Communities in Blantyre, Zomba Fight Over Boundaries

The heightened row spans from as late as 1988 when an initial resolution was made by government during that time.

Communities from Nkapita are accusing those from Lundu of using part of their land in Chipini without proper consent, a thing that has resurfaced a long standing row over who owns the said land.

A fresh allegation from TA Nkapita is that people from his area are only leaving for Lirangwe in search of greener pasture as the area has various infrastructure and electricity.

Lundu has since admitted that most people are trekking areas under his jurisdiction due to enormous developments taking place there.

Authorities from both areas however accuse the District Commissioners from Blantyre and Zomba of not doing enough to stop the conflict.

But reacting to Mwangata’s sentiments, Lundu denied the allegations but quickly said that, the fact of the matter is that his followers are running away from him because the area is not developing and are looking for green pasture, in this case Lirangwe.

However, she admitted that the situation as at now is becoming out of hand as there has been running battles between the camps forcing women and children sleeping outside their houses because these fights erupt during night hours.

But apart from the disagreements between the two territories, both sides have accused their District Commissioners for not doing enough to settle down the long outstanding problem.

But in response, Blantyre District Commissioner, Bennet Nkasala, who was once served under the same portfolio in Zomba insists offices have not been fully updated by local authorities about the resumption of conflicts between people in the two areas.

Nkasala says that his office reckons that previous efforts to stop the infightings was successful, subsequently hinting for fresh plans to end the situation.

On his part, Zomba District Commissioner, Smart Gwedemula admitted receiving reports about the incidents and has since called for authorities to meet to address differences that people from the two areas have.

Meanwhile, Zomba Chingale lawmaker Lonnie Phiri has challenged all concerned stakeholders to do more soul searching if communities in the two areas are to live in harmony again.