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Trial of Pakistan citizen and others accused of defrauding banks reaches key mile stone

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Trial of Pakistan citizen and others accused of defrauding banks reaches key mile stone

By Jones Gadama

The trial of a Pakistani citizen and nine others accused of defrauding four commercial banks in Malawi continued on Thursday with the state parading its ninth witness, Grace Liyati Mtunthama, who testified in court.

The accused are alleged to have obtained loans amounting to K20.9 billion from Standard Bank Limited, Ecobank Malawi Limited, CDH Investment Bank, National Bank of Malawi, and Export Development Bank using false pretenses.

Mtunthama, who was Regional Manager for Cotton Ginners Africa Limited in Mangochi, told the court that she received over K382 million to buy 990 kilogrammes of cotton for the company.



Her testimony is crucial to the case, as one of the accused, Rehman Abdulla, is alleged to have obtained loans using property of Cotton Ginners Africa Limited as collateral.

The state prosecutor, Pempho Likongwe, expressed satisfaction with the progress of the case, which has been ongoing since 2017.

“We are happy with the progress of the case, and we are confident that justice will be served,” Likongwe said.

The case has a long history, dating back to 2017 when Abdulla left the country for Pakistan with his family.

His company, Cotton Ginners Africa Limited, later filed for bankruptcy at the High Court Commercial Division in Blantyre, but the four banks affected by the alleged fraud challenged the move.

The case has undergone several developments, including a change of judge.

Supreme Court Judge Sylvester Kalembera, who was initially presiding over the case, was promoted in June 2022, and the case was subsequently assigned to High Court Judge Anneline Kanthambi.

The hearing of the case has been adjourned to May 28 to 30, 2025, allowing the state to continue presenting its witnesses.

The accused persons are expected to defend themselves against the allegations of fraud, which they have denied.

The case has significant implications for the banking sector in Malawi, highlighting the need for robust risk management systems to prevent similar cases of fraud in the future.

The outcome of the case will also have implications for the accused persons, who face serious penalties if convicted.

As the case continues, the state is expected to present more witnesses to testify against the accused persons.

The defense team is also expected to present its case, and the court will ultimately determine the guilt or innocence of the accused.

The case has been closely watched by the business community, which is eager to see justice served.

The allegations of fraud have raised concerns about the vulnerability of the banking sector to financial crimes, and the need for stricter regulations to prevent such cases in the future.

The trial of the Pakistani citizen and nine others accused of defrauding banks is a significant case that highlights the importance of robust risk management systems in the banking sector.

The outcome of the case will have far-reaching implications for the accused persons, the banking sector, and the business community at large.

The case also underscores the need for effective law enforcement and judicial systems to prosecute financial crimes.

The state has a critical role to play in ensuring that justice is served, and that those who engage in financial crimes are held accountable.

As the case continues, it is essential to ensure that the judicial process is fair and transparent.

The accused persons have the right to a fair trial, and the state has the responsibility to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt.

The outcome of the case will be closely watched, and it is expected to send a strong message about the consequences of engaging in financial crimes.

If convicted, the accused persons will face serious penalties, including imprisonment and fines.

Ultimately, the case highlights the importance of integrity and accountability in business transactions.

The banking sector plays a critical role in the economy, and it is essential to ensure that it is protected from financial crimes.

The case serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance and robust risk management systems to prevent similar cases of fraud in the future.

Malawi confirms two cases of Mpox in Lilongwe District

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Malawi confirms two cases of Mpox in Lilongwe District

By Shaffie A Mtambo

The Ministry of Health has confirmed two cases of Mpox in Lilongwe District, with the first case reported on March 20 at Bwaila Hospital and the second case confirmed on April 16 after laboratory tests.

According to Secretary for Health Sam Mndolo, the cases were confirmed after laboratory tests.

Mpox is a viral disease that spreads from animals to humans and from human to human.

Maziko Matemba



Speaking with 247 Malawi News Health expert Maziko Matemba,explained that it spreads through droplets when people talk or cough, by touching rashes or fluids from an infected person, or through dirty surfaces.

It can also enter the body through cuts or broken skin. Certain groups are more at risk, including children, pregnant women, people with weak immune systems, and those with many sexual partners Matemba added.

To stay safe, the ministry advises people to avoid close contact with anyone who has symptoms, wash hands regularly, and use condoms during sex.

The ministry is working closely with partners like the Lilongwe District Council, the World Health Organisation, the CDC in the U.S., Africa CDC, and others to manage the situation.

There’s no specific treatment for Mpox, but patients can get care to relieve symptoms.

Save the children supports local NGOs with vehicles to boost child protection efforts

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Save the children supports local NGOs with vehicles to boost child protection efforts

By Jones Gadama

Save the Children has taken a significant step in supporting local Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in their efforts to protect children’s rights and promote education in Malawi.

The organization has donated five vehicles to local NGOs implementing the Tikwaniritse ndi Kuteteza Maufulu a Ana (TiKUMA) Project, a initiative aimed at improving the welfare and education of children in the country.

The vehicles were handed over to the local NGOs, which include Girls Empowerment Network, Malawi Girl Guides Association (MAGGA), and Girls Activist Youth Organisation, as well as Balaka and Mchinji District Councils.

The TiKUMA Project is being implemented in the districts of Balaka and Mchinji, where numerical and literacy levels among learners are low.



According to Chakufwa Munthali, Director of Programmes Operations, Partnership and Awards Management at Save the Children, the vehicles are meant to enhance mobility during the implementation of the TiKUMA Project.

“The vehicles will enable our partner organizations to reach hard-to-reach areas and deliver essential services to children and communities in need,” Munthali said.

Mphatso Baluwa Jim, Executive Director for MAGGA, expressed gratitude to Save the Children for the donation, saying that the vehicles will greatly improve their ability to reach vulnerable children and communities.

“The vehicles will enable us to access remote areas and provide critical support to children who need it most,” Jim said.

Zizwa Msukuma, Director of Teacher Education and Development in the Ministry of Higher Education, hailed Save the Children for its efforts to support child protection and education in Malawi.

Msukuma emphasized the importance of the TiKUMA Project, which aims to train primary school teachers to be equipped with new teaching skills, thereby enhancing the quality of education in the country.

“The TiKUMA Project is a vital initiative that will help to improve the welfare and education of children in Malawi,” Msukuma said,adding that,”We appreciate Save the Children’s commitment to supporting child protection and education in the country, and we look forward to working together to achieve our goals.”

The TiKUMA Project is a comprehensive initiative that aims to address the challenges facing children in Malawi, particularly in the areas of education and protection.

The project will provide training to primary school teachers, support the development of child-friendly schools, and promote community-based child protection mechanisms.

The donation of vehicles to local NGOs is a significant boost to the project’s efforts to improve mobility and access to remote areas.

The vehicles will enable the NGOs to deliver essential services to children and communities in need, and will help to enhance the overall impact of the project.

The partnership between Save the Children and local NGOs is a testament to the organization’s commitment to supporting child protection and education in Malawi.

The donation of vehicles is a tangible example of the organization’s efforts to provide critical support to vulnerable children and communities.

The donation of vehicles to local NGOs by Save the Children is a significant development in the efforts to promote child protection and education in Malawi.

The TiKUMA Project is a vital initiative that will help to improve the welfare and education of children in the country, and the vehicles will play a critical role in enhancing the project’s impact.

The partnership between Save the Children and local NGOs is a model of effective collaboration and resource mobilization.

The organization’s commitment to supporting child protection and education in Malawi is evident in its efforts to provide critical support to vulnerable children and communities.

As the TiKUMA Project continues to be implemented, it is essential to ensure that the vehicles are used effectively to enhance mobility and access to remote areas.

The local NGOs must work closely with communities and other stakeholders to ensure that the project achieves its objectives and makes a meaningful impact on the lives of children and communities.

The success of the TiKUMA Project will depend on the effective collaboration and resource mobilization among stakeholders.

Save the Children’s donation of vehicles is a significant contribution to the project’s efforts to promote child protection and education in Malawi.

The organization’s commitment to supporting vulnerable children and communities is evident in its efforts to provide critical support to those in need.

The donation of vehicles to local NGOs by Save the Children is a significant development in the efforts to promote child protection and education in Malawi.

The TiKUMA Project is a vital initiative that will help to improve the welfare and education of children in the country, and the vehicles will play a critical role in enhancing the project’s impact.

Chitipa district council promotes 466 primary school teachers

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Chitipa district council promotes 466 primary school teachers



By Jones Gadama

In a significant boost to the morale of primary school teachers in Chitipa district, the government through Chitipa District Council has promoted 466 teachers to grades K and J. The promotions were long overdue, with some of the teachers having served for over 10 years without being promoted.

District Commissioner for Chitipa, MacMillan Magomero, presented the promotion letters to the teachers and said that 320 of them have been promoted to grade K while 146 have been promoted to grade J. Magomero’s presentation was a moment of great joy for the teachers, who had been waiting for this moment for a long time.



The promotions are a testament to the government’s commitment to recognizing and rewarding the hard work and dedication of its employees.

Many of the teachers who were promoted had been serving in the same grade for over a decade, and this promotion will not only bring them financial benefits but also motivate them to work even harder.

Naching’anda Primary school headteacher, Nebert Mulungu, thanked the government for the promotion, saying that it has motivated his working morale.

Mulungu had worked for 13 years without being promoted, and this promotion is a significant milestone in his career.

“I am grateful to the government for recognizing our hard work and dedication,” Mulungu said.

Chitipa CCAP Primary school headteacher, Suten Kitamula, also expressed her gratitude to the government for the promotion.

Kitamula said that the promotion is long overdue and will go a long way in motivating teachers to work harder.

“We have been waiting for this moment for a long time, and we are grateful to the government for finally recognizing our efforts,” Kitamula said.

The promotions are also expected to have a positive impact on the education sector in Chitipa district.

With motivated and recognized teachers, the quality of education is likely to improve, and students will benefit from the increased enthusiasm and dedication of their teachers.

The government has been working to improve the welfare of its employees, and the promotions are part of these efforts.

By recognizing and rewarding the hard work and dedication of its employees, the government is motivating them to work even harder and provide better services to the public.

The promotion of 466 primary school teachers in Chitipa district is a significant development that will have a positive impact on the education sector.

The government’s commitment to recognizing and rewarding its employees is commendable, and it will go a long way in motivating teachers to work harder and provide better services to the public.

The promotions are also a testament to the importance of employee recognition and reward.

When employees feel valued and recognized, they are more likely to be motivated and productive, which ultimately benefits the organization and the public.

As the promoted teachers celebrate this milestone, they should be reminded that their hard work and dedication have been recognized, and they should continue to strive for excellence in their work.

The government has shown its commitment to its employees, and it is now up to the teachers to justify this trust by delivering high-quality services to the public.

The Chitipa District Council’s decision to promote the teachers is a step in the right direction, and it will have a positive impact on the district’s education sector.

The promotions will not only benefit the teachers but also the students and the community at large.

In the long run, the promotions will contribute to the development of the district and the country as a whole.

With motivated and recognized teachers, the quality of education will improve, and students will be better equipped to contribute to the development of the country.

The government’s efforts to improve the welfare of its employees are commendable, and the promotions are a significant step in this direction.

As the government continues to work towards improving the welfare of its employees, it is likely that more teachers will be motivated to work harder and provide better services to the public.

Luwani Prison site handed over to Neno Council for community development

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Luwani Prison site handed over to Neno Council for community development

By Burnett Munthali

The correctional department in Malawi’s Southern Region has officially handed over the site of the former Luwani Prison to the Neno District Council, following the facility’s closure in 2022.

Commissioner of Prisons for the Southern Region, Zacheus Malekano M’bawa, confirmed the development, stating that the department had collaborated well with the local council in preparing the handover.

He explained that they are transferring houses, farmland, boreholes, and office buildings that were previously used by the Malawi Prison Service to the Neno District Council.



This move, according to M’bawa, will enable the council to utilize the premises for various developmental purposes that will benefit the local community.

Neno District Council Director, Leonard Mchombo, expressed his gratitude to the prison authorities for laying a strong foundation for the future use of the site.

He assured stakeholders that the buildings and land would be put to good use for the benefit of the people living in the Luwani area and the entire Neno district.

“The houses you have handed over to us will be well maintained and used to serve the needs of the people in this area,” said Mchombo.

Traditional Authority Ngwenyama, who is the chief of the area, encouraged the council to foster a strong relationship with the community as they take over management of the site.

Among the assets handed over by the Malawi Prison Service are seven houses, a cultivated farm, two clusters of three-house compounds, and livestock facilities including a poultry house and a pigsty, among other items.

This handover marks a significant step towards community-oriented development and reflects the fruitful cooperation between state institutions and local government in Malawi.

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