Update: Over 150 witnesses are scheduled to testify in a fresh inquiry into the plane crash that claimed the life of former Vice President Saulos Chilima. According to The Daily Times, the renewed probe aims to gather further details on the incident. In a separate parliamentary matter, the Public Accounts Committee is threatening contempt charges against Yusuf Investments over its refusal to cooperate with the ongoing investigation into the controversial Amaryllis Hotel deal. Nyasa Times reports that the firm formally objected to the inquiry, arguing that the committee lacks jurisdiction over private entities.
In the judicial sector, significant criminal sentences were handed down this week. The Daily Times reports that a Malawian court has sentenced Rwandan national Gentille Giramata to 40 years in prison for the 2022 murder of her husband. In a separate trial, two individuals were jailed for their roles in the murder of a local businessman. Additionally, the court is currently hearing a legal challenge from the Attorney General concerning a disputed relocation order.
Update: Internal investigations within the Malawi Police Service have led to the arrest of several Criminal Investigation Department officers in Mangochi over missing black market fuel. According to Nyasa Times, the arrests occurred after 4,500 litres of confiscated diesel and petrol vanished from police custody. Minister of Homeland Security Peter Mukhito condemned the incident, stating that any officers found guilty of internal corruption will face prosecution and dismissal.
Meanwhile, local police in Lilongwe are conducting an investigation after a fatal discovery in the capital city. According to The Daily Times, authorities are working to determine the circumstances surrounding a student who was found dead in a local maize field.