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MP Sameer Suleman apologizes for not doing enough for Malawians

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MP Sameer Suleman apologizes for not doing enough for Malawians

By Jones Gadama

Blantyre City South East Member of Parliament, Sameer Suleman, has issued a public apology to Malawians for not doing enough to fight for their welfare in Parliament.

This apology comes on the heels of his dramatic walkout from the House after his proposal to amend the State Residences budget was rejected.

Suleman’s proposal sought to allocate K20 billion to State Residences, with the remaining K47 billion redirected to maize purchases.

Suleman



He questioned the large allocation to State Residences, especially with elections looming in just five months.

The MP’s concerns highlight the pressing issue of resource allocation and its impact on the welfare of Malawians.

The rejection of Suleman’s proposal has sparked debate about the government’s priorities and the role of opposition parties in holding them accountable.

Suleman himself acknowledged the divisions within the opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), which he believes have weakened their ability to push for policies benefiting Malawians.

This development comes at a time when the country is grappling with various challenges, including economic hardship and food insecurity.

The allocation of K67 billion to State Residences has raised eyebrows, with many Malawians questioning the government’s priorities.

Suleman’s apology and his efforts to amend the budget demonstrate his commitment to advocating for the welfare of Malawians.

However, the rejection of his proposal and the divisions within the opposition party pose significant challenges to achieving meaningful change.

As the country heads to the polls in September, the debate around resource allocation and government priorities is likely to intensify.

Malawians will be watching closely to see how their elected representatives will address the pressing issues facing the nation.

In related news, Suleman recently appeared in court following a warrant for his arrest, which sparked controversy and debate about the political climate in Malawi.

The MP’s commitment to advocating for Malawians’ welfare, despite facing challenges and controversies, is a testament to his dedication to public service.

As the situation unfolds, one thing is clear: the people of Malawi deserve accountable leadership that prioritizes their welfare.

It remains to be seen how the government and opposition parties will respond to the challenges facing the nation.

Police officer convicted of manslaughter in 2022 shooting of gym trainer

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Police officer convicted of manslaughter in 2022 shooting of gym trainer

By Jones Gadama

The High Court in Lilongwe has convicted police officer David Chitsike of manslaughter in the 2022 shooting of Chikondi Makawa, a 36-year-old gym trainer.

Makawa was shot at a bar in Gateway Mall, Lilongwe, after failing to pay for a bottle of water he had ordered.

Justice Annabel Mtalimanja concurred with the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) that Chitsike used excessive force against Makawa, who suffered from bipolar disorder, despite his surrender.


The court’s ruling marks a significant victory in the pursuit of professional police conduct, according to Nicely Msowoya, Chief Legal Officer for the Independent Complaints Commission (ICC), which investigated the case.

The ICC’s investigation found that Chitsike’s actions were unjustified and disproportionate to the situation.

The court’s conviction of Chitsike sends a strong message that police officers will be held accountable for their actions, particularly when they result in harm or death to innocent civilians.

An earlier investigation by the Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) recommended that Makawa’s family pursue civil claims for compensation.

The MHRC’s investigation found that Makawa’s rights were violated, and that the police officer’s actions were in contravention of the country’s human rights laws.

The court has ordered all parties to submit final written submissions to guide the judge in sentencing Chitsike, whose bail has been revoked.

The sentencing hearing is expected to take place in the coming weeks.

The conviction of Chitsike is a significant step towards justice for Makawa’s family and friends.

It also serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability and transparency within the police service.

In a statement, the ICC’s Nicely Msowoya welcomed the court’s ruling, saying it marked a significant victory in the pursuit of professional police conduct.

“This ruling sends a strong message that police officers will be held accountable for their actions, particularly when they result in harm or death to innocent civilians,” Msowoya said.

The case has sparked widespread outrage and condemnation, with many calling for greater accountability and transparency within the police service.

The conviction of Chitsike is a significant step towards addressing these concerns and ensuring that justice is served.

Immigration officers face axe over bribery allegations

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Immigration officers face axe over bribery allegations

By Jones Gadama

The Ministry of Homeland and Security has issued a stern warning to immigration officers who demand bribes from Malawians in the name of passport collection fees.

In a statement signed by Principal Secretary Steven Kayuni on Monday, the ministry vowed to take drastic action against officers found guilty of corruption.


The warning comes after this publication exposed corrupt officers at the immigration department who demand K200,000 from clients as a passport collection fee.

Kayuni condemned the practice, saying it tarnishes the good image of the immigration department.

“All those involved will be arrested and fired once the department is done with its investigation,” Kayuni warned. “We have taken the matter seriously, and we will not tolerate any form of corruption within the immigration department,” he added.

The development is not the first time corruption allegations have rocked the immigration department.

In July 2024, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) arrested eight immigration officers and two civilians over alleged corrupt practices related to the issuance of passports.

The ACB investigation revealed that individuals were paying an additional K200,000 on top of the official K50,000 passport fee to expedite the issuance process.

The arrests were a significant crackdown on corruption within Malawi’s immigration system.

In a separate incident, six immigration officers and two civilians were arrested over alleged corrupt practices in the issuance of passports at the Lilongwe office of the Immigration Department.

The Ministry of Homeland and Security’s warning is a clear indication that the government is committed to rooting out corruption within the immigration department.

As the investigation continues, immigration officers found guilty of corruption will face the full force of the law.

The development has been welcomed by many who have been affected by corruption within the immigration department.

“This is a step in the right direction,” said one individual who wished to remain anonymous. He added,
“Corruption has been a major obstacle for many of us who need immigration services. We hope that the government will follow through on its promise to root out corruption.”

As the investigation unfolds, it remains to be seen how many immigration officers will be implicated in the corruption scandal.

One thing is certain, however: the government’s commitment to fighting corruption within the immigration department is a positive development for Malawians who have been affected by corruption.

Man arrested for vandalizing ESCOM cables in Mangochi

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Man arrested for vandalizing ESCOM cables in Mangochi


By Shaffie A Mtambo

Police in Mangochi have arrested Kenneth Juwawo on suspicion of vandalizing and stealing ESCOM cables, causing a power blackout in Matenganya Village, Traditional Authority Chowe.

Speaking with 247 Malawi News Mangochi Police Public Relations Officer Inspector Amina Tepani Daudi, says the man have been identified as Juwawo, from Sakweda Village, Traditional Authority Kaduya in Phalombe, was found in possession of 206 pieces of ORK 100mm aluminum conductor cables, which he had concealed inside a fish basket.



Daudi added that according to reports, on March 24, 2025, at around 01:00 hrs, residents of Matenganya Village intercepted Juwawo as he emerged from a nearby bush, riding a bicycle and carrying the fish basket.

When questioned, he initially claimed he was transporting tomatoes to M’balula Market. However, a search of the basket revealed the stolen ESCOM cables.

Juwawo was immediately apprehended and handed over to Mangochi Police, where he remains in custody pending court proceedings.

Meanwhile, the stolen items have been identified by ESCOM officials.

Police in the district continue to warn the public against vandalizing essential infrastructure, emphasizing that such acts disrupt communities and carry severe legal consequences.

Regional leaders unite to address DRC security concerns

247Malawi
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Regional leaders unite to address DRC security concerns

By Jones Gadama

In a significant display of regional solidarity, President Lazarus Chakwera of Malawi joined fellow heads of state and government from the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) for a virtual meeting on Monday evening.

The emergency summit, convened to address the escalating security situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), brought together key regional leaders to forge a united response to the crisis.

Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa praised the regional blocs for demonstrating a sense of solidarity in the face of adversity.



“It is heartening to see our regional communities coming together to address the security challenges facing the DRC,” President Mnangagwa said.

He added, “This show of unity is a testament to our commitment to peace and stability in the region.”

President William Ruto of Kenya, co-chairperson of the summit, congratulated DRC President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame for their commitment to tackling the issues affecting the continent.

“We recognize the critical role that the DRC and Rwanda play in regional stability, and we commend their leaders for their efforts to address the security challenges facing the region,” President Ruto said.

The virtual meeting marked the second joint EAC-SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government, following the first meeting convened in Dar es Salaam on February 8, 2025.

The summit aimed to coordinate a regional response to the deteriorating security situation in the DRC, which has raised concerns about the potential for regional instability.

The leaders discussed various strategies for addressing the security challenges in the DRC, including diplomatic efforts, economic cooperation, and regional security initiatives.

They also emphasized the importance of international cooperation and support in addressing the crisis.

As the region continues to grapple with the security challenges facing the DRC, the summit marked an important step towards forging a united regional response.

With the commitment and cooperation of regional leaders, there is hope for a peaceful and stable resolution to the crisis.

The summit’s outcome is expected to have significant implications for regional stability and security.

As the situation in the DRC continues to evolve, the region will be watching closely to see how the commitments made at the summit translate into action on the ground.

In related news, the African Union (AU) has also expressed concern about the security situation in the DRC and has called for a peaceful and inclusive resolution to the crisis.

The AU has offered to support regional efforts to address the security challenges facing the DRC.

As the region moves forward, it is clear that a united and coordinated response will be critical in addressing the security challenges facing the DRC.

With the commitment and cooperation of regional leaders, there is hope for a peaceful and stable resolution to the crisis.

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