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.
Also reported by 1 other outlet
Read more →
Illustrative photo
Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by bckfwd on UnsplashPersecuted church
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.
Read more →
Illustrative photo
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.
Read more →
Illustrative photo
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.
Read more →
SermonWave writes its own short summaries and links to the original reporting. Every story belongs to the outlet that reported it. About World News · Our sources · RSS feed
