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Council cracks down on MCP offices over unpaid rates

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Council cracks down on MCP offices over unpaid rates



By Burnett Munthali

Blantyre City Council (BCC) has taken drastic action against the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Offices at Chichiri in Blantyre, closing them down due to outstanding city rates. The move is part of BCC’s efforts to recover millions of kwachas owed by various buildings and offices in the city.

Mayor for Blantyre Isaac Jomo’ Osman led the charge, accompanied by his deputy and a swarm of councilors, to claim the outstanding rates from the MCP Offices. The mayor emphasized that BCC is undertaking a task to close all offices that are not complying with “pay rates”, highlighting the council’s determination to address its financial struggles.



Osman revealed that BCC is struggling financially, despite buildings and offices owing millions of kwachas in rates. He stressed that the council cannot continue to provide services while being owed such significant amounts, and that it is time for those owing to pay up.

The crackdown on MCP Offices is not an isolated incident, as BCC has also closed Central East African Railways (CEAR), Malawi Housing Corporation (MHC), and Pacific Limited, among other buildings and offices. The move demonstrates the council’s commitment to recovering the owed debt and addressing its financial woes.

“We are seeking to recover the owned debt amount and we will work with relevant authorities to resolve the matter,” Osman said, emphasizing the council’s determination to collect the outstanding rates. The move is likely to send a strong message to other buildings and offices that are owing rates, and serves as a reminder of the importance of complying with payment obligations.

The closure of MCP Offices has sparked a heated debate, with some questioning the timing and motives behind the move. However, BCC remains resolute in its efforts to recover the outstanding rates and address its financial struggles.

As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the MCP and other affected parties will respond to the council’s actions. One thing is certain, however – BCC is taking a tough stance on unpaid rates, and those owing are likely to face the consequences.

UDF Distances Itself from MCP Alliance Rumours as Supporters Fuel Speculation Ahead of Dedza By-Election

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UDF Distances Itself from MCP Alliance Rumours as Supporters Fuel Speculation Ahead of Dedza By-Election



By Rahim Abdul

Speculation of a possible political alliance between the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) and the United Democratic Front (UDF) has intensified on social media, even as both parties insist that no such discussions have ever taken place.

The debate follows a statement issued by UDF Secretary General Genarino Lemani, who dismissed claims that the party has entered into an alliance with the MCP ahead of the upcoming by-election in Dedza’s Mtakataka constituency.

In the statement, Lemani clarified that the UDF has not endorsed MCP candidate Patrick Bandawe for the March 17 parliamentary by-election, contrary to reports circulating online.

Lemani



The clarification came after a video clip widely shared on social media appeared to suggest that the UDF had thrown its support behind the MCP candidate in the race.

However, MCP campaign director Moses Kunkuyu offered a different perspective during an interview with 247 Malawi News, saying the presence of UDF supporters at an MCP rally in Mtakataka was not orchestrated by his party.

Kunkuyu explained that UDF members who attended the rally did so voluntarily and were not invited by the MCP campaign team.

According to him, their attendance could simply indicate personal support for the MCP candidate rather than an official alliance between the two political parties.

He emphasized that MCP and UDF have never held discussions regarding any political partnership related to the Dedza Mtakataka by-election.

Kunkuyu further suggested that the confusion surrounding the matter may be the result of internal administrative issues within the UDF itself.

Despite the denial from both parties, the presence of UDF supporters at MCP events has continued to spark debate among political observers and voters.

The situation highlights how social media narratives can quickly fuel political speculation, especially during tightly contested by-elections.

As the March 17 vote approaches, attention is now shifting to how the rumours and public perceptions may influence voter behaviour in the Mtakataka constituency.

Immigration Officer Nabbed Over K300,000 Passport “Fast-Track” Bribe

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Immigration Officer Nabbed Over K300,000 Passport “Fast-Track” Bribe


By Rahim Abdul

The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has arrested an Immigration Officer in Lilongwe over allegations of soliciting money from a passport applicant in exchange for speeding up the processing of a passport.

In a statement signed by Senior Public Relations Officer Jacqueline Ngongonda, the ACB confirmed the arrest of Lawrent Kagona following a complaint received on January 20, 2026.

According to the bureau, the complaint alleged that some officers at the Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services in Lilongwe were demanding and receiving money from passport applicants to fast-track the production of their passports.

Investigations conducted by the ACB established that Kagona allegedly solicited and received K300,000 from a passport applicant to facilitate the production of her passport.



The bureau says part of the money, amounting to K150,000, was paid in cash, while the remaining K150,000 was transferred through Airtel Money.

Authorities further revealed that the passport applied for was an ordinary passport whose official processing fee is K50,000.

The ACB says the suspect’s actions are believed to have been intended to unlawfully accelerate the passport processing procedure.

The bureau has since emphasized that public officers are expected to adhere to ethical standards and avoid abusing their positions for personal gain.

ACB has also urged members of the public to report any cases where officers demand extra payments for services that have clearly stated government fees.

Kagona is expected to be interviewed under caution as part of the ongoing investigations.

Following the interview process, he will be taken to court where he will be formally charged.

The ACB says it remains committed to fighting corruption in public institutions and ensuring that government services are delivered fairly and transparently to all citizens.

Triumph Over Adversity: Miracle Vic Chinga Reflects on Challenging Music Video Shoot

247Malawi
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Triumph Over Adversity: Miracle Vic Chinga Reflects on Challenging Music Video Shoot


By Burnett Munthali

Miracle Vic Chinga, a rising star in the music scene, has spoken about the immense challenges she faced while shooting her latest music video.

In a post on her Facebook page, Chinga described the process as “never easy”, highlighting the numerous obstacles that her team encountered along the way.

“We always face a multitude of obstacles, and it’s not uncommon to feel overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of the undertaking,” she said.

Despite the chaos, Chinga and her team persevered, driven by their passion for music and their desire to create something truly special.

“We go through a lot, struggling to get the perfect shot, to make sure the lighting is just right, and to capture the essence of the song,” she explained.

The grueling process tested the team’s resolve, but Chinga says it was worth it in the end.

Miracle Chinga



“Where there’s a will, there’s a way,” she said, reflecting on the experience. “Our determination and resilience kept us going, even when the going got tough.”

Chinga also drew inspiration from a local phrase, “Komwe kumakhala cholinga mtima umakhalanso komweko” – where the challenge is, that’s where our strength lies.

She praised her team, saying: “We have an incredible team that worked tirelessly to bring the vision to life, and I’m honored to be a part of it.”

Looking back on the experience, Chinga is reminded of the power of teamwork and collaboration.

“We came together, supported each other, and pushed ourselves to new heights,” she said.

Chinga’s music video is set to be released soon, and she invites fans to join her in celebrating the triumph over adversity.

In Malawian culture, there’s a saying – “Pali bwino bwino” – there’s goodness in every challenge, and Chinga’s experience is a testament to that.

Malawi Electoral Commission receives first batch of ballot papers for 17 March by-e, invites stakeholders to verify

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Malawi Electoral Commission receives first batch of ballot papers for 17 March by-e, invites stakeholders to verify



By Burnett Munthali

The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has announced the receipt of the first consignment of ballot papers for the 17 March 2026 Parliamentary and Local Government By-Elections.

The ballot papers, contained in 11 pallets, have been securely stored at a warehouse within the Kamuzu International Airport.

The Commission is working diligently to ensure the electoral process is transparent and credible, and will provide updates on the status of the remaining consignment in due course.



Stakeholders are advised to verify the ballot papers, and the MEC will notify them when flight details for the remaining consignment are confirmed.

The Commission remains committed to conducting free, fair, and transparent elections, and appreciates the patience and cooperation of all stakeholders involved.

The receipt of the ballot papers marks a significant milestone in the electoral process, and the MEC is working to ensure a smooth and successful election.

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