Court denies MCP Secretary General Richard Chimwendo bail: To remain on remand till next week Wednesday

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The High Court Judge Mzondi Mvula on Friday, December 19, denied bail application for Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Secretary General Richard Chimwendo on attempted murder case to Frank Chiwanda.

The court has therefore adjourned the bail application to next week Wednesday for hearing.

Chimwendo Banda applied for bail pending trial, but the State, through Senior State Advocate Luckia Japhali, objected, saying there was no urgency and that it needed at least two weeks to respond.

However, his lawyer Jivason Kazipatike argued that the matter required urgent attention, saying his client is traumatised as he remains under police guard while receiving medical treatment.

In his ruling, Mvula directed the State to file a written response by Monday, December 22, and set the bail hearing for Wednesday, December 24, at 10:00am.

Chimwendo Banda will meanwhile remain in hospital under police guard pending the bail ruling.

The case has attracted public interest on how Chimwendo Banda and his accomplice Dala Kadula will get away the case.


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FDH Bank projects strong profit growth for 2025

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-FDH Bank plc has projected a profit after tax of between NK140 billion and MK151 billion for the year ended December 31, 2025, representing a 92 to 104 percent increase from K74.06 billion recorded in the previous financial year.

In a profit caution statement issued to the Malawi Stock Exchange (MSE), FDH Bank Company Secretary Juliano Kanyongolo said the projected performance reflects the bank’s strong fundamentals, disciplined growth strategy, and prudent risk management, noting that the figures remain unaudited and subject to final review.

“These provisional results reflect the resilience of our business model and our continued focus on sustainable value creation.

Despite operating in a challenging environment characterised by inflationary pressures and tight liquidity conditions, the bank has remained stable, supported by sound governance structures, cost discipline, and a diversified income base,” said Kanyongolo.

Kanyongolo said the bank remains committed to transparency and compliance with regulatory requirements, adding that the audited financial statements will be published within the statutory timeframe.

“As a listed institution, we recognise our obligation to keep the market adequately informed. The release of the audited results will provide a complete and accurate picture of the bank’s performance, financial position, and outlook,” said Kanyongolo.

Commenting from an independent perspective, financial analyst Benedicto Nkhoma said FDH Bank’s projected performance is broadly consistent with prevailing sector trends and reflects both macroeconomic conditions and internal operational efficiencies.

“The projected profit growth is likely driven by increased interest income in a high interest-rate environment, balance sheet expansion, particularly through investment in government securities, improved cost management, and potentially lower impairment charges,” said Nkhoma.

He cautioned, however, that headline profit figures should be assessed within the broader economic context.

“In an inflationary environment, nominal profits can rise significantly even where real growth is more moderate. Investors should therefore pay close attention to the quality and sustainability of earnings, as well as confirmation through the audited results,” said Nkhoma.

FDH Bank plc is one of the five commercial banks listed on the 16-counter Malawi Stock Exchange, alongside National Bank of Malawi, NBS Bank, Standard Bank plc, and FMB Capital Holdings, which owns First Capital Bank.


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Mutharika’s cabinet ministers heed to monthly reports demands

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-President Peter Mutharika’s cabinet ministers have submitted their monthly reports as demanded following their sown in, two months ago.

Presidential Press Secretary Cathy Maulidi has confirmed the development saying President Mutharika will thoroughly review and assess how ministries have performed and which plans have been implemented.

Mutharika issued the directive during the swearing-in ceremony of Cabinet ministers, emphasizing professionalism, transparency, and accountability in serving the public.

Meanwhile, National Advocacy Platform (NAP) Chairperson Benedict Kondowe expects the Malawi leader to provide clear direction after reviewing the reports.

Kondowe has since expressed confidence that the President might introduce changes following the review.

Mutharika put together a lean cabinet of 24 which three ministers combined into one eventually scoring credits from the general public on austerity measures.


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Malawians told to endure Sugar shortages as Illovo admits distribution failure

Soaring Sugar Prices Leave Consumers in a Sticky Situation

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Malawians should brace for continued sugar shortages after Illovo Sugar Malawi admitted that supplies are unlikely to normalize in the near future, citing serious challenges in controlling the distribution of its product.

In a letter addressed to the Consumers Association of Malawi (CAMA), Illovo Managing Director Ronald Ngwira acknowledged that despite ongoing sugar production, the company no longer has full control over where its sugar ultimately ends up.

“The company may continue producing sugar, but control over distribution has been compromised,”

“Power appears to lie with individuals operating outside the law.”according to Ngwira.

The admission has intensified public criticism, with consumer rights groups and members of the public accusing Illovo of failing to safeguard sugar meant for local consumption. There are growing allegations that sugar is being diverted, hoarded, or smuggled out of the country by well-connected syndicates.

CAMA say the letter reflects a worrying acceptance of a broken system.

“This is effectively telling Malawians to accept pain and suffering while a few benefit,” said a consumer rights activist. “The crisis is not about production capacity but about accountability and enforcement.”

Malawi has faced recurring sugar shortages despite being a sugar-producing country, a paradox that has fueled public outrage and frustration. Prices on the informal market have continued to rise, placing additional strain on already vulnerable households.

The crisis has increasingly been linked to alleged smuggling networks and manipulation of domestic distribution channels.

However, despite repeated assurances from authorities, there have been no high-profile arrests, raising concerns that those involved may be operating with impunity.

The revelations have further eroded public confidence in both Illovo and government regulators, with many questioning the effectiveness of oversight mechanisms in protecting essential commodities.

Consumer Association is now calling for an independent investigation into Illovo’s distribution systems, border controls, and the alleged sugar syndicates.

For now, Illovo’s own admission suggests there is little immediate relief in sight, and for ordinary Malawians, the bitter reality of the sugar crisis continues.


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Information Minister Namalomba stresses media’s role in promoting justice, peace, unity

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-Minister of Information and Digitalisation, Dr. Shadrick Namalomba, has emphasized the critical role of the media in promoting justice, peace, and unity in Malawi’s digital era.

Speaking at the Blantyre Press Club’s annual general meeting, Namalomba said journalists are frontline defenders of justice, architects of peace, and weavers of unity.

“Justice, peace, and unity are not just ideals; they are prerequisites for the social and economic transformation we seek under Malawi 2063,” he stated.

Namalomba acknowledged the challenges posed by the digital revolution, including misinformation and digital divides, but stressed that journalists’ role in curating truth and promoting accountability has never been more vital.

He reassured the audience of the government’s commitment to providing an enabling environment, anchored in the Communications Act and Access to Information Act.

The minister also encouraged journalists to read broadly, asking how many had read manifestos from major political parties, DPP, UTM, and MCP.

“Only a few had done so”, he noted.

“Your scrutiny strengthens governance. Your investigations make society fairer. Your stories help move our nation forward,” he said.

Namalomba donated MK2 million to the Blantyre Press Club, which was received by Interim President George Banda. Banda expressed gratitude for the donation, saying it would support their activities and strengthen journalists’ capacity.

The AGM’s theme was “Promoting Justice, Peace, and Unity in the Digital Era”.


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FCB promo winner flies to Dubai

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-First Capital Bank (FCB) has flown a Mzimba based businessman Christopher Muhammed Kazembe to Dubai after emerging winner in the bank’s ‘Mbambande Promotion’.

Kazembe, a businessman from Mzimba District, left Malawi on Tuesday for a five-day all-expenses paid trip after emerging victorious in the bank’s nationwide digital banking campaign.

The Mbambande Promotion was launched to encourage customers to embrace digital transactions through platforms such as the First Capital Bank App and USSD *111#. Running from March 7 to May 31, the campaign attracted wide participation from customers across the country.

FCB Head of Marketing and Communications Twikale Chirwa said the bank was proud to close the promotion by honouring its commitment to customers.

“At First Capital Bank, trust is central to everything we do. This promotion was not just about encouraging digital banking but also about keeping our word. Seeing the winner travel is proof that when we make a promise, we deliver,” said Chirwa.

To qualify, customers were required to transact at least four times per week with a minimum value of K20,000 using the bank’s digital channels.

Speaking before his departure, Kazembe said winning the promotion was unexpected and reaffirmed his confidence in the bank.

“I never expected to win, and I am truly grateful to First Capital Bank for trusting its customers and honouring its promise. True to its word, the bank has delivered on what it committed to. This experience has strengthened my belief in the bank,” he said.

Kazembe encouraged fellow customers, particularly small and medium scale business owners, to embrace digital banking, noting that everyday transactions can lead to meaningful opportunities.

Through the Mbambande Promotion, First Capital Bank sought to promote convenient, efficient and secure banking solutions while reinforcing customer confidence and belief in its services.


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