Africa – Face of Malawi

Four Arrested After Spaza Shop Looting as Teen Killed During Chaos in South Africa

Evance Kapito — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 06:58:11 +0000

South African police have arrested four suspects in connection with the looting of foreign-owned spaza shops in Witbank, while also investigating the fatal shooting of a 19-year-old man during the unrest.

The suspects, three men and one woman aged between 22 and 52, were arrested on 9 July 2026 after they were allegedly found in possession of items believed to have been stolen during the looting that took place the previous evening.

According to police, the violence erupted on 8 July when a group of community members allegedly looted a spaza shop owned by a foreign national in the Siyanqoba area of Witbank.

During the incident, a sedan vehicle reportedly drove past the scene, and its occupants allegedly opened fire indiscriminately into the crowd.

Police responding to the scene found a 19-year-old man with a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Following the incident, police, supported by other law enforcement agencies, launched an operation targeting those involved in both the looting and the fatal shooting.

The four suspects have been charged with possession of suspected stolen property, while investigations into the murder continue.

Authorities say the search for additional suspects is ongoing and have appealed to members of the public with information to come forward.

Nkhalamba Donates K5 Million Towards Repatriation of Malawians Affected by Xenophobic Attacks

Evance Kapito — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 10:57:05 +0000

A Malawi-born medical doctor based in South Africa, McBride Nkhalamba, has donated K5 million to support efforts aimed at repatriating Malawians displaced by ongoing xenophobic violence in parts of South Africa.

The donation was announced by social media influencer Stanley Onjezani Kenani, who is among those coordinating fundraising initiatives to assist affected Malawians seeking to return home.

In a social media post, Kenani expressed gratitude to Dr. Nkhalamba, describing the donation as a significant act of compassion and leadership during a difficult period for many Malawians living in South Africa.

According to Kenani, the contribution has pushed the fundraising total to K11.8 million. The campaign has also facilitated the transfer of R400,000 to South Africa to help transport affected Malawians back to Malawi using two buses.

Dr. Nkhalamba joins a growing list of individuals, businesses and organisations that have stepped forward to support Malawians affected by the unrest.

Meanwhile, the donation has attracted widespread praise on social media, with some users commending Dr. Nkhalamba’s willingness to act quickly during the crisis.

Among those who commented was congressman Sylvester Ayuba James, who praised the doctor’s leadership qualities and ability to make swift decisions.

“Ma delegates a Kongiresi, chidodo ayi ayi. Munthu ndi yemweyi, ochangamuka. We need someone who can make quick decisions and has an idea about the economy,” wrote James in a comment that has since generated discussion online.

The fundraising drive comes as hundreds of Malawians continue seeking assistance following recent attacks targeting foreign nationals in parts of South Africa, with authorities and humanitarian groups working to facilitate voluntary repatriation efforts.

South African Court to Rule on Edgar Lungu Burial Dispute

Edgar Naitha — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 10:00:08 +0000

The High Court in South Africa is expected to deliver a ruling today in a case involving the remains of former Zambian President Edgar Chagwa Lungu.

The case stems from an appeal by the Lungu family against an earlier court decision directing that the former president’s body be repatriated to Zambia for burial with full state honours accorded to former heads of state.

The family has opposed the Zambian government’s plans for a state funeral, arguing for greater control over the burial arrangements.

The dispute has delayed the burial of the former president for more than a year. In June 2025, the family organised a burial ceremony in South Africa, but the Zambian government successfully obtained a court injunction stopping the proceedings.

As a result, Lungu’s remains have remained in South Africa pending the outcome of the legal process.

The former Zambian leader died on June 5, 2025.

Ugandan Student Develops Female Urination Device To Improve Hygiene

Evance Kapito — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 07:15:59 +0000

A final-year student at Makerere University has developed a disposable female urination device designed to help women maintain personal hygiene and reduce contact with unsanitary toilet surfaces.

The inventor, David Kaleebu, created the device known as Pee-Gal as part of his capstone project for a Bachelor of Visual Communication Design and Multimedia programme.

According to reports from the Daily Monitor, the innovation was recently showcased during the university’s design exhibition, where it attracted attention for its practical approach to addressing hygiene challenges faced by women in public restrooms.

Medical experts, including Dr. Chris Obwaka, say devices such as Pee-Gal can help reduce the risk of infections by eliminating the need for direct contact with potentially contaminated toilet seats and surfaces.

Beyond improving hygiene, the device is also expected to benefit hikers, travellers, pregnant women, and individuals recovering from injuries who may find conventional toilet use difficult.

The invention has been praised as an example of how young African innovators are developing practical solutions to everyday challenges through design and technology.

Teen Allegedly Killed After Being Mistaken For Foreign National In South Africa

Evance Kapito — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 08:30:03 +0000

A 19-year-old South African, Nhlamulo Sambo, has reportedly been stabbed to death in Mossel Bay, allegedly after being mistaken for a foreign national because he spoke Xitsonga.

According to reports, the incident occurred during unrest linked to protests involving foreign nationals. Sambo’s death has left his family devastated, with his unemployed mother now facing the difficult task of transporting his body back to Limpopo for burial.

The tragedy has sparked outrage on social media, with some users accusing Operation Dudula of being responsible for the violence.

However, the organization has strongly denied any involvement in the killing. In a statement, Operation Dudula expressed condolences to Sambo’s family, describing the incident as a “senseless, isolated act.”

The group said it has consistently condemned violence and has always called for peaceful protests. It further rejected allegations linking it to the teenager’s death, arguing that some people were attempting to use the tragedy to discredit the movement and silence its concerns regarding illegal immigration.

“No mother should ever have to bury her child,” the statement said, while maintaining that the organization should not be blamed for crimes it did not commit.

Authorities have not yet announced any arrests in connection with the killing, and investigations into the circumstances surrounding Sambo’s death are ongoing.

The incident has reignited debate in South Africa about xenophobia, identity-based violence, and the dangers of making assumptions about individuals based on language, appearance, or ethnicity.

16 Students Killed in Kenya Boarding School Fire

Evance Kapito — Thu, 28 May 2026 12:45:38 +0000

At least 16 students have died following a devastating fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, about 120 kilometres northwest of Nairobi.

The fire broke out in the early hours of Thursday while students were asleep in a dormitory housing around 220 learners.

Julius Ogamba confirmed the deaths while visiting the scene, adding that dozens of other students were injured. Authorities say 71 students were treated and discharged, while seven remain admitted in hospital.

According to officials, the blaze started on the first floor of a two-storey dormitory building, which was completely destroyed before emergency teams managed to contain the fire around 03:00 local time.

Kenya Red Cross and emergency responders remain on the ground assisting affected families as police continue search-and-rescue operations and investigations into the cause of the fire.

Kipchumba Murkomen expressed condolences to the bereaved families and urged the public to avoid speculation as investigations continue.

Police commander Masoud Mwinyi said some students fled during the chaos and are still being traced.

The tragedy has once again raised concerns over fire safety in Kenyan boarding schools, where overcrowding, locked exits, and arson-related incidents have previously contributed to deadly fires.

Kenya has recorded several fatal school fires over the years, including a 2001 dormitory blaze in Machakos County that killed 67 students.

11-year-old girl gives birth in South Africa after being r@ped and impregnated by her mother’s boyfriend (READ)

Edgar Naitha — Tue, 19 May 2026 11:00:40 +0000

The Atlantis community in South Africa is reeling after an 11-year-old girl gave birth, allegedly as a result of s3xual abuse by her mother’s boyfriend.

The child, who gave birth last week, has since been removed from her home and placed in a place of safety.

The 32-year-old suspect made a brief appearance in the Atlantis Magistrate’s Court on Monday, May 18, 2026. He was charged with r@pe. The man was arrested after police obtained a warrant for his arrest.

The child’s mother has since been arrested and appeared in the Atlantis Magistrate’s Court. She has formally been charged with failure to report a commission of a s3xual offence. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) confirmed her court appearance. The child or her mother cannot be identified because the girl is still a minor, and to avoid secondary trauma.

The mother has been remanded in custody and is expected to apply for bail on Tuesday, May 19. Member of Parliament, Nicholas Gotsell, from the DA and NCOP Member on Security and Justice, said he will be opposing the release of the alleged rapist.

“Child r@pists must be removed from society. The DA is appalled by the rape of an 11-year-old girl who has recently given birth. Whilst we will allow the law to take its course, the DA will exert even more pressure on the Acting Minister of Police to provide answers to its letter dated May 17, expressing its concern about the Western Cape Provincial Police Commissioner’s disregard for the fight against gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF),” Gotsell said.

He further told IOL News that he found it extremely alarming that, once visiting Atlantis, there were no r@pe kits for children.

“During several oversight visits on Thursday and Friday and again today [Monday] to the Atlantis police station, the DA found barely any D1 (adult) rape kits and no D7 r@pe kits for children. This has raised the question of resourcing of SAPS FCS units, who work with the most vulnerable persons in these societies, over the past weeks,” he said.

“Accordingly, the DA has requested the details of every r@pe and s3xual assault case reported at these stations and will keep an eye on the investigation of every single one of them and where it appears that SAPS members were not able to collect evidence from victims to build a proper case, which would ensure convictions and clean up this scourge of GBV plaguing our society,” Gotsell added.

He said police play a crucial role in the collection of evidence and the conviction of r@pists.

“The inaction by SAPS senior management in the Western Cape indicates that the President’s promise of GBV being declared a national state of disaster was a lie,” Gotsell said.

The case against the alleged rapist has been postponed until May 26 for a formal bail application.

Source: lindaikejisblog.com

World Health Organization Declares Ebola Outbreak in DR Congo a Global Health Emergency

Edgar Naitha — Mon, 18 May 2026 16:27:38 +0000

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo a public health emergency of international concern.

The agency said the outbreak in DR Congo’s eastern Ituri province, which has seen around 246 suspected cases and 80 deaths reported, does not meet the criteria of a pandemic emergency.

But it warned it could potentially be “a much larger outbreak” than what is currently being detected and reported, with significant risk of local and regional spread.

The current strain of Ebola is caused by the Bundibugyo virus, the health agency said, for which there are no approved drugs or vaccines.

Early symptoms include fever, muscle pain, fatigue, headache and sore throat, and are followed by vomiting, diarrhoea, a rash and bleeding.

BBC News

Nigerian Actor Alex Ekubo Dies at 40 After Cancer Battle

Evance Kapito — Wed, 13 May 2026 11:49:25 +0000

Alex Ekubo, one of Nigeria’s most loved romantic movie stars, has died at the age of 40 after reportedly battling kidney cancer.

According to Nigerian media reports, Ekubo had been struggling with the illness privately after being diagnosed in 2024, a development that reportedly led him to withdraw from social media and public life.

Fans had recently been questioning his disappearance from online platforms, where he had remained inactive for a long period.

The actor was widely known for his roles in movies such as In the Cupboard and Hire a Woman, where he became popular for his performances in romantic films.

Many fans also remember him from Johnny by Yemi Alade, in which he appeared in the hit music video.

His reported death has shocked fans across Africa, with tributes pouring in on social media from movie lovers and fellow entertainers.

Mlindo The Vocalist Breaks Silence on Abuse Accusations by Baby Mama Taylor

Evance Kapito — Fri, 08 May 2026 11:07:18 +0000

South African singer Mlindo The Vocalist is facing serious allegations after his partner, Taylor Allison, shared emotional posts on Instagram accusing him of hurting her and injuring their child.

The allegations quickly sparked concern and debate across social media platforms, with many users expressing shock over the claims.

Reports indicate the couple had allegedly been experiencing relationship and financial challenges for some time. Earlier this year, Taylor reportedly moved out of their shared home with their daughter following ongoing tensions.

In response to the accusations, Mlindo released a statement strongly denying being an abusive partner.

“I strongly deny all accusations of being an abusive partner. These claims are deeply hurtful and do not reflect the truth of my character or the values I stand for,” part of the statement reads.

The singer also claimed that he had endured emotional and physical pain during the relationship but chose not to make the issues public.

Mlindo further accused some people of spreading false narratives aimed at damaging his reputation and career, saying he remains committed to handling the matter with dignity while allowing the truth to come out.

The controversy has since divided fans online, with some demanding accountability while others have called for privacy and fairness as the matter unfolds.

Seven family members abducted and k!lled in South Africa; employee, two other suspects arrested

Edgar Naitha — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 16:00:23 +0000

Police have arrested three people in connection with the brutal m8rder of seven family members on the Kwazulu-Natal North Coast in South Africa.

Police say the victims were abducted at a home in Newtown, Newark, on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, before being taken to Melmoth, where they were later k!lled.

The suspects allegedly broke into the victim’s home and forcibly removed seven people, including a 20-year-old woman and an elderly victim aged 83.

Police say the breakthrough came after a maid working for the victims discovered the house had been broken into on Wednesday morning, 22 April 2026, with all occupants and a vehicle missing.

Swift investigations led officers to Hlomendlini, where two suspects were arrested, one of whom was found in possession of a cellphone belonging to one of the victims.

A third suspect was later arrested in Dendetu, Sundumbili, where he was also found with a firearm.

Police recovered a total of 11 cellphones in the suspects’ possession.

Investigators further revealed that one of the suspects had been employed by the victims and had allegedly played a key role in the attack.

“The suspects allegedly broke into the victims’ house, tied them up with a rope, and one of them allegedly r@ped the 20-year-old woman before loading them onto a vehicle belonging to one of the victims, and drove to Melmoth,” police said.

Police further allege that the woman was r@ped again in Melmoth, where the suspects then forced the victims to provide banking details and PIN numbers.

After accessing the accounts, police say three victims were shot d3ad while the remaining four were st@bbed.

“After collecting the banking details, the suspects shot and k!lled three victims. The other four victims were brutally st@bbed to d3ath,” the police confirmed.

Police also established that multiple financial transactions were carried out from the victims’ accounts during the incident.

The bodies of the seven victims were later discovered in Melmoth on Wednesday.

KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Mkhwanazi praised the swift response by law enforcement and urged stricter vigilance in employment practices, particularly in remote areas.

“Some crimes are difficult for police to prevent, if a crime happens, police’s reaction capacity must be equal to the task and crack the case,” Mkhwanazi said.

He added that it was “worrisome that one of the suspects was employed by the victims,” warning employers to conduct background checks on staff and monitor suspicious behaviour.

“Some cases, especially in the farms and secluded areas, are committed by people who are familiar and close to the victims,” he said.

Mkhwanazi further confirmed that police will continue investigating possible links to other crimes in the province.

“Police will leave no stone unturned in quest for a maximum jail sentence for the suspects. We will also analyse every piece of evidence to see if the suspect can be linked to other cases in and around the province,” he said.

The three suspects, aged 21, 26, and 28, are expected to appear in the KwaDukuza Magistrate’s Court on Friday, April 24, 2026, on multiple charges including kidnapping, m8rder, r@pe, and armed robbery.

The victims are identified as:

Allen Monswamy (53)

Sandy Monswamy (57)

Kraidon Monswamy (26)

Shamaria Monswamy (20)

Gonosagren Padayachee (51)

Mooniamma Padayachee (78)

Mariama Happanah (83)

You Won’t Believe What Pastor Kanyari Did to Marion Naipei in Church

Evance Kapito — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 14:07:39 +0000

Things got a little too interesting in Kenyan church after Victor Kanyari and socialite Marion Naipei became the talk of the internet.

In a viral clip making rounds online, Pastor Kanyari is seen calling Marion to the front of the congregation but what happened next left many stunned. The pastor appeared to “inspect” her outfit in full view of the church, with his attention clearly raising eyebrows among viewers.

At one point, he reportedly commented, “this is smart,” sparking even more reactions from netizens saying the Pastor was commending the booty of Marion not the outfit.

Social media, of course, did not hold back. While some criticized the moment as inappropriate for a church setting, others turned it into pure entertainment joking that the pastor had been given a “clear angle” to make his assessment as the video shows Marion letting the pastor to observe how blessed she is in her behind.

The clip has since divided opinions across Kenya and the wider East African online community, with debates ranging from church conduct to social media culture.

One thing is certain this unexpected moment has everyone talking.

Watch the video on X here CLICK

Two gang members sentenced to life imprisonment for k!lling pregnant woman in South Africa

Edgar Naitha — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 11:55:20 +0000

Two gang members, Jeremia Fortuin and Ricardo Cloete, linked to the Ferodo gang, have been sentenced to life in prison in South Africa for the murder of 21-year-old Shahida Nathan, who was eight months pregnant, along with additional sentences exceeding 100 years each.

The Western Cape High Court found them guilty of multiple charges, including murder, attempted murder, gang membership, and, in Fortuin’s case, illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.

In June 2020, the pair opened fire on a shack in Scottsdene, Kraaifontein, mistakenly believing rival gang members were inside, but instead Nathan and six others were present, enjoying a meal.

Nathan was killed instantly, while two men, aged 29 and 37, were injured in the attack. The court heard that Fortuin and Cloete had chased Alfredo Titus and Ridwaan Smith, members of the Mobster gang, into the property, but incorrectly targeted the shack where the victims were sitting.

Both defendants denied being at the scene, claiming intoxication or drug use, but the court rejected their alibis, ruling that the state had proven its case beyond a reasonable doubt.

Hearsay evidence, including statements from two deceased witnesses, was admitted during the trial to support the prosecution’s case.

Western Cape Director of Public Prosecutions Advocate Nicolette Bell praised the investigation and prosecution team for removing two dangerous criminals from the community.

Update: Senegal to file appeal over AFCON title strip

Edgar Naitha — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 08:01:59 +0000

Senegal’s football authorities have announced plans to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport after the nation was stripped of its Africa Cup of Nations title.

“The Senegalese Football Federation condemns this unjust, unprecedented, and unacceptable decision, which brings African football into disrepute,” the federation said in a statement.

Senegal had originally won the match, with Pape Gueye scoring the winner in extra time, but controversy arose when the team walked off the pitch during the regular 90 minutes.

They protested after Ismaila Sarr’s goal was disallowed and Morocco was awarded a late penalty following VAR intervention.

Senegal manager Pape Thiaw appeared to urge his side to leave the field, and they returned about 15 minutes later, after which Morocco’s Brahim Diaz missed the penalty.

The Confederation Africaine de Football (CAF) later ruled Senegal had forfeited the game, awarding Morocco a 3-0 win, citing Articles 82 and 84 of the AFCON Regulations that penalize teams leaving the field without referee permission.

“To defend its rights and the interests of Senegalese football, the federation will, as soon as possible, file an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne,” the statement added.

South African man sentenced to life imprisonment for burning his girlfriend to d3ath

Edgar Naitha — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 09:45:25 +0000

The High Court of South Africa sitting in Mbombela, Mpumalanga, has sentenced a 35-year-old man to life imprisonment for the brutal murder of his girlfriend in Carolina.

Innocent Sthembiso Maseko was found guilty of killing Mbali Lucy Ngubeni after a violent argument at their home in Silobela.

The court heard that the couple began arguing in their bedroom on 20 August 2024, and the dispute escalated into a physical fight.

During the altercation, Maseko poured petrol over Ngubeni and set her alight.

Despite suffering severe burns, Ngubeni managed to escape and called for help from a friend in another room, who extinguished the flames.

She was taken to hospital but died a week later due to her injuries.

Maseko denied being present during the incident, but the court relied on witness testimony and Ngubeni’s statement before her death to convict him.

The judge ruled that there were no compelling reasons for a lighter sentence, imposed life imprisonment, and declared Maseko unfit to possess a firearm.

WOMAN JAILED FOR REFUSING TO MARRY MAN WHO FUNDED HER EDUCATION

Edgar Naitha — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 07:30:14 +0000

A Ugandan court has sentenced a woman to six months in prison after she refused to marry a man who financed her education, despite an earlier agreement that they would wed.

The woman, Fortunate Kyarikunda, was convicted by a court in Rukungiri District, Uganda, after Richard Tumwine, the man who supported her studies, sued her for failing to honor a marriage promise they had allegedly agreed upon.

According to court records, the two first met in 2015 while Kyarikunda was doing her teaching practice. Their relationship later developed, and in 2018 they reportedly entered into an agreement that they would marry. Following this understanding, Tumwine began paying for Kyarikunda’s diploma studies at the Development Centre in Kampala.

During the trial, Tumwine told the court that he sold livestock and agricultural produce to raise money for her tuition and other expenses, believing that the two would eventually marry after she completed her education.

However, after graduating and securing employment, Kyarikunda allegedly refused to marry him, claiming she was no longer interested in the relationship and that the marriage would bring embarrassment to her.

Feeling betrayed, Tumwine took the matter to court.

After reviewing the evidence, the court ruled that Kyarikunda had breached the agreement, and ordered her to refund 14,099,100 Ugandan Shillings (approximately MWK 6.5 million) to cover the education expenses and legal costs.
The court further ruled that if she failed to repay the money, she would serve six months in prison.

In a dramatic twist, Kyarikunda reportedly chose prison over marriage.

“Even though he paid my school fees from the first year until I finished, my heart refuses to marry him. I would rather spend six months in prison than marry him,” she reportedly told the court.

The case has sparked widespread debate on social media across East Africa about relationships, financial support in romantic partnerships, and whether promises of marriage should carry legal consequences.

Mugabe’s Son Arrested in South Africa Over Attempted Murd3r

Evance Kapito — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 08:23:47 +0000

Police in South Africa have arrested the son of former Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe in connection with an attempted murder case.

The suspect, Chatunga Bellarmine Mugabe, 28, was taken into custody following a shooting incident in Johannesburg.

According to police reports, a 23-year-old man was shot and seriously injured during the incident. The victim is currently receiving medical treatment at a local hospital.

Authorities have not yet released further details regarding the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Investigations are ongoing, and Bellarmine Mugabe is expected to appear in court soon to face charges related to attempted murder.

Nine Arrested in Nigeria for Eating Publicly on First Day of Ramadan

Evance Kapito — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 07:23:27 +0000

Nigerian Islamic police in Kano State have arrested nine Muslims for allegedly eating in public on the first day of Ramadan.

The detainees seven men and two women reportedly told authorities they were unaware that the holy month had officially begun. Ramadan requires adult Muslims to fast from sunrise to sunset.

Kano, a predominantly Muslim state in Nigeria, operates Islamic Sharia law alongside the country’s secular legal system. Enforcement of religious compliance is carried out by the Hisbah, the state’s Islamic morality police.

During Ramadan, Hisbah officers patrol markets, restaurants, and public spaces to ensure Muslims observe the fast. Non-Muslims are not required to fast under the law.

Authorities have not yet disclosed what penalties the nine individuals may face, as investigations continue.