Maravi

Chief threatens violence to reclaim land

Chief threatens violence to reclaim land
By Charles Mangwato in Monze
Monday April 14, 2008 [04:00]

THE Choongo Royal Establishment has warned that it may resort to violence to reclaim traditional land that has allegedly been grabbed by neighbouring chiefs Hamusonde and Mwanachingwala. But Southern Province minister Daniel Munkombwe has called for maximum restraint by chief Choongo’s subjects and allow the government to find an amicable solution to the land dispute.

Speaking in Monze on Friday when Munkombwe paid a courtesy call on chief Choongo, establishment chairperson Malambo Hasondela complained that chief Hamusonde had allegedly set up his palace on the land belonging to chief Choongo in the Lonchinvar Park in a bid to derive royalties from current mineral exploitations in the area.

Hasondela told Munkombwe that chief Hamusonde had engaged in provocative acts which might lead to serious violent confrontation with the Choongo Royal Establishment.
He demanded that chief Hamusonde’s palace be removed from its current location as the land in question belonged to chief Choongo.

“Is it because our chief is not energetic enough because of his health that our land is being grabbed? asked Hasondela.

He complained against the government’s inertia in resolving the land dispute which he said would soon degenerate into physical confrontations because of the heightening tension.

Hasondela said the establishment had sought the intervention of various government institutions including the surveyor general’s office, Ministry of Local Government and the provincial administration but had not received any response.

“Despite our many correspondences and even personal visits to find a solution to this dispute, we have received no reply at all. We are left to wonder what is going on,” he complained.

Hasondela also alleged that some of chief Choongo’s subjects were allegedly sjamboked and flogged by chief Mwanachingwala of Mazabuka for occupying a disputed land.

He said the physical assault had been report to the Zambia police but was surprised that no action had been taken against chief Mwanachingwala.

But Munkombwe said land issues were quite sensitive as they could easily cause violence and bloodshed if not handled well.

He appealed to chief Choongo to urge his subjects to exercise restraint as the government tried to find a peaceful resolution of the matter by dialoguing with the parties.

Labels: CHIEFS, LAND

posted by MrK @ 4:37 AM