The Attorney General (AG) Frank Mbeta has approached the High Court seeking to bar private practice lawyer Kalekeni Kaphale from representing TotalEnergies in a high-stakes contract breach case, citing a potential conflict of interest.
The case involves Prima Fuels Ltd and the Malawi Government, who are claiming K824 billion ($480 million) over alleged contractual violations.
In a sworn statement seen by this publication,Mbeta says in 2020, while Kaphale served as AG, his office wrote to Prima Fuels’ lawyers on the same matter, sharing information deemed of evidential importance.
Frank Mbeta
The statement reads:“It is obvious, therefore, that Kalekeni Kaphale SC was privy to information of evidential importance in respect of this matter at the time he was the AG. Such being the case, it is against Chapter 7(3) of the Malawi Law Society (MLS ) Code of Ethics for Counsel who once acted for one party to act for another party in relation to the same claim — in this matter, Cause Number 259 of 2019.”
The dispute centers on a fuel rebate that TotalEnergies was contractually obliged to pay the government under an agreement signed in 2001, but allegedly ceased honoring in 2006.
The AG’s application underscores concerns about the ethical boundaries for legal practitioners transitioning from public office to private practice, highlighting the tension between professional obligations and prior access to sensitive governmental information.
A new campaign promoting responsible gambling among young people dubbed ‘Dolo Amadziwa Malire’ has been launched through a partnership between Premier Bet and Miss Malawi, as betting platforms become increasingly accessible across the country.
The initiative was officially launched in Lilongwe on Tuesday and seeks to encourage young people to approach betting with caution and awareness of its risks.
Speaking during the launch, Premier Bet Marketing Manager for the Central Region, Edson Kunkeyani, said as one of the leading betting companies, the firm has a responsibility to promote safe gambling practices and educate customers about the potential dangers associated with betting.
“Betting is not employment or a reliable source of income, and through this campaign we want to reach young people so they understand that betting has limits. While the excitement of betting can sometimes cloud judgment, it is crucial to recognise that responsible gambling is important to one’s personal well-being,” he said.
Kunkeyani added that partnering with Miss Malawi will help the company effectively reach the youth population targeted by the campaign.
Miss Malawi Thandie Chisi said it is important for young people to understand the impact gambling can have on their lives if not done responsibly, adding that she will use her platform to raise awareness and promote positive decision-making among the youth.
The campaign will run online and through community outreach activities across the country.
Government has announced that a fresh inquiry will be conducted into the plane crash that claimed the lives of the late Vice President Saulos Chilima and eight others.
Chilima and the eight victims died in a military plane crash on June 10, 2024, in Chikangawa Forest in Mzimba.
The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Charles Mhango, made the announcement in Parliament on Tuesday.
Mhango said president Arthur Peter Mutharika has consented to the new investigation.
“The President has agreed that another inquiry should be conducted,however, this process will be handled by Parliament, which will appoint a committee to carry out the inquiry,” said Mhango.
The minister added that subsection 3 of the Constitution of Malawi empowers Parliament to conduct such investigations.
“This inquiry will involve experts from outside the country, who will advise the committee before it reaches its final conclusions,” he said.
On his part,United Transformation Movement (UTM ) Publicity Director Felix Njawala welcomed the development.
Wife to Chilima , Mary ,has however thanked Mutharika for ordering the fresh inquiry.
“Zikomo kwambiri, kwabasi, Your Excellency…” reads part of Mary’s post on her Facebook page.
The previous inquiry findings instituted by the former president Lazarus Chakwera revealed that bad weather was the greatest cause of the plane crash.
It was revealed that the pilot on the day did not consult Kamuzu International Airport (KIA ) to find out how the weather was.
Chairperson of the commission of the inquiry,Justice Jabbar Alide, stated that the weather was bad in Mzuzu as it was foggy, causing poor visibility and very cold and it was getting worse despite that the plane had already took off from KIA.
“The commission found out that the pilot did not have any weather information about the day which was supposed to be obtained from the Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services(DCCMS) before commencing to Mzuzu for the funeral of the late Ralph Kasambala.
“Based on the evidence, the commission found no proof of technical issues that caused the accident that claimed the lives of the vice president and other eight people,” Alide read the report.
The commission further stated that the Malawi Air Force Dornier 228 aircraft was in good condition a day before and on the actual day of the accident and that the aircraft had been duly maintained by the Malawi Air Force.
According to the manufacturer’s specifications, the plane was designed to cover 29,000 flying hours and the one which crashed at Chikangawa had completed only over 3,000 hours.
The report alluded that the cause of the crash was due to environmental factors which includes bad weather that led to poor communication while the plane was in the middle of the journey.
The commission of inquiry made its recommendations after conducting a thorough investigation.
This included examining the actual site of the accident, consulting the Malawi Police Service (MPS) and the Malawi Defence Force(MDF), and gathering information from all relevant sources connected to the incident.
“The commission of the enquiry visited Chikangwa forest and all places surrounding the place, Mzuzu airport, Mzuzu police and Malawi a defence Force from Mzuzu as the first hand witness of the accident.
“The commission also engaged with the Zomba MDF and interviewed the deceased’s family before proceeding to Lilongwe, where it interacted with the President, the Secretary to the Office of the President(OPC), the MDF, the Malawi Police Service, Airtel Malawi, MACRA, and other stakeholders,” read part of the statement.
The commission of inquiry concluded that the plane crash was caused by a combination of environmental and human factors, based on evidence gathered from various individuals, institutions, and stakeholders.
Prophet Shepherd Bushiri’s 43rd birthday celebration was a star-studded affair, with Zambian music sensation Yo Maps headlining the event at the Golden Peacock Complex in Lilongwe.
The event, which took place on Saturday, February 21, 2026, drew high-profile guests, including Malawi’s Second Vice President Enoch Chihana, former Vice President Michael Usi, and Zimbabwe’s Prophet Uebert Angel.
Bushiri and Yo Maps
Yo Maps delivered a high-energy performance, thrilling the audience with hits like “So Mone” and “Kondwa”.
The celebration also featured gospel singer Steve Spesho, son of the late Grace Chinga, who performed a dedicated birthday song for Bushiri.
While reports suggest Yo Maps was paid for his performance, the exact figure remains unverified, with some sources citing his booking fee as approximately $46,000 USD (roughly 80 million MWK).
Bushiri’s philanthropic efforts, including a recent 500 million MWK donation to Malawi Got Talent, have contributed to the public’s interest in his events.
The event showcased Bushiri’s influence across the region, blending faith and entertainment.
At least 4,000 households in Traditional Authority Khwethemule in Thyolo District have received relief food items from Faizan Global Relief Foundation (FGRF).
The items, including maize flour, sugar, rice, salt, and soya pieces, are meant to help those fasting during the Muslim Holy Month of Ramadan have food to break their fasting with.
Speaking during the distribution exercise, FGRF’s Director of Public Relations and Projects, Ibrahim Omar Mataya, said it was important for families to have food during Ramadan, emphasizing the significance of charity and compassion during this sacred month.
On her part, Minister of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare Mary Navicha, who is also Thyolo Thava legislator, expressed gratitude for the support, acknowledging FGRF’s efforts in addressing food insecurity in the area.
The organisation has been distributing relief food to hunger-stricken Malawians following President Peter Mutharika’s declaration of a State of National Disaster in October last year, highlighting the country’s ongoing struggle with food security.
FGRF’s initiative is part of its broader efforts to support vulnerable communities, particularly during times of crisis, and aligns with the government’s appeal for humanitarian assistance to address the country’s food shortages.
