Police in the Eastern Region have arrested 15 individuals in Machinga District in connection with assault and robbery allegations, reports Face of Malawi. The suspects were apprehended during a joint law enforcement operation on June 25 at Lipuluma Village under Traditional Authority Mchinguza. Authorities link the group to a January 12 attack in Siwoya Village, where victims were assaulted and robbed of mobile phones and a bicycle while preparing rice fields. The suspects face charges including theft, unlawful wounding, and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.
In legal news, the Kaphwiti family's long battle over the 583-acre Tichitenji Estate in Mchinji has escalated as family members, including 75-year-old Falesi Kaphwiti Banda, camped at the property in protest, according to Malawi24 and Nyasa Times. Despite winning a High Court ruling in December 2025 that recognised them as the rightful owners, the family remains excluded from the land due to a stay of execution pending an appeal. The stalled case leaves the family unable to access their land despite the court order.
In Karonga District, Paramount Chief Kyungu has rejected planned July 1 demonstrations by the Human Rights Defenders Coalition, reports Malawi24. Despite the traditional leader's refusal to endorse the protests over the condition of the Karonga to Chiweta M1 Road, the rights group has stated it will not back down, creating a standoff between local authorities and civil society activists.