Red Lions took another step towards the NBS National Division League title as they scored a goal in each half to claim a 2-0 victory against Namitete Zitha FC at Balaka Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Fergason Ntondo scored the first goal for Red Lions just five minutes from kick-off, connecting with a header a corner kick beautifully taken by defender Zikhole Ngulube who was also voted man of the match.
Substitute Brown Gondwe sealed the victory for the army side in the 68th minute as he scored with a powerful short outside the penalty box, beating Namitete Zitha goalkeeper Moffat Limunga.
In other matches played in the NBS Bank National Division League on Sunday, Bangwe All Stars beat Chintheche United 2-0 at Mpira Stadium.
Selemani Size and Ellard Msosa were on target for the Bangwe-based side.
The match between FOMO FC and Chilumba Barracks ended 1-all with Chimwemwe Kamowa scoring for the home side in the 32nd minute and Noah Clement equalising for Chilumba in the 45th minute.
There was another 1-all draw in Kasungu between the host Jenda United and Mchinji Villa FC.
Dyson Nyirenda scored for Jenda in the 23rd minute but the Joseph Kamwendo coached side equalised three minutes later through Juwao Davie.
With Sunday’s results, Red Lions have now accumulated 26 points from 12 games while second placed Mitundu Baptist have 21 points from the same number of games.
After Sunday’s loss, Namitete Zitha have now dropped to fourth position on the log table with 20 points, level with third placed Bangwe All Stars.
Jenda United are at the bottom of the log table with four points followed by Chilumba Barracks and Ntaja United who have accumulated 12 points each and are on position 11 and 10 respectively.
Red Lions player Zikhole Ngulube receiving the man of the match award from NBC Bank Branch Manager for Balaka Francis Nzangaya
Interpol has arrested 260 people across 14 African countries in a sweeping crackdown targeting online romance and extortion scams that have defrauded over 1,400 victims of nearly $2.8 million.
The international operation, which was carried out in collaboration with local law enforcement agencies, exposed the alarming rise of online fraud schemes in Africa.
In Ghana, authorities arrested 68 suspects accused of using fake identities to lure victims into paying bogus shipment fees or blackmailing them with explicit videos.
In Senegal, police detained 22 individuals accused of impersonating celebrities to scam more than 100 victims out of $34,000. Meanwhile, in Ivory Coast, 24 suspects were apprehended for using intimate images to extort their targets.
Interpol said the operation highlights the growing global threat posed by cyber-enabled romance scams, which have become increasingly sophisticated.
Officials warned the public to remain vigilant and to report suspicious online activities to law enforcement agencies.
“This coordinated action shows our commitment to protecting people from online predators who exploit emotions and trust for financial gain,” Interpol stated.
The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities vowing to continue tracking down cross-border criminal networks involved in online fraud.
The highly anticipated Blantyre 42.195km Marathon has been postponed from its initial date of October 4th, 2025, to November 1st, 2025.
In a press release issued on Friday, September 26, the race’s Organising Committee announced the change, citing the need for more thorough preparations to ensure a vibrant and competitive event.
According to the statement, the extra time will allow Athletics Malawi and its partners to guarantee broader participation and deliver a safe, colourful and successful marathon.
“We regret any inconvenience caused by this adjustment but we remain fully committed to delivering a safe, colourful, and successful event on November 1st,” read part of the release signed by Committee Chairperson David Pwetekani.
The marathon, one of Malawi’s biggest sporting events, is expected to attract both local and international athletes.
Pwetekani encouraged all stakeholders to embrace the change and prepare for an exciting race day.
“See you at the starting line on November 1st embrace the challenge!” he concluded.
The Blantyre Marathon is a premier long-distance race that plays a vital role in promoting athletics in Malawi while also fostering community engagement and tourism.
The Concerned Citizens of Malawi-The People’s Power Movement (CCM-PPM) has pledged to support the President-elect and Vice President-elect in promoting peace, unity, and development.
In a congratulatory statement seen by 247 Malawi online, signed by Edward Kambanje chairperson Of the group emphasized the importance of serving Malawi in accordance with the people’s will.
Edward Kambanje
The statement reads, “We remain optimistic that under your stewardship, Malawi will continue on the path of unity, peace, and development.”
The group was referencing President-elect Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika and Vice President-elect Dr. Jane Ansah, SC, who were recently announced as the winners of the general elections.
In a separate input through phone interview Kambanje further commended former president Dr.Lazarus Chakwera for conceding the no, defeat and Malawi Electral Commission (MEC) for the professional work during pre and post general election.
Malawians casted their votes on 16 September 2025 this year.
The Maseko Ngoni Heritage Trust has congratulated Jane Ansah for being elected as Vice President of Malawi during the September 16 general elections.
Ansah contested as the running mate to Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate Peter Mutharika, who emerged victorious in the polls with 3,039,249 votes.
In a statement signed by its Secretary General, Impi Kandi Padambo Ndau, the Trust expressed pride in Ansah’s achievement and described her election as a moment of honor for both the nation and the Ngoni heritage.
Ansah
The Trust noted that Ansah’s victory was not just a political milestone but also a cultural inspiration, particularly for women and young people across Malawi.
On behalf of Paramount Chief Gomani, the Trust extended its goodwill to President-elect Peter Mutharika, thanking him for selecting Ansah as his running mate.
The statement further commended Mutharika for recognizing Ansah’s leadership qualities and entrusting her with the responsibility of serving as the country’s second-in-command.
According to the Trust, Ansah’s elevation reflects the growing role of women in leadership and sets an important precedent for future generations.
Historically, the Maseko Ngoni have played a significant role in Malawi’s political and cultural landscape. Descendants of Ngoni warriors who migrated to present-day Malawi in the 19th century, they are known for their strong community structures, commitment to justice, and promotion of civic engagement.
The Ngoni have long used their traditional authority to influence political decisions and support governance initiatives that reflect their values of unity, resilience, and accountability. Their endorsement of leaders like Ansah and Mutharika carries weight not only culturally but also in shaping public opinion in central and southern Malawi.
*Ngoni Heritage and Electoral Influence*
Over the years, the Ngoni have been a decisive political force in several elections, often guiding communities on civic participation and leadership choices. Paramount Chiefs and community elders historically issued guidance to villagers on governance matters, blending traditional wisdom with contemporary political considerations.
During key elections, Ngoni leaders have mobilized communities to vote conscientiously, emphasizing integrity, development, and the protection of cultural and community interests. Their influence extends beyond advisory roles, as they have often mediated disputes, encouraged civic participation, and fostered unity among diverse political factions within their territories.
Political analysts note that the backing of Ngoni heritage institutions can sway local and regional outcomes, as voters in central and southern Malawi often respect the counsel of their traditional authorities. The alignment of the Maseko Ngoni Heritage Trust with the DPP ticket highlights the continued intertwining of culture and politics, demonstrating that electoral decisions are not purely partisan but also culturally informed.
The congratulatory message underscored the unity between tradition and modern governance, showing how cultural institutions continue to celebrate and support national achievements.
By extending its blessings to both Mutharika and Ansah, the Trust reaffirmed its commitment to fostering harmony, development, and inclusive leadership in Malawi.
The Trust concluded by wishing the new administration success in steering the country toward peace, prosperity, and stability in the years ahead, emphasizing the importance of leaders who respect both the democratic process and the country’s rich cultural heritage.
