A devastating incident in Mangochi has led to a 26-year-old driver, Patrick Buleya, being fined K1.2 million for causing death by reckless driving.
Speaking with 247 Malawi News Mangochi Police Public Relations Officer Inspector Amina Tepani Daudi,says on March 5, 2025, Buleya, a laboratory technician at Ntcheu District Hospital, was driving from Liwonde to Mangochi Boma when he lost control of his vehicle due to excessive speeding.
The vehicle swerved and hit a male cyclist, who had a female pillion passenger carrying a two-year-old baby boy.
Amina Tepani Daudi
The cyclist sustained severe head injuries and was pronounced dead upon arrival at Ukalanga Health Centre.
The mother and baby also succumbed to their injuries while receiving treatment at Mangochi District Hospital.
Buleya pleaded guilty to three counts of causing death by reckless driving and appealed for leniency, citing his role as a health worker and the potential suffering of his pregnant wife if he were imprisoned.
However, Senior Resident Magistrate Muhammad Chande ordered Buleya to pay K400,000 for each count, totaling K1.2 million, or serve three years in prison with hard labor.
Buleya paid the fine in full and was also directed to compensate for each bereaved family with K300,000.
He hails from Nyangwa Village, Traditional Authority Kalembo in Balaka district.
On the 22nd of March, the leader of the United Democratic Front (UDF), Honourable Atupele Muluzi, is scheduled to host a significant political gathering in Lilongwe.
The rally will take place at the Sese Ground, a venue known for hosting major political events.
The event is expected to begin at 2 p.m., with Muluzi and other party leaders set to address a crowd of party supporters and the general public.
Atupele Muluzi
As one of the most prominent political figures in Malawi, Muluzi’s rallies have consistently drawn significant attention from both supporters and critics.
This particular rally is poised to be a pivotal moment in the lead-up to the upcoming elections, as Muluzi is expected to deliver a speech that will outline the UDF’s political vision and strategy for the future.
The rally’s timing is especially notable as it comes at a moment when political tensions are high, and many Malawians are focused on the direction the country’s leadership will take in the next election.
Muluzi’s leadership of the UDF has been marked by several key developments, and his speeches often address crucial national issues, including economic reforms, social justice, and the state of democracy in Malawi.
Political analysts will be closely watching this event, as Muluzi’s speech is likely to give insight into his party’s plans, the potential alliances UDF may pursue, and how they intend to navigate the highly competitive political landscape in Malawi.
The UDF’s support base has remained strong in some regions, and this rally will serve as a reminder of the party’s historical influence in Malawian politics.
Expectations for the rally are high, with many hoping it will provide clarity on the UDF’s strategy going forward.
Political observers are particularly keen on any remarks that Muluzi may make regarding his party’s stance on key issues, including the economy, corruption, and the role of youth in Malawi’s political future.
The Sese Ground rally could also serve as a platform for Muluzi to reiterate his party’s commitment to working towards a united Malawi, where development reaches all corners of the nation.
As the political climate heats up, rallies like this one will play a crucial role in shaping public opinion and influencing voter turnout ahead of the elections.
The 22nd March rally will not only be a test of Muluzi’s ability to rally his supporters, but also a crucial moment for the UDF to solidify its position as a major player in the Malawian political arena.
In conclusion, the event at Sese Ground is expected to be one of the many key moments in the months leading up to the elections, and it will likely have a lasting impact on the political dynamics in Malawi.
The Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA) has announced revisions to the standards and requirements for the construction and commissioning of fuel service stations in the country.
Speaking to journalists in Blantyre on Thursday, MERA Consumer Affairs and Public Relations Manager,Fitina Khonje said the changes aim to ease entry into the business and increase access to fuel service stations for consumers.
She said the revised standards include reducing the required distance between service stations from 1 kilometer to 500 meters and decreasing the plot size from 3500 square meters to 2500 square meters.
Fitina Khonje
Said Khonje:”This move aims to make land allocation more efficient, as land is a scarce resource in Malawi.”
She emphasized that MERA’s goal is to balance business interests with consumer needs, ensuring that investors can operate efficiently while consumers have easy access to fuel service stations.
Khonje also announced that the regulatory body has developed an online assessment tool to facilitate the application process, allowing prospective developers to check if their land meets the requirements before proceeding with other approvals.
Regarding concerns about existing service stations that may not meet the revised standards, Khonje explained that MERA will ensure safety measures are strictly adhered to and enhance requirements for safety at these stations.
“New applicants will be required to meet the revised guidelines and standards.
“To address disparities in business entry between urban and rural areas, MERA has implemented flexible guidelines for investing in rural areas, including containerized investments with less stringent requirements.
“This move aims to increase access to fuel service stations in rural areas and promote economic development.
“As MERA continues to promote sustainable energy development and reduce Malawi’s reliance on imported energy solutions, these revised standards and guidelines are expected to create a more conducive business environment and increase access to fuel service stations for consumers,” she said.
On his part,Traffic and Roads Safety Engineer at the Roads Authority Malawi,Aubrey Elliot Nyanga, hailed the introduction of an online assessment tool saying it is a significant step forward.
“It is quite nice, because it will help in the efficiency, as well as the time reduction that is taken forward to travel from their location where they would like to develop, to go to site, do an inspection and have a clear view of how their site is going to be like, whether it’s accessible or not,” said Nyanga.
He added:”The new process is expected to enhance efficiency and reduce the time taken to process applications.It will also enable developers to get a clearer view of their proposed site, including its accessibility, before proceeding with their application.
“This will be particularly beneficial for applications related to the development of filling stations and other roadside facilities.”
The Malawi Law Society (MLS) in collaboration with the Malawi Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MCCCI) on Friday March 21,2025 officially inaugurated the Malawi International Arbitration Centre (MIAC) at Mount Soche hotel in Blantyre,marking a significant step forward in the country’s dispute resolution landscape.
Speaking to journalists, Chief Justice Rizine Mzikamanda said MIAC is a private company limited by guarantee that will administer both domestic and international commercial and investment disputes.
He assured that the Judiciary will support the arbitration process, recognizing the importance of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.
“The Judiciary will not hinder the arbitration process, as arbitration laws require courts to decline jurisdiction and refer disputes to arbitration when there is a valid agreement,” said Mzikamanda.
On his part,MLS President Patrick Mpaka highlighted the benefits of MIAC, stating that it will not only reduce pressure on courts but also provide businesses with greater control over resolving commercial and investment disputes.
In his solidarity speech,Attorney General(AG )Thabo Chakaka-Nyirenda expressed the government’s full support for alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, citing studies that show arbitration can reduce business costs by up to 50%.
The Malawi Government acceded to the New York Convention in June 2021.
Parliament passed the International Arbitration Act in 2023.
Domestic arbitration is firmly rooted in Arbitration Act, 1967 which is a replica of the English Arbitration Act 1950.
The Malawi Supreme Court of Appeal pronounced a landmark decision in March 2024 endorsing the independence of any form of arbitration from judicial intervention in Malawi.
As part of integration into regional initiative for international arbitration, on April 9,2024 at the Johannesburg Arbitration Week, the MLS signed an Alliance Charter with the Arbitration Foundation of Southern Africa, the SADC Lawyers Association and 12 other law societies from within the SADC region thereby becoming a member of the family of internationally recognized arbitration institutions emerging within the SADC region.
On September 5 and 6, 2024, MCCCI and MLS hosted a symposium to introduce MIAC and the initiative to the business community.
Efforts are in full swing to honor, celebrate, and revive the remarkable legacy of one of Malawi’s music legends, Dr. Lizard, a trailblazer in the realms of reggae dancehall and traditional music.
Malumbo Chisiza, popularly known as Dr. Lizard, catapulted to fame in 1990s with his iconic hit “Mama,” establishing himself as a significant influence among emerging artists in the country.
The song is been re-mastered at Baobab Entertainment in German so that it is released again on April 6, 2025.
The late Dr Lizard
According to his elder brother, Manase Chisiza, who now resides in Germany, the initiative will utilize various social media platforms to showcase Dr. Lizard’s rare music videos, photographs, and exclusive music releases, ensuring that his artistic contributions remain alive and well in the digital age.
Chisiza says they are planning to organise a festival in memory of his music industry.
Dr. Lizard’s musical journey began with his inaugural song “Oneness,” a collaboration with artists Anne Matumbi, Teargas (Leonard Chingwe), and San B, which was recorded in Lilongwe.
However, it was his song “Mama” that resonated deeply with audiences, touching countless hearts and solidifying his place in the music industry.
He became a regular guest on Ragga Street on MBCs Radio 2FM hosted manned by DJ Tay B (Tairos Bakili) in the late 90s.
His innovative music not only shaped the Malawian music scene but also inspired a generation of artists. Dr. Lizard’s legacy continues to resonate, remaining a cherished memory for those who experienced his creative brilliance firsthand.
The artist died on April 6, 2003 at the age of 28.
