According to eyewitnesses cited in the official police report, officers manning the roadblock observed a vehicle approaching with a visibly deflating rear tire. Despite signaling the driver to stop, the car passed the checkpoint and came to a halt just meters beyond. What followed, however, was an abuse of power that nearly turned deadly. In a shocking revelation, it has been established that the police officer who discharged live ammunition at unarmed lawyer Bob Chimkango was drunk on duty, sparking outrage and raising concerns about law enforcement conduct in Malawi. One of the officers, allegedly demanding money, confronted Mr. Chimkango. An argument ensued and the officer reportedly assaulted the lawyer, provoking a defensive reaction in the heat of the moment. Instead of de-escalating, the officer escalated the situation to a near-execution, firing live rounds at the stationery vehicle, luckily Chimkango was not in the car. In a rare moment of judicial clarity, the Senior Resident Magistrate’s Court at Midima dismissed the case against Chimkango, ordering only a minor fine of MK15,000 for what it termed an insignificant offense. In delivering judgment, the court condemned the use of lethal force against civilians, particularly one who grew up in the area and whose parents still reside there. The presiding magistrate posed a chilling question: “If bonafide members of the community are met with such brutal force for small issues, what fate awaits those who are strangers to the area?” The court didn’t mince words, warning police against the reckless use of force and stressing that justice will eventually catch up with officers who abuse their power, no matter how long it takes. It was also established that Chimkango has no gun shot wounds and there was no car chase as earlier reported by the police. However, in what appears to be a different version of the story, Limbe Police spokesperson Aubrey Singanyama stated that Chimkango, driving a Mercedes Benz (registration CZ 3), bypassed a police checkpoint while coming from Nguludi toward Limbe. A police patrol vehicle pursued him, and the chase intensified near the Weaving Factory area in Bangwe. It is reported that during the pursuit, officers fired a warning shot and a stray bullet struck the car’s windscreen, slightly injuring Chimkango on his right hand. He was treated as an outpatient at a nearby healthy facility but faces two charges of failing to comply with a police signal under Section 39:3 of Police Act and driving under the influence of alcohol under section 128 of the Traffic Act. Meanwhile, the Private Practice Lawyer Chimkango is currently serving another bail granted by the Blantyre Chief Magistrate’s Court on 15th April, 2025 after his arrest by the Aunt Corruption Bureau (ABC) for allegedly receiving about K7 million in allowances not related to his work at Malawi Housing Corporation (MHC). The way Chimkango is being treated is causing public concern because it is believed that he is being persecuted for representing the opposition  DPP in the 2020 presidential Election Case where MCP was challenging the 2019 presidential results in which Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika was declared winner.

Attorney General, Thabo Chakaka Nyirenda, has written to the judiciary, requesting an adjournment for all cases involving his offices’ lawyers. The request follows a sit-in protest that the lawyers are currently holding at the Ministry of Justice, demanding improved working conditions. According to the Attorney General, legal representatives are currently unavailable for court hearings. The request has been sent to the High Court, Industrial Relations Court, and Magistrates’ Courts for consideration. Meanwhile, the judiciary, through the Chief Corporate Affairs and Public Relations Officer, Ruth Mputeni, has confirmed. “Yes I can confirm. The Judiciary has received the request” said Mputeni in a written response.

President Lazarus Chakwera and Madame Monica Chakwera today, led Malawians in Mzimba District to honour the fallen Vice President Saulos Chilima and eight other individuals who died in tragic plane crash, at Nthungwa Village in Nkhatabay District on 10th June, 2024. Speaking during the memorial ceremony, President Chakwera praised the life and work of the late Saulos Chilima and eight others, describing them as patriotic, hard working and dedicated citizens who served the nation tirelessly. The Malawi leader indicated that the memorial ceremony was set to honour the lives lost and remember their services to the Republic of Malawi. Chakwera has since directed that the Six-Lane road under construction in Lilongwe be named after Chilima, in honour of his service to the nation. Speaking earlier, Minister of Local Government, Unity and Culture Richard Chimwendo Banda disclosed that government will also construct a memorial park at the site where the accident occurred, in honour of the legacy of the nine fallen citizens.

According to Reality On The Ground (ROTG) Survey conducted in May, 2025, Former President Peter Mutharika edges the State President Lazarus Chakwera of Malawi congress party by 93.5% among likely voters in Ntcheu district including those who are undecided yet leaning toward a candidate. Reality on the Ground ROTG conducted a survey in the district to determine the most two popular candidates and the one likely to win if elections were held in May 2025. The district has a total of 172,793 registered voters of which ROTG took a slightly larger sample size of 1200 male and female old and young registered voters from all areas in the district. 1122 registered voters out of sample size 1200 which represent 93.5% said will vote for Professor Peter Mutharika of Democratic Progressive party. 67 registered voters which represent 5.58% sample size said will vote for President Chakwera of Malawi Congress Party MCP. 11 registered voters, which represent 0.91% said would vote for Dalitso Kabambe of UTM. Most Voters Know for Whom They Plan to Vote 80% of registered voters in the district, including 86% of likely voters, say they know the candidate they plan to support and will not change their mind. 15% of registered voters have a good idea of the candidate for whom they plan to vote but could change their mind. Five percent have not made up their mind. Mutharika’s supporters (85%) are more likely than Chakwera’s supporters (79%) to say they have made up their mind and will not change it prior to voting. More Than Three in Four people of Ntcheu Confident in Election Integrity 76% of the people in Ntcheu say they are very confident or confident that Malawi Electrol Commission and its chairperson will carry out a fair and accurate election this September. 24% are not very confident or not confident at all that an accurate election will be held. Methodology This Ntcheu survey was conducted April 27th through May 15th, 2025 by the most trusted Reality on the Ground Poll sponsored in partnership with our friends who love democracy. Adults 18 years of age and older residing in the district were contacted through a multi-mode design: By phone using live interviewers, by text, or online and face to face. Results for all adults are statistically significant within ±3.3 percentage points. Results for registered voters are statistically significant within ±3.5 percentage points. Likely voters include registered voters who report they are voting in this year’s election. Remember Chigayo chilibe speaker komanso iron imasita pamene ikutentha. Truth pains unfortunately this is the reality on the ground ROTG can be contacted on 0995760033 email kbwanali@hotmail.com

Ministry of Local Government, Unity and Culture has ordered that Monday, 9th June, 2025 iw Eid Ul Adha Public Holiday. According to a statement which the ministry has released and signed by Richard C. Z. Hara, secretary for Local Government, Unity and Culture, Monday, 9th June shall be a observed as a Public Holiday in Malawi on the occasion of Eid UL ADHA inorder to allow Muslims to offer special EID prayers and fulfill their religious obligations. The ministry, therefore wishes all the Muslims in Malawi and the general public a happy EID UL ADHA public holiday, it concludes.  

The nation mourns the loss of Hon. Joyce Chitsulo, former Deputy Minister of Local Government and Member of Parliament for Mwanza West. Her send-off ceremony is currently underway at Dzedza Secondary School grounds in Lilongwe, with fellow parliamentarians, government officials, and SDA church members paying their last respects. After the ceremony, her body will be transported to Mwanza district, where she will be laid to rest tomorrow. Hon. Chitsulo passed away on Friday at Kamuzu Central Hospital after collapsing at her residence in Area 25, Dzedza, Lilongwe.

The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has rejected a joint proposal from five opposition parties — AFORD, DPP, UDF, PP, and UTM — who had demanded an independent audit of the country’s Election Management System (EMS). In a letter dated 6 June 2025 signed by Chairperson Justice Annabel Mtalimanja, MEC says the proposed audit was based on wrong assumptions, cited technologies that are not even used in Malawi’s elections and posed a threat to the security and integrity of the Commission’s systems. MEC also argues that it had already flagged and shared all anomalies in the voters’ register including duplicate entries and photo mismatches, with political parties during consultations. It adds that no party submitted any formal complaint or petition after being given the full register in May. The Commission insists it has a constitutional duty to operate independently and says allowing an external audit without legal grounds would set a dangerous precedent. It has since resolved not to approve the audit, but says it will continue to carry out internal checks through its own mechanisms. “We take the MEC’s rejection of the independent audit as a confirmation of our fears and concerns. This is the missed opportunity on the MEC’s part to demonstrate that they are transparent and that they are ready to deliver a fair and credible elections. Our presented scope for the Independent IT Auditors was to review and validate the security, integrity, and transparency of electoral technology systems, such as voter registration databases, and result transmission processes.” Mukhito said. Mukhito further said that the Independent IT auditors would have helped to enforce transparency, build public confidence, and ensure that the register is clean, election management devices are functioning properly and free from tampering or errors. Now that MEC has refused the audit, he says NO to any Electronic Management Device, period.

The Industrial Relations Court (IRC) in Blantyre heard a case on Thursday, June 5, 2025 in which Bengo Matalala and 15 others are challenging the government over an alleged employment promise made in 2010, which they claim remains unfulfilled. The applicants, who worked as support staff at Maryview School for the Deaf in Chiradzulu, argue that the Ministry of Education issued a letter promising them permanent employment. Despite this alleged assurance, they have yet to be formally employed. As a result, they are demanding salary arrears calculated based on the grades they would have been placed in since 2010. During today’s session, both sides presented their arguments. Representing the government, Counsel Macduff Shumba from the Attorney General’s Chambers defended the state against the claims. Meanwhile, the complainants maintained that the government’s failure to honour its commitment has caused them significant financial and professional hardship. The court has directed both parties to submit written submissions by 16th June 2025. A ruling on the matter is expected on 20th June 2025. The AG Thabo Chakaka-Nyirenda has decided to defend the matter

Former President of the Republic of Malawi His Excellency Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika has expressed sadness over the death of former Zambian president Edgar Lungu, who died earlier today at a hospital in Pretoria, South Africa. Writing on his official Facebook Page, Mutharika says the fallen former Zambian president was a man of great dignity and was committed to public service. “During our time as presidents of our respective nations, I had the honour of working closely with him on issues of bilateral and multilateral relations. He was full of wise counsel, steady leadership, and had utmost dedication to the people of Zambia. “As a fellow legal luminary, I admired his respect for the rule of law and the depth of his understanding of justice and governance. As a friend, I valued his warmth, his humour, and his unwavering loyalty,” says Mutharika. Lungu, who has died at the age of 68, led Zambia for six years from 2015. He lost the 2021 elections to incumbent President Hakainde Hichilema.