A Malawian High Court has backed the Ombudsman's decision to disqualify two shortlisted candidates for the role of Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) director. According to legal journalist Carmel Rickard, Judge Simeon Mdeza upheld Ombud Grace Malera's findings that the candidates, Hillary Chilomba and Oscar Taulo, did not meet the statutory minimum requirements for the position. The ruling prolongs the leadership vacancy at the ACB, as the bureau has been led by temporary appointees since Martha Chizuma left the post in March 2024.
Update: The ACB has officially intervened to probe the controversial National Oil Company of Malawi (NOCMA) fuel contract linked to barred businessman Zuneth Sattar. Nyasa Times reports that the bureau confirmed it is actively investigating the matter following a formal complaint by the Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives. The civil rights group demanded an inquiry into allegations that NOCMA engaged Savari, a company allegedly associated with Sattar despite his ongoing corruption cases and suspension from public contracts.
Update: The parliamentary inquiry into the K128.7 billion Amaryllis Hotel deal has expanded with new testimonies and regulatory actions. According to Nyasa Times and Nation Online, the Reserve Bank of Malawi traced K72.6 billion related to the deal and fined the involved trustees for compliance breaches. During the ongoing Public Accounts Committee hearings, former State House Chief of Staff Prince Kapondamgaga formally denied any role in the transaction, while the Public Service Pension Trust Fund boss accused Nico Asset Managers CEO Daniel Dunga of lying.
In other crime news, advocates are warning of a renewed wave of offenses targeting persons with albinism. According to FairPlanet, the Association of Persons with Albinism in Malawi and the Malawi Police Service have documented fresh incidents in 2026, including attacks, abductions, and grave tampering in the Mulanje, Kasungu, and Dowa districts. Civil society groups, including the Centre for Human Rights and Rehabilitation, are urging the government to launch a new national action plan to protect vulnerable citizens and improve their access to the justice system.