Malawi has recorded a significant development in efforts to restore accountability following the controversial 2022 fertilizer supply deal, with confirmation that funds linked to the scandal have been reimbursed. Former Minister of Information and Digitization, Moses Kunkuyu, has publicly confirmed that 516,975.21 euros have been transferred into the account of the Smallholder Farmers Fertilizer Revolving Fund of Malawi. The funds represent reimbursement for money misapplied during the failed fertilizer procurement arrangement that left thousands of smallholder farmers affected and placed the government under intense public scrutiny. Addressing the media, Kunkuyu stated that the confirmation follows formal legal processes involving both Malawian and international authorities. He disclosed that former Attorney General Thabo Chakaka Nyirenda was officially served with legal documents by the Munich Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office in Germany, headquartered at Karlstrasse 66, 80335 Munich. According to Kunkuyu, the German authorities initiated legal action to facilitate the release and repatriation of the funds, effectively drawing Malawi’s legal system into an international judicial process aimed at recovering public resources. The development underscores growing cross-border cooperation in addressing financial misconduct linked to public procurement. The confirmation marks a critical step toward transparency and restitution, particularly for smallholder farmers who bore the brunt of the failed fertilizer deal. It also signals renewed commitment by authorities to correct past financial mismanagement and reinforce accountability within the public sector. As legal proceedings continue, the case stands as a notable example of how political oversight, legal enforcement, and international cooperation can converge in the pursuit of financial justice. For Malawi, the recovery of the funds offers both symbolic and practical reassurance that misuse of public resources will not go unchecked.

There is growing discontent among Health Surveillance Assistants (HSAs) in Malawi’s Northern Region, particularly at Mzimba North District Health Office (DHO), over allegations of unfair treatment, resource allocation and poor staff welfare management. Khulubvi Online Newspaper has established through its reporter based in Mzuzu that several HSAs have raised concerns regarding how they are treated in the course of their community-based work, accusing authorities responsible for managing and distributing resources of sidelining long-serving officers. One of the key issues raised relates to the recent distribution of bicycles meant to support HSAs in conducting fieldwork. According to the HSAs, the bicycles were allegedly allocated mainly to newly recruited officers — some of whom are said not to have started work — while experienced HSAs who cover long distances daily were reportedly left out. In response, the Director of Health and Sanitation Services for Mzimba North, Dr Wamaka Msopole, said the bicycle distribution was part of a partner-supported initiative targeting hard-to-reach areas. “The recent bicycle distribution exercise was conducted as part of a partner-support initiative aimed at strengthening community outreach in underserved and hard-to-reach areas,” said Dr Msopole. He disclosed that the district received a total of 151 bicycles against an estimated 800 HSAs serving across Mzimba North. Dr Msopole explained that the beneficiaries were selected using predefined criteria that had been communicated in advance. “The criteria for allocation included residence within one’s catchment area, deployment and active work in hard-to-reach areas,” he said, suggesting that not all HSAs could be accommodated due to limited resources. Another serious allegation raised by HSAs is that officers seeking transfers to urban postings are allegedly required to pay bribes of not less than K500,000 to senior officials for their transfers to be approved. This claim has caused outrage among affected HSAs, who say the practice is exploitative and unethical. However, Dr Msopole did not directly comment on the bribery allegations. Instead, he advised that all grievances and complaints should follow formal channels. “When it comes to grievances and complaints, these have to be formally submitted and addressed through the Office of the Ombudsman,” he said. HSAs have also complained about persistent delays in the payment of their allowances, which they say negatively affect their morale and ability to perform their duties effectively. While acknowledging the concerns, the DHO indicated that such issues should be raised formally for appropriate action. On allegations of unfair and unprofessional treatment of junior staff at the District Health Office, Dr Msopole said his office could not respond substantively in the absence of specific incident reports. “The office is not able to answer allegations of maltreatment of junior staff as there has been no specific incident formally reported by staff,” he said. Meanwhile, HSAs in the district have called for transparency, fairness and improved communication between management and frontline health workers, warning that unresolved welfare issues could compromise service delivery at community level. Khulubvi Online Newspaper will continue to follow developments on this matter to ensure accountability and balanced reporting.

The Archdiocese of Blantyre is in mourning following the death of one of its most senior and long-serving priests, Reverend Father Bernard Timothy Tiyesi, who passed away on Thursday morning, January 22, 2026. Fr. Tiyesi died at Blantyre Adventist Hospital while receiving treatment, just eight months shy of his 72nd birthday. His passing was confirmed to the press by the Vicar-General of the Archdiocese, Very Reverend Father Gerald Buleya. The Archdiocese has announced that the late Fr. Tiyesi will be honored with a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, January 24, 2024, at the Limbe Cathedral. The service is scheduled to begin at 10:00 AM, followed by interment at the Limbe Cathedral Cemetery.  Born on September 11, 1954, in Nguludi, Chiradzulu District, Fr. Tiyesi was a pillar of the Catholic community for over four decades. According to Archdiocese Spokesperson Father Frank Mwinganyama, he was ordained into the priesthood on October 3, 1982, by the late Archbishop James Chiona. Throughout his 43-year ministry, Fr. Tiyesi served a diverse array of communities and held significant administrative and spiritual roles. He served as a parish priest at Mendulo, Neno, Mwanga, Nthawira, Nyungwe, Bangwe, Gambula, and Ntenje. He contributed his service to the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA). Special Chaplaincies: He was the dedicated Chaplain of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal and served as the Chaplain of Pilgrimages.  At the time of his passing, he was the Parish Priest at Mzedi Parish in Blantyre. Known for his deep spirituality and steady leadership, Fr. Tiyesi was regarded as one of the “elders” of the Archdiocese. His death marks the end of an era for many parishioners who grew up under his guidance across the numerous parishes he served. The Catholic faithful and the general public are expected to gather in large numbers this Saturday to pay their final respects to a man whose life was defined by his unwavering commitment to the Gospel and the people of Malawi.

In a significant move to enhance local governance and social welfare operations, UNICEF has officially handed over a motor vehicle to the Salima District Council. The donation is aimed at strengthening the Directorate of Social Services’ capacity to deliver essential programs across the region. The handover follows a formal proposal from the Council highlighting the acute transportation challenges that have historically hindered the Directorate’s field operations and community outreach efforts. Speaking during the handover ceremony in Lilongwe, Principal Administration Officer Dallys Mkaka expressed profound gratitude to UNICEF for the gesture. Receiving the vehicle on behalf of the Salima District Council, Mkaka characterized the support as a timely intervention that will transform the Directorate’s logistical capabilities. “This vehicle represents a significant boost for the Council. It will directly improve our ability to coordinate, monitor, and implement social service programs effectively throughout Salima,” Mkaka stated. The Principal Administration Officer further assured the international donor that the Council has established measures to ensure the asset is managed with high levels of accountability. She emphasized that the vehicle is strictly designated for its intended purpose: serving and supporting vulnerable communities within the district. The Directorate of Social Services is central to Salima’s development agenda, managing critical portfolios including child protection, social cash transfers, and community mobilization. Before this donation, limited mobility often slowed down the response time for social interventions in hard-to-reach areas.

The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has taken into custody Eric Dudley Chidzungu, the Chief Executive Officer of the Greenbelt Authority (GBA), as the investigation into a massive multi-billion Kwacha construction scandal continues to widen. Chidzungu reportedly surrendered himself voluntarily to the anti-graft agency today. His arrest was confirmed by ACB Senior Public Relations Officer, Jacqueline Ngongonda, who stated that the CEO is currently being held at the Lumbadzi Police Station. This high-profile arrest follows the earlier detention of eight other suspects, including GBA officials and private contractors. The group is being investigated in connection with irregular construction deals valued at MK 39 billion. The probe focuses on allegations of irregularities in the awarding of massive construction contracts, potential bypass of financial safeguards within the Authority and diversion of resources intended for national agricultural development. Chidzungu is expected to be formally charged and brought before a court of law once the Bureau finalizes the necessary documentation. The Greenbelt Authority, a key state agency tasked with enhancing Malawi’s irrigation and food security, has come under intense scrutiny in recent weeks as the ACB peels back the layers of what is being described as one of the largest financial scandals in the sector.

Former President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera’s recent condemnation of the arrest of several high-ranking Malawi Congress Party (MCP) officials has met with significant public pushback, as many Malawians express support for the current administration’s anti-crime initiatives. Despite Dr. Chakwera’s appeal to President Arthur Peter Mutharika regarding the “deterioration of the rule of law,” public sentiment on social media and in various forums suggests a lack of sympathy for the former leader. Many citizens have characterized the current police actions as a necessary application of justice for alleged felonies committed during the previous administration. Prominent social media influencers and commentators have been quick to challenge the former President’s stance, citing a perceived double standard in his sudden advocacy for legal procedure. Joshua Chisa Mbele, a vocal social media influencer, questioned the MCP’s current stance by recalling the experiences of activists during the former administration. “Did Sylvester Namiwa and Joshua Chisa Mbele receive the ‘rule of law’ that the MCP is now advocating for? These lamentations are a silly joke,” Mbele stated. Other commentators echoed these sentiments, highlighting specific incidents from the previous term: Several writers pointed to the use of “zikwanje” (machete-wielding youths) during the MCP’s tenure, questioning where the concern for the rule of law was when innocent people were being targeted. Critics reminded the former President of the controversial handling of former ACB Director Martha Chizuma, noting that the police were frequently utilized for political maneuvers during that period. References were made to the “Fertilizer-to-Butchery” scandal and other instances of alleged corruption as reasons why the public now supports the current legal scrutiny. The prevailing public discourse suggests that many Malawians view the current arrests not as political persecution, but as accountability for a term they believe was defined by impunity and “dictatorship syndrome.” Critics argue that during Dr. Chakwera’s presidency, senior officials allegedly operated above the law without intervention from the Executive. Consequently, the current legal actions by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) government are being framed by the public as a necessary correction to ensure that constitutional laws remain superior to political power. As the legal proceedings against senior MCP members continue, the former President’s calls for a unified stand against “police abuse” appear to be struggling to find traction among a population still reeling from the controversies of the previous five years.

An internal investigation into the Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) has uncovered that the national broadcaster’s outgoing Director General, George Kasakula, allegedly authorized the expenditure of MK 180 million in public funds to finance a political propaganda program titled Timvetse. The program, which aired between April and August 2025, was reportedly designed to promote the interests of former President Lazarus Chakwera and the Malawi Congress Party (MCP). Kasakula, currently under suspension pending investigations into allegations of theft, fraud, and professional misconduct, is accused of bypassing financial safeguards to facilitate these payments. Documents sourced from MBC reveal that Kasakula collaborated with former Director of Finance, Jack Kamwachale, and Financial Controller, Monica Likoswe Mlungama, to process the payments. The funds were distributed among several analysts and anchors associated with the program. According to the records, the primary beneficiaries included Kelvin Mpekasambo who received the largest share of the disbursements, totaling MK 420,000 per episode for “Accommodation and Travel & Transport (T&T).” Humphrey Chimphando Mvula is recorded as receiving MK 60,000 per episode. George Kasakula, Blessings Cheleuka, Timothy Kateta, and Blessings Kanache listed as recipients of various other payments linked to the production. While Timvetse was publicly presented as an analytical current affairs show, an audit of its content suggests a different focus. The program’s panelists and anchors reportedly dedicated the vast majority of airtime—estimated at 95 percent—to disparaging President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, his family, and senior officials within the now-governing Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). The revelation comes at a time of heightened scrutiny for the national broadcaster. Authorities are currently reviewing the legality of using taxpayer-funded resources for partisan political attacks. Kasakula’s tenure is being closely examined to determine the full extent of the financial irregularities and whether criminal charges of fraud and abuse of office are warranted. Management at MBC has yet to issue an official comment on the specific documents, citing the sensitivity of the ongoing disciplinary and legal processes.

The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has intensified its crackdown on the multi-billion Kwacha “Cashgate” scandal at the Greenbelt Authority (GBA), announcing the arrest of two more high-profile figures. The bureau confirmed it has taken into custody the GBA Director of Irrigation Operations, Chisomo Kumbuyo, and the Managing Director of PLMB Engineering Investment, Stanley Bakili. The arrests are linked to the alleged embezzlement and mismanagement of K36.7 billion at the state agency. In a statement released by the bureau, the ACB directed the accused to report to its offices immediately to facilitate legal proceedings and ensure that the due process of the law is followed without delay. These latest arrests follow a significant breakthrough last Saturday, when the ACB apprehended six other individuals suspected of involvement in the massive financial scam. The GBA scandal, now being dubbed a major “Cashgate” case, has raised serious concerns regarding the oversight of public funds intended for national irrigation and agricultural development. The ACB has signaled that investigations remain active, with more arrests potentially looming as investigators peel back the layers of the K36.7 billion scheme.

Authorities in Mulanje have apprehended a 36-year-old commercial motorcyclist (Kabaza operator) for the alleged defilement of a four-year-old passenger. The suspect, identified as Allan Sauzande, was arrested at Mimosa in the district following an incident reported on January 7, 2026. According to Mulanje Police Station Public Relations Officer, Sergeant Innocent Moses, Sauzande had been contracted by the victim’s parents to provide daily transportation for the child to and from her preschool. The incident came to light after the suspect dropped the child off at her home. Shortly thereafter, the girl complained to her grandmother of physical pain. Upon inspection, the grandmother discovered evidence of sexual assault and immediately reported the matter to the Mimosa Police Unit. The victim was subsequently referred to the One-Stop Center at Mulanje District Hospital. Medical examinations conducted at the facility confirmed that the child had been subjected to sexual violence. Sauzande, who hails from Mambulu Village under Traditional Authority Sunganimzeru in Mulanje District, remains in custody. Police have indicated that he will be formally charged in court once the necessary legal documentation and investigations are finalized.

His Excellency Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika’s appointment of Hon. Maria Mainja as Presidential Advisor on Safe Motherhood has been widely welcomed as a fitting recognition of her long-standing dedication to community service and maternal welfare. As Director of Women South for the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), Hon. Mainja has built a reputation for selfless leadership rooted in compassion and results. Over the years, she has led and supported numerous charitable initiatives aimed at uplifting vulnerable women, including the provision of essential supplies, food assistance, and direct support to struggling mothers. These efforts have gone beyond addressing immediate needs, restoring dignity, hope, and confidence among women in underserved communities.Hon. Mainja’s leadership is distinguished by her strong grassroots presence. She remains actively engaged in communities, women’s forums, and empowerment conferences, ensuring that her advocacy is informed by lived realities rather than desk-based reports. This close interaction has given her deep insight into the challenges surrounding maternal health, reinforcing the belief that those closest to the problem are best placed to shape meaningful solutions. Her approach reflects a practical understanding of safe motherhood—grounded in listening, learning, and acting alongside the people she serves. This combination of empathy, experience, and action-oriented leadership places her in a strong position to advise on policies and programs that genuinely respond to the needs of expectant mothers and caregivers. Hon. Mainja’s appointment signals a renewed commitment to improving maternal health outcomes and safeguarding the welfare of mothers and children across the country. With her integrity, strategic vision, and people-centered leadership, she is expected to play a key role in advancing the national safe motherhood agenda. Khulubvi Post congratulates Hon. Maria Mainja on this well-deserved appointment and wishes her success in her new role.

The Malawi Supreme Court of Appeal has dismissed an application by Hon. Richard Chimwendo Banda seeking a stay or suspension of execution of a remand warrant issued against him. The ruling was delivered on 9 January 2026 by Justice of Appeal Dorothy NyaKaunda Kamanga, SC, in MSCA Miscellaneous Criminal Application No. 1 of 2026, in the matter of Hon. Richard Chimwendo Banda v The Republic. Hon. Chimwendo Banda was arrested in December 2025 and subsequently applied for a stay of execution of his remand warrant while pursuing an appeal. He argued that his continued detention was unlawful on the grounds that he had not been formally charged. In response, the State raised a preliminary objection, contending that the Supreme Court of Appeal had no jurisdiction to hear the matter. The prosecution further argued that the application amounted to an abuse of court process, as the High Court of Malawi had not yet made a final determination on the applicant’s bail application. The central question before the Court was whether the Malawi Supreme Court of Appeal had the jurisdiction to grant a stay or suspension of execution of a remand warrant. In its determination, the Court upheld the State’s objection and made several key findings: The Supreme Court of Appeal lacked jurisdiction to entertain the application because there was no competent appeal before it. The Court emphasized that jurisdiction is a fundamental legal requirement and not a mere technicality that can be overlooked. It noted that its criminal appellate jurisdiction is limited to final decisions of the High Court. A remand warrant, the Court held, is a provisional or interlocutory order that does not finally determine the rights of the parties. The concept of a stay or suspension of execution applies to final judgments or sentences, such as warrants of commitment following conviction, and does not extend to remand warrants. The applicant failed to comply with Order I, Rule 18 of the Supreme Court of Appeal Rules, which requires an applicant to first seek a stay from the High Court before approaching the Supreme Court of Appeal.  As there was no final decision from the High Court, the application was deemed premature and an abuse of the court process. The Court clarified that the Malawi Supreme Court of Appeal has no jurisdiction to grant a stay or suspension of execution in respect of a remand warrant, as such a warrant is an interlocutory order and not a final decision. The Court upheld the preliminary objection raised by the State and dismissed Hon. Chimwendo Banda’s summons for a stay or suspension of execution of the remand warrant. The ruling reinforces the limits of the Supreme Court of Appeal’s criminal jurisdiction and underscores the requirement that litigants must exhaust proceedings in the High Court before seeking relief at the appellate level.

President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika has withheld assent to the recently passed Constituency Development Fund (CDF) Constitution (Amendment) Bill of 2025. In a statement released on Tuesday night, Presidential Press Secretary Cathy Maulidi said the President has directed the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, in collaboration with the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, to draft comprehensive guidelines for the management of the CDF. The move, she said, is intended to ensure that development projects at constituency level continue without compromising financial integrity. According to the statement, President Mutharika reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring that the management of public funds—particularly the CDF—adheres to the highest standards of accountability, transparency, and fiscal responsibility. The decision follows sustained calls from local non-governmental organizations (NGOs), which had urged the President not to assent to the Bill. The NGOs argued that the proposed amendments would conflict with existing judicial decisions that nullified the role of Members of Parliament in the distribution and management of CDF resources at both district and constituency levels. Civil society groups have consistently maintained that respecting court rulings is essential to safeguarding the rule of law and preventing the misuse of public resources. The government has not yet indicated when the proposed CDF management guidelines will be finalized and implemented.