Monday, April 6, 2026
No menu items!
spot_img
Home Blog Page 872

Limbe Police arrest man for impersonating a public officer

247Malawi
-
0
Limbe Police arrest man for impersonating a public officer



By Burnett Munthali

Police in Limbe have apprehended 29-year-old Harry Mkwate for allegedly impersonating a public officer. The suspect is accused of posing as a Sanitation Officer from the Blantyre City Council (BCC) and using a fake identification card to defraud unsuspecting business owners.

Mkwate reportedly targeted shops owned by foreign nationals in Limbe Township, claiming to conduct inspections and collect money under the guise of official duties. His fraudulent activities, however, came to an abrupt end when an Indian businessman at Moon Puffs questioned his credentials. Sensing irregularities, the businessman promptly tipped off Limbe Police.

Harry Mkwate



The suspect was arrested on the spot after BCC officials, summoned to the scene, confirmed that Mkwate was not employed by the council. He is currently in police custody at Limbe Police Station and is expected to appear in court soon to answer charges of impersonation.

Deputy Public Relations Officer for Limbe Police Station, Chibisa Mulimbika, commended the businessman for his vigilance, which led to Mkwate’s capture. “This case underscores the importance of verifying identities of individuals claiming to represent public offices,” said Mulimbika.

Mkwate hails from Nanthoka Village, Traditional Authority Machinjiri, in Blantyre District. Police investigations are ongoing to determine whether the suspect has defrauded other businesses or individuals.

Under Malawian law, impersonating a public officer is a serious offense that carries heavy penalties upon conviction. This arrest serves as a warning to others who might consider similar fraudulent activities.

Police have urged the public, particularly business owners, to remain vigilant and report suspicious individuals. Officials advise verifying the credentials of anyone claiming to represent a public institution before engaging with them.

The arrest of Harry Mkwate highlights the need for community vigilance and swift action in combating fraud. As the suspect awaits trial, it is hoped that justice will be served, reinforcing the importance of accountability and adherence to the rule of law in Malawi.

Chisankho Watch Coalition condemns bribery and corruption in voter registration

247Malawi
-
0
Chisankho Watch Coalition condemns bribery and corruption in voter registration



By Burnett Munthali

The Chisankho Watch Coalition has raised alarm over reports of voter registration fraud, including the distribution of money and maize to individuals during the ongoing voter registration process. The coalition describes these practices as a direct threat to the credibility of Malawi’s electoral process.

Speaking during a press briefing in Lilongwe, the coalition’s Chairperson, Gilford Matonga, highlighted these irregularities, pointing to specific incidents where government officials allegedly met with traditional leaders to manipulate voter registration.

“There are worrying reports of people being bribed with K1,000 and maize in exchange for registering to vote in certain areas. Such practices undermine democracy and fairness in elections,” said Matonga.



Matonga further claimed that some traditional leaders have been pressured to monitor voter registration figures in their jurisdictions. This, he said, creates a coercive environment that could skew the registration process and compromise the integrity of the elections.

The coalition has called on the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) and law enforcement agencies to take swift action against those involved in the malpractice. “We urge MEC to remain vigilant and ensure that voter registration is conducted transparently and fairly,” Matonga added.

The revelations have sparked mixed reactions from the public. Civil society organizations have condemned the alleged bribery and called for accountability. “This is a serious issue that must be addressed urgently to protect the integrity of our elections,” said one activist.

Meanwhile, political analysts warn that such practices could lead to voter apathy and distrust in the electoral system if left unchecked.

As Malawi heads toward its next elections, the Chisankho Watch Coalition’s findings highlight the urgent need for reforms and stricter oversight in the voter registration process. Ensuring free and fair elections is not just the responsibility of the Electoral Commission but of all stakeholders, including political parties and citizens.

The coalition’s warning serves as a reminder that democracy can only thrive in a transparent and just environment, free from bribery and corruption.

UTM’s Noel Masangwi and Chidanti Malunga Set to Rejoin DPP

247Malawi
-
0
UTM’s Noel Masangwi and Chidanti Malunga Set to Rejoin DPP

By Twink Jones Gadama

Reports suggests that UTM patron Noel Masangwi and senior member Chidanti Malunga are poised to rejoin the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).

According to sources, the duo will be welcomed back into the DPP fold at the party’s regional offices.

Masangwi and Malunga’s decision to rejoin their former party is reportedly motivated by their conviction that the DPP is the only party that truly has Malawi’s best interests at heart.

Masangwi



This development has significant implications for Malawi’s political landscape, particularly in the run-up to the 2025 elections.

The UTM, founded by Saulos Chilima in 2018, has been a key player in Malawi’s opposition politics.

Chilima’s leadership and vision for a better Malawi resonated with many, especially the youth.

However, his untimely passing in June 2024 created a power vacuum within the party.

The UTM’s recent convention, which saw Dalitso Kabambe take the reins as the party’s new leader, marked a significant turning point for the party.

However, the departure of key figures like Masangwi and Malunga may undermine the party’s efforts to regroup and rebrand.

The DPP, on the other hand, has been working to revamp its image and regain public trust.

The return of Masangwi and Malunga could be a significant boost to the party’s morale and prospects.

As Malawi gears up for the 2025 elections, the political landscape is becoming increasingly fluid.

The UTM’s loss of key members and the DPP’s potential gain may have far-reaching consequences for the country’s political future.

The reported defection of Noel Masangwi and Chidanti Malunga from the UTM to the DPP marks a significant shift in Malawi’s political landscape.

However,efforts to talk to the dual proved futile as their phones couldn’t be reached.

As the country hurtles towards the 2025 elections, one thing is clear: the stakes are high, and the outcome is far from certain.

Chidanti

Kambauwa Wirima commends Solon Foundation for advancing Education infrastructure

247Malawi
-
0
Kambauwa Wirima commends Solon Foundation for advancing Education infrastructure



By Elywin Chighali Mhango

Minister of Education Madalitso Kambauwa Wirima has praised the Solon Foundation for its construction of classroom blocks, science laboratories, and teachers’ housing in several secondary schools within the Northern Education Division.

Wirima expressed her appreciation during a ceremony at Jenda Community Day Secondary School (CDSS) in Mzimba on Friday, where the newly built facilities were officially handed over.

“As a government, we are very grateful for the support we receive from the Solon Foundation.

“The infrastructural improvements they have provided across various secondary schools in the Northern Region complement our efforts to create effective learning environments for students and enhance the quality of education services, which aligns with the aspirations of Malawi Vision 2063.

Wirima at Jenda community Day secondary School



“We encourage the Foundation to consider expanding this initiative to other educational divisions in the country to ensure that no one is left behind in achieving our 2063 goals,” she stated.

The Minister urged the school management committee, the community, and the students to take good care of the new facilities to ensure they benefit future generations.

“Improving school infrastructure directly enhances teaching and learning outcomes.

“Hostels are particularly important, as they provide accommodation for students and ease housing concerns while they pursue their education,” she added.

Wirima emphasized the importance of ongoing investment in education from both the Government and its partners, expressing hope that quality education remains a priority for all students.

During the handover ceremony, Solon Foundation’s Executive Director(ED), Willie Dhlandhlara, acknowledged the strong relationship between the Ministry of Education and the Foundation.

“These initiatives aim to facilitate students’ access to university education by addressing previous gaps, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of the learning and teaching processes.

“By investing in these projects, we are investing in the development of better citizens who will become our future leaders,” he remarked.

Dhlandhlara noted that the Foundation has already invested USD 1.5 million into the infrastructural support for secondary schools.

The Minister was joined by Steven Chikopa, Director of Administration; Dr. Florida Banda, Director of Secondary Education; Jennings Kayira, Education Division Manager for the Northern Region; and other senior officials from the Ministry of Education.

NWRA leads Bua-Dwangwa Catchment Management establishment

247Malawi
-
0
NWRA leads Bua-Dwangwa Catchment Management establishment


By Vincent Gunde

The National Water Resources Authority (NWRA) says one of the effective ways of managing water is the management of catchments in the country saying currently, it is observed that the catchment areas are heavily degraded.

The NWRA is on the drive to restore the degraded catchments first, by putting in place institutions that can spearhead the management of the same saying Malawi’s natural resources do provide the basis for sustainable socio-economic development but unfortunately have been subjected to increasing pressure as a result of high population growth, poverty and lack of environmental awareness.

Engineer Tony Nyasulu-most catchment areas in the country are heavily degraded



The organization said Malawi is divided into 17 Water Resource Areas, it is under these WRAs that catchment Management Committees are required to be established, Shire River being the largest and Chizumulu being the smallest saying these catchments are delineated based on water drainage system.

Briefing the District executive committee (Dec) in Dowa, Engineer Tony Nyasulu who is the Director of Water Resources Management and Development, said the NWRA was established under the Water Resources Act (2013) to manage and regulate water resources in Malawi.

Nyasulu said as one way of managing the water resources, the NWRA is mandated to establish catchment management committees across the country and one of them is the Bua catchment management committee covering five districts and these are Ntchisi, Kasungu, Mchinji, Nkhotakota, Lilongwe and Dowa.

He said the sensitization meetings will continue to District Full Council and thereafter, to Area Development Committees (ADCs) saying the committee members will be selected from each ADC

The Engineer said it is this committee formed that will spearhead the management of the Bua catchment saying the committee with technical support from various sectors will develop a Catchment Management Plan which will guide the management of the catchment.

He said the Catchment Management Committee (CMC) will be gazzetted at the end of the day saying the CMC will be responsible to source its own funding although NWRA is obliged to provide some support to the established CMC.

Nyasulu said these institutions are permanent and any initiative or support towards the catchment restoration will go through this committee saying these committees will replace the many segmented approach to the management of the catchments in the country.

“The NWRA has plans to establish Dwangwa, South Rukuru, among others, already, a committee for Linthipe Catchment has been established,” he said.

In her remarks, Dowa District Council’s Director of Planning and Development Mercy Mpakule, said the coming of this approach into the district is very commendable saying most catchments are heavily degraded expressing hope that by the year 2063 Agenda, the environment will be restored.

1...871872873...2,281Page 872 of 2,281

EDITOR PICKS

POPULAR POSTS

POPULAR CATEGORY

ABOUT US

True and well researched news covering key issues in Malawi and abroad

Contact us: info@247malawi.com

FOLLOW US

© Newspaper WordPress Theme by TagDiv