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”