The High Court of Malawi has ruled that begging remains a criminal offence, dismissing a constitutional challenge brought by 13 persons with disabilities. According to Nyasa Times, a three-judge panel consisting of Justices John Mashikizo Chirwa, Anneline Kanthambi, and Chimwemwe Kamowa unanimously upheld Section 180(b) of the Penal Code. The applicants argued that the law criminalising begging in public spaces was discriminatory and violated basic rights to economic survival. However, the court ruled there was no merit to the application, maintaining fines and potential imprisonment for offenders. Lawyer Chikondi Chijozi Jere stated her clients are deeply disappointed and are considering an appeal to the Supreme Court.
In a separate development, authorities have arrested Senior Chief Kulilani Chitukula for corruption related to illicit land sales as part of an ongoing national land ownership audit. According to Africa in Fact, the Malawi Police Service has been instructed to arrest any individuals found to have seized land through intimidation. The current audit follows a history of alleged land grabs in the capital. This includes a 2025 Anti-Corruption Bureau investigation into former Lilongwe Mayor Esther Sagawa over residential plots in Area 27, which was closed last July.