By Suleman Chitera
Malawi’s political and social landscape was abuzz yesterday with major developments as the country inches closer to the September 16 Tripartite Elections.
🔷 MEC Disqualifies Three Presidential Aspirants
In another political shake-up, the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) announced that three candidates failed to meet the requirements to contest in the presidential race. Among them are Prophet David Mbewe of the Liberation for Economic Freedom Party (LEFP), Daniel Dube of the Nationalist Patriotic Party (NPP), and independent candidate Reverend Hardwick Kaliya. MEC confirmed that only 17 candidates have been approved.
🔷 UTM Pledges to Revive Coal Mining
UTM spokesperson Matthews Mtumbuka revealed that the party plans to allocate part of its proposed K500 billion council fund to revive the Mchenga and Rukuru coal mines. This, he said, would create jobs and promote energy independence.
🔷 12 Chiefs Elevated in Rumphi
Local Government Minister Richard Chimwendo Banda announced the promotion of 12 traditional leaders in Rumphi District to various chieftaincy positions, including Sub-Traditional Authority, Traditional Authority (T/A), and Senior Chief. The move is seen as part of the government’s efforts to strengthen local governance.
🔷 Mchinji Murder Investigation
Police in Mchinji have arrested two Mozambican nationals, Blessings Yohane (24) and Austin Yohane (18), in connection with the suspected murder of Frank Acklass Kamzati (42), a financial officer for Extrem FC. Investigations are ongoing.
🔷 Fuel Hoarding Arrests in Zomba
Police in Zomba arrested 10 individuals suspected of hoarding over 131 liters of vehicle fuel. The suspects hail from Zomba, Mangochi, Chiradzulu, and Machinga, and are expected to appear in court soon.
🔷 K1 Billion Farm Theft in Lilongwe
The Magistrate Court in Lilongwe has granted bail to eight suspects accused of vandalizing and stealing property worth K1.042 billion from Khasu Farm in Area 49. The loot reportedly included high-value assets and livestock.
🔷 Madinga Quits Mighty Wanderers
Footballer Francis Co Madinga has officially parted ways with Mighty Wanderers after refusing to renew his contract, signaling the end of his tenure with the club.
🔷 Bullets Fan Under Fire
The Super League of Malawi (SULOM) says FCB Nyasa Big Bullets has a case to answer after a fan allegedly stole a towel from the Blue Eagles goalkeeper during a match in which Bullets suffered a 1-0 defeat.
🔷 Arsenal Falls to Villarreal
In international football, Arsenal was defeated 3-2 by Villarreal in a friendly match at Emirates Stadium as both clubs continue to fine-tune ahead of the new season.
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