Police in Mangochi have arrested a 42-year-old ex-convict, Wisiki Kaunda, for possessing three military handcuffs allegedly stolen from Mangochi Prison Services while serving a five-year sentence for burglary.
Speaking with 247 Malawi News, Mangochi Police Public Relations Officer Inspector Amina Tepani Daudi says on February 6, 2025, detectives received a tip from community members that the suspect was in possession of military equipment, which he allegedly used to terrorize residents.
Wisiki Kaunda
Acting on the information, officers raided Kaunda’s house, where they discovered three handcuffs hidden in a laptop bag and subsequently arrested him.
During interrogation, Kaunda, who was recently released from prison, confessed to unlawfully obtaining the handcuffs from a storeroom at Mangochi Prison. He explained that while serving his sentence, he was assigned cleaning duties in the storeroom, which he used as an opportunity to steal the handcuffs.
He buried them under a tree outside the prison premises while working on a farming assignment. Upon his release in July last year, he retrieved the handcuffs and began using them.
Prison authorities have positively identified both the suspect and the recovered handcuffs.
Kaunda is expected to appear in court once paperwork is completed, where he will face charges of unlawful possession of military equipment and theft.
He hails from Kalonga Village, under Traditional Authority Mapira in Mangochi.
In a move that is expected to strain US-South Africa relations, former US President Donald Trump signed a law cutting economic aid to South Africa. The decision was made in response to concerns over the country’s new land policy, which allows the state to reclaim land without compensation. Trump had previously warned of withdrawing support for South Africa following the signing of the policy by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The land reform initiative has been a contentious issue, with critics arguing that it violates property rights, particularly affecting white farmers (Afrikaners). Elon Musk, a South African-born entrepreneur and Trump adviser, has backed the decision, describing South Africa’s land policy as discriminatory. The move has sparked concerns about the potential economic consequences for both countries.
Ramaphosa and Trump
The US had provided significant economic aid to South Africa in recent years, and the decision to cut aid is likely to have a significant impact on the country’s economy. South Africa has been struggling with high levels of unemployment, poverty, and inequality, and the loss of US aid is likely to exacerbate these challenges.
The dispute over the land policy has highlighted the complex and sensitive nature of the issue. While the South African government has argued that the policy is necessary to address historical injustices and promote land reform, critics have raised concerns about the potential consequences for property rights and the economy. The US decision to cut aid has added a new layer of complexity to the issue, and it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold.
The Malawi National Netball Team’s determination to rebuild and reclaim its competitive edge is poised to take centre stage once again today as they square off against the unbeaten South Africa in the ongoing Quad Series in the United Kingdom. This highly anticipated match highlights the resolute spirit of the Malawi Queens, who have been striving to regain their former glory in the international netball arena.
Malawi’s participation in the Quad Series, which features some of the best netball teams from around the world, represents a critical step in the team’s journey of recovery and rebuilding after a challenging period. The team, under the guidance of head coach, has been working tirelessly to overcome setbacks and reestablish itself as a force to be reckoned with in the sport.
The match against South Africa promises to be a formidable test of the Queens’ progress, as the South African team has remained undefeated in the competition thus far. Known for their fast-paced, physical style of play, the South Africans have proven to be one of the most dominant teams in recent years, and their continued success in the Quad Series only adds to the challenge facing the Malawi side.
However, despite the odds, the Malawi Queens are determined to prove their resilience. The team has shown significant improvement in recent months, with a focus on rebuilding key aspects of their game, including defensive tactics, midcourt play, and shooting accuracy. This rebuilding phase has not been without its difficulties, but the Queens’ unwavering commitment to progress has been evident in their performances so far in the series.
The match today offers an opportunity for the Queens to demonstrate just how far they have come in their journey to rebuild and reassert themselves on the international stage. Coach’s tactical adjustments and player development will be under scrutiny as the team looks to compete against a South African side that has shown both skill and consistency in the series. The Malawi team will need to be at their best, utilizing every opportunity to capitalize on any weaknesses in the South African game while maintaining their own composure under pressure.
One of the key elements that the Malawi Queens will rely on in this encounter is their depth of talent. Despite the challenges they have faced, the team has an array of skilled players who have consistently shown their potential in high-pressure situations. The experience and leadership from senior players will be crucial, but there is also a growing sense of excitement around the younger talents emerging within the squad.
This match is more than just another fixture in the Quad Series; it is an opportunity for the Malawi National Netball Team to reaffirm their position in international netball and send a strong message to both their supporters and their critics. The determination to rebuild, both as individuals and as a team, will be put to the test against South Africa, but the Queens are determined to face the challenge head-on.
The outcome of today’s match will not only have implications for the team’s standing in the Quad Series but will also be a key indicator of the progress the Malawi National Netball Team has made in their rebuilding journey. Regardless of the result, the team’s continued growth and development are sure to be a source of pride for Malawi and a testament to the hard work and dedication of the players and coaching staff.
As the Queens prepare to take on South Africa, netball fans across Malawi and beyond will be watching closely, hoping to see a spirited performance that highlights the potential of the team and their future prospects in international netball. The Quad Series has provided the perfect platform for the Malawi National Netball Team to showcase their talent, resilience, and commitment to reclaiming their place among the best in the world. Today’s match against South Africa will be another step in that ongoing journey.
In a passionate call for unity and continued support for the government’s development initiatives, the District Commissioner of Nsanje, Ezekiel Ching’oma, has urged the people of his district to remain behind President Lazarus Chakwera as he pushes forward with transformative development projects aimed at improving the lives of people living along the banks of the Shire River. Ching’oma, who also serves as a senior member of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), made these remarks during a meeting with local leaders in the district.
Ching’oma, in his address, emphasized that the government’s commitment to development projects in the region has already begun to show promising signs of progress, with a focus on improving the livelihoods of those living in the rural areas around the Shire River. The district commissioner underscored that President Chakwera’s administration is deeply invested in the prosperity of Nsanje, with various initiatives aimed at transforming the local economy, infrastructure, and access to essential services.
Ching’oma
“Let us continue to rally behind President Chakwera’s leadership. His administration is dedicated to bringing about lasting change in our communities, and we must stay committed to his vision for the future. Together, we can see these plans come to fruition,” Ching’oma said.
As one of the key figures in the local government and a member of the ruling party, Ching’oma also expressed confidence that Dr. Chakwera will secure victory in the upcoming September elections. He pointed to the positive strides made under the current government and the people’s growing support for the president’s agenda. Ching’oma’s comments reflected the strong belief within the MCP that the party is well-positioned to retain power, given the ongoing developmental projects that are being implemented across various regions of the country.
The focus on the Shire River region, which has long faced challenges related to infrastructure, healthcare, and education, has been a critical part of the government’s development strategy. Ching’oma highlighted the importance of these projects in changing the lives of the people who reside in these often overlooked and underdeveloped areas.
The district commissioner’s call for continued support comes at a time when the political atmosphere in Malawi is heating up ahead of the 2025 elections. With political campaigns expected to intensify in the coming months, leaders like Ching’oma are working hard to maintain the momentum for the ruling party, highlighting the tangible benefits that the government has brought to local communities through infrastructure projects, job creation, and improved social services.
Ching’oma’s support for President Chakwera and the MCP’s development agenda was met with nods of approval from the local leaders in attendance at the meeting. Many of them voiced their commitment to ensuring that the president’s initiatives continue to receive support from the grassroots level, emphasizing the need for collective action to ensure that the region’s potential is fully realized.
Despite facing challenges, including the socio-economic hurdles that affect many Malawians, Ching’oma’s message was one of hope and perseverance. The government’s investments in Nsanje, particularly in areas related to agriculture, water management, and rural development, are seen as key drivers of future growth in the district.
As the election season approaches, Ching’oma’s statement serves as a reminder of the importance of local leadership in shaping political outcomes. His confidence in President Chakwera’s ability to win re-election reflects the growing optimism among government supporters, who are hopeful that continued progress will be made in the next term. The people of Nsanje, especially those living in the flood-prone and underdeveloped areas along the Shire River, will likely look to the government’s promises of development as a key factor in their decision at the ballot box in September.
Ching’oma’s call to action and his unwavering support for the president highlight the ongoing efforts of the Malawi Congress Party to maintain a strong political presence, not only within the halls of government but also among the local communities who are most affected by policy decisions. The coming months will likely see more outreach from leaders like Ching’oma, who are eager to continue pushing for change and development in rural areas across Malawi.
In a landmark decision, Zimbabwe’s Constitutional Court has upheld a High Court order that declared certain by-laws used by local authorities to demolish houses without court orders as unconstitutional. This ruling is a significant victory for residents who have been fighting against arbitrary evictions and demolitions.
The High Court had previously ruled that sections 32 and 37 of the Regional, Town and Country Planning Act, which allowed local authorities to demolish houses without obtaining a court order, were inconsistent with the Constitution.
The Constitutional Court’s decision to uphold this ruling confirms that local authorities must follow due process and obtain a court order before demolishing any property.
The case was brought before the courts by the Chitungwiza Residents Trust (CHITREST), which represented aggrieved residents who had their homes demolished by the Chitungwiza Municipality.
The residents argued that the demolitions were unconstitutional and violated their right to freedom from arbitrary eviction, as guaranteed by section 74 of the Constitution.
The High Court’s initial ruling was a significant blow to local authorities, who had been using the by-laws to justify widespread demolitions of informal settlements and other residential areas. The Constitutional Court’s decision to uphold this ruling sends a clear message that the rights of residents must be respected and that local authorities must act within the bounds of the law.
The ruling also highlights the need for local authorities to be more proactive in preventing illegal construction and ensuring that residents have access to safe and secure housing. As noted by High Court Judge Justice Never Katiyo, local authorities must follow proper legal procedures and obtain court orders before demolishing properties.
The Constitutional Court’s decision is a welcome development for residents who have been living in fear of arbitrary evictions and demolitions. It is also a significant step towards ensuring that the rights of residents are respected and protected.
In light of this ruling, local authorities must review their policies and procedures to ensure that they are complying with the Constitution and respecting the rights of residents. The government must also take steps to address the underlying issues driving informal settlements and ensure that residents have access to safe and secure housing.
Ultimately, this ruling is a victory for the rule of law and the protection of human rights in Zimbabwe. It sends a clear message that the rights of residents must be respected and that local authorities must act within the bounds of the law.
