45 Malawian nationals deported in Mozambique

Immigration authorities in Mozambique have deported 45 Malawian nationals through Mwanza border. The 26 men, 17 women and two minors were arrested whilst in transit to and from South Africa. 38 of them used unchartered routes to leave the country.

32-year-old kabaza operator killed in road accident in Mangochi

A 32-year-old man in Mangochi has died after hitting the rear part of a motor vehicle which was in motion at Mangochi main roundabout.

The deceased has been identified as Gift Chinkwezule from Howe Village, Traditional Authority Mlumbe in Zomba District.

According to deputy publicist for Mangochi Police Station, Sub Inspector Amina Tepani Daudi, the accident, happened Saturday evening,

August 1 and involved a motor vehicle, Toyota Sienta, registration number SA6574 driven by Robert Charles(35).

Charles was driving from the direction of Monkey-Bay and heading Mangochi Boma. Upon arrival at the main roundabout, he entered the roundabout side by side with another vehicle, a Toyota Fielder, registration number RU8564 driven by Hastings Kaenda(18).

The two drivers did not give way hence the Kabaza operator (now deceased) who was cycling from the Admarc Road ended up hitting the rear part of the Toyota Sienta.

“Following the impact, the cyclist sustained a deep cut on the neck and died while receiving treatment at Mangochi District Hospital,” said Daudi.

Both drivers have been arrested and are in police custody awaiting court proceedings.

The police appeal to all road users, especially drivers to always follow road safety measures to avoid accidents on the roads of Malaw

British woman goes on trial in Malaysia for stabbing her 'abusive' husband to death

A British woman has gone on trial in Malaysia for stabbing her husband to death as she makes a desperate bid to avoid the death penalty.

Samantha Jones, 51, could be sentenced to death by hanging if she is found guilty of 'murder with intent' for stabbing husband John, 63, to death at their home on the island of Langkawi in 2018.

Her legal team want the charge downgraded to manslaughter, which carries a maximum penalty of 30 years, saying she acted in self-defence after suffering years of physical abuse.

Former Nyasa Big Bullets, Dwangwa United goalkeeper Trust Linda Dies

Former Nyasa Big Bullets and Dwangwa United goalkeeper Trust Linda has passed away this morning. Dwangwa United coach Ladwell Mbetewa confirmed of the development, saying Lunda’s burial will take place today at his home in Nkhotakota District.

Lunda had been struggling with cancer for a long time and had his leg amputated at some point because of the problem. For years, he was Bullets’ first choice goalkeeper and endeared himself to the people’s army (Bullets supporters) especially for saving spot kicks.

WHO says COVID-19 is a 'once-in-a-century health crisis and its effects will be felt for decades to come'

The World Health Organization on Saturday warned the coronavirus pandemic was likely to be 'lengthy' and that is effects would be felt far into the future after its emergency committee met to evaluate the crisis six months after sounding the international alarm.

The committee 'highlighted the anticipated lengthy duration of this COVID-19 pandemic,' the WHO said in a statement, and warned of the risk of ‘response fatigue’ given the socioeconomic pressures on countries.

The panel gathered Friday for the fourth time over the coronavirus crisis, half a year on from its January 30 declaration of a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) - the WHO's highest level of alarm.

‘WHO continues to assess the global risk level of COVID-19 to be very high,’ it said following the meeting.

The world’s longest-surviving face transplant patient has died, 12 years after groundbreaking surgery to rebuild her features

The world’s longest-surviving face transplant patient has died, 12 years after groundbreaking surgery to rebuild her features after a murder attempt by her husband.

Connie Culp, who was the first recipient of a face transplant in the United States, died of an unspecified infection unrelated to her transplant. She was 57.

“Connie was an incredibly brave, vibrant woman and an inspiration to many,” said Dr Frank Papay, chairman of Cleveland Clinic’s Dermatology and Plastic Surgery Institute in Ohio.

“She was a great pioneer and her decision to undergo a sometimes daunting procedure is an enduring gift for all of humanity,” he added.

Mrs Culp was shot in 2004 by Thomas Culp, her husband, who, thinking he had killed her, turned his shotgun on himself. 

Fifa president Gianni Infantino will remain in the role while he is a subject of a criminal investigation

Fifa president Gianni Infantino will remain in the role while he is a subject of a criminal investigation.

Last week, prosecutors in Switzerland launched legal proceedings against Infantino in relation to an alleged secret meeting he held with the Swiss attorney general Michael Lauber.

Both men have denied any wrongdoing.

Football's world governing body Fifa, which is based in Zurich, said the meetings were "routine" and "nothing remotely criminal has happened".

"There was and is absolutely no reason to open any investigation," it added.

"There is nothing at all to suggest any form of criminal wrongdoing."

Lauber resigned last week after a court said he covered up the meetings and lied to supervisors during an investigation by his office into corruption surrounding Fifa.

Special prosecutor Stefan Keller was appointed in June to review criminal complaints against the two men and others.

Muslims slaughter cattle, camels and sheep in bloody sacrifice to celebrate Eid al-Adha

Muslims around the world continue to celebrate Eid al-Adha as they slaughter livestock amid scaled back festivities because of the coronavirus pandemic. 

Today marks the second of the four-day Feast of the Sacrifice, which coincides with the last days of the Hajj in Saudi Arabia.

Eid al-Adha commemorates Muslims' belief that prophet Abraham was willing to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God, before God replaced his son with a ram to be sacrificed instead.

Many Muslims who can afford it sacrifice cattle as part of the celebrations, as well as camels, goats, sheep or rams.

The meat is distributed to the poor to commemorate the prophet Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son, but the economic crisis means that many cannot afford livestock. 

Rule of the sacrifice include that the animal can only be slaughtered after the Eid prayer, and that is has to be an adult at the time it is slaughtered. 

Water should also be offered to the animal before the time of the slaughter, and every animal that is sacrificed must be completely healthy without any physical defects. 

The coronavirus has cast a shadow over this Eid, with fears of another spike in infections prompting authorities to warn people to minimise movement, avoid cattle markets and refrain from public gatherings to witness the slaughter of sacrificial animals.

Angry mob kills man who robbed motorcycle at a gunpoint

An angry mob in Lilongwe on Thursday beat to death a man who robbed a motorcycle at a gunpoint.

The incident occurred in the afternoon in Katete Farm Forest along Bypass road.

It is said the suspected robber hired a motorcycle kabaza at Chinsapo 1 claiming he was heading to Chimutu.

The motorcyclist, Innocent Rajab, 20, set off and got to Katete but he was immediately ambushed by his 'client.'

The 'client' jumped off and grabbed the key from the ignition before pointing a pistol on the operator.

The robber just pushed the bike and failed to ride it, prompting the owner to shout for help.

A mob came out and started stoning the robber who reportedly abandoned the motorbike.

The irate mob went after and assaulted him to death.

Police got informed and rushed to the scene and  recovered a pistol which was not loaded.

They took the unuidentified suspect's body to Kamuzu Central Hospital for postmortem.

Meanwhile, police have urged the public to desist from taking justice into their own hands.
Sergeant Foster Benjamin
Deputy Public Relations Officer
Lilongwe Police Station

Goat thief re-arrested after escaping custody

Police in Dowa have rearrested a 19-year-old man for allegedly escaping from lawful custody and stealing goats.

the man escaped from police on July 27 2020 when he was about to take a plea to a goat theft charge at Dowa First Grade Magistrate's Court presided by First Grade Magistrate Amran Phiri.

When the suspect was untied and was about to enter into the accused persons dock, he jumped over and ran away to unknown destination.

police launched a manhunt for the suspect until on Friday July 31, 2020 when he was rearrested at a place where he was hiding.

the suspect has been identified as MacDonald Mike Symon from Toyoyo Village in the area of Traditional Authority Chitukula in Lilongwe District.

He will appear before court on Monday August 3, 2020 where he will answer two charges of escaping from lawful custody and theft of goats.

Two arrested over the death of Chinese national

The Limbe police are keeping in custody two men for allegedly being involved in the murder of a Chinese national at Mudi residential area.

The two suspects are identified as Enock Muyala aged 38 and Rabson Phaweni aged 30.

The Chinese national, Ji Zhifan, 54, was brutally murdered on June 29, this year, around 2pm at a warehouse where he was staying alone.

According to Limbe police spokesperson Patrick Mussa, the deceased's mobile phone, cash and passport were found intact right at the scene

Govt to roll out Affordable Farm Inputs Programme

Minister of Agriculture Lobin Lowe has said about 4,279, 100 smallholder farming households have been earmarked to benefit from the Affordable Inputs Programme which will roll out in the coming farming season.

Lowe said if the inputs are used for the intended purpose, the country may have surplus maize of about 2.48 million metric tonnes.

Lowe added that the Ministry has cleaned the database that the Ministry had and plans to work with National Registration Bureau and E+government in the management of beneficiaries and supply of the inputs.

Man in custody for possessing medical drugs illegally

Police at Nkhunga in Nkhotakota have arrested a 36 year old man Wiskes Chikweya for possessing medical drugs and operating a drug store without permit.

His arrest comes against a background of a case where unknown criminals between the month of June and July broke into Ngala Health Center where they went away with assorted medical drugs and supplies.

Essau Nkhunga police publicist said upon raiding his shop on July 30, 2020 the police have managed to seize assorted medical drugs.

Among others, the drugs found are LA,ndocide capsules, Amoxicillin capsules, Fragyl tables, Bactrim tablets and Diclofenaec.

According to Essau, the police are currently waiting for medical personnel to check if the recovered drugs are the ones that were stolen at Ngala health center in the district.

Wiskes Chikweya who comes from Mombo village T/A Nkhumba in Phalombe district will appear in court soon.

-MIJ-

Marine dies and eight missing after training mission off California

A marine has died and eight are missing after a training mission went wrong off the coast of Southern California.

Search and rescue efforts are underway to find the missing men with support from the Navy and Coast Guard in the US.

Two other marines were also injured in the mission which took place on Thursday.

All are assigned to the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU).

The MEU has a command element, a reinforced infantry battalion, a composite helicopter squadron and a combat logistics battalion.

Computers stolen at Central Internal Audit Unit offices

Thieves have stolen 23 computers at Central Internal Audit Unit offices, days after President Lazarus Chakwera claimed that over K1 trillion was stolen from government coffers.

Director of the office, Dickson Chasambira, broke into the offices at Gemini House last night.

The office conducts routine sets of audit of all public offices before a comprehensive audit exercise by the National Audit Office(NAO).

It was not, however, clear what kind of information the thieves want in the computers.

The theft comes after Chakwera on Saturday claimed that over K1 trillion was stolen during the Peter Mutharika administration. Chakwera came up with the estimate after analyzing a report by the Auditor General for the year ending June 30.

The president assured Malawians that his government will ensure that people involved in plunder under previous administrations or in future are not protected or forgiven but

Three teenagers jailed over police officer's death

Three teenagers have been jailed over the killing of PC Andrew Harper.

Henry Long, 19, and Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers, both 18, had denied murder. Long admitted manslaughter and his co-accused were found guilty of the same offence by a jury at the Old Bailey in central London last week.

Long was sentenced to 16 years in prison, and Bowers and Cole handed jail terms of 13 years each.

PC Harper was dragged for a mile behind their car, after he tried to stop the group towing away a quad bike, stolen from outside a house in Berkshire in August last year.

The judge, Mr Justice Edis, said on Friday his role was to impose a sentence against the teenagers responsible for PC Harper's death which reflected "the seriousness of this case and protects the public".

First dog to test positive for coronavirus dies

The first ever dog to test positive for coronavirus in the US has died.

The seven-year-old German shepherd named Buddy from Staten Island in New York, passed away after a three-month illness battle.

Two vets, who had not treated Buddy, but reviewed his medical records for National Geographic, told the publication that the dog probably had cancer.

It is unclear if Buddy died from complications connected to the killer virus or lymphoma he may have had, National Geographic reports.

The magazine reported: "It's unclear whether cancer made him more susceptible to contracting the coronavirus, or if the virus made him ill, or if it was just a case of coincidental timing."

Buddy's owner Robert Mahoney tested positive for Covid-19 in the spring and when the dog fell ill in April he suspected he had the virus too.

However it wasn't until mid-May that the family found a vet who was prepared to test him.

The test confirmed Buddy was infected with the virus.

Mr Mahoney's wife Allison told the National Geographic: "You tell people that your dog was positive, and they look at you (as if you have) ten heads."

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer urges Man Utd to act quickly on Sancho

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has urged Man Utd to act quickly in their pursuit of Jadon Sancho in order to avoid a repeat of last summer.

The United boss was forced to wait until just days before the 2019/20 season kicked off to land primary transfer target Harry Maguire from Leicester.

Man City had been rivalling them for the defender's signature until they were blown out of the water by United's £80million bid.

A move for Sancho looks on the cards this summer, but United are approaching the deal with a similar caution to how they did with Maguire.

ESPN report that United believe they can push Sancho's valuation down to closer to the £80m mark as there are no other clubs believed to be chasing the Borussia Dortmund star.

Man who killed Ugandas rare gorilla sentenced to 11 years

A Ugandan man who pleaded guilty to killing a rare silverback gorilla was condemned to 11 years in prison on Thursday.

A 25-year-old male gorilla named Rafiki was found dead in June at the Bwindi National Park in Uganda. Rafiki was the dominant male in a family of 17 mountain gorillas.

The suspect told investigators that he killed the gorilla in self-defense.

About one thousand mountain gorillas live in protected areas in Congo, Uganda and Rwanda.

Tourism in national parks brings critical funds to protect the animals, but since the coronavirus pandemic, the industry has collapsed, and concerns about how to protect vulnerable animals are rising.

Mountain gorillas are now critically endangered due to the surge of illegal hunting.

Africa COVID-19: 874,036 cases; 18,498 deaths; 524,557 recoveries

There are now more than over 870,000 confirmed cases of coronavirus across the continent, with a number of African countries imposing a range of prevention and containment measures against the spread of the pandemic.

According to the latest data by the John Hopkins University and Africa Center for Disease Control on COVID-19 in Africa, the breakdown remains fluid as countries confirm cases as and when. As of May 13, every African country had recorded an infection, the last being Lesotho.

We shall keep updating this list largely sourced from the John Hopkins University tallies, Africa CDC and from official government data.

• Confirmed cases = 874,036
• Active cases = 330,981
• Recoveries = 524,557
• Number of deaths = 18,498

Countries in alphabetical order

• Algeria – 28,615
• Angola – 1,000
• Benin – 1,770
• Botswana – 739
• Burkina Faso – 1,105
• Burundi – 378
• Cameroon – 17,179
• Cape Verde – 2,354
• Central African Republic – 4,599
• Chad – 926
• Comoros – 354
• Congo-Brazzaville – 3,200
• DR Congo – 8,873
• Djibouti – 5,068
• Egypt – 92,947
• Equatorial Guinea – 3,071
• Eritrea – 265
• Eswatini – 2,404
• Ethiopia – 15,200
• Gabon – 7,189
• (The) Gambia – 326
• Ghana – 34,406
• Guinea – 7,126
• Guinea-Bissau – 1,954
• Ivory Coast – 15,713
• Kenya – 18,581
• Lesotho – 505
• Liberia – 1,177
• Libya – 3,017
• Madagascar – 10,104
• Malawi – 3,709
• Mali – 2,520
• Mauritania – 6,249
• Mauritius – 344
• Morocco – 21,387
• Mozambique – 1,720
• Namibia – 1,917
• Niger – 1,132
• Nigeria- 41,804
• Rwanda – 1,926
• Sao Tome and Principe – 867
• Senegal – 9,805
• Seychelles – 114
• Sierra Leone – 1,786
• Somalia – 3,212
• South Africa – 459,761
• South Sudan – 2,305
• Sudan – 11,496
• Tanzania – 509
• Togo – 896
• Tunisia – 1,468
• Uganda – 1,135
• Zambia – 5,002
• Zimbabwe – 2,817