Malawi Police have confirmed that UTM Party Secretary General, Patricia Kaliati, is expected to appear in court on Monday. This comes after her arrest on Thursday on charges of conspiracy to commit a felony.
According to police spokesperson Peter Kalaya, the police are moving forward with their investigation into the matter, in which Kaliati is suspected of plotting criminal activity. Kalaya emphasized that the police are ensuring that Kaliati’s rights are respected while she remains in custody.
Police Spokesman Peter Kalaya
However, Kalaya stated that the police could not provide further details regarding the arrest, citing the need to protect witnesses involved in the case.
Kaliati was apprehended on suspicion of planning a serious offense, although specific details surrounding the charge have not yet been disclosed by the authorities. The case has drawn significant public attention, given Kaliati’s prominent role in Malawi’s political landscape as a senior member of the UTM party.
The family of late Vice President Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima, who tragically perished in the June 10, 2024, plane crash in Chikangawa Forest, has called for full transparency during the inquiry into the accident. This comes after President Lazarus Chakwera instituted a commission of inquiry to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash, which also claimed the lives of eight others.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Joshua Valera expressed gratitude for the establishment of the inquiry but emphasized the need for the process to be open and transparent. Valera stated that the family’s wish is for the media to be allowed to cover the inquiry live, ensuring that the Malawian public has full access to the proceedings.
The late Saulos Chilima
“We commend President Chakwera for taking the necessary step to form this commission of inquiry. However, we believe that transparency will only be achieved if the media is given access to broadcast the inquiry live. The people of Malawi deserve to know what happened,” Valera said.
Concerns About Inclusivity
While the formation of the commission has been welcomed by many, concerns have been raised regarding its inclusivity. UTM senior party member Newton Kambala has voiced his reservations about the composition of the commission, arguing that it lacks representation from opposition political parties. Kambala expressed fear that this could compromise the commission’s independence and transparency.
“The exclusion of opposition voices from the commission raises questions about its objectivity. For a matter of this magnitude, it is essential to have diverse perspectives. Without representation from key political parties, the commission’s findings might not be fully trusted,” Kambala noted.
Political Expert Weighs In
Despite the concerns, political expert George Chaima has expressed optimism about the inquiry. He acknowledged the delay in establishing the commission, which came months after the crash, but believes that it will still be crucial in addressing the many questions surrounding the death of Vice President Chilima and the others on board.
“It is understandable that there are concerns about the timing and composition of the commission, but it is better late than never. The inquiry has the potential to provide clarity and accountability in the tragic incident that shook the nation. We must give the process a chance to uncover the truth,” Chaima remarked.
Public Demand for Accountability
The June 10 plane crash remains one of the most significant tragedies in Malawi’s recent history, sparking widespread speculation and demands for answers. As the inquiry begins its work, there is a strong desire from the public and key stakeholders to ensure that the process is conducted with the highest degree of integrity and openness.
For the Chilima family and the Malawian people, the hope is that this inquiry will not only provide answers but also serve as a moment of accountability for those involved in the tragic events of that fateful day.
A Lilongwe based business woman , Monica Saidi Mataka, has donated maize flour in his area as one way of helping people who are suffering from food shortages following the natural weather patterns that have been hitting the country.
Speaking during the ceremony, Monica Saidi she decided to make such a donation after hearing reports of hunger.
Monica Saidi Mataka
Monica has since appealed to other well and meaningful Malawians to do the same.
“We do have people out there who do have surplus maize. Let me urge them to come to Machinga and help these people to access the very basic food supplies,” she said.
During the function , Machinga chiefs hailed Monica Saidi for feeding the hungry people in the district.
Traditional Authority in the area , Saidi Mataka commended Monica for assistance.
A beneficiary in the area Zainab Mandala commended Monica for the swift response in the time of calamities.
This is not the first time for Monica to help people in her area since Monica has been coming frequently to help people suffering from food shortages.
Speaking during the function, Councillor Simplex  Diwa commended Monica for the food assistance, saying she should not stop there but to continue.
Diwa, who is also the Machinga Council chair, urged other people to do likewise and serve people.
Governance and Human Rights Advocate Undule Mwakasungula applauds President Lazarus Chakwera for fulfilling his promise to establish Commission of Inquiry into Malawi Defense Force Aircraft MAF-T03 accident that claimed the lives of former Vice President Saulos Chilima and eight others.
In a statement released on 26th October, 2024 Mwakasungula said President Chakwera assured the nation that such a body would be set up to investigate the matter in question and now despite the delays, he has honoured that promise.
“While it is understandable that as a nation we were growing impatient, it is important to recognize that the President has now delivered on this important task,” he said.
He further said this is a sign of commitment to transparency and accountability, even though some Malawians may have doubted the process due to the delays.
Mwakasungula also commends how President Chakwera has set up the Commission saying the members chosen are credible individuals with track records in their respective fields.
Exceptionally, Mwakasungula mentioned of human rights activists Sylvester Namiwa’s inclusion into the Commission highlighting that Namiwa has been most vocal critics regarding the delay in setting up the Commission adding it is now a great opportunity for him to present any information he may have gathered concerning the aircraft tragedy.
He has since encouraged public participation in the inquiry as many people expressed views and claims to have information regarding the incident.
He therefore admit that his hopes are that President Chakwera will take on board recommendations from this Commission accordingly.
Mwakasungula also hopes that recommendations of the Commission will provide both clarity as well as serving as a tool for healing and unity of this nation.
Two first half goals from Ronald Chitiyo and Babatunde Adepoju were enough to give FCB Nyasa Big Bullets a 2-1 win over Blantyre derby rivals Mighty Mukuru Wanderers in a TNM Super League match played at the Kamuzu Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Bullets were the more aggressive team early on and created the first chance in the fifth minute through Wongani Lungu but it was well defended by the Nomads.
Two minutes later Chitiyo opened the scoring for the People’s team with a brilliant finish inside the penalty box after receiving an assist from Nixon Nyasulu.
Babatunde Adepoju after the second goal. Photo Credit: Bullets Media team
Later on Wanderers started dominating possession but Bullets defence proved to be two good for the Nomads’ attackers.
Maxwell Phodo had a chance to increase the for the People’s team in the 23rd minute but his shot was beautifully saved by Wanderers’ goalkeeper William Thole.
Babatunde Adepoju doubled the lead for the People’s team in the 40th with a simple tap-in after receiving a pass from Wongani Lungu.
In the second half, Wanderers substituted the experienced legs of Isaac Kaliati and Stanley Sanudi for Gaddie Chirwa and Francisco Madinga and later on Bullets brought in Lloyd Aaron and Stanley Billiati for Wongani Lungu and Ronald Chitiyo.
The Nomads also substituted Felix Zulu and Wallace Adam for Balikihno Mwakanyangu and Clement Nyondo in the 72nd minute.
Ronald Chitiyo after the first goal. Photo Credit: Bullets Media team
Wanderers captain Lawrence Chaziya was shown a yellow card in the 83rd minute after making a deliberate handball before protesting by pushing referee David Chinoko who later flashed a red card for the Nomads to finish with ten men.
Thierry Tajong Samar pulled one back for the Nomads in the 87th minute after a communication breakdown between defender Gomezgani Chirwa and goalkeeper Richard Chimbamba.
Wanderers continued to search for an equaliser and substitute Clement Nyondo almost registered his name on the score-sheet but goalkeeper Chimbamba made a crucial save to ensure victory for the defending champions.
After the match, Bullets player Chrispin Mapemba was voted man of the match.
Elsewhere, it ended 2-all between Chitipa United and Dedza Dynamos at Karonga Stadium as the Mzuzu derby between Moyale Barracks and Mzuzu City Hammers ended goalless.
Silver Strikers who are playing City-rivals, Civil Service United on Sunday remain top on the log table with 50 points followed by Wanderers who are perched on second position with 44 points.
FCB Nyasa Big Bullets are now third on the log table with 40 points, four points behind Wanderers and both teams have so far played 23 games.
