Category Archives: Obituaries

MaraviPost : most recent significant obituaries in Malawi and those affecting the Malawi Diaspora all over the world.

Human Rights, Obituaries

Who is going to console Mary over her husband-former Malawi VP Saulos Chilima’s death?

MaraviPost

…….Mary says she still struggles to understand the death of her husband

MZUZU-(MaraviPost)-Mary Chilima, widow of Malawi’s former Vice President Saulos Klaus Chilima, says she is still grappling with the pain and unanswered questions surrounding her husband’s death one year and six months after the tragic military aircraft crash that claimed his life.

Chilima, along with eight other Malawians, died on June 10, 2024, when a Malawi Defence Force (MDF) Dornier 228 aircraft crashed in the Chikangawa Forest in Nkhata Bay District.

The delegation was en route to attend the funeral of former Attorney General Ralph Kasambara, a close friend of the late vice president.

In a heartfelt post shared on her social media page this morning, Mary Chilima expressed that the loss remains deeply painful.

“One year, six months. Tidakalirabe Saulos… A painful death. An incomprehensible death. Aaah” she wrote.

Her remarks come as the nation continues to wait for clarity on the crash investigation.

Last month, Minister of Justice Charles Mhango told Malawi Parliament that his ministry was in the process of reviewing all available reports regarding the aircraft accident involving Dr. Chilima.

Mhango said once the review is complete, the ministry will submit its findings to President Peter Mutharika and advise whether a further investigation is necessary.

But how will Mary going to be consoled over her husband’s death?

Malawi, Obituaries, Sports

Former Malawi’s Flames Striker Esau Kanyenda honoured in dual-city memorial

Shaffie A Mtambo

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The football fraternity in Malawi on Thursday united in grief and celebration as the Football Legends Association (FLA) hosted a touching dual-city memorial ceremony for the late Flames legend Esau ‘Black Mamba’ Kanyenda.

Events were held concurrently at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre and Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe.

The ceremonies marked a historic moment as it was the first time the FLA organised a simultaneous memorial in two cities, a gesture that reflected the wide reaching influence Kanyenda had on Malawi football.

In Blantyre, the event was graced by Malawi National Council of Sports acting-chief executive officer Ivy Chinangwa, who represented the sports governing body.

She described Kanyenda as “a national treasure whose legacy must be preserved for future generations,” emphasising his role in lifting Malawi’s flag at international level.

A number of former players among them Fischer Kondowe,Leo Mpulula, Chiukepo Msowoya and Gift Zakazaka attended to honour their fallen colleague. Their presence demonstrated the unity and solidarity that Kanyenda always promoted during his football career.

Speaking during the Blantyre memorial, Fischer Kondowe delivered an emotional tribute, calling his former teammate “a committed fighter who never backed down both on and off the pitch.”

He recalled their days in the Flames squad, saying Kanyenda’s determination often inspired the entire dressing room.

In Lilongwe, supporters and former footballers gathered at Bingu National Stadium for a ceremony filled with songs, prayers and messages of comfort.

The atmosphere at both venues reflected the depth of Kanyenda’s connection with Malawians.

For many, he symbolised ambition, discipline and the belief that local players could succeed on the global stage.

Kanyenda 43-year-old passed away on Tuesday in the United Kingdom after a long battle with liver cancer. His brother, Christopher Kanyenda, confirmed that the former Flames striker will be laid to rest in the UK, in accordance with his final wish.

Health, Obituaries

Blantyre vandal man dies a day after electrocution

Shaffie A Mtambo

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The man who was electrocuted on Wednesday morning at Chichiri in Blantyre while attempting to vandalise high-voltage electrical equipment has died, officials from the Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM) have confirmed.

According to ESCOM Chief Public Relations and Communication Officer Piliran Phiri,the incident occurred in the early hours of yesterday when the suspect was caught in the act of tampering with critical infrastructure that powers part of the city.

He was severely shocked by the live wires and sustained life-threatening burns.

The deceased has been identified as Madalitso Samson, originally from Sojali Village under Traditional Authority Ganya in Ntcheu.

Witnesses who arrived moments after the incident reported that Samson was found unconscious beside the vandalised equipment.

He was rushed to Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, where medical personnel battled to stabilise him. Despite the efforts of health workers, Samson succumbed to his injuries earlier today due to extensive internal and external burns.

ESCOM says the tragedy is a stark reminder of the deadly consequences associated with tampering with electrical installations. The corporation has repeatedly warned the public about the extreme danger posed by high-voltage equipment.

ESCOM stressed that vandalising power infrastructure is not only a criminal act but also a direct threat to life. The company described electricity theft and vandalism as “a death sentence” for those who engage in it.

Officials further noted that the equipment involved carries enough voltage to kill instantly, and no amount of skill or experience can guarantee safety when dealing with live electrical components.

The corporation has also raised concern over the rising cases of vandalism targeting transformers, cables and other installations across the country. These acts cause prolonged blackouts, expensive repairs, and disruptions to essential services.

ESCOM is now urging communities to take an active role in safeguarding national power assets by reporting anyone seen loitering around or tampering with restricted areas. The public is advised to always observe warning signs and maintain a safe distance.

The utility company pleaded with Malawians not to risk their lives out of desperation or greed, emphasising that no financial gain is worth the loss of life. They reminded people that electricity is unforgiving and lethal when mishandled.

Malawi, Obituaries, Sports

Esau Kanyenda: The Black Mamba’s final whistle – A legend’s journey from Dedza to the world stage

Jones Gadama

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The world of football mourns a profound loss as Esau Kanyenda, affectionately known as the “Black Mamba,” passed away on December 2, 2025, in the United Kingdom after a courageous battle with liver cancer.

His departure leaves a void not only in Malawian football but in the hearts of all who admired his relentless spirit, extraordinary talent, and unwavering dedication to the beautiful game.

Kanyenda’s story is one of determination, passion, and triumph against the odds — a legacy etched deep into the annals of African football history.

Born on September 27, 1982, in the modest town of Dedza, Malawi, Esau Kanyenda’s rise was anything but ordinary. From the dusty fields of his hometown to the glittering stadiums of Europe, his journey is a testament to the power of resilience and the pursuit of dreams.

In a country where footballing infrastructure and global exposure were limited, Kanyenda’s emergence as a beacon of hope and excellence inspired countless young players to believe in their potential.

Kanyenda’s early football career began humbly with FC Welfare, competing in the Central Region Football League.

Those formative years laid the foundation for his technical skills and fierce competitive edge. In 1999, he made a move to FC Dwasco in Nkhota-Kota, where his talent began to attract wider attention.

The pivotal turning point came during the 1999 Cosafa Under-17 tournament. It was here that Jomo Sono, the legendary South African football owner and coach, spotted the young striker’s raw potential.

Recognizing his unique blend of speed, agility, and goal-scoring prowess, Sono extended an invitation that would forever alter Kanyenda’s career path.

Joining Jomo Cosmos in South Africa’s Premier Soccer League, Kanyenda quickly blossomed into a formidable striker. His nickname, the “Black Mamba,” was a tribute to his lethal precision and quick strikes, much like the deadly snake. Playing alongside fellow Malawian international Peter Mponda, Kanyenda became a fan favorite and a symbol of Malawian talent abroad.

His performances in the PSL were electric; he was a constant threat to defenders, often leaving them grasping at shadows as he darted past with blistering pace.

Kanyenda’s exploits in South Africa soon caught the eye of European scouts, and in a historic move, he signed with FC Rostov in Russia. This transfer marked a significant milestone—not just for him but for Malawian football as a whole.

Esau Kanyenda became the first Malawian player to compete in the UEFA Champions League, showcasing Malawian talent on one of football’s grandest stages.

His tenure at FC Rostov, and later at Lokomotiv Moscow, was characterized by grit, determination, and an unwavering commitment to succeed despite the challenges of adapting to a new culture, extreme climates, and the intense demands of European football.

Throughout his club career, Kanyenda remained deeply connected to his roots.

After his European adventure, he returned to the African continent, playing for Polokwane City in South Africa and later for the Mighty Wanderers in Malawi.

This return symbolized his loyalty and profound sense of responsibility to give back to the local football community that had nurtured his dreams.

On the international stage, Kanyenda was a stalwart for the Malawi national team—the Flames—serving from 2000 to 2015. Over 65 appearances, he netted 21 goals, many of which were pivotal in Malawi’s resurgence on the African football scene.

His crowning achievement with the Flames was his instrumental role in Malawi’s qualification for the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations, a moment of immense pride for the nation.

His leadership on and off the pitch galvanized his teammates and provided a beacon of hope for Malawian football fans yearning for recognition and success.

Beyond statistics and trophies, Esau Kanyenda’s legacy lies in his character.

He was renowned for his humility, generosity, and loyalty. Despite his international fame, he remained grounded, always prioritizing his community and country.

His involvement in nurturing young talent and supporting grassroots football initiatives reflected a man who understood the value of giving back. For many Malawians, Kanyenda was more than a footballer; he was a symbol of possibility, a reminder that with hard work and determination, barriers could be overcome.

The news of his passing has sent ripples of sorrow across Malawi and the global football fraternity.

Tributes have poured in from former teammates, coaches, fans, and football officials who remember him not only for his remarkable skill but for his warmth and kindness.

The Black Mamba’s final whistle has been blown, but the echoes of his impact will reverberate for generations to come.

Esau Kanyenda’s story is far more than a tale of goals and glory. It is the narrative of a boy from Dedza who dared to dream and chased those dreams across continents. It is the story of a footballer who carried the hopes of a nation on his shoulders and never faltered.

It is the legacy of a man whose life and career inspired countless others to believe in the power of perseverance, passion, and heart.

As Malawi and the world bid farewell to Esau Kanyenda, we remember the Black Mamba not just as a player but as a legend.

His journey from local pitches to international arenas remains a beacon of inspiration—a reminder that greatness can emerge from the most unexpected places.

Rest in peace, Esau Kanyenda. Your memory will forever be etched in the hearts of football lovers everywhere.

Thank you for the goals, the dreams, and the hope. The game will never be the same without you.

Law and order, Obituaries, Politics

Ireland lady Amy McAuley who faked own death to avoid prosecution caught on CCTV attending wedding

Lloyd M’bwana

WEXFORD-(MaraviPost)-Amy McAuley, a 35-year-old woman from Ireland, has been sentenced to three years in prison after faking her own death to avoid prosecution.

She was due to face trial in January 2023 for using forged documents to secure a €10,000 loan and attempting to obtain another €5,000 from KBC Bank.

To evade the charges, McAuley created a false death notice on RIP.ie and even contacted police pretending to be her sister, claiming she had died.

She also sent fake death notification forms to Wexford County Council, leading to two official death certificates being issued in her name.

Gardaí later discovered she was alive after spotting her on CCTV at a wedding in Enniscorthy.

Investigators uncovered three separate fake death notices, including one stating she had died in France.

McAuley also deceived her employer by claiming she had died, securing a €9,000 “death-in-service” payment under false pretenses.

When questioned, she said she could not face court and wanted to stay with her young child.

She pleaded guilty to multiple offences including using false instruments, forgery, attempted deception, and perverting the course of justice.

Judge Orla Crowe described her conduct as a “deliberately planned deception” and noted her repeated breaches of trust.

McAuley received a total four-year sentence, with the final year suspended under strict probation conditions.

Woman who faked own de@th to avoid court caught on CCTV attending wedding
Malawi, Obituaries, Sports

Malawi mourns former Flames Striker Esau “Black Mamba” Kanyenda

MaraviPost

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The Malawian football fraternity is mourning the passing of former Flames striker Esau “Black Mamba” Kanyenda, who has died in the United Kingdom after being diagnosed with liver cancer.

Kanyenda, 43 years old, revealed his battle with the illness on his Facebook page on Monday, December 1st, 2025, where he appealed to the public for prayers as he fought for his life. Sadly, he succumbed to the disease shortly afterwards.

Esau Kanyenda had been living in the UK since retiring from professional football in 2018, ending his illustrious career with Mighty Wanderers. Widely respected for his pace, strength and discipline, Kanyenda remains one of Malawi’s most iconic exports.

His football journey began in 1998 with Dwasco FC, from where he rose to become a fully fledged international star.

He later moved to South Africa, where he played for Jomo Cosmos and Polokwane City.

His impressive performances earned him a move to Europe, spending several seasons in Russia with Lokomotiv Moscow, Rotor Volgograd, FC Kamaz and Dynamo Bryansk.

In 2012, he also had a brief stint in Denmark, continuing to showcase his versatility and experience on the pitch.

Among those paying tribute is former Flames defender and close friend Elvis Kafoteka, who shared emotional reflections on their bond.

“Esau was very humble. He was my roommate every time we went to camp for the national team. We would always encourage one another,” Kafoteka said.

“He was someone who was serious whenever he was in the country for national duty,”Kafoteka explained in an interview with MaraviPost publication.

Kafoteka further revealed a personal gesture inspired by their friendship.

“It’s also the reason I picked jersey 12, because he was putting on jersey 11,” he added.

Kanyenda’s death leaves a huge void in Malawi football, where he is remembered not only for his achievements but also for his humility, leadership and commitment to the game.

His legacy as one of the finest strikers to wear the Flames jersey will live on.

Health, Obituaries, Regional

Thailand lady Chonthirat Sakulkoo resurrects after declared dead (Watch the video)

MaraviPost

BANGKOK-(MaraviPost)-A 65-year-old woman in Nonthaburi, on the outskirts of Bangkok in Thailand has shocked her family when she knocked from inside her coffin after being declared dead.

Chonthirat Sakulkoo, who had been unwell for two years, was cared for by her brother, Mongkol Sakulkoo. When she was found unresponsive, Mongkol assumed she had passed away and began preparations for her cremation.

“All the documents had been issued, and we placed her in a coffin,” Mongkol explained.

However, before the cremation, Mongkol took Chonthirat to Chulalongkorn University Hospital to fulfill her wish to donate organs, but the hospital refused to accept her without an official death certificate.

At the Wat Rat Prakongtham crematorium, staff also insisted on a doctor’s certification before proceeding. It was during this discussion that Chonthirat suddenly knocked from inside the coffin.

Mongkol, surprised, asked to have the coffin opened, where family members were stunned to see her eyes slightly open and knocking.

Watch the video…

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Doctors later diagnosed Chonthirat with acute hypoglycaemia, a condition that causes dangerously low blood sugar and can mimic death-like symptoms.

She is now receiving proper medical care at Bang Yai Hospital.

Obituaries, Opinion, Politics

The final hours of Malawi’s music icon Evison Matafale: A tragic account

Burnett Munthali

On Monday afternoon, 26 November 2001, Evison Matafale was being held at Area 3 Police Station in Lilongwe.

He had been arrested at his home in Chileka, Blantyre, on Saturday, 24 November 2001, while already in poor health and appeared visibly frail.

During his detention, Matafale repeatedly requested to be taken to a medical facility for urgent treatment, but the police refused.

His father arrived at the station and pleaded for him to be allowed to go to a private clinic, but the request was again denied.

The police eventually relented, allowing Matafale to be taken to a public hospital—Kamuzu Central Hospital (KCH) in Lilongwe—but still refused private medical care.

He was transported in a police Land Cruiser, accompanied by two Rastafarians, Natty Prince and Ras David Chikomeni Chirwa, members of a newly formed band preparing to perform with him in Lilongwe.

At KCH, Matafale was wheeled into a consultation room, where the attending doctor recommended admission and close observation.

While admitted, Matafale requested porridge, which was initially brought by Congo Justice but was too hard for him to swallow, prompting arrangements for softer porridge the next morning.

Later that night, he was administered three drips, but his condition worsened dramatically, leading Congo Justice to try cooling him with a wet cloth, although his health continued to deteriorate.

In the early hours of Tuesday, 27 November 2001, Congo Justice returned to Ras Walusako’s home with Matafale’s clothes and delivered the tragic news that Evison Matafale had passed away.

Obituaries, Opinion, Politics

Orton chirwa, Malawi’s first black barrister, what can we learn?

MaraviPost

Orton Chirwa, Malawi’s first black barrister and former Attorney General, died in prison on October 20, 1992, at the age of 73, due to a deterioration of his health caused by inhumane conditions, solitary confinement, and a deliberate denial of proper medical care while imprisoned as a prisoner of conscience by the autocratic regime of President Hastings Kamuzu Banda.

The “story” behind Orton Chirwa’s death is not a secret tale but a widely documented account of political persecution and human rights abuses under the one-party rule of President Banda.

Chirwa was a founding member of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) and became Minister of Justice and Attorney General after independence in 1964.

However, he quickly clashed with Banda over his dictatorial tendencies during the 1964 Cabinet Crisis and subsequently fled into exile in Tanzania with his wife, Vera Chirwa.

On Christmas Eve, 1981, the Chirwas were abducted from eastern Zambia by Malawian security forces and taken back to Malawi.

They were tried for treason in a “traditional court,” which did not allow legal representation from outside the country and was subject to political influence.

The trial was widely condemned as a farce.

Orton Chirwa was held in Zomba Central Prison in solitary confinement for nearly 11 years.

He was denied contact with his wife, who was held in the same prison, for eight years.

During his imprisonment, he was kept in harsh conditions, sometimes in leg irons, and did not receive adequate medical attention.

A delegation of British lawyers who visited him in September 1992 reported he was partially deaf and virtually blind due to untreated cataracts.

Just three weeks after meeting his wife for the first time in eight years during the lawyers’ visit, Orton Chirwa died in his prison cell.

The exact cause of death was not immediately apparent, but human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, attributed it to the severe and inhumane conditions of his detention and a lack of proper care.

An official post-mortem was conducted, but no official inquest was ever carried out in accordance with Malawian law at the time.

His death, along with his wife’s continued imprisonment (Vera was released in 1993), became a rallying point for the pro-democracy movement in Malawi.

Obituaries, Opinion, Politics

Who assassinated Saulos Chilima?

Rick Dzida

The fatal plane crash that killed Malawi’s Vice President Saulos Chilima and nine others on June 10, 2024, has been officially attributed to a combination of human error and poor weather conditions, specifically the crew’s decision to fly despite limited visibility.

However, the official findings have been met with widespread public suspicion and a “secret tale” of conspiracy theories in Malawi, largely due to political tensions and significant operational failures highlighted in independent investigations.

A government-appointed Commission of Inquiry and a subsequent report by German investigators (BFU) concluded that the primary cause was the flight crew’s decision to proceed in bad weather, leading to the plane clipping a tree and crashing in the Chikangawa Forest.

Despite the official reports, many Malawians, including Chilima’s wife, do not accept the official narrative, leading to a persistent “secret tale” of political foul play.

The skepticism is fueled by several factors.

Chilima was a popular politician, especially among the youth, and a potential rival to President Lazarus Chakwera in the upcoming 2025 presidential election.

Tensions between their political parties (the Tonse Alliance) were public knowledge.

President Chakwera initially stated the plane was told to turn back from Mzuzu Airport due to bad weather; however, German investigators later reported the plane never reached Mzuzu and no such orders were recorded.

The German investigation revealed shocking negligence by the Malawi Defence Forces (MDF), which operated the military aircraft.

Key safety concerns included:
An inoperable Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) with an expired battery from 2004.

The absence of crucial flight recorders (Cockpit Voice Recorder and Flight Data Recorder).

Unrecorded radar data and radio communications.

An allegedly medically unfit pilot.

The aircraft’s certification was reportedly expired or had unresolved mechanical issues.

In the absence of a fully trusted and transparent official account, rumors and calls for an independent, non-military inquiry continue among the Malawian public.

The perception of a “secret tale” stems from the belief that the government and military are not being fully accountable or transparent about the preventable nature of the crash and the potential political dimensions surrounding the death of the popular Vice President.