MANAonline
Teenager jailed 14 years for robbery
By Mwai Kumanda
Lilongwe, April 14, Mana: Lilongwe Senior Resident Magistrate court has convicted and sentenced an 18-year-old man to 14 years’ imprisonment for robbing a man of various items valued at K1 million.
Lilongwe Police Deputy Public Relations Officer, Constable Khumbo Sanyiwa, confirmed the development and identified the man as James Gerald.
He said the court heard through prosecutor Sub Inspector, Damiano Nyasulu, that Gerald committed the offence near Gateway Mall minibus stage on February 1, 2025.
“On the said date the victim and his friend, were walking along a shortcut path road between Agricultural Research and Extension Trust (ARET), and Central Poultry houses, to board a taxi at the said minibus stage going to Area 49, suddenly they met the convict who was with two other colleagues who were all armed with knives.
“Then the convict and his accomplices, who are still at large, attacked the victim and robbed him of the items, including K40,000, a cell phone and a PlayStation game,” he said.
Appearing in court, the victim pleaded guilty to the charges of robbery but during mitigation asked for leniency, arguing he was a first-time offender.
The state, however, asked for a stiffer custodial sentence, saying the convict planned to commit the offence.
Passing his sentence, Magistrate Bracious Kondowe concurred with the state and sentenced Gerald to 14 years’ imprisonment with hard labour.
James Gerald hails from Tsikulamowa Village, Traditional Authority Tsikulamowa in Ntcheu district.
Deputy Minister of Health commends Dream Project
By Ruth Kumwenda
Blantyre, April 14, Mana: Deputy Minister of Health, Noah Chimpeni, has expressed satisfaction with the SANT'EGIDIO Community Dream Programme in Blantyre for the free health services that the centre provides.
Speaking after the inspection on Monday, the Minister praised Dream Project, saying the facility is doing a commendable job in the provision of health services.
"I met Dream project officials in Lilongwe, where they stressed to me here in Blantyre. I must say I am very impressed with their services because they offer HIV and AIDs, Cancer, and TB treatment for free," he said.
Chimpeni added that the facility is complementing government efforts to provide health services to its people and therefore pledged government support towards laboratory equipment and drugs.
Country Director for Dream Project, Mathambo Lowole, said they aim to change the misconceptions surrounding some diseases, such as HIV and AIDS and Epilepsy.
“Diseases such as Epilepsy are cured when treated properly. However, we have a challenge of epilepsy drugs which limits the number of patients we can take in,” he said, stressing that all that HIV requires is proper management.
SANT'EGIDIO was established in Malawi in 2004 and is now operating in 12 districts, including Neno, Mwanza and Mulanje.
SANT'EGIDIO Dream Centre provides health services for various kinds of diseases, including HIV services, Tuberculosis, Hypertension, Cervical Cancer screening, and Epilepsy.
Police public order management policy launched
By Paul Madise
Lilongwe, April 14, Mana: Commissioner of Police Dennis Chipao has described the launch and orientation of the Police Public Order Management Policy and Guidelines for 2025 elections as timely and crucial in strengthening democratic policing, upholding the rule of law, and ensuring peaceful elections in 2025 and beyond.
Chipao made the remarks at Crossroads Hotel in Lilongwe during the official launch of the 3rd version of the Police Public Order Management Policy and orientation of all Police Commanders across the country.
The initiative has been financed through the Malawi Electoral Support Project (MESP) basket fund to significantly enhance the Malawi Police Service`s capacity to manage public order situations effectively while ensuring the protection of human rights and promoting democratic values ahead of the September elections.
He emphasized the importance of human rights protection and the need for such engagement to ensure human rights are maintained and safeguarded, further underscoring the need for guidance on the use of force amidst various interventions during elections.
Chipao also noted key advancements in the revised policy, including strengthening accountability, ensuring justice for both police and the public, and the importance of de-escalation and proportionality in the use of force.
“The major role of the police is to maintain law and order to make sure that the space is secure and the rest of the people are protected. Let's make sure that everything is done peacefully and in an orderly manner. We have only one Malawi to protect,” said Chipao.
In his remarks, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Representative Azhar Malik said UNDP remains committed to deliver capacity-building training and advisory support through MESP.
Furthermore, Malik commended the project`s developmental partners, including the European Union, Ireland, Norway, United Kingdom, and the United States government, for their unwavering support to the democratic governance of the country, describing the policy as a roadmap tailored for Malawi.
“This handbook explains guidelines on how the policing of the Public Order events needs to happen, and what the responsibility of the Malawi police service as regard to international guidelines on maintaining peaceful protest.
“So we hope that after the launch of these guidelines, the relevant people will be trained, and implement them in practice as well in different jurisdictions.”
However, Malik has urged Police senior officers in the country to lead by example in upholding the values of the policy and aligning their teams with the vision for rights-based policies.
The Launch and Orientation of the Police Public Order Management and Guidelines attracted key stakeholders from UNDP, International Criminal Court(ICC) and Malawi Police Service, among others.
People in Balaka urged to own development activities
By Andrew Phiri
Balaka, April 14, Mana: Balaka District Council has called on members of the community to embrace self-self-help spirit on community level development activities as the district is in community development month, which focuses on inclusive development through active community participation.
Speaking during community development month launch over the week end at Traditional Authority (TA) Amidu, Vice council chairperson, Councilor, Dickson Wasili, said communities should start using locally generated resources, playing active role in constructing and rehabilitating community level development infrastructures such as roads, school blocks, health facilities as well as doing afforestation.
“Communities should realize that they are primary beneficiaries of all projects that government bring to their areas. Community development month has come with an ultimate goal of empowering us to have a positive perception towards such development initiatives,” he said.
“In the past years, we have seen various development activities being neglected because community members had a perception that every work should be done by government or political leaders,” added Wasili.
Wasili, however, commended the people of TA Amidu for their hardworking spirit, citing afforestation and road rehabilitation being done in their area.
Group Village head, Chibwana Nsamala, commended government for acknowledging various works people in his area are doing in development programmes.
“We have already rehabilitated roads in all 24 group village heads and planted trees in most of the areas under TA Amidu.
“Our major concern is dependency syndrome among some people who are on social protection programmes. We urge government to restrategise such programmes,” said Nsamala.
District Senior Assistant Community Development Officer, Jafali Chisale, said community development month will help people in the district to embrace self-reliance in planning, implementing and monitoring community-level development activities.
He therefore called for strong collaboration among various stakeholders, such as community-level development committees, local leaders, among others.
Community-initiated activities are implemented in the month to encourage community members to embrace the spirit of self-help in development activities.
Community development month launch in Balaka was held under the theme: Inclusive Development through Community Participation.
Likoma port to be ready for use within 30 days - Minister
By Ireen Mseteka
Likoma, April 14, Mana: Minister of Transport and Public Works, Jacob Hara, has assured people of Likoma that a port which is under construction in the district will be ready for use within 30 days to reduce transportation challenges.
Hara said this on Sunday in Likoma during a funeral ceremony for two women who died Saturday together with nine others when the boat they were sailing in capsized in the waters of Lake Malawi at Jalo in the district.
“We needed a specialist who could do underwater welding of the beams, which were placed underneath the water. As it stands now, it’s not safe, because with any shock, those beams can fall out of place.
“I am happy to report that we have identified technicians and specialists from South Africa who will be coming to the country to make sure that they do the underwater welding of the beams on the port. Once that is done, we will open up the port to the public for use,” said Hara.
He added that his ministry will ensure that MV Chilembwe should be sailing between Likoma and Nkhatabay, though at a higher cost, thereby reducing traffic on the Lake.
Member of Parliament (MP) for Likoma, Ashems Songwe, said the tragedy which occurred on Saturday is a painful loss to many families.
“What has happened is heartbreaking to the deceased families. We also have survivors who have lost everything in the accident. We therefore ask you, our honourable minister, to do the needful for them,” said Songwe.
In addition, the MP asked for patrol boats, which can be helpful during such emergencies.
The remains of the deceased Loveness Khonje from Ulisa Village and Diana Jacob from Madimba Village in the area of Senior Chief Mkumpha III were laid to rest at St Peter’s cemetery in Likoma.
Chilapondwa commends President Chakwera for increasing CDFs
By Patience Longwe
Lilongwe, April 14, Mana: Member of Parliament for Ntchisi South, Ulemu Chilapondwa, has commended President Lazarus Chakwera for increasing the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), which has brought significant development to his constituency.
Speaking during a development rally on Sunday in Ntchisi, Chilapondwa said the CDF increase from K40 million to K200 million, and now at K220 million, has been instrumental in driving developments.
“Using CDF, we have constructed 51 bridges in the past 12 to 15 months in Ntchisi South Constituency under senior Chief Kalumo. In education infrastructure, we have numerous school blocks and teachers’ houses,” he said.
“We have maintained over 13 roads, improving infrastructure and accessibility “, added Chilapondwa.
Chilapondwa therefore requested additional development for his constituency, saying he plans to construct a house for the Traditional Authority (TA) Kalumo, one of the longest-serving TAs.
According to Chilapondwa, a modern office for the chief is also in the pipeline, with the local government minister’s support.
Minister of Local Government, who is also the Secretary General for the Malawi Congress Party, Richard Chimwendo Banda, assured people of Ntchisi South that government has put in place strategic plans in the budget to support people who have faced poor crop yields in the country.
“This move demonstrates the government’s commitment to address food security challenges faced by its citizens,” he said.
MABA elects new executive board
By Max Medson
Salima, April 14, Mana: Malawi Boxing Association (MABA) has elected a new executive board tasked with revitalizing boxing sport at all levels in Malawi.
Speaking during an Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Salima, Regional Sports Officer and representative of the Malawi National Council of Sports, Fanny Phiri, emphasized the significance of the AGM in revamping boxing.
“The last AGM was held in 2019. This meeting was crucial, not only because we elected a new executive board, but also because we discussed ways to bring about positive change to boxing sport in Malawi,” Phiri said.
The newly elected MABA President, Francis Kadzalowa, unveiled the ambitious plans of launching a nationwide boxing league at district, regional, and national levels, drawing inspiration from Uganda’s successful model.
“To take boxing to the next level, we will introduce a boxing league at district, regional, and national levels. This approach was used in Uganda, and has proven effective,” Kadzalowa explained.
Kadzalowa also underlined MABA’s commitment to achieving financial independence through commercialization.
“We strongly believe that we will find ways to generate our resources, rather than depending solely on government support. That is why we will pursue commercialization,” he said.
Kadzalowa concluded by affirming MABA’s ongoing collaboration with the Sports Council to promote boxing in schools and nurture young talent.
MABA aims to revitalize boxing in Malawi at all levels and aims for increased international participation.
Mumba promises to bring sanity to the trade industry
By Beatrice Bangula
Blantyre, April 14, Mana: Minister of Trade and Industry, Engineer Vitumbiko Mumba has promised to bring sanity in businesses, saying his ministry will not hesitate to close down businesses operating contrary to President Chakwera’s administration's vision.
Mumba made the assurance on Sunday at Njamba Freedom Park in Blantyre during Malawi Congress Party’s (MCP) mega rally, which attracted thousands of people from the south and eastern region.
Recently, the minister took a series of surprise visits to companies and shops that sell bales of second-hand clothes, where he discovered business malpractices ranging from pricing to labour issues.
Mumba told the rally that he will continue to deliver within his trade ministry mandate in line with President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera's vision that seeks to improve the living standards of Malawians.
After being appointed Minister of Trade and Industry, Mumba told the gathering that he engaged with many wholesalers and companies to discuss the price decrease of commodities in the best interest of Malawians.
“I have been engaging with wholesalers such that there will be a reduction in prices of most commodities, such as bread, sugar, cooking oil, and soap, on the market. Discussions with Illovo Sugar Limited are underway, and very soon you will hear something big,” he added.
Engineer Mumba then called for unity and support among Malawians ahead of the September 16 general elections so that President Chakwera should continue leading Malawians.
He said Malawians need Chakwera’s servant and visionary leadership that should see Malawi going forward.
Mumba therefore discouraged tribalism, saying this trend has no room in modern society as Malawi has a development agenda to achieve.
“I am from the northern side of Malawi, but came all the way to marry here in the southern region, and this should give us a picture that we are all one. Let us unite in achieving a better Malawi despite coming from different regions,” he added.
Mumba therefore said he will work hard to ensure that President Chakwera remains President of the Republic of Malawi, come September 16.
“As Vitumbiko Mumba, I will run up and down to ensure Chakwera wins the elections. You all have seen the work of my hands when l was Minister of Labour,” he added.
“I did my best in making sure that our people are not oppressed and their rights are not taken away by their employers,” Mumba added.
In his remarks, MCP executive member Brown Mpinganjira called on Malawians to trust Chakwera’s leadership, saying Malawi will continue transforming with his leadership, citing infrastructural development in many parts of Malawi.
“Chakwera will continue to rule Malawi with your vote. Give him your vote so that Malawi can continue to move forward.
“This is why Chakwera chose ministers that deliver accordingly,” he said, citing Engineer Mumba’s performance in his ministerial posts.
Before Njamba Freedom Park’s rally in Blantyre, Mumba held a Public Lecture at the University of Malawi’s Great Hall in Zomba under the theme: People Over Politics
Blantyre steps up effort to reduce STIs
By Memory Chatonda
Blantyre, April 14, Mana: Blantyre District Health Office (DHO) has embarked on a series of campaigns dubbed, 'Konda Moyo, Konda Blantyre' to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the district.
The campaign, organized by the Blantyre District Health Office (DHO) in collaboration with Blantyre City Council, took the two entities to the Chilomoni Health Centre grounds on Saturday. Spokesperson for the DHO, Chrissy Banda, said the activity was conducted in response to the increased cases of STIs reported in 2024.
Statistics, according to Banda, indicate that Chilomoni Health Centre registered at least 127 STIs cases from October to December 2024, contributing to at least 8000 cases registered from all health facilities in Blantyre during the same period.
“While we are celebrating that new HIV infections are decreasing, the rise in cases of STIs indicates that people are not adhering to other preventive measures for STIs,” she added.
She therefore said the DHO is implementing Blantyre Prevention Strategy campaign, which aims at sensitizing communities on STIs preventive measures, including HIV prevention.
“Through our awareness, we are now promoting dual protection, that is to say, if you are using other preventive measures, make sure that you are also protecting yourself by using condoms,” Banda added.
Group village head Chilomoni acknowledged increased cases of STIs among people under his jurisdiction, attributing the increase to “reckless behaviour”.
Together with her team, Group village head said she will ensure that messages on STIs and HIV prevention are disseminated at every public gathering in Chilomoni.
During the event, which was funded by the National AIDS Commission, various services such as HIV testing, condom provision, and information on PrEP and others were also provided to people.
Another open day talk is also expected to be held at Kachere and Soche in the same district soon to increase awareness.
Nine bodies involved in Lake Malawi accident repatriated to Mzuzu
By Ireen Mseteka
Likoma, April 12, Mana: Nine bodies out of the 11 people who died this Saturday morning in Likoma after the boat they were sailing in capsized have been repatriated to Mzuzu Central Hospital.
Acting Senior Chief Mkumpha said the bodies will be kept at Mzuzu Central Hospital before being dispatched to their respective districts.
"Government through Dodma will buy coffins for all the deceased and the rest will be buried tomorrow where the minister of transport, Jacob Hara and our member of parliament will be in attendance," said Senior Chief Mkumpha.
He said among the nine deceased, two hailed from Nkhotakota, one from Mzuzu, one from Karonga, two from Chitipa, two from Mzimba and one from Blantyre.
Deputy Council Chair, Ernest Gulu said he was saddened by the tragedy which he described was the first of its kind in the district.
"My heart is bleeding with this sad development, some of these deaths are avoidable, we are asking government to hasten the jetty so that people should avoid sailing boats to board the ship," said gulu.
