The High Court of Malawi in Blantyre on Wednesday dismissed an application by former president Peter Mutharika’s personal bodyguard, Norman Chisale, challenging the State’s application to forfeit his assets valued at about K5 billion.
In his ruling, High Court Judge Mike Tembo stated that there was no obstacle to prevent the court from hearing the State’s application for Chisale’s assets forfeiture.
Following Tembo’s ruling, Chisale’s lawyer, Chancy Gondwe, requested permission for Chisale to appeal the judge’s decision in the Supreme Court of Appeal.
Chisale
Additionally, Gondwe asked the court to stay the proceedings until the Supreme Court of Appeal makes a determination on the matter.
However, Tembo dismissed both of Chisale’s applications.
Chisale was not present in court during the ruling.
Chisale’s property was seized in 2021 for being suspected to be acquired using dubious means.
The State now wants to permanently take custody of the assets so that they can be sold and recover the money.
Football fans have expressed their disappointment and frustration with the ticket prices set by the Super League of Malawi (SULOM) for the highly anticipated TNM Super League match between Silver Strikers FC and Nyasa Big Bullets FC.
The match is scheduled to take place on November 23, 2024 at Silver Stadium in Lilongwe.
SULOM has priced tickets for the open stand at K7,000, while VIP stand tickets are set at K15,000
The pricing has sparked a heated debate on social media, with many fans voicing their concerns.
Some are speculating that SULOM might be using these prices to control attendance, given the match’s significant implications for the league standings.
In response to these concerns, SULOM General Secretary Donnex Chilonga clarified that ticket pricing is not solely determined by SULOM but also involves the stadium owners.
He suggested that the decision might be influenced by the limited capacity of Silver Stadium, aimed at managing crowd numbers.
“I will provide more detailed information after consulting with Silver Strikers to see if any adjustments can be made,” Chilonga said.
Silver Strikers are currently leading the TNM Super League table with 57 points,while Mighty Wanderers FC follow closely in the second place with 53 points.
Minister of Trade Sosten Gwengwe has urged Ethanol Malawi Company(EthCO) to ramp up production to meet the soaring demand for its products in both local and global markets.
Speaking during his visit to EthCO in Dwangwa on Thursday, Gwengwe praised the company’s impressive expansion and its ability to satisfy the global ethanol market.
He noted that the company produces high-quality products that can help the country earn foreign currency through exports.
Gwengwe advised the company to scale up its operations
“EthCO is doing quite a lot in terms of venturing into various kinds of products, what I can advise them is simply scaling up what they are doing right now,” he said.
On her part, EthCO Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Lusubilo Chakaniza, revealed that the company plans to construct another production unit in Salima district to increase production.
EthCO is a Malawian company that distills ethanol from molasses, a byproduct of sugar production.
The company was founded in 1982 in response to the fuel crisis of the late 1970s.
EthCo’s main product is ethanol, which is used for a variety of purposes, including fuel, beverage alcohol, and industrial applications.
The company also produces gel fuel for chafing dishes.
In a bold social media statement, celebrity Tamia Ja has made an impassioned appeal to the former U.S. President Donald J. Trump, asking for help as Malawi grapples with a worsening fuel crisis. Her post, which has gained traction online, highlights the dire state of affairs in the country, from long fuel queues to corruption and growing socio-economic inequalities.
“President Donald J. Trump, please help us in Malawi. We have a fuel crisis in our country. People are even sleeping at filling stations for fuel,” wrote Tamia, expressing frustration over the deteriorating situation.
Tamia criticized the growing disparity between the rich and the poor, accusing powerful individuals of exploiting the system while ordinary Malawians struggle to meet their basic needs. She added, “Rich people are getting richer, corruption is too high. When we start to speak out to identify all the problems that we are facing, they scare us by saying, ‘Politics is a dirty game.’ Malawi is now worse than before.”
Her comments reflect the frustrations of many Malawians who have been dealing with a prolonged fuel shortage that has paralyzed businesses and disrupted daily life. With fuel pumps running dry and vehicles lining up for hours, the crisis has sparked public outcry against perceived government inaction.
While Tamia’s appeal to Trump may appear unconventional, it underscores a growing sense of desperation and a call for international attention to Malawi’s challenges. It also highlights the role of celebrities in voicing societal concerns and amplifying the grievances of ordinary citizens.
As public discourse continues to build around the fuel crisis, many are urging the government to take immediate and effective measures to address the shortages and restore normalcy. However, for Tamia and many others, the broader issues of corruption, inequality, and governance remain key barriers to Malawi’s progress.
The government is yet to respond to Tamia’s plea, but her message resonates with a growing segment of the population yearning for tangible solutions and meaningful leadership in these trying times.
The Center for Democracy and Elections (CEDE) has raised concerns about escalating disagreements surrounding Malawi’s electoral processes as the country prepares for the 2025 general elections. Aloisious Nthenda, Technical Specialist at CEDE, described the situation as disheartening, pointing to a deepening lack of trust among key stakeholders in the electoral system.
Nthenda’s remarks come in the wake of mounting criticism directed at Annabel Mtalimanja, Chairperson of the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC), who has resisted calls to resign from her position. The UTM Party, among other opposition groups, has intensified demands for her to step down, citing unresolved grievances related to electoral management.
Mtalimanja
One of the most contentious issues involves the proposed suspension of Smartmatic, a technology firm engaged for next year’s elections. Opposition parties have questioned the transparency and reliability of its systems, fueling broader concerns over the credibility of the election process.
Felix Njawala, UTM’s National Publicity Secretary, has publicly urged Mtalimanja to address these grievances decisively to retain her role as MEC Chairperson. “Stakeholders need confidence in the process, and the Chairperson must act swiftly to resolve these matters if she is to maintain her leadership,” Njawala said.
Speaking to MIJ Online, Nthenda underscored the urgency of dialogue among political parties, civil society, and MEC officials to foster trust and ensure a fair electoral process. “The integrity of Malawi’s democracy hinges on finding common ground. Without genuine dialogue, the prospects of a free and fair election are at risk,” he cautioned.
As the clock ticks toward the 2025 elections, the ongoing disputes threaten to erode public confidence in MEC and its ability to oversee credible elections. CEDE’s call for constructive engagement serves as a timely reminder of the need to safeguard Malawi’s democratic processes through transparency and consensus-building.
