LILONGWE — The glitz, the fame, the tattoos… and now, the disgrace. Malawi’s fast-rising movie sensation Tumpe Nigel Mtaya — better known in showbiz circles as Pwedo — has traded film sets for police cells after being dramatically arrested on allegations of defiling a minor. Yes, you heard that right — the charismatic heartthrob of School Days and Where My Heart Belongs is now the star of what could be his darkest role yet.
According to police reports from Lingadzi Station, the 30-year-old actor allegedly lured a girl under the age of 18 to his house under the pretense of “showing her his tattoos” after a glitzy movie premiere in Lilongwe. What followed, authorities claim, was a string of illicit encounters that remained hidden — until the truth finally exploded, prompting his arrest. As the scandal unfolds, many are asking: was it just poor judgment, or a shocking fall from grace?
To add fuel to the fire, conspiracy theories are already swirling. With a new film titled Maula Prison on the horizon — in which Pwedo reportedly plays a convict — fans are speculating whether life is imitating art in the most twisted publicity stunt of all time. Could this all be part of an elaborate PR ploy, or has one of Malawi’s most promising stars truly crossed the line?
For those outside Malawi scratching their heads wondering who exactly is Pwedo? — brace yourself. He’s a ghetto-raised Arsenal fan from Kawale, a former soccer player nicknamed “Anundwe,” a journalism diploma holder turned actor, horror movie fanatic, and die-hard fan of Arnold Schwarzenegger. He doesn’t smoke, drinks occasionally, and dreams of cracking into Hollywood. His happiest moment? Being born. His most painful? Losing his mother just months ago, in December 2023.
Now, the man who once wished for international stardom is getting it — but for all the wrong reasons. From premieres to police custody, this is one Malawian tale that’s turning the spotlight into a scandal — and the script is still being written.
