On 8 April 2024, journalist Macmillan Mhone was arrested in connection with two articles published in August 2023 by Malawi24 news site, which alleged police involvement in corruption with a local businessman, Abdul Karim Batatawala. The article included allegations that Batatawala was operating a network of proxy companies to secure Malawi’s government contracts while he was awaiting trial on allegations of corrupt practices. Batatawala has plead not guilty to all charges against him. Mhone has been charged with “publication of news likely to cause fear and public alarm; cyber-spamming; and extortion”.

“Macmillan Mhone’s arrest points to authorities’ intolerance for reporting that sheds light on allegations of corruption involving the security services,” said CPJ Africa Program Coordinator, Muthoki Mumo, in Nairobi.