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TikTok star ‘iPhone Daddy’ arrested over fraud, theft in Lilongwe

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By Chisomo Phiri

Police at Area 3 in the capital Lilongwe are keeping in custody a well-known TikTok content creator, known as ‘iPhone Daddy’ for allegedly duping people of K5 million, on the pretext that he would supply them with iPhone 13 gadgets,and for misusing cars he rented for his social media activities.

iPhone Daddy, whose real name is Innocent Sengimana, aged 23, was arrested on Thursday, June 27, 2024 at Airwing location in the capital city.

The suspect, whose TikTok page name is ‘innocentjumajayi’, is said to have collected the cash as upfront payments from his TikTok followers.

Sengimama arrested



He is also being accused of taking two iPhones valued at K3.5 million, from a certain client to sell on his behalf, but disappeared with the proceeds.

It is also reported that the suspect failed to pay fees for the cars he hired for his social media business.And instead of returning the cars to its owners after expiry of the agreed period, he used them as collateral to his debtors.

Police have since recovered the cars.

On the day of his arrest, the suspect, who was on the run for several days after winds of his arrest blew on him, had to be rescued by police from angry community members who bayed for his blood after a lengthy cat and mouse chase following his escape from the cops.

He is expected to appear in court soon to answer theft charges.

The suspect is a Rwandese national of Malawian descent.

Usi, Chakwera mourn Lucius Banda

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By Chisomo Phiri

President Dr.Lazarus Chakwera and his Vice Dr. Michael Usi have expressed sadness following the death of the music icon and presidential advisor on youth and arts Soldier Lucius Banda.

Banda died on Sunday June 30,2024 in South Africa where he was receiving kidney treatment.

In his condolence message, President Dr.Lazarus Chakwera says Banda’s legacy as a champion of oppressed and a beacon of hope will forever inspire Malawians.

The late Lucius Banda



Chakwera says Banda’s contributions to Malawian culture and governance including his service as a Member of Parliament (MP), will be cherished and remembered.

“His political activism through music that captured our hopes and dreams, especially during the fight for democracy, has profoundly shaped our nation, giving voice to the voiceless and challenging injustices.

“To the Banda family, friends and all Malawians, we send our deepest condolences,” reads Chakwera’s condolence message in part.

On the other hand,  Vice President Michael Usi who is also the United Transformation Movement (UTM) President says, UTM has lost a staunch member.

“I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and fans of the late Lucius Banda. As a legendary musician and dedicated servant of our party, he has left an indelible mark on our nation’s cultural and political landscape.

“His passing is a tremendous loss, but his legacy will continue to inspire and unite us,” reads Usi’s condolence message in part.

The late Banda started his music career at the age of 15 together with his brother Paul in the Alleluya Band.

Musicians Rights Forum to organize candlelight service in honour of late Lucius Banda

By Chisomo Phiri

The Musicians Rights Forum(MRF) General Secretary (GS) Princess Chitsulo has announced that the forum will organize a candlelight service in honor of the late legendary musician Soldier Lucius Banda.

In a statement released on Monday July 1,2024,Chitsulo,has expressed shock at the passing of the late Banda, who was one of the organization’s founding members.

Princess Chitsulo

She says the date and venue for the candlelight service will be announced soon.

Chitsulo has however, requested that all musicians intending to do music covers of the late Soldier Lucius Banda’s work should only do so after obtaining consent from the family.

Banda died on Sunday, June 30, 2024 in South Africa where he was receiving kidney treatment.

He started his music career at the age of 15 together with his brother Paul in the Alleluya Band.

On top of being a musician, the late Banda was also a politician.

In 2004, he was elected as Balaka North Legislator where he served for two years.

In 2018, he served as a Campaign Director for the United Transformation Movement (UTM) and until his death was serving as a Presidential Advisor on Youth and Arts.

Accountant Anthony Chiniko writes book’ Beyond the Storm’

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By Chisomo Phiri

A 32-year-old accountant at Trinity College of Health Sciences in Nsanje Anthony Chiniko,has published a book titled ‘Beyond the Storm’ that delves into how youth can excel in life in the face of despair.

In an interview with 247 Malawi News,Chiniko said the book’s message goes to parents and the youth.

He said:”To parents in the sense that they should train their children that they should not be carried away by riches or their parents but struggle to make their own.



“To the youth in the sense that they must know that life is what you make and that they will never live with parents forever so they must prepare for that.”

Asked on what motivated him to write the book, the author said:”I have seen alot of youth who grew up in rich families but after losing parents they started struggling with poverty because they were not prepared for such a time.”

He said those who want to access the book can directly contact him or visit Grand Pen publishers.

Asked to comment on how he sees writing industry in Malawi in terms of its growth,Chiniko said:”We have hope as a nation though we are struggling now because reading culture is deteriorating”

He then urged people most especially parents and children to buy the book as it is dedicated to them.

“I am just encouraging parents and children to buy this book because it will help them to understand life,” he said.

Apart from being an author and accountant,Chiniko is also a preacher and a farmer.

Currently, he is channeling his passion for peace and unity into latest project, a manuscript called ‘The Value of Peace’ which underscores his enduring dedication to fostering harmony and understanding in his community and beyond.

Author Herbert Katanda publishes powerful book on depression

By Chisomo Phiri

Author and poet Herbert Antondo Katanda has published a new book titled ‘The Audacity of Depression’.

In an interview with our journalist Chisomo Phiri, Katanda said ‘The Audacity of Depression’ is a must-read book which articulates situations that lead to depression and suggest some solutions to the vice.

He said the book which was launched on June 29,2024 at Lark Cafe in Area 43,Lilongwe, carries the main message of hope to the broken hearted and victims of stress and anxiety.



“The book’s manuscripts emanated from personal experiences and the experience of people around me.

“The book is currently  on the market  and it can be accessed at the word library in area 18 and on my social media page Herbert Antondo Katanda,”he said.

Asked to comment on how he sees writing industry in Malawi, Katanda said:”The industry is progressing but I feel like support is minimum. It is hard to financially be motivated as a writer through your work in Malawi. But writers are still giving an international strategy.”

Apart from being an author and poet, Katanda is also a professional journalist.

He started a writing career in 2010 and ‘The Audacity of Depression’ is his second book after another titled ‘Belly Button’ which was written and published in 2018.