Face of Malawi

Tributes Pour In As Veteran Photographer Ras Peter Kasengwa Dies

2026-06-19T13:53:36Z

Social media has been flooded with tributes and photographs celebrating the life and work of veteran Malawian photographer Ras Peter Kasengwa following reports of his death.

According to information confirmed by family members, Kasengwa died at Kamuzu Central Hospital where he had been admitted after being taken there on Wednesday for medical treatment.

His youngest son, Sylvate Kasengwa, said his father had been battling health complications affecting his legs and passed away while receiving treatment at the hospital.

Kasengwa had been struggling with health challenges for several years. In 2024, he publicly revealed that he was suffering from a serious illness which affected his right eye and leg. At one point, he travelled to India seeking specialised treatment for his condition.

Known for his contribution to Malawi’s photography industry, Kasengwa built a reputation as one of the country’s respected veteran photographers, capturing countless memorable moments over the years.

Following news of his passing, fellow artists, photographers, media personalities and admirers have taken to social media to share messages of condolence and celebrate his legacy.

Further details regarding funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family.

May his soul rest in peace Ras.

Village Headman Arrested for Defil!ng 17 Year Old Epileptic Girl

2026-06-19T11:23:32Z

Police at Zalewa have arrested Village Headman Mtengula of Neno District for allegedly having sexual intercourse with a 17 year old girl who lives with epilepsy.

Neno Police Station Spokesperson Rebecca Msoliza identified the traditional leader by his real name, Moses Chimutu. She stated that the suspect is believed to have been sexually exploiting the minor repeatedly over a period of five months.

According to Msoliza, the illicit relationship came to light after the victim’s mother discovered her daughter in possession of a K5000 bank note. Upon being questioned by her mother, the teenager revealed that she received the cash from the village headman, who had been routinely forcing himself on her inside his grocery store.

The matter was immediately reported to Zalewa Police, who subsequently referred the young girl to the hospital for medical examination. Medical tests conducted at the facility confirmed that the victim had been sexually assaulted.

Yan Diomande’s Emotional Letter To Late Sister Touches Hearts Worldwide

2026-06-19T09:56:32Z

An emotional letter written by Ivorian footballer Yan Diomande to his late sister, Roxane, has gone viral on social media, moving football fans around the world.

In the heartfelt message, Diomande reflects on his difficult childhood in Côte d’Ivoire, the sacrifices his family made, and the unwavering belief his younger sister had in his football dream long before he became a professional player.

The footballer recalled growing up in a crowded household in Abidjan, watching football late at night, struggling with hunger while attending football academies, and facing numerous setbacks as clubs across Europe repeatedly turned him down.

Despite the disappointments, Diomande said Roxane never stopped believing he would one day become one of the world’s best footballers.

The most painful part of the letter recounts the death of Roxane at the age of 15, shortly after Diomande had made his professional debut against Real Madrid.

According to the player, he received a phone call informing him that his sister had died after allegedly consuming a drink at a party and never waking up.

“Since you died, I’m just blank,” he wrote, describing the devastating impact her death had on his life.

Diomande also revealed that he sends much of what he earns home to support his family and that fame and wealth were never his ultimate goals.

As Côte d’Ivoire prepares for the World Cup, the footballer said every goal, every match, and every achievement is dedicated to the memory of his sister.

“We’re leaving for the World Cup tomorrow. Your brother is going to play for Côte d’Ivoire,” he wrote.

“I will make sure everybody knows your name. Everything I do on a football pitch, it’s for you.”

The emotional tribute has resonated with thousands of football supporters, many describing it as one of the most touching personal stories shared by an athlete in recent years.

Meanwhile, Diomande’s stock continues to rise in world football. Reports indicate that Liverpool FC recently submitted a €100 million bid, including add-ons, to sign the young star from RB Leipzig, but the offer was reportedly rejected.

RB Leipzig are understood to be keen on keeping the player and would only consider offers significantly above the €100 million mark, with a package worth around €120 million believed to be a more realistic valuation.

French champions Paris Saint-Germain and several other top European clubs are also said to be monitoring the situation as interest in the Ivorian sensation continues to grow.

From writing emotional letters to his late sister to attracting nine-figure transfer offers from Europe’s biggest clubs, Yan Diomande’s remarkable journey appears to be only just beginning.

Balaka Police Dismiss Viral Claims of Coffin Maker’s Arrest

2026-06-19T05:50:41Z

Balaka Police have dismissed social media reports claiming that a coffin maker was arrested for allegedly removing intravenous (IV) drips from patients in hospital wards, describing the information as false and misleading.

The police say no such arrest has been made and have urged the public to verify information through official police channels before sharing it.

They have also warned that individuals found spreading false information may face legal action.

The statement was issued by Balaka Police Public Relations Officer, Inspector Gladson M’bumpha.

MERA Slashes Petrol, Diesel and Paraffin Prices

2026-06-19T05:13:01Z

The Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA) has announced a reduction in the pump prices of petrol, diesel and paraffin, effective today, June 19, 2026.

Under the new pricing structure, petrol will now sell at K5,619 per litre, down from K6,209, while diesel has dropped by 5.7 percent to K6,306 per litre from K6,687. Paraffin has also registered a significant decrease, with the pump price falling to K4,771 per litre from K5,709.

In a statement, MERA attributed the price reductions to a decline in international fuel shipping costs and other favourable developments on the global fuel market.

MERA Board Chairperson Lucas Kondowe said the changes have resulted in lower pump prices for the three petroleum products under the Automatic Pricing Mechanism (APM).

The adjustment comes amid easing pressures on the global oil market following recent diplomatic developments involving the United States and Iran.

42 Reported Dead From Sexual Enhancement Drugs In Malawi Since January

2026-06-19T07:05:35Z

At least 42 people have reportedly died between January and June this year from various causes linked to the use of sexual enhancement drugs, according to police figures.

Medical expert Dr. Zaziwe Gunda has warned that while some of the medications can be effective, they should only be prescribed and used under the supervision of qualified health professionals.

Gunda said one of the major concerns is that many users of such drugs often have underlying health conditions, including heart disease and diabetes, which can increase the risk of serious complications.

The warning comes amid growing concern over the widespread availability of sexual enhancement products across the country.

Meanwhile, human rights activist George Jobe has described the situation as worrying, arguing that such medications are being sold too freely despite the potential health risks.

Jobe said products of this nature should be properly regulated and only made available to individuals who have been assessed and advised by medical professionals.

Health experts continue to urge members of the public to seek medical advice before using any sexual enhancement drugs, warning that misuse can lead to severe health complications and, in some cases, death.

Source: Times360Malawi

Man to spend 13 years in jail for raping 16 year old girl in Thyolo

2026-06-19T05:06:56Z

The chief Resident magistrate court in Thyolo has convicted and sentenced a 35 years old Evance Shembani to 14 years imprisonment with hard labour for defiling a 16 years old girl.

State prosecutor, Ishmael Abubast told the court the offence occurred at Chirombo Village under Traditional Authority Chimaliro in Thyolo District.

According to the prosecution , the Victim frequently visited Shembanis household to watch television.

Shembani allegedly took advantage of his wife’s absence and sexually abused the girl .

The abuse came to light on 29 May 2026, when Shembani’s wife caught him in the act with the survivor inside a toilet and immediately reported the matter to the police leading to his arrest.

Medical examinations confirmed that the victim had been subjected to repeated sexual abuse.

During court proceedings, Shembani pleaded guilty to the charge but asked for leniency, citing his family responsibilities and the fact that he supports several orphans.

However, the State sought a stiff sentence, arguing that Shembani had violated the rights of a child he was expected to protect.

In her ruling, Chief Resident Magistrate Shyreen Yona Chirwa concurred with the State’s submissions, emphasizing the gravity of the offence and the need to protect children from abuse.

She subsequently sentenced Shembani to 14 years’ imprisonment with hard labour.

Shembani hails from Chilombo Village under Traditional Authority Chimaliro in Thyolo District.

Man to spend 13 years in jail for raping 16 year old girl in Thyolo

Missing Machinga Medical Assistant Found Dead in Shire River

2026-06-19T04:48:19Z

A 41-year-old medical assistant at Machinga District Hospital, Anda Mwafongo, has been found dead in the Shire River near Liwonde Barrage after being reported missing by his family.

According to Liwonde Police Station Deputy Public Relations Officer Sergeant Liznet Kathumba, Mwafongo disappeared on June 16 after leaving home for Liwonde Holiday Resort and failing to return.

Kathumba said investigations later revealed that Mwafongo had allegedly informed some friends that he intended to throw himself into the river due to stress, prompting a search operation.

His body was discovered floating in the Shire River on Thursday morning and was positively identified by his wife. A postmortem examination conducted at Machinga District Hospital established drowning due to suffocation as the cause of death.

The deceased hailed from Mwentete Village, Traditional Authority Kilupula, in Karonga District.

Old Mutual shakes-up the market, launches Unit Trust Equity Fund

2026-06-18T16:25:43Z

As one way of promoting capital market in the country, Old Mutual Malawi has launched Unit Trust Equity Fund.

Speaking during the official launch of the fund in Blantyre, Reserve Bank of Malawi (RBM) Director of Capital Markets and Microfinance Supervision Khumbo Mtalika, said the initiative provides individuals with an opportunity to support national development and company growth by investing in the capital markets.

RBM Director of Capital Markets and Microfinance Khumbo Mtalika

On his part, Old Mutual Unit Trust Board Chairperson, Alfred Majamanda, said investors will benefit from professional investment management, diversification across different companies and potential returns from their investments.

“The Unit Trust Fund we are introducing today represents our commitment to giving Malawians more opportunities to grow and participate in the economy. It allows individuals to invest in businesses, shares in their growth, and build long-term wealth in structured and sustainable way.

“Importantly, this new fund, the Equity Fund, is part of a broader and well-diversified Unit trust offering. Alongside it, our interest-Bearing Assets Fund provides more stable, income-focused option for investors seeking lower risk and consistent return, while our balanced Funds offers blended approach-combining growth and income to suit investors looking for a middle ground between stability and capital appreciation,” said Majamnda.

The fund allows individuals to invest a minimum of K500,000, which Old Mutual will pool and invest in various companies and projects on behalf of investors.

Malawian Woman Gives Birth While Returning Home From South Africa

2026-06-18T14:43:44Z

One of the Malawians returning from South Africa, Halima Thom from Nsanje District, has given birth while travelling back to Malawi amid the ongoing repatriation of citizens affected by unrest in the neighbouring country.

Thom expressed gratitude to the Malawi Government and security personnel for the assistance and care she received during childbirth, as well as the support being provided to both her and her newborn baby.

Meanwhile, an official from the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DODMA), Charles Matabwa, said the department is doing everything possible to ensure that all returning Malawians receive the necessary assistance and support.

According to authorities, a total of nine buses carrying returnees have arrived in Malawi since yesterday, bringing 753 people back home from South Africa.

Officials have also disclosed that among the returnees are nine pregnant women, highlighting the vulnerability of some of those fleeing the situation in South Africa.

The government, through DODMA and other agencies, continues to coordinate efforts to provide shelter, medical care and other essential services to returning citizens.

Mzimba Court Fines Three Over Illegal Cultivation and Possession of Chamba

2026-06-18T15:01:23Z

The First Grade Magistrate’s Court in Mzimba has ordered three individuals to pay fines totaling over MK1 million for cultivating and possessing Cannabis sativa, locally known as chamba, without a permit.

The trio, Kennedy Mzembe, Emily Jere, and MacDonald Mzembe, were arrested earlier this month after they were found cultivating and possessing the illicit drug at Kankholikoli Village, Emfeni, in the area of Traditional Authority Mabilabo in Mzimba District.

According to Jenda Police Station Public Relations Officer Gladwell Simwaka, the three were convicted after pleading guilty to the charges. They were found with five bags of chamba, each weighing 50 kilograms, and about 195 cannabis plants that were uprooted from the gardens of Kennedy Mzembe and Emily Jere.

In delivering the sentence, First Grade Magistrate Ezekiel Kantikana ordered Kennedy Mzembe to pay a fine of MK600,000 for cultivation and possession, Emily Jere to pay MK250,000 for cultivation, and MacDonald Mzembe to pay MK200,000 for possession, or, in default, serve a nine-month prison sentence.

The three, who pleaded for leniency on the grounds of family responsibilities, had their plea considered by the court during sentencing. They have since paid their respective fines.

88 Arrested Over Theft Of 280 Chickens And Feed Worth K11.5 Million In Lilongwe

2026-06-18T14:42:42Z

Police in Lilongwe have arrested 88 people, including a village headman and eight women, on suspicion of breaking into Central Poultry (CP) Broiler Farm and stealing 280 chickens and 13 bags of chicken feed valued at K11.5 million.

The suspects were arrested on June 18 during a joint operation conducted by officers from the Central West Region, Kanengo, Lumbadzi, and A and C Police Divisions at Chikaola Village under Traditional Authority Chitukula.

According to Central West Region Deputy Public Relations Officer, Sub-Inspector Foster Benjamin, the group is believed to have been involved in a series of thefts targeting the poultry farm.

Benjamin said that on June 6 at around 1:40 a.m., the suspects allegedly broke through the farm’s perimeter wall and stole chicken feed worth more than K1.8 million.

Police investigations further revealed that the same group is also suspected of stealing chickens worth K9.7 million from the farm in earlier incidents.

The total value of the stolen property is estimated at K11.5 million.

All 88 suspects have since been charged with robbery and are expected to appear before court soon.

Police Arrest 88 Suspects Over K11.5 Million Poultry Farm Theft in Lilongwe

2026-06-18T13:42:39Z

Police in Lilongwe have arrested 88 people suspected of involvement in a series of thefts at Central Poultry Broiler Farm, where losses are estimated at K11.5 million.

The arrests were made on Wednesday during a coordinated police operation at Chikaola Village under Traditional Authority Chitukula. Those taken into custody include a village headman and eight women.

Central West Region Police Deputy Public Relations Officer, Foster Benjamin, said investigations connected the suspects to the theft of 280 chickens and 13 bags of animal feed from the farm.

According to Benjamin, one of the reported incidents occurred on June 6, when unidentified individuals allegedly broke into the farm and stole feed valued at more than K1.8 million.

Police say the suspects have been charged with robbery and are expected to appear in court in the coming days as investigations continue.

Man Arrested For Allegedly Posing As Woman To Defraud Men In Mulanje And Phalombe

2026-06-18T07:07:00Z

Police in Mulanje have arrested a 23-year-old man, Daniel Pahuwa Mahiyi, on suspicion of defrauding several men by allegedly posing as a woman.

According to reports, Mahiyi would allegedly present himself as a female sex worker and approach potential clients in Mulanje and Phalombe districts.

Police say that after receiving payment and accompanying the men to lodges or rest houses, he would reportedly excuse himself under the pretext of going to the toilet before disappearing without providing the agreed services.

Following a series of complaints from victims, detectives from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) launched an operation and reportedly posed as potential clients, leading to Mahiyi’s arrest at a local bar.

During the arrest, investigators allegedly discovered that the suspect used pieces of foam to create the appearance of breasts and buttocks in an effort to convince victims that he was a woman.

Police say investigations are continuing and the suspect is expected to appear before court to answer charges related to obtaining money by false pretence.

Authorities have since urged members of the public to exercise caution when dealing with strangers and to report suspected fraud cases to law enforcement agencies.

Primary School Teacher Gets 10 Years Imprisonment for Defiling Standard 8 Student

2026-06-17T13:14:54Z

The Magistrate’s Court in Salima has sentenced a 32 year old primary school teacher, Dunken Phiri, to 10 years imprisonment with hard labour after finding him guilty of defiling a 16 year old Standard 8 student.

State Prosecutor Justice Manolo told the court that on 2 February, the young girl attended afternoon remedial classes at Kapiri Primary School. Around 6:00 PM, Phiri called the student into his office and promised her that he would ensure she passed her upcoming examinations if she consented to sleep with him. The two then went into a nearby maize field, unaware that other students were secretly following them.

According to the prosecution, after realizing that his actions had been discovered, Phiri fled the area. He remained on the run until 23 May, when law enforcement tracked him down and arrested him in Mnema Village.

Appearing in court, Phiri pleaded guilty to the charge of defilement. In his mitigation, he pleaded for leniency, asking the court to hand down a lighter sentence on the grounds that he is a family man with responsibilities.

However, presiding Magistrate Imran Phiri concurred with Prosecutor Manolo’s submissions, stating that as a teacher, the convict had a duty to protect his students instead of abusing them. The Magistrate emphasized that such behavior warrants a harsh penalty and subsequently handed down the 10 year prison sentence to serve as a strong warning to other educators.

Bushiri Offers Transport As Malawians Flee Xenophobic Violence In South Africa

2026-06-17T12:10:38Z

The BBC has reported that South Africa is becoming increasingly unsafe for foreign nationals from other African countries, including Malawi, particularly those without valid immigration documents.

The report comes as a deadline issued by groups involved in anti-foreigner demonstrations draws to a close, heightening fears among migrant communities across parts of the country.

Among those affected is 36-year-old Malawian national Esnat Joseph, who is currently sheltering at a camp housing more than 7,000 displaced people, many of them Malawians who have fled the unrest.

Speaking to the BBC, Joseph said she is living in fear and uncertainty after being forced to leave her home in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, nearly two weeks ago.

The mother of one-year-old triplets was seen comforting her children at the camp as displaced families continue to grapple with difficult living conditions and an uncertain future.

Meanwhile, Shepherd Bushiri has announced plans to assist affected Malawians. In a social media post on Tuesday night, Bushiri said preparations were underway to deploy 10 buses to South Africa to help transport Malawians wishing to return home.

“Preparing 10 buses to go and get our people in South Africa. Let’s stand together and help our people!” Bushiri wrote.

The situation continues to raise concerns over the safety and welfare of foreign nationals in South Africa, with humanitarian organisations and community leaders calling for protection and support for those displaced by the violence and threats.

Two Arrested in Lilongwe with 360 Litres of Prohibited Pesticides

2026-06-17T12:05:34Z

Lilongwe Police have arrested two men and seized 360 litres of prohibited pesticides at the ARET roadblock after the suspects allegedly attempted to evade a police checkpoint.

The suspects, identified as Chancy Banda, 30, and Steve Banda, 23, were intercepted on June 16 while travelling from Mchinji to Lilongwe.

Lilongwe Police Publicist Inspector Hastings Chigalu said police pursued the vehicle and forced it to stop after the driver allegedly ignored orders at the checkpoint.

He said officers recovered cartons containing prohibited pesticides known as Lava and Roach.

The suspects are expected to appear in court after the chemicals are inspected by the Pesticides Control Board.

Man Netted For Chewing 15 Year-old Girl at A Rest House in Dzaleka Refugee Camp

2026-06-17T11:23:21Z

Police in Dowa have arrested a 36 year old man, Aubrey Kabango, for allegedly defiling a 15 year old girl at a rest house within the Dzaleka Refugee Camp.

Dowa Police Station Spokesperson Sub Inspector Alice Sitima confirmed the arrest, stating that the suspect was apprehended following a complaint lodged by the victim’s mother, alongside tips from well-wishers who alerted law enforcement about the rest house where the man had taken the teenager.

According to Sitima, police officers rushed to the scene and caught the suspect with the minor inside the rest house. Law enforcement immediately took the young girl to Dzaleka Health Centre for a medical examination, where hospital results subsequently confirmed that she had been defiled.

The suspect, Aubrey Kabango, comes from Mchepa Village under Senior Chief Chitukula in Lilongwe District. He is expected to appear in court soon to answer charges of defilement.