The Minibus Owners Association says it will hold talks with its members over calls to reduce transport fares following the recent drop in petrol prices.

This follows a fuel price adjustment by Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA), which saw the price of petrol decrease from K6,672 to K6,209 per litre.

However, the price of diesel remains unchanged at K6,687 per litre.

Secretary General of the association, Coxley Kamange, said although the reduction in petrol prices is small, the association is willing to engage members on the proposal in a bid to ease pressure on customers who are struggling with rising transport costs.

The Lilongwe Senior Resident Magistrate’s Court has sentenced a 26‑year‑old woman to 15 months imprisonment for stealing two mobile phones during a church service.

Magistrate Bracious Kondowe suspended the sentence for two years after Diana Josephy pleaded guilty to theft contrary to Section 271 of the Penal Code.

The court heard that on May 3 2026, Joyce Mandala went to Cross of Victory Pentecostal Church in Area 18, Lilongwe, for prayers. She placed her handbag containing an itel A100 and itel A70 valued at K950 000 on a chair.

During the service, the bag went missing. A fellow congregant said a woman in a black jacket had taken it. Mandala pursued the suspect and caught her. The handbag and phones were recovered intact.

The court considered that Josephy was a first offender, pleaded guilty early and all property was recovered. She is also a single mother of two children aged six and one year.

Magistrate Kondowe said the offence was planned and committed in a place of worship, which made it serious. But he said the mitigating factors outweighed the aggravating ones and suspended the sentence.

The court ordered Josephy to be of good conduct and not commit a similar offence for two years. She must also publicly apologise to the complainant and to the entire Cross of Victory Pentecostal Church membership during the Sunday service on May 10 2026.

Source: NPL

Police at Jenda in Mzimba are investigating the murder of 23-year-old Mzondi Ndhlane of Sitonya Ndhlane Village in the area of Traditional Authority Mzikubola in Mzimba.

Ndhlane, a kabaza motorcycle operator, went missing on April 27 2026 after reportedly picking up a customer to Jenda Trading Centre.

Jenda Police public relations officer Gladwell Simwaka said the victim’s body was found half-buried in a maize garden at Nkhwantha Village in Lundazi District, Zambia, on May 6 2026.

According to Simwaka, a postmortem conducted after the body was exhumed by Malawi and Zambia police officers revealed that death was due to severe head injuries secondary to assault.

Police have since launched investigations to trace the suspects and recover the stolen motorcycle.

Source: NPL

he Dowa First Grade Magistrate’s Court has sentenced 18-year-old Fikili Mayere, a Congolese national, to eight years in prison for defiling an 11-year-old girl at the Dzaleka Refugee Camp.

The court heard through State Prosecutor Haizeck Sankhulani that Mayere committed the offense on April 5, 2026.

According to the prosecution, the incident occurred after the victim’s mother had left her daughter alone at their home within the camp.

During the trial, the state proved that the convict took advantage of the mother’s absence to sexually assault the minor.

When delivering his judgment, First Grade Magistrate Yohane Nkhata expressed concern over the rising cases of sexual violence against children within the district.

Magistrate Nkhata emphasized that while the convict is a young adult, the gravity of the offense necessitated a custodial sentence to deter others.”This sentence should serve as a lesson to others who harbor similar intentions. Protecting the rights and safety of children is paramount,” noted Nkhata.

Fikili Mayere, a citizen of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), was residing at the Dzaleka Refugee Camp at the time of the incident. He will now serve his eight-year sentence with hard labor.

Police in Ntcheu have arrested a 25-year-old man, Patrick Yakobo, for allegedly possessing and attempting to use counterfeit money amounting to K250,000.

Ntcheu Police spokesperson Inspector Jacob Khembo confirmed the arrest, saying the suspect was apprehended on Thursday evening at Mphate Market after he allegedly tried to purchase a mobile phone using fake banknotes.

According to Khembo, Yakobo wanted to buy a phone valued at K254,000. However, while counting the cash, the shop owner became suspicious and called a friend to help verify the authenticity of the money.

“The suspect noticed that the shop owner was becoming suspicious of the notes and immediately attempted to flee from the scene,” said Khembo.

Members of the public who were nearby quickly chased and caught the suspect before handing him over to police.

Police later examined the money and discovered that only K4,000 was genuine, while the remaining K250,000 consisted of counterfeit notes.

Yakobo comes from Dzoole Village under Traditional Authority Mfumu Inigiri Kwataine in Ntcheu District.

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.

Police in Nkhata Bay District have arrested Macleana Davis, 41, for allegedly supplying charm sticks to a 15‑year‑old girl to induce an abortion.

Nkhata Bay Police Deputy spokesperson, Devoter Mithi, said Davis inserted an unidentified stick into the girl’s private parts to terminate a four‑month pregnancy.

“On the morning of May 6, 2026, the girl developed severe abdominal pains and became restless. Her mother questioned her, and the girl disclosed what had happened. The matter was then reported to Nkhata Bay Police Station,” Mithi explained.

The victim was referred to Nkhata Bay District Hospital, where she is admitted.

A 21-year-old woman, Neliya Aufi, has been admitted to Mangochi District Hospital after sustaining severe burns following a gas cylinder explosion in Chomba Village under Traditional Authority Mponda in Mangochi District.

According to Amina Tepani Daudi, spokesperson for Mangochi Police Station, preliminary investigations show that the explosion occurred accidentally while Aufi was cooking.

The blast reportedly left her with burns on her arms and face and also caused damage to the kitchen and household utensils.

Aufi was rushed to Mangochi District Hospital where she remains under medical treatment.

The Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA) has announced a reduction in the price of petrol by K463 per litre, bringing the new pump price down from K6,672 to K6,209 per litre.

In the latest fuel price review, MERA said the price of diesel will remain unchanged at K6,687 per litre.

The authority has also reduced the price of industrial kerosene by 1.97 percent, while the price of Jet A-1 fuel has been maintained.

According to MERA, Jet A-1 will continue selling at K5,439 per litre at Kamuzu International Airport (KIA) and K5,423 per litre at Bakili Muluzi International Airport (BMIA).

The fuel price adjustment comes amid ongoing efforts to stabilise the energy sector and respond to changes in global oil market trends and import costs.

The Government of Malawi has begun arrangements to repatriate survivors and victims of the fatal bus accident that occurred in Zimbabwe earlier this week, with the first group of survivors expected to leave Harare this morning.

In a statement released last night, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said the Malawi Embassy in Harare has already processed emergency travel documents for passengers who have been certified medically fit to return home.

According to the ministry, all victims who were admitted to Kotwa and Mutoko District Hospitals have since been discharged. However, eight injured passengers remain admitted at Parirenyatwa Referral Hospital in Harare, including one patient who is currently receiving treatment in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

The government said the repatriation exercise is being coordinated through the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) and the Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services in collaboration with Zimbabwean authorities.

The tragic accident happened on Tuesday in Kotwa District, approximately 23 kilometres from the Nyamapanda Border Post in Zimbabwe, after the passenger bus overturned.

Seventeen Malawians died in the crash, while several others sustained injuries.

Authorities say efforts are continuing to support survivors and facilitate the return of both the injured and the bodies of those who lost their lives to Malawi.

A 52-year-old mentally challenged man has been found dead in a decomposed state in a bush along the Liwonde–Mangochi turn-off road in Machinga District.

The deceased has been identified as Bamusi Saidi of Nsamati Village under Traditional Authority Msamala in Balaka District.

According to Ngwashape Msume, spokesperson for Liwonde Police Station, the matter was reported by the deceased’s brother, Robert Makhuva.

Police say Saidi, who was commonly seen wandering around Liwonde Township, had been missing for about a week after reportedly falling ill. Relatives launched a search but failed to locate him.

His body was later discovered on May 6, 2026, near Mmanga Village along the Liwonde-Mangochi turn-off road.

Detectives from the Criminal Investigation Department and medical personnel from Machinga District Hospital visited the scene, and a postmortem established that the cause of death was hypoglycemia.

Police have since urged families and guardians caring for mentally challenged individuals to closely monitor them and seek medical attention whenever they appear unwell.

The High Court in Lilongwe says it will continue hearing the case involving Phillip Malenga, who is accused of murdering, robbing and raping Memory Kamange.

Malenga is suspected to have committed the offences on February 11 this year at Botanic Gardens in Area 18, Lilongwe.

Presiding judge Kondwani Banda formally charged Malenga with three offences  murder, rape and robbery. However, the accused denied all the charges.

State prosecutor Dzikondianthu Malunda told the court that the suspect has no mental or health complications affecting the case and that the State is prepared to parade eight witnesses to testify.

The defence team did not make any submissions during the session.

The court has since scheduled June 2, 2026, as the date when State witnesses are expected to begin giving evidence in the case.

The First Grade Magistrate’s Court in Chikwawa District has adjourned to May 21 the case involving Leonard Karonga, who is accused of smuggling charcoal using a vehicle belonging to Serenity Funeral Services.

During proceedings, the court heard testimony from three state witnesses who told the court that Karonga was allegedly driving the vehicle carrying charcoal, a coffin, and eight other people disguised as a funeral procession in February this year.

Presiding magistrate Gift Msume ruled that Karonga has a case to answer, with the matter set to continue on May 21 while the accused remains on bail.

Karonga previously answered charges related to the alleged smuggling of government money in 2015.

Information reaching this publication indicates that an unexplained fire has destroyed part of the kitchen at Lilongwe Prison in the early hours of Thursday, May 7, 2026.

Prison authorities have confirmed the incident, saying investigations are currently underway to establish the cause of the fire.

Speaking in an interview, Prison Department spokesperson Steve Meke said the blaze affected part of the prison’s kitchen facilities but assured the public that no injuries were recorded during the incident.

“The good news is that no one was injured,” said Meke, adding that prison officials have already put in place alternative measures to ensure that food supplies continue to be provided to inmates despite the damage caused by the fire.

He further said authorities are still assessing the extent of the destruction and have not yet established the total value of the damage.

The cause of the fire remains unknown as investigations continue.

More details to follow as the situation develops.

A 23-year-old man, Kingsley Malefula, of Samson Village under Traditional Authority Khwethemule in Thyolo District, has been sentenced to six years imprisonment by the Nchalo First Grade Magistrate Court for vandalising and illegally possessing ESCOM equipment valued at K8 million.

According to Chikwawa Police spokesperson, Dickson Matemba, police received a tip-off on August 14, 2025, indicating that Malefula had vandalised electricity cables installed between Tomali and Ndakwera areas in Chikwawa District.

Matemba said officers immediately launched investigations which led to the arrest of Malefula after he was found in possession of the stolen electricity cables.

During court proceedings, the state proved beyond reasonable doubt that the accused had vandalised the electricity infrastructure and unlawfully possessed electricity installation equipment without a licence.

First Grade Magistrate John Nsomba subsequently sentenced Malefula to 72 months imprisonment for vandalism and another 72 months for illegally possessing electricity installation equipment without a licence.

The sentences will run concurrently, meaning Malefula will serve six years in prison.

Police have since warned members of the public against vandalising public infrastructure, saying such acts negatively affect service delivery and economic development.

The Senior Resident Magistrate’s Court sitting at Liwonde has acquitted 28-year-old Patrick Julius in a burglary and theft case after finding that the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case.

The accused was charged with two counts of burglary and theft arising from an alleged incident that occurred on 8 February 2026 in Msamati Village, under Traditional Authority Nsamala in Balaka District. He was arrested on 15 February 2026 on suspicion of breaking into a house and stealing two smart TVs, a microwave, two pairs of shoes, a subwoofer, and a mobile phone.

Following his arrest, the accused sought legal assistance from the Legal Aid Bureau and was represented by Counsel Lovemore Gama Ngwira with assistance from Chief Legal Aid Advocate Raphael Makanje.

During the trial, the State called three witnesses in an effort to prove its case. However, at the close of the prosecution’s case, the defence made a submission of no case to answer, arguing that the evidence presented was insufficient to link the accused to the alleged offences.

In particular, the prosecution failed to call material witnesses essential to its case and did not present key exhibits allegedly recovered from the accused’s house. These omissions created significant evidential gaps and undermined the prosecution’s case, leaving the evidence on record insufficient to warrant placing the accused on his defence.

In its ruling, the Court agreed with the defence and held that the prosecution had failed to meet the legal threshold required to put the accused on his defence. The Court further observed that none of the witnesses provided direct or reliable evidence placing the accused at the scene of the alleged crime or in possession of the stolen property.

In light of these shortcomings, the Court found that no reasonable tribunal, properly directing itself on the law and evidence, could convict the accused if called upon to make a defence.

Accordingly, the Court found that Patrick Julius had no case to answer and acquitted him.

Police in Nkhata Bay have launched a manhunt for Harrison Kamanga, for allegedly raping a woman living with a mental illness,at Usisya in the district.

Nkhata Bay Police Station spokesperson Enala Kalua, said the incident occurred on May 4 at Chikuwang’oma Village. On that day, the victim had gone to sell bananas at a local trading centre, where she met the suspect. Kamanga allegedly persuaded her to accompany him to his house under the pretext of buying the bananas.

Kalua said the victim followed him, and upon arrival, Kamanga reportedly grabbed her, tore her clothes, and raped her three times.

A medical examination conducted at Usisya Health Centre confirmed that sexual intercourse had taken place.

Police have since intensified a manhunt for the suspect, who remains at large, and are appealing to members of the public to provide any information that may lead to his arrest.

Source: Times 360

Police in Balaka have arrested a 50-year-old businessman, Waile Ngoma, for allegedly being found in possession of liquid fuel without a valid permit.

According to Balaka Police Public Relations Officer, Gladson Mbumpha, the suspect was arrested on the night of Wednesday, May 6, at Ntaja Trading Centre in Machinga District.

Mbumpha said police officers seized approximately 120 litres of petroleum products from the suspect during the operation.

The suspect, identified as Waile Ngoma, hails from Muwawa Village under Traditional Authority Ngokwe in Machinga District.

Police say Ngoma is expected to appear before court once all necessary paperwork is completed.

Authorities have since warned members of the public against possessing or trading in fuel products without proper authorization, saying the practice is against the law and poses safety risks.