FCB Nyasa Big Bullets head coach Wedson Nyirenda has expressed disappointment after the club failed to secure the return of former striker Babatunde Adepoju.

Nyirenda had identified the Nigerian forward as a priority signing after his contract with South African second-tier outfit Venda Academy expired. However, Babatunde has instead completed a move to Mozambican side Costa do Sol.

“It is always disappointing for a coach to miss out on a player you have targeted. But every player has the right to make his own decision, and you cannot force him. He believes joining Costa do Sol is the best option for him, so we respect that. We now have to explore other available options, both locally and internationally,” said the Zambian tactician.

Bullets had hoped Babatunde’s return would strengthen an attack that has struggled for consistency this season.

The striker enjoyed an impressive loan spell with the People’s Team last campaign, finishing as the TNM Super League’s joint top scorer alongside teammate Chikumbutso Salima after both netted 15 goals.

The Chitipa Magistrate’s Court has ordered 45-year-old George Mulungu to pay a K1 million fine after finding him guilty of cultivating and possessing cannabis without a permit.

State Prosecutor Robert Chawinga told the court that Mulungu was arrested on June 17 this year in Chisembe Village, under the jurisdiction of Paramount Chief Mwaulambya, after he was found in possession of 85 kilograms of dried cannabis.

In his ruling, Magistrate Billy Ngosi ordered Mulungu to pay the K1 million fine or serve a 12-month prison sentence.

He also directed that the cannabis be destroyed by burning.

Lael Kadzalaufa, 55, of Muwalo Village under Paramount Chief Njolomole in Ntcheu District, is in police custody after being found in possession of two firearms and 20 rounds of ammunition.

According to Ntcheu Police spokesperson Jacob Khembo, police received a tip-off from well-wishers yesterday that Kadzalaufa was in possession of firearms and ammunition.

Police subsequently conducted a search at his residence and recovered two firearms: a black gun loaded with four rounds of ammunition and a silver gun loaded with six rounds. They also recovered an additional 10 rounds of ammunition, bringing the total to 20 rounds.

Kadzalaufa admitted ownership of the firearms and told police that he transports goods for people between South Africa and Malawi.

He is expected to appear in court soon to answer charges related to the illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.

American singer Chris Brown has been ordered to pay K22.6 billion in damages to his former housekeeper after she was seriously attacked by one of his dogs.

According to court findings, Brown allegedly left the scene after the incident instead of calling for emergency services or ensuring the victim received immediate medical attention.

The housekeeper reportedly suffered severe injuries, including permanent damage to her eyesight and nerves, leaving her unable to work as she did before the attack.

The court ruled in her favour and awarded her compensation for the life-changing injuries she sustained.

Meanwhile, Brown, best known for the hit song “Don’t Judge Me,” is also facing a separate criminal case in the United Kingdom, where he has been accused of assaulting another individual.

The latest ruling adds to the singer’s long history of legal troubles.

Police in the Northern Region have arrested two Tanzanian nationals after they were allegedly found in possession of US$1.14 million (approximately K1.998 billion) without supporting documentation.

Northern Region Police spokesperson Cecilia Mfune said the suspects were travelling from Lilongwe to Tanzania in a motor vehicle bearing registration number NE 11400 when they were intercepted at the Chiweta Roadblock in Rumphi District.

The suspects have been identified as Paschal Nyanda, 28, and Sanda Donald, 24.

Police have since seized both the cash and the vehicle as part of the investigation.

The two are expected to appear before court to answer charges of being found in possession of foreign currency without supporting documentation and money laundering.

Police say investigations into the matter are continuing.

Malawian beloved musician Kell Kay has warmed hearts on social media after surprising his wife, Tamanda, with a brand-new 2025 Ford Ranger.

In a video that has since gone viral, Tamanda is seen breaking down in tears after seeing the vehicle, appearing completely overwhelmed by the surprise. The emotional moment ended with the couple embracing as she hugged and kissed her husband in celebration.

Sharing photos from the special occasion, Kell Kay wrote: “God’s timing. Her smile. New car for my queen.”

The surprise has attracted thousands of congratulatory messages, with many social media users describing it as a beautiful expression of love and appreciation.

Kell Kay and his close circle have become known for their romantic gestures. In February 2025, fellow musician Gwamba surprised his wife with a brand-new Mazda CX-8 as a Valentine’s Day gift, a gesture that also won admiration from fans.

Many Netizens say Kell Kay continues to earn respect both on and off the stage. Besides celebrating his family, the singer recently donated K5 million towards the repatriation of Malawians stranded in South Africa following xenophobic attacks, making him one of the few local artists to publicly support the humanitarian campaign.

The latest surprise has once again left fans praising the artist, with many describing the couple as an inspiration and celebrating what they called a touching display of love.

Phone records obtained from Airtel Malawi have emerged as key evidence in the ongoing High Court murder trial involving herbalist Phillip Malenga, who is accused of killing UNIMA graduate Memory Kamange.

During proceedings in the High Court in Lilongwe on Tuesday, the court heard that investigators used Airtel call data to trace Malenga after records showed he made three consecutive phone calls on 11 February 2026 using a mobile phone allegedly stolen from Memory at the crime scene.

Police told the court that another individual identified through the call records later provided information that helped investigators locate and arrest the suspect.

The court also heard testimony from a nurse who accompanied police, a medical officer and members of Memory’s family when Malenga allegedly led investigators to Area 18 Botanic Garden, where the victim’s body had been dumped.

According to the witness, Malenga confessed to raping Memory before killing her. The nurse told the court that after the victim became unconscious, the accused allegedly tied a string around her neck twice, dragged her body into nearby bushes and abandoned it.

The murder trial, being presided over by Justice Kondwani Banda, continues today, with the State expected to call its sixth witness before the court conducts a visit to the alleged crime scene.

Source:Hastings Msosa

The Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST) has become the latest public university to increase tuition fees, joining several other institutions that have announced major fee adjustments for the 2026/2027 academic year.

According to a notice issued by the university, annual tuition fees for generic students have increased from K650,000 to K1.3 million, representing a 100 percent increase. Fees for Open, Distance and e-Learning (ODeL) students have also been raised from K550,000 to K1.3 million per year.

MUST said the adjustment is aimed at enabling the university to continue delivering quality teaching and learning. The institution also announced that it will introduce an annual 10 percent tuition fee adjustment going forward to ensure future fee reviews remain gradual and aligned with the rising cost of providing higher education.

The latest announcement follows similar fee increases by other public universities.

The University of Malawi (UNIMA), Mzuzu University (MZUNI), Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR), Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS) and the Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS) have all announced higher tuition fees for the upcoming academic year.

UNIMA, MZUNI, LUANAR and MUBAS have each doubled annual tuition fees for generic students from K650,000 to K1.3 million, while KUHeS has increased its fees from K1 million to K2 million.

MUBAS has also introduced an annual medical cover fee of K60,000, while MZUNI and MUST have announced plans to implement 10 percent annual tuition fee adjustments in future.

The fee increases have sparked widespread debate on social media, with many Malawians expressing concern that the sharp rise in tuition costs will make higher education less affordable for many students and their families.

The universities, however, maintain that the adjustments are necessary to cope with inflation and the rising cost of delivering quality higher education.

Public universities in Malawi have announced significant increases in tuition fees for the 2026/2027 academic year, with the decision drawing criticism from many Malawians on social media.

The University of Malawi (UNIMA) has doubled its annual tuition fees from K650,000 to K1.3 million, representing a 100 percent increase.

The Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS) has also revised its tuition fees for generic students, increasing them from K650,000 to K1.3 million per academic year. The university has also introduced an annual medical cover fee of K60,000. According to the Registrar, the adjustment is aimed at supporting and sustaining the quality of teaching and learning at the institution, while fees for other programmes will be announced later.

Similarly, Mzuzu University (MZUNI) and Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) have increased annual tuition fees from K650,000 to K1.3 million for both new and continuing generic undergraduate students.

MZUNI said the increase was approved by the University Council during its 57th Extraordinary Meeting and attributed the adjustment to the rising cost of delivering quality higher education since tuition fees were last reviewed in 2023. The university has also announced that it will introduce an annual 10 percent tuition fee adjustment going forward, as well as a separate medical fee, with more details to be communicated later.

Meanwhile, the Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS) has increased its annual tuition fees from K1 million to K2 million, making it one of the most expensive public universities in the country.

The fee hikes have sparked widespread debate on social media, with many Malawians expressing concern that the increases will make higher education unaffordable for many students and families already struggling with the rising cost of living.

The universities, however, maintain that the adjustments are necessary to meet the increasing costs of delivering quality education amid inflation and other economic challenges.

A bus transporting Malawian nationals from KwaZulu-Natal to Musina in Limpopo Province, South Africa, has been involved in a road accident after the driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle.

According to the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), the driver died at the scene of the crash, while 11 passengers sustained injuries and were rushed to hospital for treatment.

The bus was carrying undocumented Malawians travelling to Musina, near the Beitbridge Border Post, where hundreds of Malawian nationals have gathered while waiting to be repatriated to Malawi.

The returnees are fleeing the recent wave of xenophobic violence targeting foreign nationals in parts of South Africa, with many travelling from different provinces to join the repatriation process.

Authorities are yet to release further details on the condition of the injured passengers as investigations into the cause of the accident continue.

The Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) has suspended demonstrations that were scheduled for Wednesday, July 1, over the deteriorating condition of the Chiweta–Karonga section of the M1 Road.

HRDC chairperson Michael Kaiyatsa said the decision follows extensive consultations with affected communities, traditional and religious leaders, civil society organisations, transport operators and other stakeholders across the country.

According to Kaiyatsa, although there is widespread public frustration over the poor state of the road, the coalition acknowledged differing views on the proposed shutdown and the need for broader engagement on the most effective way to pursue the matter.

“As such, HRDC has resolved to suspend the demonstrations to create room for further consultations and to seek legal guidance on issues that emerged during preparations for the planned protests,” he said in a statement.

The coalition had planned the demonstrations to push for concrete, timely and meaningful action from authorities to address the long-standing concerns surrounding the rehabilitation of the Chiweta–Karonga stretch of the M1 Road.

Police in Nkhotakota have arrested Levinson Sirwamba, 38, of Watsala Village, Traditional Authority Mwenewera in Chitipa District, and Maulidi Kholomana, 28, of William Village, Traditional Authority Chekucheku in Neno District, for allegedly stealing Electrical Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM) materials from the Thunduwira electrification project in Mzimba.

Nkhotakota Police Publicist Chisomo Chuma said the two were intercepted at the Kaombe roadblock while transporting the suspected stolen property.

The two are expected to appear in court on theft-related charges.

The High Court has ordered the Lilongwe City Council (LCC) and the Ministry of Local Government to stop closing, evicting vendors or relocating Wakawaka Market until the court determines the matter.

The ruling comes just weeks after the Lilongwe City Council, in a joint operation with police, demolished Solomon Market, popularly known as Wakawaka Market, in Area 36.

The council said the demolition followed the expiry of a notice requiring traders to vacate the area to pave the way for the expansion of the M1 Road and to reclaim land illegally occupied within the road reserve. Vendors had been instructed to relocate to designated markets along the Bypass Road and in Area 24.

However, in a ruling delivered by Justice Kenyatta Nyirenda, the court granted an interlocutory injunction to 3,081 traders led by Ronnie Kamkuzi Maseko and Muloreni Mangolomera.

The order restrains the Lilongwe City Council, the Secretary for Local Government, and their agents from closing the market, evicting vendors or implementing the relocation until a judicial review of the matter is concluded.

The traders are challenging the council’s decision to refuse the renewal of the market’s trading licence and its directive to shut down the market and relocate vendors to Bypass Market.

They are asking the court to declare the decisions illegal, unconstitutional, procedurally improper and unreasonable. They also want the court to quash the decisions and issue a permanent injunction preventing the closure of the market and the eviction of traders.

Justice Nyirenda said the injunction was necessary to preserve the case, adding that allowing the council to proceed with the closure before the judicial review is heard would render the court proceedings meaningless.

Police in Nkhotakota have arrested Brighton Jackson, 42, on suspicion of setting his family house on fire following a dispute with his wife over money earned from the sale of groundnuts.

Nkhotakota Police spokesperson Chisomo Chuma said the suspect’s wife told police that Jackson failed to give a satisfactory explanation about the money he brought home after selling the groundnuts. The disagreement reportedly escalated, leaving him angry.

According to Chuma, before setting the house on fire, Jackson allegedly shouted at everyone inside to get out, saying he wanted to “bring Noah’s flood.”

The value of property destroyed in the fire has not yet been established.

Jackson, who comes from Chokani Village, Traditional Authority Mwadzama in Nkhotakota District, is expected to appear in court soon to answer a charge of arson.

Police in Balaka have arrested a 26-year-old man, Sailes John, on suspicion of burglary and theft.

Balaka Police spokesperson Gladson M’bumpha said the incident occurred on Sunday at Ngwangwa Petrol Station.

According to M’bumpha, police acted on a tip from members of the public who reported seeing the suspect carrying a plasma television wrapped in a bedsheet while waiting to board a motorcycle.

When officers questioned him about the television, he failed to give a satisfactory explanation. He later allegedly admitted that he had stolen it from a house whose owners had been away for two days.

John, who hails from Mbeluko Village under Traditional Authority Nchilamwera in Thyolo District, is expected to appear in court soon to answer charges of burglary and theft.

Police at Kawale in Lilongwe have arrested a 28-year-old watchman, Jackson Kampeya, for allegedly stealing motor vehicle parts and other property worth K11.9 million from his employer after several truck components reportedly went missing from a garage where he worked.

According to Kawale Police Publicist Sub-Inspector Mabvuto Precious Phiri, the stolen items included alternators, starter motors, condensers, electric wires for Mercedes-Benz, DAF and TATA trucks, as well as three bags of maize.

Some of the stolen property was recovered after investigations revealed it had allegedly been sold to vehicle dismantlers at Malanganga.

Kampeya is expected to appear before court soon on a charge of theft by servant.

Police in Dowa are investigating the death of a woman who was found hanging several days after she went missing while collecting firewood.

The deceased has been identified as Mary Zinyero of Kalipande Village, under Senior Chief Mkukula in Dowa District.

According to the deceased’s relative, Jickson Leston, Mary left home on Friday with three other women to collect firewood on Dowa Mountain.

Leston told police that when the group prepared to return home, Zinyero asked her friends to wait for her while she went to collect more firewood. However, she never returned.

Dowa Police spokesperson Alice Sitima said villagers immediately launched a search on the same day but were unable to locate her.

Her body was finally discovered today in another part of the mountain, where she was found hanging.

Sitima said police have opened an investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.