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Airtel Top 8 Tournament Kicks Off on April 12

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By Shaffie A Mtambo

The highly anticipated 2025/26 Airtel Top 8 tournament is set to kick off on April 12, with defending champions FCB Nyasa Big Bullets hosting Creck Sporting Club at Kamuzu Stadium in the official opening match.

The Football Association of Malawi has confirmed the dates for all the matches, with the quarterfinals taking place from April 12 to April 21.

The semi-finals are scheduled for June 28 and 29, while the final match will be held on July 12, 2025.

This year’s tournament promises to be exciting, with eight top teams from Malawi competing for the top prize.


The participating teams include FCB Nyasa Big Bullets, Mighty Wanderers, Silver Strikers, Creck Sporting Club, Karonga United, Mzuzu City Hammers, Civil Service United, and Moyale.

The quarterfinals will see FCB Nyasa Big Bullets face Creck Sporting Club, while Mighty Wanderers will take on Karonga United.

Mzuzu City Hammers will battle it out with Civil Service United, and Silver Strikers will face Moyale.

The first leg of the quarterfinals will take place from April 12 to April 21, with the second leg scheduled for April 26 to May 18.

The competition is expected to be fierce, with teams vying for the top prize.

The Airtel Top 8 tournament has become a premier football competition in Malawi, attracting top teams and players from across the country.


The Airtel Top 8 tournament is not only a celebration of football excellence but also a platform for promoting sports development and nurturing young talent in Malawi.

Police investigating cases of political violence, says IG Merlyne Yolamu

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By Jones Gadama

Inspector General of Police Merlyne Yolamu has revealed that the police are investigating several cases of political violence that have been reported across the country.

Speaking before the Parliamentary Committee on Defence and Security, Yolamu stated that some individuals have been arrested and are facing trial in connection with these incidents.

One notable case is the stoning of a Presidential convoy in Chikwawa, which resulted in the arrest of six people.


Additionally, a suspect has been apprehended in connection with the murder of a Malawi Congress Party member in Blantyre.

Yolamu also mentioned that individuals responsible for vandalizing vehicles belonging to Members of Parliament at the Parliament building have been arrested, but are currently out on bail.

Yolamu emphasized that some cases are still under investigation, but noted that in some instances, people are reluctant to come forward and register formal complaints.

She attributed this reluctance to fear of retribution or intimidation.

The Inspector General also expressed concern over the role of political leaders in fueling violence.

According to Yolamu, some messages spread by these leaders have the potential to promote violence, and she urged them to refrain from inciting their supporters.

In an effort to contain the violence, Yolamu revealed that the police have engaged with secretary generals of various political parties to promote peace and stability in the country.

This initiative aims to ensure that the upcoming elections are conducted in a peaceful and secure environment.

Yolamu’s remarks come at a time when Malawi is gearing up for general elections in September 2025.

The country has experienced a surge in political violence in recent months, with various incidents reported across the country.

The police have been working tirelessly to investigate these incidents and bring perpetrators to justice.

However, Yolamu’s statement highlights the need for collective responsibility in promoting peace and stability.

As the country prepares for the elections, it is essential that all stakeholders, including political leaders, civil society organizations, and the general public, work together to promote a culture of peace and tolerance.

The police have assured the public that they will do everything in their power to ensure that the elections are conducted in a peaceful and secure environment.

However, they require the cooperation and support of all stakeholders to achieve this goal.

The police are taking a proactive approach to addressing the issue of political violence in Malawi.

Through their investigations and engagement with various stakeholders, they aim to promote peace and stability in the country.

It is essential that all Malawians work together to support this effort and ensure that the upcoming elections are conducted in a peaceful and secure environment.

Mozambican nationals arrested in Likoma for fuel smuggling

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By Jones Gadama

In a major breakthrough, police in Likoma have arrested two Mozambican nationals, John Mtali, 26, and Shalini Matandebera, 30, for allegedly being found in possession of 740 litres of fuel without a license.

The arrest was made yesterday, 2025, at Chiponde, following a tip-off that a group of people were planning to smuggle fuel to Mozambique by boat through Lake Malawi.According to Likoma Police public relations officer, Enala Kalua, police officers rushed to the area, which is along the lake shore, and found the suspects with 740 litres of fuel but had no documents permitting them to possess the fuel.



Mtali and Matandebera, who hail from Mtawali village, Cobue District in Mozambique, are expected to appear in court soon to answer charges levelled against them after completion of paperwork.

This arrest is a significant milestone in the fight against fuel smuggling in the region.

Lake Malawi has long been a conduit for smugglers, who take advantage of the lake’s vastness and porous borders to transport illicit goods, including fuel.

The arrest of Mtali and Matandebera sends a strong message that the authorities are committed to cracking down on fuel smuggling and other illicit activities in the region.

Fuel smuggling is a serious crime that not only deprives the government of much-needed revenue but also poses a significant threat to the environment and public safety.

In recent years, there has been an increase in fuel smuggling cases in the region, with many suspects being arrested and charged.

However, the problem persists, and it requires a concerted effort from law enforcement agencies, customs officials, and the community to combat it.

The police in Likoma are commended for their vigilance and swift action in arresting the suspects.

Their efforts demonstrate the importance of community policing and the need for the public to work closely with law enforcement agencies to combat crime.

As the suspects await their court appearance, it is essential that the authorities ensure that they are thoroughly investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

The fight against fuel smuggling requires a multi-faceted approach that involves not only law enforcement agencies but also customs officials, the community, and other stakeholders.

It is crucial that the government and other stakeholders work together to strengthen border controls, improve surveillance, and enhance community engagement to combat fuel smuggling and other illicit activities.

The arrest of Mtali and Matandebera is a significant step forward in the fight against fuel smuggling in the region.

It demonstrates the commitment of law enforcement agencies to combat crime and protect the environment and public safety.

As the suspects await their court appearance, it is essential that the authorities ensure that they are thoroughly investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

Vice-President Michael Usi champions community development through local support

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By Shaffie A Mtambo

Vice-President Michael Usi has been making waves in Malawi with his community-focused initiatives, emphasizing the importance of supporting local vendors and promoting kindness.

Usi’s latest stop was at Kachere Market in Blantyre, where he purchased various commodities from local vendors to boost their businesses.

Usi’s actions are not only a testament to his commitment to community development but also a call to action for Malawians to practice kindness and support local entrepreneurs.

He cited Prophet Shepherd Bushiri as an example of someone who acts out of kindness, rather than political motivations.

The impact of Usi’s visit was evident, with one vendor, Zione, expressing her gratitude for the Vice-President’s support.

Zione, who had not made any sales since the previous day, was relieved to have sold her products to Usi, enabling her to buy food for her children.



This is not an isolated incident, as Usi has been engaging in similar activities across the country.

Yesterday, he visited local vendors at Luchenza, purchasing commodities and donating them to communities in need, including those under Traditional Authority Juma in Mulanje.

Usi’s efforts to promote community development and support local businesses are a step in the right direction for Malawi’s economic growth and social welfare.

By championing kindness and local support, Usi is inspiring others to follow in his footsteps and make a positive impact in their communities.

Former MERA CEO Collins Magalasi, businesswoman Dorothy Shonga found with case to answer in K186 million contract scandal

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By Jones Gadama

High Court Judge Patrick Chirwa, sitting as Chief Resident Magistrate, has ruled that former Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA) CEO Collins Magalasi, businesswoman Dorothy Shonga, and two other suspects have a case to answer in the K186 million contract scandal.

The four were arrested in 2020 on serious corruption charges, accused of using their positions to manipulate MERA’s Internal Procurement and Disposal Committee into awarding a K186 million contract to Vink Enterprise, a company owned by Shonga.

The contract was for the supply of a laboratory fuel testing van.

Dorothy Shonga



In a scathing ruling delivered on Tuesday, Chirwa made it clear that the State has presented enough evidence to proceed, leaving it now to the accused to explain themselves.

This ruling is a significant milestone in the case, which has been ongoing for several years.

According to reports, Magalasi and Shonga are accused of influencing MERA’s Internal Procurement and Disposal Committee to award the contract to Vink Enterprise, despite the company not meeting the required specifications.

The accused have denied any wrongdoing, but the court’s ruling suggests that there is sufficient evidence to proceed with the case.

This case is one of several high-profile corruption cases that have been ongoing in Malawi in recent years.

The country has been struggling to combat corruption, which is seen as a major obstacle to economic development.

The ruling by Judge Chirwa is a significant step forward in the fight against corruption.

It sends a strong message that those who engage in corrupt practices will be held accountable.

The case against Magalasi, Shonga, and the two other suspects is expected to continue in the coming weeks.

The accused will have the opportunity to present their defense and respond to the allegations against them.

In a separate case, Magalasi was also found with a case to answer over a K10.5 million scandal.

The former MERA CEO has been embroiled in several corruption scandals in recent years, and this latest ruling is a significant blow to his reputation.

The fight against corruption is ongoing in Malawi, and this ruling is a significant step forward.

It is hoped that the case against Magalasi, Shonga, and the two other suspects will serve as a deterrent to others who may be tempted to engage in corrupt practices.

As the case continues, it is expected that more details will emerge about the alleged corruption and the involvement of the accused.

The people of Malawi will be watching closely to see how the case unfolds and whether justice is served.

The ruling by Judge Chirwa is a significant milestone in the fight against corruption in Malawi.

It sends a strong message that those who engage in corrupt practices will be held accountable, and it is hoped that the case against Magalasi, Shonga, and the two other suspects will serve as a deterrent to others.