Muhammad Sulumba and Uchizi Vunga scored a brace each as Creck Sporting Club and Silver Strikers played out to a 2-all draw at Aubrey Dimba Stadium in Mchinji on Sunday afternoon.
Sulumba put the home side in front with just a minute before half time after receiving an assist from Vincent Nyangulu who took the ball from Silver’s defender Emmanuel Kaunga.
At the beginning of the second half, Vunga who was also voted man of the match, cancelled Creck’s lead in the 46th minute after receiving an assist from Gift Chunga.
Sulumba put the home side back in front in the 79th minute after receiving a pass from George Chaomba but Vunga again equalised a minute later following a communication breakdown in Creck’s defence.
Elsewhere, Mighty Mukuru Wanderers missed an opportunity to close the gap on league leaders Silver Strikers as they suffered a 1-nil defeat at the hands of Karonga United at Karonga Stadium.
Alfred Chizinga scored the only goal of the match just five minutes from kick-off after receiving an assist from William Mwalwimba.
In Blantyre, Daniel Shadreck scored the only goal of the match as Mighty Tigers beat Bangwe All Stars 1-nil to boost their chances of surviving in the top flight.
Silver remain top on the log table with 50 points followed by the Nomads who have so far accumulated 44 points. Both teams have played 22 points.
Baka City, Chitipa United and Bangwe All Stars remain in the relegation zone.
The recent calls for an investigation into the conduct of judicial officers, particularly Justice Ken Manda, have thrust the issue of judicial corruption into the public eye, prompting scrutiny of the Malawi Judiciary’s response. After almost three weeks of mounting pressure from the public and various stakeholders, the Judiciary has finally begun to take action. However, this delayed response raises critical questions about the institution’s awareness of corruption and its willingness to address it.
One of the foremost questions that arise from this situation is whether the Judiciary was previously aware of the corruption allegations involving its officers. The long-standing issues of judicial misconduct and corruption are not new phenomena in Malawi. Various reports and public complaints have highlighted these issues for years, indicating a systemic problem within the judicial framework. If the Judiciary was aware of these corrupt practices, the delay in action is concerning, suggesting either negligence or a lack of commitment to addressing such a critical issue.
The Judiciary’s decision to wait almost three weeks before initiating any investigations can be interpreted as an attempt to sidestep immediate accountability. This period of silence can exacerbate public distrust, leading to perceptions that the Judiciary is either reluctant to address corruption or is complicit in it. The fact that public outcry was necessary to prompt action raises questions about the internal mechanisms for addressing grievances and the effectiveness of oversight within the Judiciary.
This incident is not an isolated event; it mirrors previous instances where the Judiciary has faced scrutiny for its members’ conduct. The recurring nature of these allegations calls into question the Judiciary’s ability to self-regulate and uphold ethical standards. The public’s demand for transparency and accountability is a reaction to a historical pattern of inaction and the perception that the judiciary operates above scrutiny.
The urgency of addressing judicial corruption cannot be overstated. There is a growing consensus that a complete overhaul of the Judiciary is necessary to restore public confidence. Such an overhaul should encompass comprehensive reforms aimed at enhancing transparency, establishing stringent accountability mechanisms, and fostering a culture of integrity among judicial officers. This includes regular audits, training programs on ethical conduct, and robust channels for reporting misconduct without fear of retaliation.
The delayed response from the Judiciary in addressing allegations of corruption signifies a larger systemic issue that requires immediate attention. It is imperative for the Judiciary to demonstrate its commitment to upholding justice and maintaining public trust. As the investigations commence, it is crucial that they be thorough and transparent to ensure accountability. The ongoing public discourse surrounding this issue reflects a growing demand for a judiciary that is not only free from corruption but also responsive to the needs and concerns of the citizens it serves. The time for reform is now, as the integrity of the judiciary is paramount for the health of Malawi’s democracy.
Lawi’s recent live performance, where he invited Minister Vera Kamtukule to join him on stage, presented an intriguing fusion of art and politics. Known for his celebrated song Therere, Lawi took the opportunity to surprise the audience by showcasing Minister Kamtukule’s hidden musical talent. However, what began as a display of Malawi’s cultural richness quickly shifted into a politically charged moment that exposed the audience’s frustrations with the current administration.
The moment Lawi announced that Minister Kamtukule could sing came as a surprise to many, especially considering her role as a government official. It revealed a new side of the minister, reminding the audience of the diverse talents found within Malawian society, even among political figures. Her willingness to step out of her formal position and share her artistic passion added a personal, relatable element to her public persona.
Kamtukule’s performance, backed by Lawi’s guitar skills, was a symbol of how art has the power to bring people together. It blurred the lines between personal identity and professional responsibility, showing how a figure known for their leadership in governance could also contribute to the creative sector. Her remarks following the performance, in which she praised Malawi’s artistic talent and highlighted the potential for economic growth through cultural industries, aligned with her role as a promoter of national development.
Despite the positive display of talent, the atmosphere soured when Kamtukule concluded her remarks by stating, “This is the same government!” The crowd, already primed with political discontent, reacted negatively to what they perceived as an endorsement of the current administration. Loud boos and calls for her to step down echoed through the venue, signaling that for some Malawians, political frustrations overshadow moments meant for celebration.
This reaction underscores the tension in Malawi’s political environment, where public officials are held accountable not only for their individual actions but also for the broader performance of the government. In this instance, Kamtukule’s association with the government shifted the focus away from her musical talent, reflecting the dissatisfaction some Malawians feel with the administration. The audience’s response highlights how deeply politics influences public perception, even in a non-political setting.
The incident brings to light the complex relationship between art, public figures, and political perception in Malawi. While art can serve as a bridge between different sectors of society, it can also become a platform for airing political grievances. In this case, what was intended to be a lighthearted and positive performance was quickly overshadowed by political undertones. The audience’s response to Kamtukule’s remarks shows that public figures cannot easily escape the political expectations placed upon them, even in artistic environments.
Moreover, this situation demonstrates that when public figures, especially politicians, step outside their formal roles, their actions are still viewed through a political lens. For Kamtukule, her musical talent could not separate her from her position within the government, and the crowd’s reaction highlighted their ongoing frustrations with political leadership.
Lawi’s surprise performance with Minister Vera Kamtukule was meant to celebrate Malawi’s artistic talent and foster a positive collaboration between different sectors. However, the event ultimately reflected the political discontent felt by many Malawians. It serves as a reminder that public figures, especially those in political office, are constantly under scrutiny, even in non-political spaces. Their actions, no matter how well-intentioned, are often viewed within the broader context of governance and public dissatisfaction.
The incident at Lawi’s performance highlights the importance of addressing the concerns of the public. It underscores the need for government leaders to bridge the gap between their official roles and the sentiments of the people they serve. For Malawi to fully harness its artistic potential, political leaders must also work to restore public trust and address the underlying issues fueling discontent among the population.
In a powerful and thought-provoking Facebook post, lawyer Alexius Kamangila reflected on his personal journey through Malawi’s justice system, advocating for the abolition of the death penalty and highlighting the deep-seated injustices that plague the country’s legal system. Drawing from his experiences, Kamangila recounted moments that shaped his conviction to fight for justice, particularly for those on death row and long-term remand without trial.
Kamangila began by sharing his experience as a young law student, visiting prisons and interviewing death-row inmates for his dissertation titled “Decades of De Facto Moratorium on the Death Penalty: A Violation of the Right to Human Dignity.” Even as early as 2014 and 2015, Kamangila was deeply involved in understanding the plight of those condemned to death. His interactions with these prisoners moved him, particularly his meeting with Jack Bandawe, a well-known figure known as Nachipanti. “I have always wondered, did he really do what they said he did?” Kamangila wrote, underscoring the doubts he had about the guilt of some prisoners sentenced to death.
Kamangila
He went on to describe an unforgettable interview with a man in his fifties or sixties who broke down in tears when asked how he spent his days in prison. The emotional weight of that moment, Kamangila explained, left a lasting impression on him. “I was only 23 and didn’t know how to handle an old man crying like a baby,” he admitted, highlighting the personal toll these stories had on him.
Kamangila also reflected on his encounter with Bambo Matiki Njala, an 84-year-old man who had been in custody for nine years without a trial. With Kamangila’s help, Njala was eventually released, but not before facing severe health issues that were addressed only through the intervention of medical students and hospital interns. This experience solidified Kamangila’s resolve to fight for those unfairly caught up in the justice system, writing, “Seeing an old man… being out [of prison] was one of my greatest days.”
Kamangila’s post goes beyond personal anecdotes, calling for systemic change. He criticized the prolonged inaction of the justice system, lamenting that injustice has become a norm. He expressed frustration at the lack of urgency in investigating serious issues within the judiciary, particularly questioning the suitability of Chief Justice Rezine Mzikamanda to lead investigations into alleged corruption involving his deputy, Justice Chikopa, and the former Registrar of the High Court, Kenan Manda. Kamangila raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest, pointing out that Manda is reportedly related to the Chief Justice by marriage.
His post further called for transparency and accountability, questioning whether an external, reputable judge from SADC should be brought in to lead the investigation. Kamangila’s concern was not limited to the alleged actions of individuals, but extended to the system’s failure to act. He labeled this inaction as “passive corruption,” emphasizing that those tasked with upholding justice must also be held accountable.
Kamangila’s advocacy for abolishing the death penalty is deeply intertwined with his criticism of the broader justice system. He described the death penalty as unjust and disproportionately affecting the poor, writing, “Death Penalty ndiyaamphawife” (The death penalty is for the poor). His work with death-row inmates showed him firsthand the flaws in the system, leading him to the firm conclusion that Malawi must move beyond capital punishment.
Conclusion
Lawyer Alexius Kamangila’s powerful words serve as a clarion call for reform within Malawi’s justice system. His experiences in the field, from interviewing death-row inmates to helping long-term remand prisoners gain freedom, have shaped his belief in the need for urgent change. Kamangila’s post is not just a personal reflection, but a passionate appeal to the nation to wake up and confront the systemic injustices that continue to erode the foundations of justice in Malawi. Through his advocacy, Kamangila pushes for a more humane and fair legal system—one that prioritizes justice, human dignity, and the rights of all citizens, regardless of their status or background.
The people of Neno District in Malawi have reason to celebrate as the long-awaited construction of the Neno tarmac road has finally commenced. The project, valued at K35.7 billion, is expected to transform the socio-economic landscape of the district, improving mobility, trade, and overall quality of life.
At a ceremony held at Ligowe Village, Traditional Authority Mlauli, Neno District Council’s District Disaster Risk Management Officer, Brighton Mphinga, expressed gratitude to the contractor, CR-20, and the government for making this project a reality. “In almost 50 years, Neno has been without a tarmac road. We are happy that a contractor has come to construct the road,” Mphinga said.
The 20-kilometer road, stretching from Ligowe Village to Neno Stadium, will be constructed within 18 months. CR-20 took over the project after the government terminated China Geos’ contract. Patricia Kwada, representing Senior Chief Mlauli, emphasized the project’s significance, “Commodities in Neno are more expensive due to poor road infrastructure. This road will make commodities affordable and improve economic activities.”
CR-20’s Construction Manager, Towa Mzumala, assured the community of a high-quality road, designed with extra space for motorcycles and pedestrians. “We will satisfy the community’s needs by finishing the road within the specified period. We look forward to continued good relations with Neno District Council and community members.”
The project’s benefits extend beyond transportation:
The Neno District Council and community members are optimistic about the project’s impact. With CR-20’s commitment to quality and timely completion, the people of Neno are eager to reap the benefits of this significant investment.
As Mphinga aptly put it, “This commencement is a move in the right direction towards socio-economic development.” The Neno road construction project marks a new era of growth and development for the district, and its residents eagerly await the finished product.
