Thyolo Restores 608 ha of Banana
Agriculture authorities in Thyolo have admitted that banana revamping drive is facing challenges with only 608 hectares restored over the years of the 3, 738 hectares.
Thyolo District Council Needs Resources to Relocate Sambambidzi Freddy Survivors
Thyolo district commissioner Hudson Kuphanga says they are looking for resources to relocate Cyclone Freddy survivors in Sambambidzi area, Traditional Authority Changata that are returning to the disaster-prone site.
LifeCo Ready to Popularize New Pensions Act
LifeCo Insurance Company says it has taken a step in popularizing the new Pensions Act of 2023 for people to understand and fully benefit from it.
Experts Suggest Ways to Maximise Borehole Water
Experts in the Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) sector have proposed for stakeholders in the sector to find ways of ensuring multiple use of the borehole water.
5 Convicted for Assaulting Nurse
Thyolo First grade magistrate Kondani Chinangwa has ordered five men who assaulted Thyolo district hospital nurse to serve a 20 months jail term or pay a combined K250, 000 fine.
Pathologist and Police Investigator Testify in Mzimba Human Trafficking Case
State in Mzuzu Thursday October 19th paraded fourth and fifth witnesses in a case related to the discovery of a mass grave of 30 migrants at Mtangatanga forest in Mzimba last year.
The two a police criminal investigations officer for Mzimba police Baxter Mkumbwa and Pathologist Profffesor George Liomba appeared before
Judge Gladys Gondwe where they amongst other things provided evidence that the victims did not die a natural death.
First to testify was Mkumbwa who narrated how he learnt about the mass grave from the people that reported at Mzimba police station, and also tendered in court as evidence some of the items he picked from crime scene as evidence.
“We visited the crime scene and we found bodies in a decomposed state, some half buried in the mass grave. I also picked a few items that were on the scene including pieces of papers containing foreign phone numbers purportedly Ethiopian, bank deposit slip of an Ethiopian bank, an identity card with Arabic scribblings, a wrist watch and aluminum piece of motor vehicle,” he told the court, while also exhibiting the items.
However, during cross-examination the defense team wanted to know if indeed the contacts he saw were of Ethiopia numbers, which Mkumbwa confirmed he verified them using an undisclosed person.
Second witness Dr George Liomba in his testimony said he conducted an autopsy on 30 dead bodies that were in a decomposed state and infested with magots.
He told the court that the bodies had similar traits as they were all tall, slim, male adults between the ages of 25-45, and that 27 of the bodies wore dark trousers, while some only had no shirts.
The court was sent in chills when part of the report was telecasted showing pictures of dead bodies and part of the tissue that was examined to prove death was due to suffocation with Carbon Monoxide as a contributing factor.
“After examining the bodies we established there was no organ disease and no evidence of physical trauma. With the presence of magots we determined the bodies must have been in the forest for three to five days,” said Liomba
He however, said an autopsy conducted on internal organs of the five of the dead bodies revealed cherry red tissue which he said indicates presence of carbon monoxide.
He said they concluded the people did not die a natural death but death was due to suffocation with carbon monoxide.
A heated and interesting cross-examination ensued when defence lawyer Kolezi Phiri quizzed Liomba to clarify how he thinks organs can only turn cherry as a result of carbon monoxide infestation, but Liomba refused to conduct a medical lecture in court and referred the defence to google.
Judge Gladys Gondwe has since set November 27th to 30th November for continuation of trial, where defence will continue to parade more of its 14 witnesses.
Those answering the charges are Tadikila mafudza, Samuel Navaya, David Luhanga, Thomas Kazembe, Duncan Kalulu, Boniface Ngulube, Aubrey Dukes and Arnold Mwakiyelu
Ends.
Neno Develops New Contingency Plan
The Neno district council has a new contingency plan which will among other things help to mitigate the impacts of climate disastrous hazards in the district.
Health Expert Speaks on Kombucha
A public health expert has tipped both manufacturers and the Malawi Bureau of Standards to ensure that they play their rightful roles in sensitising consumers of the products available on the market.
CADECOM, PLAN International Vow to Fight Human Trafficking in Malawi
Two organizations, Plan International Malawi and Catholic Development Commission in Malawi, (CAEDCOM) have cited poverty and lack of economic opportunities among citizens as key factors that are fueling trafficking in persons (TIP) in the country.
Constituents Hope for Improved Development Following Re-Demarcation
Communities from Group Village Haedman Kwanjana Senior Chief Vumbwe in Thyolo North constituency have expressed optimism of improved development in the area following the decision by the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) to re-demarcate the area.
Escom Still Sourcing Materials for Reconstruction of Power Lines
The power utility body, Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM) says re-construction of power lines that were damaged by Tropical Cyclone Freddy (TCF) early this year will commence once importation of the materials is finalized.
Motor Cyclist Dies in Ntchisi Accident
By Henderson Charles Msusa
A 40-year-old motor cyclist identified as Timiton Kapangama, has died after being hit by a motor vehicle in Ntchisi District.
Ntchisi Police Public Relations Officer Glory Kondowe, said the accident occurred on Sunday night around 19:30 hours at Nkhwere Village along the Nkhotakota- Kasungu M18 road.
"The vehicle registration number NS 4590 Toyota Sienta driven by Tamandani Magombo was coming from the direction of Nkhotakota heading towards Malomo with four passengers on board."
“Upon arrival at the said Village, the driver lost control of the vehicle and ended up hitting Kapamanga who sustained severe head injuries and was rushed to Malomo Health Centre where he was pronounced dead upon arrival,” she added.
Kapangama hailed from Makwaule village in the area of Traditional Authority Chilooko in the same district.
Mazani Unveils "Mulenji" EP
Local R&B artist Mazani is set to captivate his fanbase once more with his second project called "Mulenji".
"Mulenji," a title that resonates with mystery and allure, perfectly expresses the depth and diversity of Mazani's artistic vision.
"The EP takes listeners on an immersive musical odyssey, exploring themes of love, passion, and self-discovery," he said.
According to Mazani, at the heart of "Mulenji" is "Tikafike" a single that beckons audiences to embark on a profound journey through the labyrinth of love.
He said, "Tikafike is an anthem that speaks to the heart. This track is the soulful overture to an EP that promises to be a rich mosaic of emotions and experiences."
The EP effortlessly weaves a tapestry of genres, fusing R&B, soul, and traditional elements.
Each song in the EP is a testament to his ability to evoke raw emotions and connect with listeners on a deep, personal level.
Mulenji is a seven tracked EP and will have two lead singles out before the final release.
Friends of Kamoto Donates Exercise Books, Food in Mulanje
A local grouping in Mulanje, Friends of Kamoto, has underscored the need to ensure that children are completing the education cycle.
Luchenza Alumni Respond to Shortage of Mattresses
Alumni of Luchenza Secondary School have launched a "buy a mattress campaign" on their Whatsapp forum in response to media reports that the school which is in Luchenza Municipality has only 270 mattresses against the required 600 mattresses.
Equatorial Insurance Brokers Takes Financial Literancy Education to Secondary Schools
An insurance firm, Equatorial Insurance Brokers has embarked on a campaign of sensitizing secondary school learners of various financial literacy programmes aimed at equipping them with skills and knowledge about the financial sector in the country.
Managing Director of the Company Thomas Ronald Kambale has told Zodiak Online that his institution has initiated what is being called the Mwana wa Nzeru Insurance Services Literacy programme targeting the secondary school learners to gain information that they can share with their parents and guardians and their communities.
“We have noted that knowledge uptake about financial services is going down in Malawi. And we hope that with this arrangement, we can allow more people to understand this approach and effectively use it,” said Kambale.
He added: “We are advocating for mindset change towards financial services. We are not talking about insurance services only, but all financial services in general. This shall include banking, Online transactions, and pensions among others.”
“Since we already have expertise and human resources, we would like to reach out to 80 percent of secondary schools in the country in the next 5 years”.
Financial literacy focuses on the ability to manage personal finance effectively, which requires experience in making appropriate personal finance choices, such as savings, insurance, real estate, college payments, budgeting, retirement and tax planning.
Already the institution has taken its sensitization to learners at Wukani Education Facility School in Mzuzu.
During the activity, the learners were exposed to various financial literacy circles. The initiative coincided with the opening of the company’s regional offices in Mzuzu.
A form four student at the school Fyaupi Msukwa who aspires of becoming a successful businessperson after completing his education, says such knowledge is mostly not readily for young people like him. He says that there is a need for the organisation to reach out to more schools so that other learners can also benefit.
“Government and other stakeholders are propagating for Malawi Agenda 2023. If this needs to be achieved, the youthful generation should be taken through various concepts on financial literacy programmes. Just like Mwana wa Nzeru initiave. This will help us to grow knowing about this sector," said Fyaupi.
Malawi is one of the countries in Africa with low uptake of financial services programmes.