The African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights in Arusha, Tanzania, delivered a default judgment against the Republic of Malawi, ruling that the state violated the basic fair trial rights of two citizens. The case, brought by Kambeyo Ka-Kaunda and Emmie Chenda Mkandawire, centered on procedural failures and illegible court records stemming from a 16-year land dispute. According to a September 25 statement from the Pan African Lawyers Union, the September 24 ruling applied Article 7 regarding the right to a reasoned appellate decision. The court ordered Malawi to overhaul its record management and submit regular compliance reports.
Police in Mponela, Dowa District, arrested two men on September 26 after they were allegedly found in possession of a live pangolin. According to Mponela Police Public Relations Officer Sergeant Macpatson Msadala, detectives detained 37-year-old Mariam Gilo and 32-year-old Mphatso Henry following a tip-off that the suspects were offering the protected species for sale at Madisi Trading Centre. Authorities recovered the live animal hidden inside a laptop bag and are arranging to hand it over to the Department of National Parks and Wildlife for species verification. The suspects are expected to appear in court once investigations conclude.
Kanengo Police arrested two women in Lilongwe on September 24 in connection with a suspected shoplifting spree in Area 25. Malawi24 reports that 34-year-old Martha Mbewe and 31-year-old Angella Banda allegedly stole clothes and baby supplements estimated at K700,000 from two local businesses before being apprehended by a shop owner and community members during a third attempt at Gulaye. A third accomplice reportedly escaped the scene. Kanengo Police spokesperson Macfarlen Mseteka confirmed the suspects are in custody and will face charges in court once paperwork is finalized.