In recent crime and justice developments, police have transferred murder suspect Amaan Khasiya to Maula Prison, where he is currently being held on remand, according to Face of Malawi. Central East Region Police spokesperson Esther Nkwanda confirmed the transfer, noting Khasiya is accused of unlawfully causing the death of 22-year-old Abdul Aziz Panjwani following an altercation at Wheelhouse Cottage in Salima on April 4. Authorities are compiling the case file for the Director of Public Prosecutions as investigations continue, which includes inquiries into an unidentified gunshot reported at the scene.
Meanwhile, the Chisenjere Second Grade Magistrate's Court in Chileka sentenced Wanangwa Zava to 10 years in prison for a string of burglaries and motor vehicle part thefts, Face of Malawi reports. State prosecutor Gertrude Mteke told the court that Zava had terrorised the Chatha, Ngumbe, and 10 Miles areas before going on the run. Magistrate Naomi Chingana handed down a combination of concurrent and consecutive sentences totalling 10 years, which Zava will serve at Blantyre Prison.
In civil legal disputes, Prophet Shepherd Bushiri has sued UK-based Malawian musician Peter Sambo for defamation over social media posts, demanding £50,000 in compensation. According to Malawi24, Bushiri instructed his UK lawyers to commence proceedings regarding commentary linked to Sambo's songs. In response, Sambo has publicly challenged the church leader to move the legal battle to South Africa.
On the national security front, immigration and police authorities have arrested 513 irregular immigrants over the past 15 months during an ongoing enforcement crackdown, The Daily Times reports.
Update: The parliamentary Public Accounts Committee has announced it expects to interview five individuals next week as it continues its probe into the controversial Amaryllis Hotel deal, according to The Daily Times. This follows earlier bribery allegations and internal agency shake-ups connected to the investigation.