BLANTYRE-- Thousands of Malawians Monday converged on Ndata Farm, the sprawling private estate of former Pres Bingu wa Mutharika, to witness the funeral service of the 78-year-old economist-turned politician.

State President Her Excellency Madame Joyce Banda has appointed Commissioner of Police, Loti Dzonzi, as the new Inspector General of the Malawi Police Service (MPS). He replaces late Dr. Bingu wa Mutharika's homeboy and onetime bodyguard, Peter Mukhito.

Malawi Vice President Madamme Joyce Banda is sworn in today amid some confusion, Capital Radio said. Meanwhile all cabinet ministers are present at the New Parliament Building in the capital city, Lilongwe, where she is to be sworn in by the Chief Justice Lovemore Munlo under
the watchful eye of the Speaker of the National Assembly, Henry Chimunthu-Banda.

Blantyre, Malawi,-- Tensions were high at Kamuzu Central Hospital in the capital, Lilongwe, as Malawi President Bingu wa Mutharika was taken in for an undisclosed medical condition.