Malawi passport crisis: Immigration officer Rowland Brown nailed for MK300,000 bribe

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LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-A dramatic turn of events unfolded at the Immigration Department in Lilongwe, as Rowland Brown, an immigration officer, was arrested for allegedly scamming a client MK300, 000.

The arrest was made possible by a surprise visit from Deputy Minister of Homeland Security, Norman Chisale, who had received a tip about corrupt practices within the department.

Chisale’s visit was a bolt out of the blue, aimed at catching officers off guard and rooting out corruption.

And it seems his efforts paid off, as Brown was caught red-handed, leading to his immediate arrest.

This bold move by the Deputy Minister sends a strong message that corruption will no longer be tolerated in the Immigration Department.

The arrest has been met with jubilation, with many seeing it as a step in the right direction towards eradicating corruption in public institutions.

The public is eager to see more of such actions, and for those involved in corrupt practices to face the music.

The Immigration Department has been plagued by allegations of corruption, with many claiming that officers are more interested in lining their pockets than serving the people.

Brown’s arrest is a clear indication that the authorities are serious about stamping out this menace.

The Deputy Minister’s actions are a testament to his commitment to fighting corruption and promoting transparency.

His bravery in taking on corrupt officials is commendable, and we hope that this is just the beginning of a long and fruitful war against corruption.

The case has sparked widespread interest, with many calling for more stringent measures to tackle corruption.

The public is watching, and it’s time for institutions to take concrete actions to restore trust and faith in the system.

As the case unfolds, one thing is clear: corruption will no longer be tolerated, and those involved will face the full force of the law.

The people of Malawi demand accountability, and it’s time institutions delivered.

Way forward

The arrest of Rowland Brown is a victory for the people, and a reminder that together, we can create a corruption-free Malawi.

Let’s keep the momentum going and ensure that those who abuse their power are brought to book.

This is just the beginning of a new chapter in Malawi’s fight against corruption.

Let’s make sure it’s a chapter that ends with a corruption-free nation, where institutions serve the people, not their own interests.

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Chinese wildlife convict Yunhua Lin’s corruption case full trial March 10, Remains on remand

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LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The High Court seating in Lilongwe on Tuesday adjourned to March 10 2026 a case in which wildlife crimes and money laundering convict Lin Yinhua is answering seven charges of corrupt practices with public officers and abuse of public offices.

High court judge Redson Kapindu made the adjournment when he was making directions in the case, indicating that the case would run for three days from March 10 to 13, 2026.

Judge Kapindu ruled that within 14 days the defence should identify a competent interpreter for client and counsel engagement.

“Make sure that within seven days assistant registrar of the court should engage Messrs Maele Law Practice to file a written notice that it no longer represents the accused”, Kapindu orders.

The judge also rules further, “Make sure that within 14 days the prosecution should ensure that the high court file contains all disclosures which shall be served to the defence with the materials”.

Anti-Corruption Bureau principal legal and prosecution officer Peter Sambani therefore told the court that the state is ready for the full trial.

Sambani hinted that the state will parade its 16 witnesses against the suspect on corruption and public officers abuses’ charges.

Among others, Lin is accused of offering K30 million to Aaron Ganyavu Kaunda who was the officer In charge of Maula Prison to engage then chief resident Magistrate Violet Chipao who was presiding over his wildlife and money laundering case, to give him a lesser sentence while he was on remand at Maula Prison in 2019.

This means Lin will remain on remand at Dedza Prison until full trial.

On November 7, 2025 High Court Judge Redson Kapindu rejected Lin’s applications discharge on unlawful detention and bail application.

Buy Book 365 days

Kapindu cited the suspect being flight risk and the serious offences he committed might compromise the court proceedings.

The case arose shortly after Lin’s controversial presidential pardon in July, this year which was followed by his re-arrest by ACB

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Malawi COs calls for renewed accountability on corruption drive fight: International Anti-Corruption Day

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Benedicto Kondowe from left

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LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)— As the world marked International Anti-Corruption Day, two of Malawi’s leading governance watchdogs urged national leaders to treat corruption not as a routine governance challenge but as a national emergency requiring urgent, decisive action.

In a joint statement, National Advocacy Platform (NAP) Executive Director Benedicto Kondowe and Civil Society Accountability Taskforce (CSAT) Executive Director Willy Kambwandira stressed that Malawi’s political leadership must convert anti-corruption commitments into tangible reforms that strengthen accountability across all sectors.

Capital One

“Corruption must be confronted, not accommodated. Accountability must be enforced, not negotiated,” the statement reads, underscoring the urgency with which the two organizations believe Malawi must respond.

NAP and CSAT emphasized that a renewed culture of integrity is possible one anchored in institutions that operate independently and free from fear, political interference, or personal interests.

They also highlighted the critical role of young people, describing them as the “forefront generation capable of demanding and defending transparency,” and essential contributors to building a more accountable Malawi.

The two organizations reaffirmed their commitment to work collaboratively with government bodies, communities, and stakeholders to ensure that Malawi’s anti-corruption pledges become actionable realities.

“Only when commitments become lived realities will Malawi deliver a future where integrity is not aspirational but expected,” the statement adds.

This year’s commemoration is themed at “Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s
Integrity”.

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Youth placed at centre of Malawi’s renewed anti-corruption drive

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Youth dared on corruption drive fight

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BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The National Advocacy Platform (NAP) and the Centre for Social Accountability and Transparency (CSAT) have marked International Anti-Corruption Day 2025 with a strong appeal for Malawi to translate political commitments into concrete action.

In a statement signed by NAP Chairperson Benedicto Kondowe and CSAT Executive Director Willy Kambwandira, the two organisations warned that corruption remains one of the country’s most severe obstacles to development and urged leaders to match their words with decisive steps that restore public trust.

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This year’s commemorations are being observed under the theme “uniting with youth against corruption: shaping tomorrow’s integrity.”

According to NAP and CSAT, the theme reflects a growing demand from young Malawians for honesty, fairness and accountability values the organisations say must shape the country’s future governance systems.

The statement notes that corruption continues to divert public resources, undermine service delivery and weaken democratic institutions.

While acknowledging recent commitments from national leaders, including President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika’s renewed zero tolerance declaration and efforts to revive long stalled cases, NAP and CSAT stress that Malawi can no longer rely on promises alone.

The organisations highlight the need for decisive follow-through on the revived cases, calling for credible investigations and timely, non-selective prosecutions.

They argue that no individual or institution should enjoy protection from accountability and insist that the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) must operate without interference if the country is to make meaningful progress.

NAP and CSAT further emphasise that strengthening the ACB requires more than public statements. They call for full financial independence for the bureau, recruitment of specialised staff and legislative reforms that close loopholes enabling procurement fraud, illicit enrichment, political financing abuses and influence peddling.

They caution that parliament must not undermine anti-corruption efforts, and should exercise its oversight role in good faith, free from partisan motivations.

The statement places particular focus on the role of young people, describing them as essential drivers of a new culture of integrity. NAP and CSAT argue that youth must be empowered to demand transparency, challenge impunity and actively participate in accountability initiatives within their communities and workplaces.

The two organisations urge the ACB to pursue both revived and new cases without fear or favour. They appeal to the executive to respect and protect institutional independence and to the ministry of justice to accelerate reforms that align with global best practices.

They also encourage parliament to uphold accountability rather than shield wrongdoing and call on the judiciary to prioritise corruption cases to ensure timely resolution.

NAP and CSAT conclude by describing corruption as a national emergency that demands strong institutions and unwavering commitment. They stress that Malawi’s anti-corruption promises must translate into a lived reality for citizens, especially the youth who will inherit the consequences of today’s decisions.

The organisations reaffirm their readiness to work with all institutions and communities to support a national shift towards accountability and integrity.

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National Guard Shooting & Immigration, Venezuela Latest, Ukraine Negotiations

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The White House is moving swiftly to tighten legal immigration reviews after two National Guard members were shot in Washington, D.C. last week, escalating scrutiny on asylum seekers, green card holders and refugees already living in the U.S.
U.S. strikes on alleged drug boats in the Caribbean are under growing scrutiny, as some lawmakers warn one attack may constitute a war crime.
And Ukraine enters a new round of negotiations without its top negotiator, after a corruption scandal forces out President Zelensky’s powerful chief of staff.

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Capital One

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p class=”readrate” data-rr=”18″ data-pm-slice=”1 1 []”>Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Anna Yukhananov, Tara Neill, Miguel Macias, Mohamad ElBardicy and Lisa Thompson.

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p class=”readrate” data-rr=”18″>It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Christopher Thomas.

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p class=”readrate” data-rr=”18″>We get engineering support from Stacey Abbott. And our technical director is Carleigh Strange.

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Frustration grows as Malawians question lack of accountability for tax mismanagement

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LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Citizens anger continues to build as Malawians openly question why ordinary people are arrested for theft while high-profile leaders accused of mismanaging public resources walk free.

In a widely shared message, one citizen mockingly remarked that “this one has eaten uncooked maize,” suggesting boldness without fear of consequences.

Capital One

Another commentator, Rick Dzida, raised a provocative question, asking why police arrest individuals found with stolen goods yet have not taken similar action against President Lazarus Chakwera for alleged failures connected to public resource management.

This sentiment reflects a growing perception that the justice system treats powerful individuals differently from ordinary citizens.

A third voice in the discussion argued that no one has misled Malawians more than leaders who mismanage taxes, insisting that those responsible for abusing public funds should face the law like anyone else.

The citizen further stated that Malawians are suffering because tax resources have been misused and those accused of wrongdoing appear to be shielded by the system.

The contributor stressed that the law must apply to everyone, including those who mishandled national revenue and betrayed public trust.

These comments highlight a broader national frustration over perceived selective justice, where accountability appears to fall heavily on ordinary people while political leaders escape scrutiny.

They also reflect mounting public demands for transparency, fairness, and equal application of the law in matters relating to corruption and tax abuse.

As the debate intensifies, citizens continue to call for a justice system that protects national resources and restores confidence in public governance.

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