By Prisca Kasache

Mangochi, April 9, Mana. A 22-year-old DMI University student died after being hit by a speeding minibus along Arthur Peter Mutharika Highway in Mangochi on April 7.

Mangochi Police Station, Public Relations Officer, Inspector, Amina Tepani Daudi confirmed the death and identified the deceased as Samuel Josephy, a second-year student from Chimbiya Village, Traditional Authority Tambala in Dedza District.

Inspector Daudi said the accident involved a Toyota Hiace minibus, registration number PE 10498, driven by Mike Justine, 40, of Mulandani Village, Traditional Authority Mpama in Chiradzulu.

She said Justice was driving from Liwonde towards Mangochi Boma with 12 passengers on board at the time of the accident.

“Upon reaching the DMI University Trading Centre, the driver allegedly lost control of the vehicle and hit Joseph who was crossing the road from right to left.

“He sustained severe head injuries and fractured ribs and was rushed to Mangochi District Hospital where he was pronounced dead upon arrival,” said Daudi.

The Mangochi Police Publicist further said the minibus driver abandoned the vehicle at the scene and fled but later surrendered himself to Mangochi Police Station around midnight.

He is currently in police custody and is expected to appear in court soon.

Meanwhile, police in the district has urged all road users, especially drivers, to strictly adhere to road safety regulations to prevent such tragic incidents.

By Ernest Mfunya

Mangochi, April 9, Mana. A 60-year-old man died after an elephant at Namizimu Forest Reserve attacked him near Kwilasya Village, Traditional Authority Namabvi in Mangochi District.

Mangochi Police Station, Public Relations Officer, Inspector Amina Tepani Daudi confirmed the incident and identified the deceased as Meleke Jeke.

Tepani said the incident occurred on the morning of April 7 when Jeke had gone to his maize garden near the forest, to check on his crops and protect them from baboons.

While in the field, the elephant suddenly emerged and attacked him, resulting in an instant death, according to Inspector Daudi.

“The incident was witnessed by neighboring farmers that share boundary with the deceased’s garden who reported the incident to Lungwena Police Unit” she said.

Inspector Daudi said police officers visited the scene accompanied by a medical practitioner who carried out postmortem whose results confirmed that Jeke’s death was due to multiple fractures and internal bleeding sustained during the elephant attack.

Meanwhile, police have notified the Department of National Parks and Wildlife for appropriate action.

Jeke came from Kwilasya Village, Traditional Authority Namabvi.

By Monica Banda

Mchinji, April 8, Mana: As the world commemorates consumer rights day, the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA), has called on consumers across the country to be aware of their rights and take responsibility in protecting them, especially in the digital space.

Speaking during a consumer awareness meeting in Mchinji, MACRA’s board member, Stella Tchuthi, said consumer education is a key tool in tackling service-related challenges.

“Consumers must be well-informed about their rights and they should know that they have the power to act, especially when facing issues such as injuries, or service challenges.

“They can contact us through our toll-free number 261, so that MACRA can engage the relevant service providers," said Tchuthi.

She also noted progress in addressing mobile money fraud, attributing it to coordinated efforts with the Malawi Prison Services, mobile service providers, and the Malawi Defence Force.

Also present at the meeting was the chief executive officer for the Competition and Fair Trading Commission (CFTC), Lloyd Vincent Nkhoma, who underscored the significance of commemorating consumer rights annually.

“Consumers face numerous challenges in the market: It is vital that they understand their rights and responsibilities so they can protect themselves from common malpractices,” said Nkhoma.

He further warned that the digital space poses several risks, including identity theft, data breaches, online fraud, and cyberbullying.

The event, organized by MACRA, was part of a broader initiative to ensure consumers are aware of their rights and confident in exercising them.

By Aisha Chiwaya

Salima, April 8, Mana: The Salima First Grade Magistrate Court has convicted and fined Adam Likagwa, 34, to pay K2 million or, in default, serve a 12-month jail term for being found in possession of 576.68 Kilograms of Chamba without license.

According to Salima police Public Relations Officer (PRO), Sub Inspector Rebecca Ndiwate, the Court heard through the Regional Prosecution Inspector, Ida Mzama, that Likagwa was arrested on March 22, 2025 at around 3:30 PM at Chikumba area where officers mounted an ad-hock roadblock.

"Mzama further told the court that Likagwa failed to produce relevant document permitting him to possess the hemp which was fully loaded in his Toyota Sienta vehicle," said Ndiwate.

Appearing before court, Likagwa pleaded guilty to the charges levelled against him. In mitigation, Likagwa prayed for leniency, citing family obligations.

During submission, the state pleaded for a stiffer punishment considering the quantity of the prohibited goods.

First Grade Magistrate Anthony Banda concurred with the State and ordered him to pay a fine of K2 million and the immediate disposal of the Cannabis by burning to serve as a deterrence to other would be offenders.

Adam Likagwa hails from Kambadi Village, Traditional Authority Nsamala, in Balaka district.

By Patience Longwe

Lilongwe, April 8, Mana: Parliament on Tuesday passed Bill No.20 of 2025, the Tourism Bill, which aims to develop a robust and sustainable tourism sector.

This new legislation establishes a legal framework to regulate and standardize the industry, aligning it with the country's development goals outlined in MW 2063.

Speaking during the presentation of the Bill in Parliament on behalf of the Minister of Tourism, Minister of Natural Resource and Climate Change, Owen Chomanika, said the Bill mandates the Malawi Tourism Authority to regulate the sector and promote Malawi as a top tourist destination, locally and internationally.

"The bill sets up the Malawi College of Tourism as the government's primary tourism professional training institution, defining its functions and powers,” said Chomanika.

He added: “A registration and licensing framework is established for tourism enterprises, establishments, and practitioners, to ensure industry standards.”

The minister noted that the tourism sector plays a significant role in Malawi's economy, contributing to inclusive development and poverty reduction, especially in rural areas where most tourist attractions are located.

 The Bill is expected to enhance the sector's performance by promoting tourism investment, and the Malawi Tourism Authority will facilitate and approve tourism investment projects

Additionally, the registration and licensing framework will ensure that tourism enterprises meet required standards, according to Chomanika.

He described the passing of the Bill as a “significant step” towards developing Malawi's tourism sector, and that the government will need to implement the new framework, establish the Malawi Tourism Authority and the Malawi Tourism College of Tourism, and ensure effective enforcement of regulations.

By Maston Kaiya

Ntcheu, April 8, MANA: Participants of Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Program (CS-EPWP), in Nankokwe Catchment area under Senior Chief Masasa in Ntcheu have hailed the government of Malawi for improving their livelihoods economically through the programme.

Speaking in an interview with Malawi News Agency (MANA), a participant in Nankokwe catchment, Lacketo Makiyi, said using the wages earned from the programme, he now own livestock such as goats and chicken.

“Before I got enrolled into the programme, my household was in abject poverty where I was failing to provide meals three times a day for my household, but the situation is different now,” he said.

Makiyi said using the wages, he is able to support his three children, including his family with all the basic needs.

"I have three children: one is pursuing a degree at Domasi College of Education; with the climate smart programme, I am able to provide his pocket money,” he added.

While calling on the government to increase the wages from the current K48, 000 per month, Makiyi urges his fellow participants to prudently use the wages by investing in small-scale businesses.

Another participant, Sara Patrick said the programme has enabled her to own assets besides empowering her economically.

"I invested the income into a village savings and loan group, where the savings have helped me buy livestock," she said.

Nankokwe catchment district designated officer, Eleman Kadewere, said participants are encouraged to invest the wages to increase their incomes.

"After working for 30 days, the participants receive their wages: Though it might look small, we encourage them to venture into economic activities in ensuring that their livelihoods are improved,” he said.

Meanwhile, Ntcheu District CS-EPWP Desk Officer, Cassim Medson Kampote, has hailed the participants’ resilience in conserving the degraded environment, besides improving the soil fertility in the area.

Nankokwe catchment, under Senior Chief Masasa in Ntcheu, has over 1,000 participants who are constructing swales, marking ridges, gully reclamation and afforestation among other interventions.

The CS-EPWP is being implemented by the National Local Government Finance Committee (NLGFC) across the country with funding from the World Bank and the Multi-Donor Trust Fund.

By Pickson Chipeso

Lilongwe, April 8, Mana: Minister of Information and Digitalization, Moses Kunkuyu, says the Government wants to turn Malawi into a digitally driven country by constructing network towers across the country.

Kunkuyu made the remarks at Parliament in Lilongwe Tuesday when he responded to a question from Thyolo Thava legislator, Mary Navicha, on poor connectivity in her constituency due to lack of network.

The minister said towers have been constructed in some parts of the country, but he acknowledged the poor connectivity in some parts of the country.

“We are still continuing with that expansion,” said Kunkuyu. “We have resources that have been allocated in the budget, but also resources towards the University Service Fund (USF) from the digital Malawi project.

“We aim to utilize these resources in the construction of towers in the hard to reach areas,” he explained.

The minister added that his ministry would want to see online banking services and payments being accessible to everyone in the country, so that people do not have to travel long distances for the services.

He assured the Thyolo Thava legislator and the public, in general, that the towers are being constructed from various models through the USF, and also through the operators who construct their own towers.

Navicha had complained that people in her constituency struggle to have access to phone calls or internet, let alone mobile banking.

She also sought clarification from the minister on rumours that the towers in the country are linked to Smartmatic system that is going to be used in the September 16 general election.

But Kunkuyu assured the legislator and the public that the towers in the country are purely for connectivity and communication.

By Prisca Promise Mashushu

Lilongwe, Tuesday 8, Mana: The Senior Resident Magistrate's court at Lilongwe has convicted and sentenced 20-year-old Daudi Mchitakupha, for raping a 24-year-old woman at Chinsapo 1 graveyard.

The victim is a student nurse at one of the nursing colleges in the capital.

According to Lilongwe police Public Relations Officer, Inspector Hastings Chigalu, the court heard from Prosecutor Inspector Bauleni Namasani of Lilongwe Police, that Mchitakupha committed the offence on June 25, 2023.

“On this day at around 01:00 hours the victim left her school campus on a taxi for Chinsapo, destined to meet her boyfriend at a certain bottle store where the latter provided DJ services to patrons.

“Just when the victim walked towards the bottle store premises from the road, the convict and two of his colleagues, armed with panga knives, stabbed the student's boyfriend who was waiting to welcome her;” he said.

Chigalu added that the boyfriend found space and escaped the scene leaving the woman behind, before the convict and company dragged her into the nearby graveyard.

“With assistance of one of his colleagues who grabbed the victim by the neck so that she never shouted for help, the convict raped the woman.

“He was arrested three months later, but his colleagues still remain at large,” Chigalu explained.

Daudi pleaded not guilty when he appeared in court but the court convicted him upon accounts of witnesses.

In submission, the State through Prosecutor Namasani, prayed for a stiffer sentence citing the serious nature of the offence Mchitakupha committed, and the manner in which it was committed.

Passing his sentence, Senior Resident Magistrate Bracious Kondowe concurred with the state saying the convict's behavior clearly demonstrated that he is a threat, and deserved to be isolated from the society.

Magistrate Kondowe then pronounced the 18-year imprisonment sentence to serve as a deterrent to other would be offenders.

Daudi Mchitakupha hails from Ngwangwa Village, Traditional Authority Malili in Lilongwe District.

By Gift Chiponde 

Lilongwe, April 8, MANA: The Minister of Higher Education, Dr. Jessie Kabwila, has made a call for the institutionalization of Africa Centres of Excellence (ACEs) to ensure their long-term sustainability and integration into university structures and national development frameworks.

The minister made the call on Monday in Accra, Ghana, at the 10th Anniversary for Africa Higher Education Centres of Excellence themed "Celebrating a Decade of Impact and Innovation of Africa Centers of Excellence Program".

She emphasised on the importance of embedding ACE activities within the strategic frameworks, governance, and operations of universities, saying this would allow ACEs to endure beyond donor funding cycles, thereby transforming universities into regional hubs of innovation, research, and development.

“The ACE initiative has been a game changer for our universities; It has strengthened institutional capacity, expanded high-quality postgraduate training, and accelerated applied research. However, for these gains to last, ACEs must be fully absorbed into university systems and national planning frameworks,” said Kabwila.

The minister shared with the international community the numerous achievements of the ACE II in Malawi, citing a few examples, including over 1,000 MSc students and over 120 PhD students trained; international accreditation of programmes at LUANAR; over 350 papers published in referred journals; enterprise incubation hubs and Spinoffs being set up at MZUNI, LUANAR and UNIMA; development and approval of traditional and complementary medicine policy in the Ministry of Health by KUHeS; and postgraduate infrastructure developments and research equipment at KUHeS, LUANAR, MZUNI and UNIMA.

However, Kabwila noted that short-term project timeframe poses significant risks to long-term sustainability.

“The Centres were forced to prioritize immediate results over strategic planning, post-project evaluation, and sustainability. We need to correct this by allowing realistic timelines in future project designs,” she said.

The minister also highlighted key challenges, including delays in funding disbursement, limited infrastructure, and coordination challenges among coordinating and implementing partners like IUCEA and Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM). 

She noted that critical components such as enterprise incubation suffered due to late provision of guidelines.

She lauded the ACEs in Malawi for tackling pressing national priorities—including the commercialization of fisheries, food safety, climate-smart agriculture, and data-informed policymaking—while expressing concern over the lack of support for innovations developed by postgraduate students.

She said that the memorandum of Understandings, (MoUs) signed with local, regional, and international partners have been a strong step forward, but without dedicated financing mechanisms, universities may struggle to implement agreed work plans.

Kabwila further proposed a new ACE program aimed at integrating advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, climate and hydrological modelling, and Internet of Things (IoT) platforms to support agri-systems and real-time monitoring, with Malawi’s focus shifting towards large-scale agricultural commercialization.

“It is time to cement and scale the progress we’ve made. We need to ensure our research and development ecosystems are rooted in strong institutional frameworks, well-resourced, and linked to community and national development,” she said.

She reaffirmed Malawi’s commitment to the MW2063 development agenda and called on regional partners and the international community to support the continued evolution of ACEs as a vital engine for Africa’s higher education transformation.

Since the launch of the program across the Africa in 2014 with support from the World Bank, Malawi has established 6 ACEs in some of the country’s higher learning institutions, including LUANAR, MZUNI, and UNIMA.

The Miniter was accompanied to the meeting in Accra by the Secretary of Higher Education, Dr. Levis Eneya, and staff from the Malawi ACEs led by the Vice Chancellor of UNIMA, Prof. Samson Sajidu, Deputy Vice Chancellor of MZUNI, Prof. Wapulumuka Mulwafu, and Deputy Vice Chancellor of LUANAR, Associate Prof. Agnes Mwangwela.