Attorney General Mbeta to challenge High Court order on MCP’s Chimwendo Banda attempted murder case

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LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Attorney General (AG) Frank Mbeta is contesting a High Court decision allowing Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Secretary General Richard Chimwendo Banda to pursue a judicial review of his detention.

Mbeta argues that Chimwendo Banda had alternative remedies, such as invoking habeas corpus, which he failed to exhaust.

The High Court had ordered Chimwendo Banda’s immediate release from prison, citing unlawful detention beyond the legally prescribed remand period.

However, Mbeta’s preliminary application seeks to discharge the leave granted for the judicial review proceedings and set aside the interim reliefs obtained by Chimwendo Banda.

Chimwendo Banda’s lawyer, Khwima Mchizi, says he hasn’t seen the application filed by the respondents, the Inspector General of Police and the Director of Public Prosecutions. An inter partes hearing is scheduled for January 23, 2026.

Chimwendo Banda was arrested in December 2025 on attempted murder charges dating back to 2021.

His release was ordered after his lawyer argued that the State had exceeded the 30-day detention period allowed under the Criminal Procedure and Evidence Code.

The case has sparked controversy, with the MCP accusing the government of political persecution,a claim dismissed by many.

The outcome of the judicial review proceedings will determine whether Chimwendo Banda’s detention is lawful.

The Maravi Post

Haiya demands MK200 million from Nyamilandu over alleged defamatory remarks

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BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-Football Association of Malawi (FAM) president Fleetwood Haiya has issued a legal demand against former FAM president Walter Nyamilandu, accusing him of making defamatory remarks following the association’s presidential election.

Haiya, through his lawyers Blackstone Chambers, is demanding K200 million in damages, a public apology and the removal of statements allegedly made on the Face2Face sports platform on January 5.

According to the demand letter, the remarks allegedly implied that Haiya won the FAM presidency through fraudulent means.

Haiya’s legal team argues that the statements have damaged his reputation and questioned his integrity as the head of Malawi’s football governing body.

The lawyers have given Nyamilandu seven days to comply with the demands, failing which further legal action may be taken.

The dispute follows the FAM elective general assembly held on December 16, 2023, where Haiya emerged victorious in the presidential race in Mzuzu.

Haiya defeated Nyamilandu by 23 votes to 13, bringing an end to Nyamilandu’s long tenure at the helm of the association.

Nyamilandu had served as FAM president for 19 years, making the election one of the most significant leadership transitions in Malawian football.

The legal action relates to comments allegedly made after the election, which Haiya says undermine the legitimacy of the electoral process.

The matter has attracted attention within football circles due to the senior positions previously held by both individuals.

By the time of publication, Nyamilandu had not responded to the allegations or the legal demand.

The Maravi Post

How CDF Bill standoff touches lives of ordinary Malawians

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By Zakeyu Mamba

LILONGWE-(Maravi-Post)-Public debate has intensified following President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika’s decision not to assent to the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) Bill that was passed by Members of Parliament last year.

Rather than focusing solely on political disagreements, analysts say the move highlights broader concerns about governance, accountability, and economic management.

Governance expert Latimu Matenje argues that the President’s stance reflects adherence to democratic principles, particularly the need to safeguard public resources and ensure that development initiatives genuinely benefit citizens.

Matenje notes that through the Ministries of Justice and Finance, the CDF framework requires careful scrutiny to ensure transparency and effectiveness.

He believes that, if properly managed, the fund has the potential to transform lives by bringing development closer to communities, but only under strong oversight mechanisms.

Another analyst, Joseph Kandiyesa, has taken a more cautious view, suggesting that the country should first assess the practical outcomes of the proposed law before drawing firm conclusions.

He says the legislation is still new and untested, making it important to evaluate whether it would achieve its intended goals without creating financial strain.

Kandiyesa also pointed out that the President’s refusal to sign the bill may have significant implications.

According to him, the concerns raised by Mutharika are largely centred on protecting Malawi’s economic interests and ensuring fiscal discipline at a time when the country faces serious economic challenges.

Overall, commentators agree that the debate over the CDF Bill goes beyond partisan politics.

Instead, it raises critical questions about how development funds should be managed, who should control them, and how best to balance decentralised development with national economic stability.

The Maravi Post

Activist chides MCP zealot Kadula for threatened victim Chiwanda in Chimwendo’s attempted murder case

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LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Human rights activist Chimwemwe Mbeya Mhango Ntchindi has slammed Malawi Congress Party (MCP) zealot Dala Kadula for threatening to deal with Frank Chiwanda over MCP Secretary General Richard Chimwendo Banda detention.

Mhango, the former Malawi Defence Force (MDF) officer is reacting to social media audio circulation which Kadula is heard threatening Chiwanda for initiating Chimwendo’s arrest in attempted murder case.

In an audio which The Maravi Post Post posted a day ago, Kadula who is also answering assault charges in court questioned Chiwanda as to why he initiated Chimwendo’s arrest.

Kadula further threatened to deal with Chiwanda if Chimwendo remains in cell.

But reacting to the audio, Mhango expressed worrisome over Kadula’s unpalatable behaviour of threatening others despite being in court on similar charges.

“Is Kadula really normal? Why he continues to pose threats to others despite being dragged to court on similar charges?

“What if MCP was still in power, what could be the fate of us whom he also threatened to kill?”, he queries.

The activist adds, “This behaviour is a threat to our society that is aimed at violating people’s rights.

“It’s my appeal to authorities to put this to stop. Let the law take its course on this uncalled for inhumane characters.

According to court documents, Kadula is Chimwendo Banda’s accomplices in attempted to Frank Chiwanda in 2022 in Dowa.

However, the court stopped Kadula’s arrest as he is also answering others assault charges.

But with this behaviour, the court might revoke the bail as he posses threat to society.

MCP Secretary General Chimwendo has been on detention for a month now as the court is yet to grant him bail.

But Chimwendo has not been fully charged in the court.

The Maravi Post

Supreme Court hands tied to grant MCP’s SG Chimwendo Banda bail: To face court after health improvement

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LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The state is ready to take Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Secretary General Richard Chimwendo Banda to court once his health improves, according to Dzikondianthu Malunda, Director of Litigation in the Ministry of Justice.

Malunda told Maravi Post that Chimwendo Banda is currently receiving medical care, and it’s reported that his health is not in good shape.

“It will be inhumane to drag a sick person to court,” Malunda said, indicating that the state is waiting for Chimwendo Banda’s health to improve before proceeding with the case.

Chimwendo Banda’s lawyer, Khwima Mchizi, confirmed that his client’s health is indeed not satisfactory.

Chimwendo Banda handed himself over to the police on December 12, and he is currently awaiting a bail ruling from the court.

The MCP Secretary General is facing murder charges, and the state’s decision to wait for his health improvement before taking him to court reflects a balance between ensuring justice is served and respecting the rights of the accused.

The case has garnered significant attention in Malawi, with many following the developments closely. The MCP has been vocal about Chimwendo Banda’s situation, and the party’s supporters are eagerly awaiting the outcome of the case.

As the situation unfolds, the court is expected to deliver a ruling on Chimwendo Banda’s bail application, which will determine whether he will be granted bail or remain in custody until the trial begins.

The state’s readiness to proceed with the case once Chimwendo Banda’s health improves underscores its commitment to ensuring that justice is served, regardless of the accused’s health status or political affiliation.

The case against Chimwendo Banda serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding the rule of law and ensuring accountability for one’s actions, even for those in positions of influence or leadership.

As the people of Malawi await the next developments in the case, it is clear that the outcome will have significant implications for the country’s political landscape and the pursuit of justice.

In related news, the MCP has expressed concerns about the treatment of Chimwendo Banda while in custody, calling for transparency and fairness in the handling of the case.

The party’s leadership has also urged supporters to remain calm and peaceful, emphasizing the importance of respecting the rule of law and allowing the judicial process to take its course.

As the story continues to unfold, Maravipost will provide updates and insights into the case, ensuring that our readers are informed about the latest developments.

The Maravi Post

High court dismisses chief secretary’s application to overturn MDF officers’ stay order

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LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The High Court in Lilongwe has dismissed an application by the Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet to discharge a stay order obtained by five senior Malawi Defence Force (MDF) officers, challenging their redeployment to civilian institutions.

Judge Kenyatta Nyirenda ruled that the substantive judicial review proceedings will be heard in open court on January 16, 2026.

The five officers, Major Generals Francis Kakhuta Banda, Swithun Mchungula, Chikunkha Soko, Saiford Kalisha, and Brigadier General Harold Dzoole, had filed an application on November 20, 2025, seeking a stay of their secondments and permission to pursue judicial review.

The court initially granted the stay and leave to commence judicial review, but the hearing was halted following an application by the Attorney General on December 10, 2025, seeking to discharge the stay order.

The redeployment of these senior MDF officers to civilian institutions, including roles as directors of security at state-owned enterprises such as ESCOM, NOCMA, ADMARC, and EGENCO, has sparked controversy.

Critics argue that the move risks politicizing the MDF and undermining its institutional integrity.

Lawyer for the MDF officers, Alan Chinula SC, confirmed that arguments in the judicial review will proceed on the scheduled date, stating, “We have been granted permission to proceed with the judicial review application and interim relief orders against the redeployments”

The court’s decision has been seen as a significant development in the ongoing debate about the government’s handling of security personnel redeployments.

Observers warn that such moves could compromise the independence and effectiveness of national security organs, and call for transparent and justified personnel movements.

The affected officers’ challenge to their redeployment is seen as a test of the government’s commitment to respecting institutional norms and the rule of law.

The outcome of the judicial review is eagerly awaited, with implications for the future of security governance in Malawi.

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