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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MCP Secretary General Richard Chimwendo’s health is deteriorating in prison

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LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Opposition Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Secretary General Richard Chimwendo’s health is deteriorating at Maula Prison in the capital Lilongwe.

Chimwendo lawyer George Jivason Kadzipatike says “My client is suffering”.

Kadzipatike added that the Dowa East lawmaker is yet to be charged.

He expressed worrisome on the bail ruling delays, which Justice Mzondi Mvula promised to deliver via email, has yet to come.

Kadzipatike says, “We are still waiting for the bail ruling up to now. I keep checking my mail box but the ruling is yet to come.

“My client continues to suffer unlawful detention as the State has not formally charged him before any Court. He has been in custody for over three weeks, having surrendered himself to police on 12 December, 2025.His health is deteriorating.”

Chimwendo Banda is accused of attempted murder on Frank Chiwanda in 2022 in Dowa District.

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Balaka’s woman Rhoda Amos arrested for illegal ammunition, pistol possession

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BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The Malawi Police Service in Balaka are keeping in custody a 55 year old woman, Rhoda Amos for allegedly possessing a pistol and seven rounds of ammunition without a permit.

Balaka Police Station Publicist Gladson M’bumpha said the suspect Amos was arrested on January 1, 2026 at Lupanga Village, Traditional Authority (T.A) Nsamala following a tip-off.

“The house of the suspect was raided and upon searching in her house, it was discovered that the unidentified Pistol and seven ammunitions were hidden in the sack bag whilst wrapped with a plastic jumbo,” explained M’bumpha

M’bumpha added that the suspect revealed that the gun was sent to her by her son, currently in Johannesburg, South Africa, concealed inside a subwoofer.

The suspect is expected to appear before court soon to answer charges of illegal possession of a firearm.

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Mutharika pardons 222 inmates for Christmas, New Year celebrations

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BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The Ministry of Homeland Security announced on January 1, 2026, that President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika has granted pardon to 222 prisoners as part of the 2025 Christmas and New Year festive season amnesty.

The release was authorized under Section 89(2) of the Constitution of the Republic of Malawi, which empowers the President to exercise clemency.

In the official statement issued from Capital Hill, Lilongwe, the Ministry said the amnesty targets qualified prisoners who have served half of their sentences.

The beneficiaries include convicted prisoners, the elderly, female inmates, and those who are chronically ill.

The move is intended to provide relief during the festive season and reflects the government’s humanitarian approach to justice.

President Mutharika’s decision aligns with traditional holiday practices in Malawi, where seasonal pardons are used to decongest prisons and offer second chances to eligible inmates.

The general amnesty is also seen as a gesture of compassion toward vulnerable groups within the correctional system, such as the elderly and sick, who may face heightened health risks in prison environments.

The Ministry emphasized that the presidential pardon is part of ongoing efforts to balance justice with mercy, encouraging rehabilitation and social reintegration of former offenders. While the release reduces prison populations temporarily, authorities have assured that public safety will be maintained by focusing on prisoners who have demonstrated good behavior and met legal criteria for early release.

This year’s amnesty follows similar festive pardons in previous years, which have been praised for promoting national unity and humanitarian values during holiday celebrations.

The government hopes the gesture will inspire community support for reintegrating released individuals into society, reducing recidivism through rehabilitation programs.

The announcement has been welcomed by human rights groups and civil society organizations in Malawi, who view the amnesty as a positive step toward prison reform and humane treatment of inmates.

However, some legal experts have called for broader systemic reforms to address overcrowding and conditions in Malawi’s correctional facilities beyond seasonal measures.

The presidential amnesty will be implemented immediately, with the Ministry of Homeland Security coordinating the release process to ensure smooth transitions for the affected prisoners.

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