Courts – Face of Malawi

Man Fined K2.8 Million for Sleeping with Someone’s Wife

Evance Kapito — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 08:08:23 +0000

The Second Grade Magistrate’s Court sitting at Matenje in Kasungu District has ordered Fresher Hara to pay a fine of K2.8 million after being found guilty of committing adultery with another man’s wife.

The court heard that Hara engaged in a sexual relationship with the wife of Vincent Bosi Phiri in February this year in the area of Traditional Authority Chulu, an act that contributed to the breakdown of the couple’s marriage.

Second Grade Magistrate David Mumbuwa ruled that Hara was guilty of interfering with a lawful marriage. He was ordered to pay K1 million immediately, with the remaining balance to be paid in monthly installments of K180,000 over a period of ten months.

The court also found the woman guilty of adultery and ordered her to pay K300,000 in compensation to her husband, Phiri.

Meanwhile, the court has officially dissolved the marriage between Phiri and his wife following a request by the husband.

High Court Adjourns Ruling in Wim Akster S3xual Abuse Case

Evance Kapito — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 12:33:44 +0000

The High Court in Blantyre has failed to deliver a ruling today on whether Dutch national Wim Akster has a case to answer in a matter involving alleged sexual abuse of young boys.

In a notice issued to the State, the court indicated that proceedings will resume on the 4th of next month. However, it did not explain the reasons for the postponement.

The State, represented by prosecutor Victor Jere, recently concluded presenting its evidence in the case. What remains is for the court to determine whether Akster has a case to answer or should be discharged.

Akster has denied the allegations. The case continues to draw public attention as the court prepares to make its determination next month.

Blantyre Woman Charged for Calling Housemaid a ‘Witch’ in Viral Video Case

Evance Kapito — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 14:30:34 +0000

The Blantyre Magistrate’s Court has begun hearing a case involving Vanessa Chimbayo also known as Elies Johny, who is accused of defaming her domestic worker after posting a viral video on social media.

Chimbayo is alleged to have recorded and shared a video showing her in a heated verbal exchange with her housemaid, Cecilia Davison, last month. In the widely circulated clip, she reportedly captioned the video with the words “Stay Away from this Witch,” an allegation prosecutors say amounted to publicly humiliating and defaming the worker.

The case opened at the Magistrate’s Court in Blantyre on Thursday, where Chimbayo pleaded not guilty to the charge. The court has since adjourned the matter to 9 March for further hearing.

Meanwhile, Dominic Makawa, Executive Director of the Domestic and Vulnerable Workers Association, said the organization is considering joining the case as an interested party. He noted that their involvement is currently pending approval from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

The case has sparked debate on social media about the treatment and protection of domestic workers in Malawi, as the court process continues.

Source: Times360Malawi

Mangochi Court Acquits Man Accused Of Defiling His Own Daughter

Evance Kapito — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 06:51:39 +0000

The Senior Resident Magistrate’s Court in Mangochi has acquitted 49-year-old Charles Mandebvu of Songa Village, Traditional Authority Ntonda, who was facing a charge of having sexual intercourse with a female child.

Mandebvu was alleged to have had sexual relations with his biological daughter between 2023 and 2024. During trial, the complainant, who testified under the pseudonym SM, told the court that she lived with her mother following her parents’ divorce. She stated that on one occasion her father summoned her to his house to assist with household chores, where he allegedly told her that he wanted to sleep with her as part of ritual practices. She further alleged that he promised to open a shop for her and give her money, and later handed her a keypad mobile phone after the incident.

The matter was reported to police in 2025 and Mandebvu was arrested.

A medical practitioner who testified for the State told the court that the complainant’s hymen was broken but could not conclusively state the cause of the condition.

In his defence, Mandebvu denied the allegations and told the court that he had earlier disowned the complainant and barred her from his house due to repeated theft. He stated that in February 2025 the complainant was found stealing fresh maize and was fined five bags as compensation. According to Mandebvu, when he refused to settle part of the compensation on her behalf, the complainant threatened him with a letter indicating that she would accuse him of having sexual relations with her.

The defence also presented evidence from family members, including an uncle to the complainant who confirmed the existence of the letter and longstanding family disputes, notably over land. A brother of the complainant testified that the phone in question had been stolen from him by the complainant, contrary to her claim that it was given to her by the accused.

In his judgment, Senior Resident Magistrate Muhammed Chande observed that while the State proved the element of age, it failed to establish beyond reasonable doubt that the girl was sexually assaulted or that Mandebvu was the perpetrator. The court also noted that the absence of key prosecution witnesses and inconsistencies in the girl’s testimony weakened the State’s case. The court therefore resolved to rule in favour of the accused.

Mandebvu, who was represented by Principal Legal Aid Advocate Upile Mapata, was consequently found not guilty and acquitted after spending 11 months on remand.

Copied: Legal Aid Bureau Malawi

Balaka Woman Pays K750k to Dodge Jail After Being Caught With Pistol As A Parcel From South Africa

Evance Kapito — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 08:10:09 +0000

A 55-year-old woman from Balaka has narrowly escaped a 15-month stint behind bars after paying a K750,000 fine for being found in possession of a special delivery from South Africa a pistol and seven rounds of ammunition.

The convict, Rhoda Amos, of Lupanga Village, Traditional Authority Nsamala, appeared before the Balaka First Grade Magistrate’s Court following her arrest on New Year’s Day, 2026.

The court heard through State Prosecutor Superintendent Bodwin Msukwa that police acted on a tip-off from “well-wishers” who led them to Rhoda’s house. During the search, detectives uncovered a pistol and seven bullets wrapped in a plastic “jumbo” and hidden inside a sack bag.

Upon interrogation, the woman dropped a bombshell: the lethal cargo wasn’t hers. She told police the firearm was sent by her 35-year-old son, Amos Poison, who is currently based in Johannesburg, South Africa. To beat border security, the weapon was reportedly smuggled into Malawi hidden inside a subwoofer.

Rhoda pleaded guilty to the charge of being found in possession of a firearm without a permit or license.

In his ruling, First Grade Magistrate Augustine Mizaya noted the dangerous nature of the offense.

“The weapon is offensive and a threat to the community,” the Magistrate stated, agreeing with the state that a stiff sentence was necessary to deter others. He ordered her to pay a fine of K750,000 or serve 15 months imprisonment with hard labor.

By the end of the day, the 55-year-old managed to settle the fine, securing her freedom, though her son—the sender of the “musical” pistol—remains in the Rainbow Nation.

Haiya stops Nyamilandu in ‘Face2Face’ defamation case

Evance Kapito — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 10:28:11 +0000

The High Court of Malawi has granted Football Association of Malawi (FAM) president Fleetwood Haiya an interlocutory injunction against his predecessor, Walter Nyamilandu, over alleged defamatory remarks made during a recent podcast interview.

The court order, dated January 30, 2026, restrains Nyamilandu who is also a Member of Parliament from further publishing, broadcasting, or disseminating statements arising from his January 15 appearance on the Face2Face Podcast.

“Until the hearing and determination of the action or until a further order of the Court, the defendant… are restrained from further publishing, repeating, broadcasting, circulating, disseminating, or otherwise causing to be published… the defamatory statements complained of,” reads part of the order under Civil Cause number 13 of 2026.

The legal battle stems from Nyamilandu’s claims during the interview that his loss in the December 2023 FAM elections was a “coup-de-tat” orchestrated by the government to remove him due to his political affiliations.

Haiya, through Ritz Attorneys-at-Law, initially demanded K200 million in damages and a public retraction within seven days. After Nyamilandu’s legal team, led by David Kanyenda, refused to apologize and challenged Haiya to “meet them in court,” the FAM president moved to secure the injunction.

Haiya’s legal team argues that Nyamilandu’s statements imply that the current FAM president ascended to power through corrupt and undemocratic means, thereby lowering his standing in the eyes of the public.

Fleetwood Haiya ended Nyamilandu’s 19-year reign at the helm of Malawi football on December 16, 2023, after securing 23 votes against Nyamilandu’s 13.

The injunction remains in force until the main defamation case is heard and determined by the court.

Former Homeland Security Minister Ezekiel Ching’oma to Appear in Blantyre Court

Evance Kapito — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 08:02:45 +0000

Former Minister of Homeland Security Ezekiel Ching’oma is expected to appear before the Senior Resident Magistrate’s Court in Blantyre this morning to answer charges including abuse of office and attempted extortion.

Ching’oma, who has been added as the third accused person in the matter, will appear alongside former Deputy Inspector General of Police Ackis Muwanga and former Crimes Superintendent Loudon Nthinda.

The three are facing charges stemming from alleged misconduct while they were holding public office. Details of the specific allegations are expected to be outlined when the matter is called in court.

The case is part of a wider crackdown on alleged abuse of authority by former senior government and police officials.

Liwonde Court Acquits Elderly Couple Over Alleged Possession Of Human Body Part (Belly Buton)

Evance Kapito — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 09:22:31 +0000

The First Grade Magistrate Court in Liwonde, Machinga, has found an elderly couple not guilty of charges involving the alleged possession of a child’s umbilical cord.

According to a statement by the Malawi Legal Aid Bureau (LAB) on their Facebook page, the couple identified as 73-year-old Beston Liwonde and 69-year-old Roseby Kennedy were arrested on May 26, 2024. Their arrest followed statements from other suspects previously detained in connection with the case, who claimed to have obtained the body part from the couple.

In his ruling, First Grade Magistrate Maxwell Boaz noted that while the couple are traditional healers, the prosecution failed to provide evidence proving they were found in possession of the child’s umbilical cord. Consequently, the magistrate ordered their immediate release, declaring them innocent of the charges.

The couple hails from Kawelama Village in Machinga District.

Source: Legal Aid Bureau

Court Convicts Mchinji Man of Defilement Despite Victim Carrying “19-Year-Old” National ID

Evance Kapito — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 11:48:04 +0000

The Mchinji Magistrate’s Court has convicted 37-year-old Ernest Chimpeni of defilement, a case that has exposed the dangerous consequences of falsifying ages during national registration exercises.

Despite the girl involved claiming to be 19 and presenting a National ID showing a 2006 birth date, the court ruled that she was actually a minor, born in 2008.

The court heard that Chimpeni had initiated marriage arrangements with the girl’s family, following traditional protocols by paying a dowry of K30,000 and a chicken. However, the relationship soured when Chimpeni discovered the girl was already pregnant by another man.

When he demanded a refund of his dowry, the girl’s parents reported the matter to the police, leading to his arrest for defilement

In his defense, Chimpeni did not deny the sexual relationship but argued he was misled by the girl’s official documentation. The girl admitted in court that she had falsified her age during the voter registration exercise ahead of the September 2025 General Elections just to qualify to vote.

However, her mother and uncle testified that her true birth year was 2008, making her a minor at the time of the sexual encounters.

Presiding Senior Resident Magistrate Godfrey Nyirenda delivered a stern ruling based on the 2023 Penal Code amendment. The law now stipulates that:

A defendant’s belief that a girl is over 18 is no longer a valid legal defense if the victim is actually a minor.

The responsibility lies with the adult to ensure the partner is of legal age.

Magistrate Nyirenda further issued a strong warning to parents and officials, noting that registering underage children as voters not only breaks electoral laws but exposes minors to exploitation and entangles innocent people in serious criminal cases.

Chimpeni has been remanded in police custody and is expected to be sentenced on Monday next week.

DPP Moves to Overturn Chimwendo Banda’s Release Order

Evance Kapito — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 08:23:18 +0000

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has announced a bold move to challenge the High Court’s decision that set Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Secretary General, Richard Chimwendo Banda, free.

In a statement shared on Ministry of Justice’s Facebook page, the DPP is heading back to court to appeal the ruling delivered by Justice Kenyatta Nyirenda on Wednesday. The State is reportedly dissatisfied with the “unconditional” nature of the release, which saw the MCP strongman walk out of Maula Prison after a month in custody.

The legal drama follows a successful application by Chimwendo’s lawyer, George Jivason Kadzipatike, who argued that his client was being held illegally past the 30-day remand limit. While Justice Nyirenda agreed and ordered Chimwendo’s immediate release, the DPP is now moving to stay that order.

As it stands, Chimwendo Banda remains free, but the DPP’s appeal adds a fresh layer of tension ahead of the scheduled inter-party hearing on January 23, 2026. The State is expected to argue that the gravity of the attempted murder charges outweighs the procedural delays cited by the defense.

Breaking News: Richard Chimwendo Banda Walks Out of Maula Prison

Evance Kapito — Wed, 14 Jan 2026 13:56:28 +0000

The High Court in Lilongwe has ordered the immediate release of Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Secretary General Richard Chimwendo Banda, ending a high-stakes legal standoff that has gripped the nation for over a month. In a scathing ruling delivered today, January 14, 2026, Justice Kenyatta Nyirenda declared Chimwendo’s continued detention at Maula Prison “unlawful and unconstitutional.”

The ruling follows a judicial review application filed by Chimwendo’s lead counsel, George Jivason Kadzipatike. The defense argued that the State had violated the mandatory 30-day remand period allowed under the Criminal Procedure and Evidence Code. Chimwendo, who was arrested in December 2025 on charges of attempted murder dating back to 2021, had been held in custody while his legal team fought for his freedom.

Justice Nyirenda’s order provides significant legal protections for the MCP Secretary General. The court ordered his immediate and unconditional release, effective today, noting that holding Chimwendo beyond the statutory limit was a violation of his fundamental right to personal liberty and due process of law. Furthermore, the Judge ruled that any future criminal proceedings against Chimwendo, whether related to this or any other case, must be commenced via summons only, rather than arrest and detention.

While Chimwendo Banda has regained his freedom, the legal battle is not over. The High Court has scheduled an inter-party hearing for January 23, 2026, to further determine the merits of the judicial review. Lawyer George Kadzipatike confirmed his client is out of Maula Prison, stating that they are pleased the court has upheld the constitutional rights of his client after the statutory remand period expired.

Chinese Convict Lin Yunhua Pleads Not Guilty to Corruption, Abuse of Office Charges

Evance Kapito — Tue, 13 Jan 2026 05:53:04 +0000

Chinese national Lin Yunhua, who is serving a prison sentence for wildlife crime and money laundering, has pleaded not guilty to seven counts of corruption and abuse of public office before the High Court in Lilongwe.

The case is being heard by High Court Judge Redson Kapindu.

On two counts of corrupt practices with public officers, the state alleges that in 2019, while Lin was on remand at Maula Prison, he corruptly offered K30 million and promised to complete the construction of a house for the then Officer-in-Charge of the prison, Aaron Ganyavu Kaunda.

According to the prosecution, the alleged inducement was meant to influence Kaunda to engage then Chief Resident Magistrate Violet Chipao to secure Lin a lighter sentence in a wildlife and money laundering case that was before her.

Lin is also facing five counts of abuse of public office, in which it is alleged that between 2022 and 2023, while serving a 14-year prison sentence, he persuaded prison officials at Maula Prison to allow him to leave custody on several occasions.

The court heard that Lin allegedly visited various locations including his residence in Area 9, Biwi, Kanengo, and Bunda, all within Lilongwe, without lawful authority.

Judge Kapindu has since adjourned the matter to tomorrow, when he is expected to deliver a ruling on the direction the case will take.

Chiradzulu Court Jails Hospital Worker 10 Years for Stealing Medical Equipment and K63 Million

Evance Kapito — Wed, 07 Jan 2026 08:34:38 +0000

The First Grade Magistrate’s Court in Chiradzulu has sentenced Yamikani Mapapa to 10 years’ imprisonment after finding him guilty of stealing two medical diagnostic machines and K63 million from Chiradzulu District Hospital.

Mapapa was arrested in December last year following the disappearance of the machines between August and November.

The court heard that Mapapa sold the stolen machines for K5.3 million to a trader identified as Goba of Bangwe, in order to settle a personal debt of K5 million.

State prosecutor Peter Piringu told the court that although Mapapa pleaded guilty, he deserved a stiff sentence because he failed to safeguard government property and endangered the lives of many patients who depend on services at the hospital.

Delivering the ruling, First Grade Magistrate Smart Maruwasa sentenced Mapapa to five years’ imprisonment on each count, ordering that the sentences run consecutively, bringing the total jail term to 10 years.

Court Finds Four Students Answerable in Chayamba School Fire Case

Evance Kapito — Tue, 06 Jan 2026 13:21:56 +0000

The Kasungu Magistrate’s Court has ruled that four students from Chayamba Secondary School have a case to answer over the torching of the school that occurred on December 1, 2025.

Second Grade Magistrate Samuel Chakudza delivered the ruling, stating that the court was satisfied with evidence presented by both the school authorities and the police, which linked the accused to the incident.

The four students—Daniel Chanju, Abel Pondamali, Nicholas Tchesa and Elvis Lameck—are accused of deliberately setting fire to the school alongside other suspects who are still at large. According to the prosecution, several students identified the accused as being among those who carried out the arson attack, which resulted in massive destruction of property.

The court heard that the suspects allegedly planned the act and used petrol to start the fire, which they reportedly bought after voluntarily contributing money among themselves.

The accused students have denied the charges and have requested the court to allow them to present defence witnesses. Magistrate Chakudza has since adjourned the case to Thursday this week to allow the defence to present its evidence.

Investigations have revealed that the fire destroyed school property estimated to be worth over K500 million

Court Orders Chimwendo Banda to Remain in Police Custody Despite Hospital Treatment

Evance Kapito — Fri, 19 Dec 2025 12:35:10 +0000

The Lilongwe Magistrate’s Court has ordered former minister Richard Chimwendo Banda, to remain in police custody on suspicion of attempted murder.

Chimwendo has been ordared to stay in cooler while continuing to receive medical treatment as he is not feeling well.

The ruling was delivered by Magistrate Mzonde Mvula after the State requested more time before responding to an application for bail.

The court has since scheduled the matter to return for hearing on 24 December 2025.

Earlier, one of Chimwendo Banda’s lawyers asked the court to grant him bail, arguing that his client is unwell and currently admitted to hospital, where he is being guarded by police officers a situation the defence said is causing him psychological distress.

The State opposed the bail request, prompting the court to defer the matter.

Chitipa Court Slapped Man 14 Years For Chewing Minor

Evance Kapito — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 07:20:35 +0000

The First Grade Magistrate Court has sentenced a 24-year-old man, Tione Mtambo, to 14 years’ imprisonment with hard labour for defiling a two-year-old child in Chitipa District.

The offence was committed on 28 May 2025 at Khunthu Village under Traditional Authority Senior Chief MweneWenya. The court heard that both the convict and the victim come from the same village.

Mtambo was identified by the child’s mother and sister following the incident and was arrested the following day, on 29 May 2025.

During trial, Mtambo pleaded not guilty to the charge. However, after the court heard evidence from the prosecution and witnesses, he was found guilty.

Prosecutor Isabel Mkandawire asked the court to impose a stiff sentence, arguing that the child had been traumatised in all aspects of her life. She further told the court that a tough punishment would act as a deterrent to others who may harbour similar intentions.

In passing sentence, First Grade Magistrate Billy Ngosi condemned Mtambo’s actions, describing them as inhuman and saying he “acted like an animal.” The magistrate noted that the offence was aggravated by the fact that Mtambo is married and has a two-year-old daughter of his own, the same age as the victim.

The court sentenced Mtambo to 14 years’ imprisonment with hard labour, effective from the date of his arrest and Magistrate Ngosi also ordered that the case file be forwarded to the High Court for further review and enhancement of the sentence.

Copied:Times360Malawi

Update ZambaCase: Bail Granted to Colleen Zamba in Controversial Recruitment Case

Evance Kapito — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 11:48:15 +0000

Lilongwe’s Chief Resident Magistrate, Austin Banda, has granted bail to former Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Colleen Zamba, who is facing charges of alleged abuse of office. The magistrate ruled that the charges against her are not severe enough to justify continued detention.

Magistrate Banda set strict conditions for her release. Zamba must surrender her Area 43 house as surety, report to Area 30 Police Headquarters every two weeks, and hand over her travel documents, remaining in Malawi unless the court grants permission for travel in consultation with the State and her legal team.

The court also instructed the State to submit all case documents within 14 days, after which a date will be set for the continuation of proceedings.

Zamba, who was arrested on 2 December 2025 at Kamuzu International Airport while reportedly preparing to travel to Geneva, Switzerland, is accused of irregularly recruiting over 300 employees between 2022 and 2023 during her tenure as Chief Secretary.

Her lawyers welcomed the bail decision, describing it as a positive step while the legal process continues.

Former Chief Secretary ‘Colleen Zamba’ Appears in Court After Airport Arrest

Evance Kapito — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 10:33:41 +0000

Former Secretary to the President and Cabinet (SPC), Colleen Zamba, has appeared before the Lilongwe Magistrate’s Court following her arrest at Kamuzu International Airport (KIA) on Tuesday, December 2, 2025.

Zamba, who was reportedly on her way to Geneva, Switzerland, was detained by police at the airport before being taken into custody.

According to state prosecutors, Zamba is accused of abuse of office in relation to the alleged irregular recruitment of more than 300 employees between 2022 and 2023, during her tenure as Chief Secretary.

During the court appearance, the State requested 14 days to file and exchange documents with the defense, a request which Zamba’s legal team accepted. The 14-day period will determine whether Zamba takes plea or disputes the charges laid before her.

Meanwhile, Zamba’s lawyers asked the court to grant her bail, arguing that she is a law-abiding citizen, a public servant, and has been held beyond the constitutionally allowed 48 hours since her arrest at the airport.

The court is expected to deliver its decision on the bail application soon, while Zamba remains in police custody.