Malawi High court dismisses Prophet Bushiri’s extradition case

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The High Court in Lilongwe has dismissed a magistrate’s order to extradite Prophet Shepherd Bushiri and his wife Mary to South Africa.

In a summary ruling, Justice Mzonde Mvula found that the extradition proceedings were flawed, unfair and failed to guarantee the Bushiris’ right to life and safety.

The court also ruled that the chief resident magistrate, who had ordered the Bushiris’ committal in March, denied them their right to be heard, a breach of the constitutional principle of audi alteram partem.

Justice Mvula observes that the magistrate delivered a ruling after hearing only the case of the respondent, effectively condemning the applicants as if they had no voice to the allegations against them.

Reads the ruling dated October 31, 2025 in part:

“The authentication of South African documents was also deemed improper, with the judge who authenticated them confirming she had only seen scanned copies, not originals.”

The court found an over-reliance on hearsay evidence from the South African witness, which it described as “clutching at straws.” It also noted that Mary Bushiri was committed on a charge of “immigration-related forgery” that was never formally part of the extradition request — a move the court said the magistrate had no authority to make.

The court further found that the magistrate omitted to make an important finding preserving the lives of the applicants and failed to address their valid concern that they suffer racial and xenophobic bias, public hostility and media persecution.

The request was also described as potentially being tainted by bad faith, political motivation and oppressive delay.

The Bushiris are facing charges of fraud, theft and money laundering linked to their Enlightened Christian Gathering church, allegations they have denied since their dramatic return from South Africa in 2020.

Source: Nationoline


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Mutharika appoints lawyer Gabriel Chembezi as ACB Director

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-President Peter Mutharika has appointed lawyer Gabriel Chembezi as the new Director General of the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB).

A statement from Chief Secretary to the Government Justin Saidi dated October 31, 2025, says the appointment is with immediate effect.

Chembezi:New ACB Director

However, in a separate statement, Saidi announced that the swearing-in ceremony for newly-appointed Cabinet ministers, deputy ministers, and the Attorney General will be held tomorrow at the Bingu International Convention Centre in Lilongwe from 2 pm.

On Friday, President Mutharika opened the 52nd Session of Parliament.


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Malawi Law Society chides Mutharika for appointing suspected “Rotten eggs” into public service

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The Malawi Law Society (MLS) has raised serious concerns over President Peter Mutharika’s appointment of some individuals into high-ranking public offices before they have been cleared of allegations of corruption and other criminal activities.

In a public statement issued on October 29, 2025, the Society warned that such appointments pose a threat to public confidence in the Government’s commitment to uphold the rule of law and combat corruption.

The statement was part of a broader reflection on public expectations following the September 2025 general elections.

According to the MLS, while it recognizes the legal principle that every person is presumed innocent until proven guilty, this presumption should not be used as a shield to justify questionable appointments.

The Society emphasized that leadership positions must be entrusted only to individuals with unquestionable integrity and a clean record.

“Such appointments risk undermining public confidence in the Government’s commitment to the rule of law and its declared stance against corruption,” the Society said, urging authorities to adopt a cautious and principled approach when filling key public roles.

The MLS further stated that the credibility of any administration is reflected in the people it entrusts with public responsibility.

By appointing individuals facing corruption allegations, the government risks sending mixed signals about its seriousness in fighting graft and promoting accountability.

It noted that Malawi continues to struggle with deep-rooted corruption in the public sector, and careless decisions in leadership appointments could weaken the progress made toward integrity and transparency. The Society therefore encouraged the administration to use appointments as an opportunity to rebuild trust between citizens and the government.

The statement also highlighted that anti-corruption efforts require a united and uncompromising front, where no individual or political ally is seen as being above scrutiny.

MLS said this approach will not only strengthen public confidence but also demonstrate the government’s genuine commitment to good governance.

Furthermore, the Society appealed to relevant oversight institutions, including the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) and the Office of the Ombudsman, to remain vigilant and proactive in scrutinizing public appointments and ensuring that merit, not political loyalty, guides decision-making.

The MLS called on all Malawians to demand accountability and uphold integrity in public life, stressing that corruption weakens institutions, deters investment and undermines national development. It said every citizen has a duty to support transparency and ethical leadership.

In conclusion, the Malawi Law Society reiterated its call for a “true zero tolerance attitude” toward corruption, urging the government to ensure that appointments into public office reflect honesty, professionalism and respect for the rule of law.

The Society maintained that lasting reform will only be achieved if the fight against corruption starts from the top.


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Six suspected MCP regime thugs arrested over activist Namiwa, protestors assault

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost) –The Malawi Police Service (MPS) has confirmed the arrest and court appearance of six suspects linked to the violent attack on activist Sylvester Namiwa and the panga wielding assaults on civil servants earlier this year.

The six suspected Malawi Congress Party (MCP) regime thugs appeared before the Principal Resident Magistrate’s Court in Lilongwe on October 27, 2025, facing multiple charges including grievous harm, malicious damage, theft and robbery, according to a statement signed by Deputy Public Relations Officer Superintendent Alfred Chimthere.

“The six suspects have been arrested and appeared before court to answer various criminal charges related to the Namiwa incident and the hacking of civil servants by panga wielding thugs,”
said Superintendent Chimthere.

The accused have been identified as Alfred Daila Kadula aged 43 of Batulen Village, T/A Chiseka in Lilongwe, Joseph Tilibe Gidien 50 years old of Sadya Village, T/A Mbwatalika in Lilongwe,Larneck Mandowa aged 42 of Yoyola Village, T/A Kapeni in Blantyre, Lester Hanleck Aaron Kanjunga 38 years old of Zidana Village, T/A Kwataine in Ntcheu, Howard Hamuza aged 27 of Dothi Village, T/A Mbwatalika in Lilongwe and Mavuto Njuchi 27 years of Ngozi Village, T/A Neno in Neno District.

The police stated that the suspects are connected to different incidents some involving the Salima robbery, while others relate to the Mbowe and Namiwa attacks. All six suspects have been remanded and are expected to reappear in court as the hearings continue.

Superintendent Chimthere reaffirmed the MPS’s commitment to justice and accountability.

“The Malawi Police Service remains committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that all criminal activities are thoroughly investigated and prosecuted,”
he emphasized.

He further urged the public to remain calm and allow the legal process to take its course.

The attack on Namiwa, a well-known governance activist, sparked widespread public outrage and renewed calls for government action against politically motivated violence.

Police investigations are ongoing to uncover the full extent of the crimes and determine whether other individuals were involved in the coordinated attacks.


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Suspected MCP thug Dala Kadula defiles MHRC summon for threatening to kill activist Chimwemwe Mhango

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The suspected Malawi Congress Party (MCP) thug Dala Kadula is reportedly snubbed Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) summons after the Commission received a life threening assault’ complaint from human rights activist Chimwemwe Mhango in March this year.

According to MHRC letter in our possession dated March 21, 2024, Kadula snubbed the commission summon till now when MCP is out of power.

The Maravi Post understands that the victim Mhango, the former Malawi Defence Force (MDF) officer was threatened with a gun after he participated concerned citizens denominations which Bon Kalindo held in Zomba last year.

Following Kadula threats to kill Mhango with a gun at a certain place in Lilongwe, the victim (Mhango) reported the matter to Kawale Police.

Despite Kawale Police issuing summons letter over the matter, Kadula also threatened the officers at that time as he was unattainable hence MHRC contact.

“The Human Rights Commissioni (hereinafter referred to as “the Commission) is in receipt of a complaint by Mr. Chimwemwe Mbeya Mhango (Ntchindi) (hereinafter referred to as the complainant) against yourself.

“The complainant claims that you and a party activist belonging to the Malawi Congress Party: His complaint against you is that you have threatened to kill himm following some work-related disagreements,” reads MHRC letter in part.

“Given the above, the Commission would theretore like to hear your side of the story concerning the above allegations. You are therefore advised to present before the Commis on Thursday 28 March 2024.

“Your cooperation in this matter will be greatly appreciated”, reads MHRC summon letter signed by its Director of Civil and Political Rights Peter Chisi.

This publication understands that Kadula also assaulted the commission messenger upon receiving the letter.

But the commission hinted that “it’s still pursuing the matter”.

When contacted on whether his complaint was sorted, Mhango says, “It’s over a year and some months after I lodged complaint to both Police and MHRC about Kadula threats to kill me.

“I’m still seeking justice from authorities on this matter as the Kadula is a threat to citizens and national security”.

Mhango adds, “Kadula was unattainable during MCP regime. No-one could bother seek support from security agencies despite assaulting others”.

This publication understanKadula is under police custody for being suspected of assaulting Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) members at Mbowe in Lilongwe.

Kadula is said to be leading panga-raiding thugs that kept on terrorising demonstrators against outside President Lazarus Chakwera and MCP leadership.

Kadula is also to have be MCP Secretary General Richard Chimwendo Banda’s errand boy.

With the arrest of Kadula while served with MHRC summon letter, it should be clear warning to youths who are usually used by political parties gurus to assault others.

With the change of leadership, Kadula is now subjected to justice on various assaults he committed under Chakwera-MCP leadership.


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Simplex Chithyola Banda into “shortlived triump” for Kasungu South Constituency over handouts claim: Court ruling November 3

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The storm clouds are gathering over Kasungu South as newly elected Member of Parliament (MP) Simplex Chithyola faces an election petition that could spend his short-lived parliamentary triumph.

The High Court is set to deliver its ruling on November 3, in a case that has sent tremors through Malawi’s political corridors—one that strikes at the heart of the country’s long-running battle against electoral corruption and the use of handouts to buy votes.

At the centre of the storm is Bishop Joe Manguluti, an independent candidate who narrowly lost to Chithyola in the September 16 polls by just over 500 votes.

Manguluti alleges that Chithyola’s victory was not born of popularity or ideas, but of money and manipulation, claiming the Malawi Congress Party legislator distributed cash and gifts to sway voters.

One of handouts for Chithyola

In his court petition, Manguluti paints a disturbing picture of an election tainted by handouts and threats.

He alleges that Chithyola handed out K50,000 and K10,000 to traditional leaders, teachers, and youths during the campaign, warning recipients that their votes could be tracked and that they would have to repay the money if they dared vote otherwise.

“Some voters were threatened that they would be known if they voted for someone else,” Manguluti’s petition reads. “It was not an election—it was intimidation disguised as generosity.”

The claims, if proven, strike at the foundation of Malawi’s democracy, raising uncomfortable questions about whether cash and coercion are now replacing conviction and community service as the ticket to Parliament.

According to the official results, Chithyola won 12,349 votes to Manguluti’s 11,817—a gap so narrow that even small irregularities could prove decisive.

But with the court now examining the case, Chithyola’s seat hangs in the balance, and the November 3 ruling could decide whether Kasungu South goes back to the ballot.

For now, Chithyola remains MP, with Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) lawyer Emmanuel Chapo confirming that no injunction bars him from performing his duties.

But the cloud of uncertainty grows darker by the day.

During the initial hearing, Chithyola’s legal team, led by Wapona Kita, attempted to have the petition thrown out on technical grounds, arguing that Manguluti used the wrong name in the filing—referring to “Simplex Chithyola” instead of his full legal name. The defence also pointed to alleged inconsistencies in sworn statements.

Judge Redson Kapindu, however, adjourned the matter after reprimanding both sides—Manguluti for delaying service of the petition, and Chithyola for failing to file his responses on time. Both have been ordered to pay costs.

The legal wrangling, though procedural, underscores the high stakes and high tension of the case.

For Chithyola, a rising figure in the MCP, the allegations threaten to tarnish not only his personal reputation but also his party’s credibility in upholding clean electoral practices.

Observers say the case reflects a wider crisis in Malawian politics, where handouts and vote-buying have become normalized despite repeated calls for reform.

Civic groups have warned that unless the courts take a firm stand, the practice will entrench a culture of dependency and erode the moral legitimacy of elected leaders.

“This case could become a turning point,” one political analyst noted. “If the court upholds the petition, it will send a strong message that money cannot buy democracy. If it doesn’t, it risks confirming what many Malawians already fear—that elections are for sale to the highest bidder.”

As the date draws closer, tension is mounting in Kasungu South. For Chithyola, the man once celebrated for his grassroots touch, the very acts of generosity that built his brand may now be what unravels it.

Whether the court upholds or nullifies his victory, one thing is certain: the era of handout politics is under scrutiny like never before.

November 3, Malawians will be watching closely—not just to see who wins in Kasungu South, but to see whether the courts will finally draw a bold line between charity and corruption.


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