News Today – Face of Malawi

Malawi Begins Repatriation of Zimbabwe Bus Tragedy Survivors

Edgar Naitha — Fri, 08 May 2026 08:22:40 +0000

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.

Malawi Receives 370 Tonnes of Maize from Zimbabwe

Edgar Naitha — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 13:15:28 +0000

Malawi has received a further 370 metric tonnes of maize from the Government of Zimbabwe as part of ongoing relief efforts following a food crisis caused by floods and prolonged dry spells that disrupted crop production during the just-ended growing season.

The maize delivery is the second tranche of a 1,000-metric-tonne donation pledged by Zimbabwe and officially handed over to the Malawi High Commission in Zimbabwe in January this year.

Zimbabwean High Commissioner to Malawi, Nancy Saungweme, formally handed over the consignment, which was received on behalf of the Malawi Government by Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Justine Saidi.

Speaking at the handover, Saungweme assured Malawians that additional relief support is forthcoming, indicating that another tranche of maize is expected to arrive in the country soon.

Government Tightens Travel Rules, Orders Senior Officials to Fly Economy

Edgar Naitha — Fri, 21 Nov 2025 08:00:34 +0000

Government has tightened rules on international travel for senior public officers, directing all officials at Grade C, including heads of statutory bodies and state-owned enterprises, to fly economy class.

The new directive is contained in an addendum issued today by Chief Secretary Justin Saidi, which strengthens existing expenditure controls for the 2025/26 financial year.

The circular makes it clear that no exemptions will be allowed in the implementation of the revised travel restrictions.

It further states: “Travel bookings and related expenditure must comply with existing procurement and financial procedures and be supported by original documentation for audit purposes.”

According to the notice, any breach of these guidelines will be treated as non-compliance and may attract administrative action.

This development follows earlier measures in which government froze recruitment and promotions, suspended the purchase of new vehicles and high-value assets, reduced fuel entitlements for ministers and senior officials by 30 percent, and tightened controls on foreign travel.

Saidi said the measures take effect immediately and will remain in force throughout the financial year.

Former MITC Boss Kruger Phiri Remains in Custody Over Multiple Fraud Charges

Edgar Naitha — Wed, 12 Nov 2025 07:50:14 +0000

Former Malawi Investment and Trade Centre (MITC) director general Kruger Phiri remains in police custody following his arrest last Friday on fraud-related charges, police have confirmed.

National Police spokesperson Peter Kalaya told Nation Online that Phiri appeared before the Lilongwe Chief Resident Magistrate’s Court today in connection with a case in which he is accused of defrauding an individual of fertiliser worth K50 million.

Kalaya further disclosed that Phiri is expected to return to court tomorrow to face another fraud-related charge.

“He has a number of fraud-related cases to answer, and we are still keeping him in custody,” said Kalaya.

In a statement posted on its official Facebook page, MITC clarified that Phiri ceased working for the institution on October 29, 2025, adding that he has not been associated with the organisation in any official capacity since then.

Phiri’s arrest has drawn public attention due to his former senior role at MITC, which is responsible for promoting investment and trade in Malawi.

SOURCE: NPL

Zambia Denounces Forged Letter Claiming End of Maize Deal with Malawi

Edgar Naitha — Tue, 11 Nov 2025 13:30:19 +0000

The Zambian government has reaffirmed that the maize export agreement with Malawi remains in force, highlighting ongoing cooperation and regional solidarity between the two nations.

This assurance was made by Cornelius Mweetwa, Minister of Information and Media and Chief Government Spokesperson, in a statement dated November 11, 2025.

Mweetwa said the government is deeply concerned about a forged letter falsely attributed to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mulambo Haimbe.

He also dismissed a fake report allegedly published by the Daily Nation newspaper claiming that Zambia had cancelled the maize export deal with Malawi.

Mweetwa clarified that maize trade issues fall under the Ministry of Agriculture, not the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

The government described the false letter and report as acts of deliberate misinformation and negative propaganda.

“The public is also reminded that Zambia has clear laws governing the abuse of cyberspace,” the statement read. “Those found spreading false information will be dealt with in accordance with the law.”

South Africa Deports 490 Malawians for Immigration Violations

Edgar Naitha — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 17:00:09 +0000

South African immigration officials have deported 490 Malawians for violating the country’s immigration laws and regulations.

The country’s immigration department confirmed the development, stating that the group, comprising 472 men and 18 women, arrived in Malawi on November 8 through the Mwanza Border Post.

According to the department, most of the deportees are from the districts of Mangochi, Balaka, Machinga, and Thyolo.

Police Confirm Arrest of Neno Police In-Charge Kasalika

Edgar Naitha — Fri, 07 Nov 2025 16:00:12 +0000

The Malawi Police Service has confirmed the arrest of Neno Police In-Charge Charles Kasalika, who previously served as Deputy Director of CID.

Deputy National Police Spokesperson Alfred Chinthere said Kasalika was arrested this morning along with four others.

Chinthere added that more details will be released in due course but confirmed that the suspects are expected to appear in court next Monday, when they will also learn of the charges they are facing.

Zambian Woman Killed, Another Injured in Brutal Attack in Mchinji

Edgar Naitha — Mon, 03 Nov 2025 08:30:44 +0000

A Zambian woman has been killed and another left critically injured after a brutal attack in Lipunga Village, Traditional Authority Mkanda, in Mchinji District.

The victims, identified as Agness Bwalya, 58, and Jane Lungu, 62, had travelled from Zambia to Malawi on October 24 to buy beans and were staying with a fellow Zambian known only as Bwalya.

Central West Region Police spokesperson Foster Benjamin said the women were attacked while asleep.

“Before their departure, the suspect and his accomplices allegedly attacked them in their sleep, poured hot water on them, and struck them with sharp objects,” Benjamin said.

The attackers also stole the women’s cash, phones, passports, ATM cards, and IDs.

Bwalya died upon arrival at Mchinji District Hospital due to severe injuries, while Lungu remains in critical condition with deep cuts.

Zambia’s Eastern Province Police Commissioner Robertson Mweemba confirmed that police from both countries are working together to track down the killers.

China Forgives Malawi $20 Million in Debt

Edgar Naitha — Mon, 20 Oct 2025 10:30:41 +0000

China has announced that it has forgiven two debts owed by Malawi, totaling approximately $20 million.

Chinese Ambassador to Malawi, Lu Xu, made the announcement in Lilongwe on Monday during a training session for newly elected members of Parliament.

Ambassador Xu described the debt cancellation as a significant step forward, adding that China is also reviewing other outstanding debts Malawi owes, with the possibility of extending repayment periods.

Source: Times 360 Malawi

Malawi Mission Confirms Four Nationals Among Survivors of South Africa Bus Tragedy

Edgar Naitha — Tue, 14 Oct 2025 12:45:06 +0000

Officials from the Malawi Mission in South Africa, led by High Commissioner Stella Ndau, visited the site of the tragic bus crash in Limpopo Province to assess the situation and check on Malawian nationals involved.

The bus, traveling from the Eastern Cape to Harare, reportedly lost control on a steep road and rolled multiple times. Authorities have confirmed that 42 people died on the spot, while 41 others sustained serious injuries.

Due to the severity of the accident, identifying victims has proven difficult, and South African authorities are conducting forensic analysis to determine how many Malawians are among the deceased.

Malawi’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Charles Nkhalamba, said officers from the High Commission and Consulate are working closely with South African officials to support affected Malawians.

So far, four Malawian nationals have been identified among the injured, three of whom have already been treated and discharged.

The mission team plans to visit two other hospitals to continue verifying the identities and conditions of the injured.

Once the full list of deceased and injured Malawians is confirmed, the Ministry will coordinate with the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) to provide repatriation and support.

42 Dead in Limpopo Bus Crash Involving Zimbabwean and Malawian Nationals

Edgar Naitha — Mon, 13 Oct 2025 08:00:02 +0000

At least 42 people, including a 10-month-old child, have died in a horrific bus accident on the N1 highway near Musina in Limpopo, South Africa.

The bus, carrying Zimbabwean and Malawian nationals, was en route from Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) to Harare and onwards to Malawi when it veered off the road and rolled down an embankment near Ingwe Lodge, just outside Louis Trichardt.

Emergency services responded swiftly to the scene, where they found the overturned bus lying on its roof, with rescue operations stretching late into the night.

Dozens of passengers were injured, and several remained trapped in the wreckage for hours, making it one of the deadliest road tragedies in South Africa this year.

Authorities have launched a full investigation into the cause of the crash, with early reports pointing to possible driver fatigue or mechanical failure.

Limpopo Transport and Community Safety MEC Violet Mathye visited the site and described the incident as “a national tragedy,” offering condolences to the families of the deceased.

Malawi vs Equatorial Guinea World Cup Qualifier Cancelled Due to Travel Issues

Edgar Naitha — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 11:43:28 +0000

Today’s FIFA World Cup Qualifier between Malawi and Equatorial Guinea has been cancelled due to unexpected travel complications faced by the visiting team.

The match was scheduled to kick off at 6:00 PM at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe.

In an official statement, the Football Association of Malawi (FAM) confirmed the cancellation, citing logistical challenges that prevented Equatorial Guinea from arriving on time.

FAM has assured fans that details regarding refunds for pre-purchased tickets will be communicated in due course.

Zambian Fined K3.5 Million for Smuggling Petrol from Malawi into Zambia

Edgar Naitha — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 13:00:09 +0000

The First Grade Magistrate’s Court in Mchinji has ordered Zambian national John Soko to pay K3.5 million for attempting to smuggle petrol into Zambia.

Prosecutor Helix Kamkweche told the court that Soko was found with 27 drums of petrol in his vehicle, amounting to over 1,000 litres.

Kamkweche urged the court to impose a stiff sentence, stating that such practices contribute to the country’s ongoing fuel shortages.

Magistrate Fred Juma Chilokoswa agreed with the prosecution and said the sentence was meant to serve as a deterrent to others.

John Soko hails from Naniya Village in the Mpezeni Chiefdom in Chipata, Zambia.

Foreign Affairs Ministry Warns Malawians Against Overseas Job Scams Amid Trafficking Case

Edgar Naitha — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 10:00:27 +0000

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a strong warning to Malawians to be cautious of fraudulent overseas job offers that often lead to forced labour, human trafficking, and other forms of exploitation.

In a statement released on its official Facebook page, the Ministry noted a growing number of Malawians—particularly unsuspecting citizens—who have fallen victim to fake recruitment agencies promising high-paying jobs abroad. Many of these victims end up trapped in exploitative conditions, including forced labour and trafficking.

To help prevent such cases, the Ministry has urged the public to always verify the legitimacy of international recruitment agencies and both online and offline job advertisements. The Ministry emphasized that individuals should consult its offices for assessment and clearance of any foreign job opportunities.

This advisory comes in the wake of a major human trafficking case in South Africa, where seven Chinese nationals were today sentenced to 20 years in prison. According to the BBC, they were convicted of trafficking and kidnapping 91 Malawians—including 37 children—for labour exploitation.

The Ministry continues to appeal for vigilance and cooperation from the public to combat these criminal schemes targeting vulnerable citizens.

September 16 Declared Public Holiday to Allow Voting

Edgar Naitha — Mon, 08 Sep 2025 08:24:36 +0000

The Ministry of Local Government, Unity and Culture has declared September 16 a public holiday.

In a statement signed by Secretary for the Ministry, Richard Hara, the move is intended to give Malawians the opportunity to fully exercise their right to vote.

The ministry also extended its best wishes for a peaceful and successful polling process.

Melania R. Arreaga Appointed Deputy Chief of Mission at U.S. Embassy in Lilongwe

Edgar Naitha — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 07:07:08 +0000

The U.S. government has officially appointed Melania R. Arreaga as the new Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Lilongwe, Malawi. The announcement was published on the embassy’s website earlier today.

Arreaga brings extensive diplomatic experience to her new role. She most recently served at the U.S. Embassy in Ljubljana, Slovenia, where she held the position of Chargé d’Affaires from July 2024 to 2025, following her tenure as Deputy Chief of Mission from 2022 to 2024.

Her appointment in Malawi marks another significant step in her distinguished career in foreign service.

CSOs Urge President Trump to Scrap $15,000 U.S. Visa Bond for Malawians

Edgar Naitha — Thu, 21 Aug 2025 14:30:44 +0000

Some civil society organisations in the country have formally asked U.S. President Donald Trump to remove new travel procedures that require Malawians to pay up to $15 000 (about K25 million) as a visa bond to travel to the United States.

They argue that the policy is unfair and too harsh for people from a very poor country like Malawi.

The letter dated August 20, 2025, signed by Youth and Society executive director Charles Kajoloweka and National Advocacy Platform chairperson Benedicto Kondowe, describes the policy as a “de facto visa ban”, saying it blocks students, businesspeople and families from visiting the U.S., while government officials can still travel using public funds.

The bond requirement, which took effect on August 20, 2025, is part of a 12-month pilot programme announced by the U.S. State Department targeting countries with high visa overstay rates. Malawi and Zambia are the first countries subjected to the new financial requirement.

The appeal letter challenges the justification for targeting Malawi, noting that according to U.S. data, only about 250 Malawians have overstayed their visas in recent years—a figure described as “negligible” compared to other countries that have not been subjected to such restrictions.

Reads the letter in part: “We therefore urge your administration to reconsider and rescind these restrictions. A more balanced approach such as case-by-case vetting, targeted measures against actual offenders, or enhanced bilateral cooperation on migration issues, would address U.S. security concerns without closing off opportunities for the vast majority of law-abiding Malawians.”

Source: Nation Publications Limited

US Issues Visa Fraud Warning to Malawi as New Immigration Restrictions Take Effect

Edgar Naitha — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 16:00:51 +0000

The United States Government has introduced stricter measures aimed at curbing visa fraud and illegal immigration, with Malawi among the countries affected.

In a notice released by the US Embassy in Malawi, individuals found guilty of visa fraud now face a permanent ban from entering the United States.

The Embassy also warned that anyone misusing visas may be deported and barred from future travel to the U.S. These new visa restriction policies also apply to foreign governments that assist or enable illegal immigration.

In response to the notice, Malawi’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged the public to follow proper procedures when applying for visas.

Ministry spokesperson Charles Nkhalamba confirmed that the government has been raising awareness and engaging with stakeholders to help curb fraudulent practices.

He emphasized the importance of protecting Malawi’s international reputation and ensuring lawful travel.

International relations expert Chimwemwe Tsitsi also called on the government to ensure all travelers to the U.S. have the required documentation to avoid complications.