The Thava Second Grade Magistrate’s Court has convicted and fined two students from Malamulo College of Health Sciences, for theft contravening section 278 of the Penal Code.
The two are Ernest Major and Maurice Bongoloro and they are both aged 20.
Court proceedings, led by State Prosecutor Sub Inspector Editor Kansasi, established that the two connived to steal under the pretence of charging their cellphones in their fellow students’ hostel.
The theft came to light when one of the victims woke up and discovered that a Samsung Galaxy and an Itel A70 phone were missing.
Sub Inspector Editor Kansasi,
According to Thyolo Police Public Relations Officer Rabecca Kashoti, a search was conducted, and the stolen phones were later found hidden in a nearby woodlot.
She said, “During interrogation, Major confessed to stealing the phones and handing them over to Bongoloro, who masterminded the hiding of the stolen items.”
Both Major and Bongoloro pleaded guilty to the charge. In mitigation, they asked for leniency, citing that they were college students. However, Prosecutor Kansasi argued for stiffer penalties, stating that the theft was premeditated.
Passing the sentence, Magistrate Hygiene Mowe agreed with the state’s submission and ordered each to pay a fine of K200,000 or, in default, serve 24 months’ imprisonment with hard labour.
Major hails from Awali Village, Traditional Authority Nthiramanja in Mulanje, while Bongoloro comes from Guziwa Village, Traditional Authority Nkhulambe in Phalombe District.
The state President Dr Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera has described the Pope Francis as a symbol of unity and humbleness.
Chakwera said this at Maula Cathedral in Lilongwe, where he attended a Requiem Mass for His Holiness Pope Francis.
He said Pope Francis’ unique background significantly shaped his papal leadership. The President said as the first pope from the Global South, the Americas, and the Jesuit order, he brought a distinctly different perspective to the Vatican.
Chakwera with Catholic clergy
“His background emphasized humility, simplicity, and inclusivity – evident in his choice to live in a guest house instead of the papal palace and his efforts to create a more diverse College of Cardinals. He broke traditional barriers by blessing previously marginalized groups, using modern communication like Twitter, and celebrating mass in regions not typically associated with dominant Christianity,” he said.
He said His approach focused on serving the poor, marginalized, and weak, reflecting a more progressive and compassionate interpretation of religious leadership.
According to President Chakwera his Argentinian Jesuit roots instilled in him a commitment to social justice and a down-to-earth, approachable style that contrasted sharply with more formal papal traditions.
The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has arrested two individuals, George Gopani and Gabriel Mkandawire, for allegedly providing false information to the District Commissioner at M’mbelwa District Council.
The arrests were made on April 22, 2025, following investigations that began in August 2022.
According to the ACB’s publicist, Egrita Ndala, the duo is accused of misrepresenting the progress of road grading works in Mzimba North Constituency under legislator Yeremia Chihana.
ACB Publicist Egrita Ndala
This alleged misrepresentation facilitated the release of K15 million to Northworks Limited, where Mkandawire serves as an accountant.Further investigations revealed that Mkandawire forged a document purporting to be a quotation from E and V Engineering for road grading works on several roads in Mzimba North, including the KIA-Luhomero-Kasasile, Enukweni-Kavula-Malokotera, and Bwengu-Katope roads. This act is contrary to Section 358 of the Penal Code.
The ACB’s investigations established that Gopani, who was the Acting Director of Public Works for M’mbelwa District Council, provided false information to the District Commissioner to deceive the procurement committee. This offence contravenes Section 122(a) of the Penal Code.
Both suspects were taken to court, where they were formally charged and later granted bail after meeting the court’s prescribed conditions.
The conditions include reporting to the ACB offices in Mzuzu on Fridays, paying a cash bond of K200,000, and surrendering their travel documents to the Bureau.
The ACB remains committed to ensuring accountability and integrity in public service.
The bureau’s director-general encourages citizens to Resist, Reject, and Report Corruption by calling the ACB hotline on 113.
This case highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in government projects.
The ACB’s efforts to combat corruption in Malawi are crucial in promoting good governance and ensuring that public resources are used effectively.
The case will proceed in court, where the suspects will face the charges against them.
The outcome of the case will be closely watched, as it has significant implications for accountability and transparency in government projects in Malawi.
The customs and clearing industry in Malawi is facing significant challenges due to the activities of middlemen, locally known as “dobadobas”. According to Kenneth Gondwe, Managing Director of Formula 1 Customs and Clearing Investments Solutions, these individuals often provide incorrect advice and directions to clients, resulting in financial losses and property damage.
Gondwe highlighted the problems posed by dobadobas, saying they are a major concern for his company and the industry as a whole.
“These middlemen often take advantage of clients who are not familiar with the customs and clearing process, providing them with incorrect information and advice that can lead to financial losses and property damage,” he said.
To address the challenges posed by dobadobas, Gondwe’s company is collaborating with customs and clearing agents in Namibia, Tanzania, and Zambia to find better ways of dealing with the issue.
This collaboration aims to share best practices and expertise in managing the role of middlemen in the customs and clearing industry.
Gondwe’s efforts to address the challenges posed by dobadobas are commendable, and his company’s collaboration with other customs and clearing agents in the region is a step in the right direction.
By working together, these companies can develop effective strategies to mitigate the negative impact of dobadobas on the industry.
Human Rights Activist, Mervin Xumayo, has emphasized the importance of supporting youth-led businesses in addressing the challenges posed by dobadobas.
According to Xumayo, supporting youth-led businesses will contribute to job creation and the country’s economic growth. “Youth-led businesses are the backbone of any economy, and supporting them will help to create jobs and stimulate economic growth,” he said.
Xumayo’s comments highlight the need for policymakers and stakeholders to prioritize support for youth-led businesses.
By providing support and resources to young entrepreneurs, the government can help to promote economic growth and development.
The challenges posed by dobadobas in the customs and clearing industry are significant, but they also present an opportunity for innovation and growth.
By working together, companies and policymakers can develop effective solutions to mitigate the negative impact of dobadobas and promote a more efficient and effective customs and clearing industry.
The customs and clearing industry in Malawi faces significant challenges due to the activities of middlemen.
However, by collaborating with other companies and policymakers, it is possible to develop effective solutions to mitigate the negative impact of these individuals.
Supporting youth-led businesses is also crucial in promoting economic growth and development.
The Formula 1 Customs and Clearing Investments Solutions’ efforts to address the challenges posed by dobadobas are a step in the right direction.
The company’s collaboration with customs and clearing agents in Namibia, Tanzania, and Zambia will help to share best practices and expertise in managing the role of middlemen in the industry.
As the industry continues to evolve, it is essential for companies and policymakers to prioritize transparency, accountability, and efficiency.
By working together, it is possible to create a more effective and efficient customs and clearing industry that benefits all stakeholders.
The role of dobadobas in the customs and clearing industry is complex and multifaceted.
While they may provide some benefits, such as facilitating the clearance process for clients, their activities can also lead to financial losses and property damage.
As such, it is essential for companies and policymakers to develop effective strategies to mitigate the negative impact of dobadobas and promote a more efficient and effective industry.
In a crackdown on illicit drug trafficking, police in Salima have arrested three men for allegedly being found in possession of cannabis sativa without permits. The arrests were made last night near Mlamba Filling Station along the Salima-Balaka road, where officers had mounted an ad-hoc roadblock.
According to Salima Police public relations officer Rabecca Ndiwate, the three suspects were arrested separately after officers discovered they were in possession of the illicit drug.
The first suspect, Mickson Thomson, 37, was apprehended after officers searched the vehicle he was traveling in and found a sack bag containing cannabis sativa.
Two other suspects, Mathews Mafuta, 40, and Happy Chiumia, 27, were also arrested after attempting to transport the same illicit drug using motorcycles. Ndiwate said the suspects will appear before court to answer charges leveled against them.
The arrests bring to light the ongoing efforts by the Malawi Police Service to combat drug trafficking and abuse in the country.
The police force has been working tirelessly to disrupt the supply chain of illicit drugs and bring perpetrators to justice.
Cannabis sativa is a controlled substance in Malawi, and possession or trafficking of the drug is a serious offence. Those found guilty of possession or trafficking can face severe penalties, including imprisonment.
The Malawi Police Service has been intensifying its efforts to combat drug trafficking and abuse, with a focus on disrupting the supply chain and bringing perpetrators to justice.
The service has also been working with other stakeholders, including government agencies and civil society organizations, to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse and trafficking.
The arrests in Salima are a testament to the police’s commitment to keeping communities safe and secure. The police force is urging citizens to report any suspicious activity or information about drug trafficking to the authorities.
The three suspects will face charges related to possession of cannabis sativa without permits.
The case will proceed in court, where the suspects will have the opportunity to defend themselves against the charges.
The outcome of the case will be closely watched, as it has implications for the fight against drug trafficking and abuse in Malawi. If convicted, the suspects could face significant penalties, including imprisonment.
The Malawi Police Service’s efforts to combat drug trafficking and abuse are crucial in promoting public safety and security.
The service’s work in disrupting the supply chain of illicit drugs and bringing perpetrators to justice is essential in protecting communities from the harm caused by drug abuse.
The arrests of the three men in Salima for possession of cannabis sativa without permits highlight the ongoing efforts by the Malawi Police Service to combat drug trafficking and abuse.
The police force’s commitment to keeping communities safe and secure is evident in its tireless efforts to disrupt the supply chain of illicit drugs and bring perpetrators to justice.
The case will proceed in court, where the suspects will face charges related to possession of cannabis sativa without permits.
