Principal Resident Magistrate Benjamin Chulu on Thursday adjourned to August 21, 2025, the case involving renowned film actor Tumpe Mtaya, popularly known by his stage name Phwedo, who is accused of engaging in sexual activity with a minor and child abduction.
The court had earlier, on May 16, 2025, directed the state to present the minor’s MSCE (Malawi School Certificate of Education) identification to verify her age. However, the state reported difficulties in securing the document.
According to court proceedings, the police contacted the victim’s mother, who disclosed that her daughter had discarded the MSCE ID after completing exams.
Investigators also approached the Malawi National Examinations Board (MANEB) to request the minor’s date of birth, and MANEB confirmed that the minor’s name was among the 2024 candidates who sat for exams at a school in Lilongwe. However, MANEB clarified that it is not authorized to release individual birth dates.
Despite the setback, Magistrate Chulu ruled that the state had made reasonable efforts to obtain the ID and ordered that the case will proceed with the minor present on the new date.
Reacting to the development, Mtaya’s legal counsel, Khwima Mchizi, expressed satisfaction with the court’s decision, stating:
“All I can say is we are okay with the verdict and will be looking forward to our next appearance in court.”
The case continues to attract public interest due to Mtaya’s celebrity status in Malawi’s film industry.
