Police in Lilongwe have arrested a Congolese national and two Nigerians for Illegal Entry, Forgery and Obtaining Malawian National Identity Cards under False Pretences.
The arrests were made on Wednesday, October 1, around 9:00 pm during a raid at a lodging house in the Airwing area following intelligence reports of suspicious activity.
The suspects have been identified as Steve Leader Tsamala,aged 36, from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Bobby Alex Amaliri, 43 years old and John Osita Nwogbo, 43, both from Nigeria.
Police revealed that the trio had entered Malawi with the intention of acquiring national IDs and passports through illegal channels. On arrest, officers found each suspect in possession of newly produced Malawian IDs dated September 22, 2025, along with certificates stamped by a village headman fraudulently declaring them as Malawian citizens.
Investigations show that the suspects had altered their identities on the documents: Steve Tsamala registered as Steve Balaka, Bobby Amaliri as Bobby Alex Mulandire, while John Osita retained his original name.
Authorities say the trio is based in South Africa, where Steve works as a church pastor, Bobby is an electrical engineering student and John serves as a tutor at a skills development college.
They admitted entering Malawi on September 9, 2025, aiming to obtain Malawian documents to improve their employment opportunities in South Africa, claiming that SADC nationals have a higher chance of securing jobs compared to non-SADC citizens.
The suspects failed to present the passports they used to enter Malawi. Meanwhile, detectives are investigating a Malawian man known only as Ishmael, believed to have facilitated the acquisition of the fraudulent documents.
The trio is set to appear in court soon to face charges of Illegal Entry, Forgery and Obtaining Registration by False Pretences, contrary to Section 326 of the Penal Code.
A Zambian event organizer has responded to Malawi music star Tay Grin amid his recent complaints about not being booked for shows in Zambia.
The organizer stated, “Ask Driemo and Namadingo the reason we book them for shows. We book artists when their songs are popular here. Don’t complain about not getting booked in Zambia. Give us hits like Magini, Tuli, Trailer and Mapulani. We will book you the way we do with Doc and Driemo.”
This comes after Tay Grin publicly expressed frustration that while Zambian artists frequently feature on Malawian music projects, he rarely receives similar opportunities for live performances in Zambia.
Industry insiders say that cross-border bookings often depend on the popularity of songs among local audiences and event organizers tend to prioritize artists whose music is currently trending.
Tay Grin, who has collaborated with several Zambian acts over the years, argued that the lack of bookings limits his exposure to Zambian fans despite his contributions to collaborative projects.
However, the Zambian organizer emphasized that successful bookings are driven by audience demand. Artists like Driemo and Namadingo have consistently produced hit songs, ensuring their frequent appearances at major events.
Fans on social media have weighed in with some supporting Tay Grin’s claims that regional collaborations should translate into more live shows, while others agree with the Zambian organizer, noting that popularity at the time of the event is crucial.
Tay Grin’s management has not yet responded to the Zambian organizer’s comments, leaving fans speculating on whether more efforts will be made to produce hits that resonate beyond Malawi’s borders.
Blantyre, October 2 – Secretary to the Treasury, Hetherwick Njati, has confirmed that all former Heads of State will be in attendance at the swearing-in and inauguration ceremony of President-Elect Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika.
The highly anticipated ceremony is scheduled to take place on Saturday at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.
Speaking during a press conference on Thursday, Njati, who also serves as a member of the President-Elect’s inauguration committee, outlined the preparations for the historic event.
He emphasized that the ceremony will follow established protocol, with proper arrangements in place for both invited dignitaries and members of the general public.
Njati and PolePole
Njati further revealed that preparations for the swearing-in of Malawi’s 7th President have reached an advanced stage.
He encouraged Malawians from all walks of life to take part in what he described as a historic national occasion.
“The public is encouraged to attend the ceremony at Kamuzu Stadium,” Njati stated.
He added that for those unable to travel to Blantyre, viewing centres have been arranged in Lilongwe, Mzuzu, and Mangochi to ensure nationwide participation.
The inauguration is expected to draw a wide range of attendees, including both local citizens and international dignitaries.
Invited Heads of State from across the region are also expected to be present, a sign of Malawi’s continuing diplomatic engagement on the continental stage.
The event marks a significant moment in Malawi’s political history as Professor Mutharika prepares to take the oath of office and begin his tenure as the country’s 7th President.
The presence of all former Heads of State is seen as a symbol of unity and continuity in Malawi’s democratic journey.
As preparations conclude, anticipation is building across the nation for the inauguration, which will not only mark the beginning of Mutharika’s leadership but also showcase Malawi’s democratic traditions to the world.
The Maseko Ngoni have dismissed rumours that tradition was broken during the burial of Senior Chief Kwataine Masina at Madzanje Headquarters in Ntcheu.
Speculation had spread on social media and in some circles that the late chief had not been accorded the traditional burial rites expected of Ngoni royalty.
Ngoni historian Rodney Kanyama explained that there was no breach of cultural practice and that the burial was conducted in full respect of the customs of the Maseko Ngoni.
He clarified that the special seated burial style, often associated with Ngoni leadership, is reserved only for certain clans within the community.
According to Kanyama, the Masina family does not customarily bury their chiefs in a seated position.
He pointed out that within the Masina lineage, only their great-grandfather, Lunduka, was buried in that unique style, a gesture that honoured his bravery and exceptional achievements.
For all other chiefs in the Masina line, including Senior Chief Kwataine, the accepted cultural practice has been burial in a lying position.
Kanyama stressed that the community had followed tradition correctly and that suggestions of a broken custom were unfounded.
He added that spreading false claims about cultural practices risks undermining the dignity of both the deceased leader and the Ngoni community at large.
The historian went further to explain that burial traditions among the Ngoni are diverse, shaped by both clan identity and historical events.
In some clans, especially those closely tied to warrior traditions, chiefs and distinguished leaders were buried in a seated position, symbolizing vigilance and readiness for battle even in death.
This practice was not universal across the Ngoni but was reserved for select families whose ancestors had earned such distinction through courage and military prowess.
Other clans adopted the lying position as their burial custom, which symbolized rest, peace, and continuity within the lineage.
Over the years, these practices became deeply rooted within specific family lines, creating variations even within the same Ngoni community.
Kanyama explained that the Masina family’s tradition of lying burials reflects this diversity and should not be seen as a departure from Ngoni heritage but rather as a faithful continuation of their clan’s customs.
He emphasized that the strength of Ngoni culture lies in its ability to preserve unique practices within different families while maintaining collective identity as one people.
The clarification comes as mourners continue to celebrate the life and legacy of Senior Chief Kwataine, whose leadership left a lasting impact on Ntcheu and the nation as a whole.
As the world observes the United Nations Day for Older Persons today, the Zambian Human Rights Commission has expressed concern over the continued discrimination and abuse faced by senior citizens in many African countries, including Zambia.
The commission noted that older persons are often subjected to violence and even death, driven by deep-rooted superstitions, economically motivated rituals, and a lack of understanding of age-related conditions such as memory loss.
In Zambia, there have been reports of elderly individuals being targeted for traditional rituals, with perpetrators often exploiting myths that claim the body parts of senior citizens possess special powers.
Similar patterns have been observed in countries like Malawi, Tanzania, and South Africa, where harmful traditional practices, neglect, and domestic abuse have endangered the lives and dignity of older persons.
In response, the commission is calling for effective public awareness campaigns, the enactment of protective laws, and the rigorous enforcement of existing legislation aimed at preventing and punishing violations of the rights and dignity of the elderly.
For example, Zambia’s Anti-Gender-Based Violence Act provides legal recourse for abuse against vulnerable groups, including the elderly, though enforcement remains inconsistent, highlighting the need for strengthened implementation mechanisms.
This year’s United Nations International Day of Older Persons is being commemorated under the theme: “Older persons driving local and global action: Our aspirations, our well-being and our rights.”
Commission spokesperson Mweelwa Muleya highlighted that the theme emphasizes the transformative role older persons play in building resilient and inclusive societies, drawing on their invaluable knowledge and life experience.
Mr. Muleya further stated that senior citizens are a national heritage and must be treasured and protected from any form of harm.
He urged communities, governments, and civil society to recognize the contributions of older persons and to ensure their safety, well-being, and full participation in society.
Across Africa, various initiatives have been launched to protect the elderly. In South Africa, social support programs provide pensions, healthcare services, and legal assistance to older citizens, while Kenya has community-based elder care initiatives aimed at preventing isolation and abuse.
The Human Rights Commission’s call comes amid increasing reports of neglect, abuse, and harmful traditional practices targeting the elderly, underlining the need for urgent action to safeguard their rights.
Experts note that education campaigns, community vigilance, and stronger legal protections can significantly reduce elder abuse, while promoting respect for the elderly as custodians of knowledge and culture.
Observing the International Day of Older Persons serves as a reminder that societies thrive when older citizens are respected, empowered, and allowed to contribute to social, cultural, and economic development.
It is also an opportunity for governments and civil society organizations to evaluate existing policies, improve enforcement mechanisms, and collaborate with communities to protect the dignity and well-being of senior citizens.
*Economic and social value of older persons*
Beyond their social and cultural contributions, older persons play a critical economic role in African societies. They often provide childcare, mentorship, and informal support for households, allowing younger family members to engage in education or employment.
In rural areas, elderly farmers contribute to local food security through agricultural knowledge passed down through generations. They also participate in local governance structures, community conflict resolution, and traditional leadership, helping maintain social cohesion.
Protecting the rights and well-being of older citizens directly supports national development. Ensuring they have access to healthcare, pensions, and legal protection reduces dependency pressures on families, strengthens social safety nets, and enhances overall productivity.
Furthermore, empowering older persons to remain active in society fosters intergenerational knowledge transfer, innovation, and cultural continuity, creating stronger, more resilient communities.
Ultimately, safeguarding the rights of older persons is not just a moral imperative—it is an investment in sustainable development, social stability, and the long-term prosperity of African nations.
