawi President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika declared  Sunday 8th February which the Catholic Church has set aside as a special day for collections towards assisting flood victims as a Day for National Prayers for the victims of these floods.

An estimated 361,181 people (66,945 households) have been affected with 121,000 (22,000 households) displaced and over 70 people died and hundreds missing.

Similarly a group of United Nations human rights experts in GENEVA on 30 January 2015, has urged the international community to rapidly provide all necessary funding and assistance to the Government of Malawi and humanitarian actors in response to some of the worst flooding in the country in living memory. 

The statement from UN office in Malawi says the experts urged that assistance is needed to confront massive and complex challenges, “The flooding has displaced large numbers of people and presents massive and complex challenges for Governments and their humanitarian allies in the short, medium and longer-term,” said UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights of internally displaced persons Chaloka Beyani.

According to the statement, Léo Heller, Special Rapporteur on the human right to water and sanitation said “Safe water, sanitation and hygiene must be provided urgently for the survival of those affected, prioritizing the most vulnerable groups, but also for the prevention of water-related diseases such as cholera and malaria". An estimated USD 3.4 million is needed to respond to urgent healthcare needs and to prevent and control outbreaks of disease.

The statement adds that the experts also praised the Government leadership for responding quickly to the crisis and welcomed the immediate response by several countries and humanitarian agencies in providing funding and aid. However they called on others within the international community to do everything possible to meet the current serious shortfall in funds and provision of essential aid.

Pres Mutharika Declares 8th Feb Day of Interdenominational Prayers for Flood Victims.

Pres Mutharika Declares 8th Feb Day of Interdenominational Prayers for Flood Victims.


Government says His Excellency the President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika has declared that Malawi observe a National Day of Prayer and Worship in remembrance of those who lost their lives in the flooding and thunderstorms that hit Malawi a few weeks ago.

"In view of this, the President has
directed that Interdenominational
Prayers be held on Sunday, 8th February 2014 at Robbins Park in Blantyre." Reads part of the statement signed by Honorable Kondwani Nankhumwa Minister of Information, Tourism and Culture.

"This will be an opportunity to pray for survivors and victims of the worst floods in the nation’s history."

In the statement, President and
Government have once more extend their deepest condolences to the families of the victims of these floods.

Malawi has this year experienced a worst rainy season. It is estimated that up to 638,000 people who have been affected by
the floods in the 15 districts. It is also estimated that 63,531 hectares has been submerged by flood waters as of 13 January 2015.


The situation has left hundreds of families homeless and many died.


"Government will with the support of its development partners continue providing assistance to the survivors and those in need of assistance. Government further wishes to thank and appeal to all well-wishers to continue providing assistance to the affected families and communities." Reads the statement and adds "May peace and comfort be with all affected ones and the entire nation during this difficult time."


State President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika recently revealed that these floods have already costed the Malawi economy at least K23.9 billion.

DPP Agrees With Judge's Wants; Conclusion of Mphwiyo Attempted Murder Case in May

DPP Agrees With Judge's Wants; Conclusion of Mphwiyo Attempted Murder Case in May

The Lilongwe High Court Judge has told both prosecution and defense lawyers for the case of attempt murder of former budget director Mr. Paul Mphwiyo to be concluded by the moth of May this year.

Justice Michael Mtambo said this on Wednesday evening before adjourning the case after finishing of cross examination by Pika Manondo's lawyer Gift Mwakhwawa since morning of the day.

"The judgement of this case should be in May" he said before adjourning the matter to 17, 18 and 19th of February where among others the court is to continue with cross examination by other lawyers Oswald Mtupila and Wapona Kita.

The judge observed that there should be no unnecessary adjournments and delays during cross examination and urged both parties to provide to the court all relevant documents so that there are no obstacles to delay the case.

Commenting on the judges proposal Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Mary Kachale in an interview welcomed the decision saying "we are very glad to hear that the court is very committed in making sure we conclude this case with speed."

When the court convenes in weeks to come the court shall also hear an independent medical examination report from Psychiatrist pertaining to the state of Oswald Lutepo one of the accused in this case. The state is expected to bring the doctor in the court following a medical report submitted earlier to the court from Oswald Mtupila lawyer for Lutepo. The report indicates that Lutepo has developed an Anxiety Disorder a situation which may prevent him from making appearances at the court.

The lawyer said his client was admitted at Mzuzu MASM clinic and he is going to be reffered to Mzuzu hospital. But the state applied to the court to be given leave to obtain a independent doctor to examine Mr. Lutepo as to his fitness to stand trial.

The accused persons in the case of attempted murder of Mr. Mphwiyo are Raphael Kasambara, Pika Manondo, Dauka Manondo, MacDonald Kumwembe, Robert Kadzuwa and Oswald Lutepo answering the charges of conspiracy to murder and attempted murder.

Cross Examination

During cross examination Lawyer for Pika Manondo Mr. Gift Mwakhwawa quizzed Mr. Mphwiyo on several issues.

Mwakhwawa asked of Mphwiyo friendship with one of the accused Oswald Lutepo and how often he talked to former State President Dr. Joyce Banda.

The lawyer further inquired issues surrounding a note he wrote at the hospital hours after his shooting and reasons for his failure to hand it over to law enforcers. Mphwiyo said he wrote a note disclosing names of individuals responsible of his shooting and it was made available only to his wife, mother and aunt "in case" he died without telling his story. He also said he did not want to disclose that note to police for the safety of his family knowing that Raphael Kasambara (representing himself in this case) was then a Minister.

Much time on cross examination also was devoted on Mphwiyo's reactions to threats from the accused persons as well as information which Mr. Phwiyo got from a phone call from former Information Minister Brown James Mpinganjira alerting Mphwiyo that the accused persons have numbered days of his life to 10 days.

Mphwiyo who is the state witness told the court that he got numerous threats from the former Attorney General and Justice Minister Raphael Kasambara who used "agents" (other accused persons) forcing him to make dubious payments.

Mphwiyo said Pika Manondo "used to come to my house we would chat. Then they would tell me that it is good that you oblige to what the honorable Minister (Kasambara) is telling you because he is a dangerous persorn." Said Mphwiyo "But I did not believe he could be dangerous to the extent of killing a person."

He later told the court that he met with Mr. Kasambara to confront him on those threats but did not confront other accused persons for he thought they were just agents.

Later in the afternoon the cross examination continued particularly on ownership of vehicle which Mr. Mphwiyo was driving at the time of his shooting.

The shooting of Paul Mphwiyo led to revelation of cash gate scandal which involved public officers and other business persons as well as companies getting money from government through dubious payments. Both fake and well-known businesses were getting payments from government without provision of evidence of provision of service in relation to payments made or through over valued payments (inflamed procurement prices).

From the scam Malawi government lost billions of money and lost direct budget aid from countries that support Malawi government.

Cashgate Convict Soko Gets 7 years Imprisonment

Cashgate Convict Soko Gets 7 years Imprisonment

Former Deputy Youth Director for Malawi Congress Party Wyson Dzinyemba Soko has been sentenced to 7 and half years imprisonment.

Senior Resident Magistrate Patrick Chirwa when passing the sentence on Wednesday said the accused conduct deprived of government coffers which could have been used to benefit all Malawians.

The court gave Soko  4 years for money laundering and 3 and half years for theft.

Dzinyemba Soko was last year found guilty of siphoning K40.9 million from ministry of tourism through his Wymbaso General Dealers

Wyson Soko has been pleaded not guilty to all two charges of Theft and Money Laundering

Soko has become a third convict to get a prison sentence since the commencement of Cash gate cases