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Six convicted Police Officers to be sentenced on February 28

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By Twink Jones Gadama

High Court Judge Chifundo Kachale has set February 28, 2025, as the date for sentencing six convicted police officers for their role in the murder of Buleya Lule. Lule died in police custody in 2019 after being accused of abducting a boy with albinism.

The six police officers were found guilty of murdering Lule, who was a prime suspect in the abduction and murder of a 14-year-old boy with albinism from Dedza District.

The court’s decision marks a significant milestone in the pursuit of justice for Lule’s family and the wider community.



Speaking to this reporter, Director of Criminal Litigation Dzikondianthu Malunda said that the state will submit its sentencing recommendations by February 20.

“We will be submitting our recommendations to the court, and we hope that the sentencing will reflect the severity of the crime committed by the police officers,” Malunda said.

Meanwhile, defense lawyer Lughano Mwabutwa has pleaded for leniency, arguing that the convicts are not the worst offenders.

“We understand that the crime committed by our clients was serious, but we believe that they are not the worst offenders. We hope that the court will take into consideration the mitigating factors and impose a lenient sentence,” Mwabutwa said.

The case has sparked widespread outrage and condemnation, with many calling for justice to be served. The sentencing of the six police officers is expected to be a significant step towards achieving justice for Lule’s family and the wider community.

In a related development, it is worth noting that the High Court had earlier found ten police officers with a case to answer in connection with Lule’s death. However, three of the officers were later acquitted of the charges.

The sentencing of the six convicted police officers is expected to be a significant milestone in the pursuit of justice and accountability in Malawi. As the country continues to grapple with issues of police brutality and impunity, the outcome of this case is likely to have far-reaching implications for the justice system and the wider community.

Vice President Dr. Michael Usi visits Lilongwe Water Board to boost public service delivery

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By Twink Jones Gadama

Vice President of the Republic of Malawi, Dr. Michael Bizwick Usi, who also serves as Minister of Public Service Delivery, is currently on a working visit to the Lilongwe Water Board (LWB) to appreciate the progress made in implementing various reform areas aimed at enhancing public service delivery.

During his visit, Dr. Usi will tour the Water Bottling Plant, a key reform area that will enable LWB to generate revenue through the sale of bottled water under the brand Dzalanyama Springs. This initiative is expected to not only boost the board’s financial resources but also provide clean and safe drinking water to the public.

Usi


The Vice President’s visit to LWB is a clear demonstration of the government’s commitment to improving public service delivery and promoting economic growth. As Minister of Public Service Delivery, Dr. Usi has been instrumental in driving reforms across various sectors, including water and sanitation.

LWB’s reform efforts are aligned with the government’s vision to provide efficient and effective public services to the citizens of Malawi. The board’s initiatives, including the Water Bottling Plant, are expected to have a positive impact on the lives of many Malawians, particularly those living in urban areas.

Dr. Usi’s visit to LWB is also a testament to the government’s efforts to promote transparency and accountability in the delivery of public services. By engaging with key stakeholders, including the board’s management and staff, the Vice President aims to ensure that the reforms being implemented are effective and sustainable.

As the government continues to implement its development agenda, the role of institutions like LWB becomes increasingly important. The board’s success in delivering efficient and effective services will not only improve the lives of Malawians but also contribute to the country’s economic growth and development.

Vice President Dr. Michael Usi’s visit to LWB is a significant step towards promoting public service delivery and economic growth in Malawi. As the government continues to drive reforms across various sectors, the citizens of Malawi can expect to see improvements in the delivery of public services, including water and sanitation.

Four arrested for robbing. business man of K2.5 million

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By Twink Jones Gadama

Police in Nkhata Bay District have arrested four individuals in connection with the robbery of a local businessman, Geoffrey Manda. The suspects, two Malawians and two South Africans, allegedly stole K2.5 million from Manda on February 10, 2025.

According to Kondwani James, spokesperson for the Nkhata Bay Police Station, the robbery occurred when Manda was driving his Toyota Voxy from Kavuzi to Mzuzu. The suspects, traveling in a Mazda AZ-Wagon with registration number PE 5259, hijacked Manda’s vehicle and snatched his car keys.

The suspects then drove Manda to Kanduli Forest, where they robbed him of his K2.5 million and abandoned him along with his vehicle. Police later arrested one suspect in Nkhata Bay and three others in Mzuzu City. The suspects were found in possession of two loaded pistols and K1,226,000 in cash.



The four suspects have been charged with robbery and will appear in court once paperwork is completed. The police are continuing to investigate the incident and are urging anyone with information to come forward.

This brazen robbery has sent shockwaves through the community, and police are working to ensure that justice is served. As the investigation unfolds, more details are expected to emerge.

EU unveils €600 Million energy package for Malawi

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By Twink Jones Gadama

In a significant boost to Malawi’s energy sector, the European Union (EU) has announced an energy package worth €600 million (approximately K1 trillion). The announcement was made by EU Ambassador to Malawi, Rune Skinnebach, in Lilongwe, where he led the EU delegation.

The “Growing Malawi Together” (Kukuza Malawi Limodzi) project aims to strengthen Malawi’s energy sector, promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth and job creation. The project will be implemented through a combination of concessional loans, investment grants, and guarantees, in partnership with the Ministry of Energy, utilities ESCOM and EGENCO, and MERA as a regulator.



According to Minister of Energy, Honourable Ibrahim Matola, the project will support key initiatives, including the 361 Megawatt Mpatamanga hydro power plant and the Malawi-Mozambique Inter-connector. This inter-connector will link Malawi to the Southern Africa power pool, enabling the export of green energy.

By 2030, the project aims to ensure that at least 70% of Malawians have access to electricity. This ambitious target is aligned with Malawi’s national development strategy and the EU’s commitment to supporting sustainable development in Africa.

The EU’s energy package is part of its broader Global Gateway strategy, which aims to mobilize up to €1.8 trillion in investments for sustainable development by 2027.

In Malawi, the EU has already committed €352 million for the period 2021-2027, with a focus on supporting sustainable energy, agriculture, and education.

The “Growing Malawi Together” project is a significant step towards achieving Malawi’s development goals and reducing its reliance on fossil fuels. As the country continues to navigate the challenges of climate change, this investment in renewable energy will play a critical role in promoting sustainable growth and development.

With the EU’s support, Malawi is poised to make significant strides in its energy sector, driving economic growth, job creation, and improved living standards for its citizens. As the project unfolds, it will be essential to monitor its progress and ensure that its benefits are shared equitably among all Malawians.

Businesswoman arrested for duping best friend of MK41 Million

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By Twink Jones Gadama

In a shocking turn of events, a 30-year-old businesswoman, Rita Mkandawire, has been arrested by the Mzuzu Police for allegedly duping her best friend, Cecilia Chinyama, out of MK41 million under the guise of a business partnership.

According to Sergeant Cecilia Mfune, Deputy Public Relations Officer at Mzuzu Police Station, Mkandawire and Chinyama started a joint business venture in July 2024, aimed at buying agricultural inputs. However, things took a sour turn when Mkandawire began demanding more money from Chinyama to “boost the business.” Mkandawire allegedly used various phone numbers to pretend to be a customer, assuring Chinyama that the business was thriving.

Rita Mkandawire



Chinyama’s suspicions were raised when she failed to receive any profits from the business and discovered that all the phone numbers used by the “clients” were registered in Mkandawire’s name. Chinyama reported the incident to the Mzuzu Police Station, leading to Mkandawire’s arrest on February 11, 2025.

During the arrest, police seized seven phones allegedly used by Mkandawire to commit the crimes. Mkandawire, a resident of Mtiweranyifwa Village in Karonga district, will soon face charges of theft/fraud other than false pretence.

This incident serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of trust and transparency in business partnerships. As the police continue to investigate this case, it remains to be seen how the court will rule on Mkandawire’s fate.