Malawi Bishop Medram Chirwa remains in custody after a magistrates’ court ruled it lacks jurisdiction over the case linked to the death of Tathokoza Salimu. The magistrate ordered his remand at Maula Prison pending proceedings in the High Court, which holds exclusive authority. No plea has been entered, and guilt remains unproven. Police arrested Chirwa after call logs showed he was with Salimu, whose body was found in Dowa district. While legal processes continue, social media scrutiny intensifies, highlighting the reputational challenges facing the Fountain of Victory Church before any court verdict.
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Bishop Medram Chirwa, leader of the Fountain of Victory Church, remains in remand at Maula Prison in Malawi regarding the death of bank employee Tathokoza Salimu. According to Nyasa Times, Chirwa insists he is innocent and did not commit the crime. His supporters argue he was not in Lilongwe during key times cited in the charges. The bishop appeared calm during a recent visit, stating he has nothing to fear. The case highlights ongoing questions about due process and the presumption of innocence as investigators continue to gather evidence for the courts. The principle of innocent until proven guilty remains central to the proceedings.
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Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by Vasyl Patianyk on UnsplashPersecuted church
Press freedom and civic organizations in Malawi have called for arrests following violence during the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian Blantyre Synod’s 150th anniversary celebrations on Sunday. The Media Institute of Southern Africa Malawi Chapter and the Public Affairs Committee urged authorities to detain those who assaulted journalists and attacked Malawi Congress Party officials. Misa chairperson Felix Washon condemned the attacks and questioned police inaction, while PAC’s Gilford Matonga criticized the violence as undemocratic. The ruling Democratic Progressive Party distanced itself from the incident. National Police spokesperson Gladys Chiwawula confirmed an investigation is underway after receiving a complaint from journalist Kondwani Nyondo.
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Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by Andrei Marinho on UnsplashPersecuted church
Right Reverend Missie Kananji Spiki, moderator of the CCAP Blantyre Synod, called for political neutrality during the church’s 150th anniversary celebrations in Blantyre, Malawi. She warned that places of worship must remain free from partisan conflict. Her statement followed allegations by Malawi Congress Party officials that Democratic Progressive Party supporters attacked opposition figures and damaged vehicles at the Henry Henderson Institute. The incident threatened the historic event marking the synod’s contributions to evangelism, education, and healthcare. Neither the moderator nor the Synod leadership named specific parties, but the remarks addressed mounting tensions surrounding the gathering.
Fountain Nation founder Apostle Joseph Ziba has publicly defended Bishop Medram Chirwa, who was arrested in Malawi on October 6, 2026, for the alleged murder of Tathokoza Salimu. In a memo dated October 9, Ziba stated the church is unaware of conclusive evidence linking the bishop to the crime. The church claims Chirwa was in Mbwatalika at the time and that police searches yielded no incriminating items. Ziba also denied reports that the bishop fled to Karonga, asserting he remained in Lilongwe. The church offered condolences to the victim's family and urged the public to avoid speculation while supporting impartial investigations.
Bishop Medram Chirwa of the Fountain of Victory Church in Lilongwe has been remanded in custody at Maula Prison. This follows a ruling by the Mkukula First Grade Magistrate Court in Malawi that it lacks jurisdiction to hear the case involving the death of FDH Bank employee Tathokoza Salimu. Police arrested Chirwa after Salimu’s body was discovered in a vehicle in Dowa district on September 21. According to police prosecutor Ian Ntaba, the arrest complied with legal timeframes. The court ordered the transfer to the High Court, noting the remand reflects procedural limits rather than guilt. No charges have been formally tested yet.
Police in Dowa, Malawi, arrested Bishop Medram Chirwa of Fountain of Victory Church International regarding the murder of FDH Bank employee Tathokoza Salimu. Her body was found in a vehicle in Chinkhota Village on September 21, 2026. Preliminary investigations suggest the bishop and victim were together that day. The arrest has sparked online backlash labeling the ministry a cult, though supporters defend Chirwa’s innocence. Commentator Albert Mwanyongo urged calm, emphasizing due process and the presumption of innocence until the investigation concludes. Police continue to pursue other suspects connected to the case.
Police in Mzuzu, Malawi, arrested 53-year-old Daniel Gondwe, a pastor at the Everlasting Church of God, for allegedly sexually abusing an 11-year-old girl. The incident occurred when the child visited Gondwe’s home for prayers with her mother. Authorities state that Gondwe isolated the girl in a separate room and allegedly warned her against disclosure. He has not yet appeared in court, and formal charges are pending. The Malawi Police Service confirmed the arrest but provided no further details. The church has not commented publicly. This case highlights ongoing concerns in Malawi regarding child protection within religious institutions.
Religious leaders in Malawi are backing LGBTQ+ individuals seeking protection from violence and discrimination. Pastors and community heads in Mpemba and Blantyre urge officials to support key populations facing attacks and healthcare barriers. This appeal follows a June 2024 Constitutional Court decision upholding laws criminalizing same-sex relationships. Advocates warn that criminalization and stigma leave the community vulnerable to physical harm and systemic exclusion. The Ministry of Justice declined to comment on the situation. The coalition highlights the urgent need for legal reform to ensure safety and access to essential services for LGBTQ+ Malawians.
Five leaders of the Tembenukani Mitima Kubwera kwa Ambuye Kwayandikira church appeared in a Ntcheu court in Malawi, facing upgraded charges for violating children's rights. Prosecutors allege the group, including leader Stella Monta, blocked followers from accessing hospitals and schools. The accused initially refused to answer questions, claiming God would speak for them, before pleading not guilty. The magistrate rebuked their refusal to follow legal procedures. Four defendants requested bail, citing hardship, while the case has sparked local debate on religious extremism and child protection in the Kwataine region.
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