Small-scale business operators in Mzuzu met with President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera at Mzuzu State Lodge on Tuesday.
Gerald Maulana, Chairman of Mzuzu City Vendors, led the delegation and praised President Chakwera for accepting their request to meet and discuss the challenges faced by northern region vendors.
“We could not continue with our plan to go on the street when you had accepted to meet and discuss our grievances,” Maulana said.
Maulana also commended President Chakwera for his response to concerns raised by Kaunjika vendors.
“We are not against your administration. You are not our enemy. When you see us crying, it is an indication that we have issues worthy of your intervention,” Maulana added.
Sikwese, Chairman of Mzuzu Main Market Vendors, also spoke at the meeting, calling on President Chakwera to remove “dead wood” in government.
“Vendors are forced into demonstrations because the concerned authorities are failing in their duties,” Sikwese said.
With just 196 days to go before the general elections, the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has announced the second phase of the voter transfer exercise, which will take place over the next three days.
The exercise aims to provide an opportunity for voters who have moved or intend to relocate away from their registered centers to update their registration details.
According to the MEC, voters intending to carry out the exercise should visit the registration center where they intend to vote, not where they registered.
The second phase of the exercise will cover 17 districts across the country, including Rumphi, Nkhata Bay, and Blantyre.
The MEC has encouraged all eligible voters to take advantage of the exercise to ensure they can cast their ballots in the upcoming elections.
The general elections, scheduled for September 16, will be the seventh since the dawn of multiparty democracy in 1994.
The highly anticipated trial of former presidential aide Norman Chisale, former Chief of Staff at State Residences Peter Mukhito, and former Malawi Revenue Authority Deputy Commissioner General Roza Mbilizi hit a snag on Tuesday as defence lawyers for the trio failed to show up in court.
The three accused are facing charges of abusing the Taxpayer Identification Number of former President Peter Mutharika.
However, as the trial commenced, it became apparent that none of the defence lawyers were present in court.
Presiding judge, Chimbizgani Kacheche, expressed his disappointment over the behaviour of the defence, considering the nature of the matter.
He suspended proceedings for 30 minutes, warning that if the defence lawyers failed to show up, the trial would proceed without them.
“This is a serious matter, and it’s unacceptable that the defence lawyers are not taking it seriously,” said Judge Kacheche. “We cannot delay the trial indefinitely. If they are not here when we resume, we will proceed with or without them.”
The absence of the defence lawyers has raised eyebrows, with many speculating about the reasons behind their no-show.
Roza Mbilizi
Some have suggested that the defence may be employing delay tactics, while others believe that there may be more serious issues at play.
The trial has been highly publicized, with many Malawians eager to see justice served.
The accused are facing serious charges, and if found guilty, could face significant penalties.
As the trial resumes, all eyes will be on the defence lawyers to see if they will show up.
If they fail to appear, the trial will proceed without them, and the accused will have to face the music alone.
The case has sparked widespread interest, with many Malawians following the developments closely.
As the trial continues, one thing is certain – justice will be served, and those found guilty will be held accountable.
In related news, Norman Chisale is also facing charges of accumulating unexplained wealth while he was presidential bodyguard for former President Peter Mutharika.
The case is ongoing, and Chisale has denied any wrongdoing.
The trial of Chisale, Mukhito, and Mbilizi is expected to continue in the coming days, with the prosecution presenting its case against the accused.
As the trial unfolds, Malawians will be watching closely to see how justice is served.
The Malawi Conference of Catholic Bishops (MCCB) has announced plans to host the country’s first-ever National Eucharistic Congress, a historic gathering of Catholics from across Malawi.
The congress, scheduled to take place from November 5 to 9, 2025, will be held under the theme “Eucharist, Source and Summit for the Pilgrims of Hope.”
Bishop Alfred Mateyu Chaima
According to Bishop Alfred Mateyu Chaima, Bishop President of the Pastoral Commission and Bishop of Zomba Diocese, the event will bring together clergy, religious men and women, and the laity to worship, celebrate, and reflect on the mysteries of the Eucharist.
“A Eucharistic Congress is a unique opportunity for Catholics to come together and deepen their understanding of the Eucharist, which is at the heart of our faith,” said Bishop Chaima. “We expect the congress to be a transformative experience for all participants, and we invite all Catholics in Malawi to join us for this historic event.”
The MCCB has set aside a budget of K112 million to host the congress, which will feature a range of activities, including worship services, workshops, and exhibitions.
The event will also provide an opportunity for Catholics to come together and share their experiences, challenges, and hopes.
The National Eucharistic Congress is expected to attract participants from all over Malawi, as well as from neighboring countries.
The event will be a significant milestone for the Catholic Church in Malawi, which has a long history of promoting faith, education, and social development in the country.
According to Bishop Chaima, the congress will also provide an opportunity for the Catholic Church to reflect on its role in promoting hope and transformation in Malawi. “As pilgrims of hope, we are called to be agents of transformation in our communities,” said Bishop Chaima. “The National Eucharistic Congress will be a moment of grace for us to renew our commitment to our faith and to our country.”
The MCCB has called on all Catholics in Malawi to support the congress through prayers, donations, and participation.
The event is expected to be a historic moment for the Catholic Church in Malawi, and all are invited to be part of it.
A bizarre incident in Jenda, Mzimba, has led to the arrest of Prophet Isaac Mkandawire of Jerusalem Ministries and his accomplice Eunice Soko.
The duo was caught attempting to defraud villagers using a small-sized coffin with alleged supernatural powers.
The scam began when a mysterious mini-coffin appeared outside a villager’s house, sparking suspicion and curiosity.
Upon investigation, charms were discovered inside the coffin, and Prophet Mkandawire conveniently appeared, offering to provide a spiritual explanation for the strange occurrence.
However, Mkandawire’s true intentions were soon exposed when he demanded K350,000 to supposedly free the villager’s child from a spell.
The child, who resides in South Africa, was allegedly bewitched by the magical coffin.
Further investigation revealed that the duo had previously scammed K150,000 from a nearby village.
The two have been charged with conduct likely to cause a breach of peace and fraud other than false pretence.
The incident serves as a warning to the public to be cautious of fake prophets and scams that prey on vulnerable individuals.
The swift action taken by the Jenda Police has brought the perpetrators to justice, and the community can now breathe a sigh of relief.
