Update: The nationwide trader shutdown over the new electronic invoicing system has intensified, according to Nyasa Times. Traders in the northern region have closed their shops and threatened street protests, stating they are fighting for their economic survival. On Tuesday, the Malawi Revenue Authority responded by criticising the closures, with the Commissioner General declaring that the tax system is not negotiable. The Mail and Guardian reports that the shutdown exposes a deeper breakdown in trust over how economic reforms are negotiated.
Update: In the ongoing Amaryllis Hotel investigation, the Public Accounts Committee has questioned Chief Secretary Justin Saidi over the failure of former Secretary to the President and Cabinet Colleen Zamba to appear before the inquiry, Nyasa Times reports. The committee noted that her absence raises further questions regarding accountability in the probe. Concurrently, High Court Justice Redson Kapindu has refused to fully unfreeze the bank accounts of Yusuf Investments, which are tied to the hotel dispute, citing the active investigation by the Anti-Corruption Bureau and the Financial Intelligence Authority.
In the energy sector, the Consumers Association of Malawi has warned the government against reviving Power Market Limited. According to Nyasa Times, the consumer rights group cautioned on Monday that bringing back the entity risks driving up electricity tariffs and would cause a continued drain on public resources.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Prophet Shepherd Bushiri has threatened a legal crackdown on individuals manipulating online content, Nyasa Times reports. The statement issued on Tuesday warned of legal action against those targeting and distorting his public image using digital tools.