The High Court of Malawi has ruled that the Chief Secretary lacks the legal authority to redeploy police officers, according to Nyasa Times. Justice William Msiska declared that only the Police Service Commission holds the mandate to transfer or assign officers. The ruling stems from a dispute over the reassignment of four senior police commissioners to non-operational roles earlier this year. The government is reportedly planning to appeal the decision.
Update: As repatriation efforts continue, President Peter Mutharika held telephone talks with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa during his private visit to Pretoria, Nyasa Times reports. Minister of Foreign Affairs George Chaponda confirmed the leaders discussed measures for an orderly return of undocumented Malawians facing xenophobia threats. Meanwhile, according to Malawi24, a Mzuzu youth caucus has petitioned Homeland Security Minister Peter Mukhito to introduce a K2 million travel bond to deter non-essential travel to South Africa, warning that hundreds of citizens are still crossing the border daily and straining emergency evacuation resources.
Update: The recent protocol dispute involving the delegation of presidential duties has sparked a constitutional debate. According to Nyasa Times, constitutional lawyer Bright Theu argued that while the President breached public expectations and protocol by sending a Cabinet minister to represent him at an event attended by the vice presidents, the action did not violate the law. Theu cited Section 89 of the Constitution, which grants the President broad powers to delegate functions to government officials.
In other political developments, former President Bakili Muluzi stated that Malawi's democratic transition remains unfinished without economic progress, according to Nyasa Times. Reflecting on the anniversary of the 1993 multiparty referendum, Muluzi urged leaders to prioritise economic liberalisation, noting that political freedoms alone are insufficient while millions remain trapped in poverty.