Chief Mchenga Arrested in Balaka Over Land Scam Allegations
Published on May 13, 2025 at 8:14 AM by Evance Kapito
Chief Mchenga from Nsamala area in Balaka district has been arrested on allegations of corruption related to land compensation.
According to reports, Chief Mchenga allegedly received K16 million as compensation for land that Portland Cement company purchased from Chief Ng’onga for factory construction, despite not owning the land in question.
Confirming the development, Balaka Police spokesperson Gladson M’bumpha said the traditional leader was taken into custody following an arrest by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB).
A concerned individual revealed that Chief Mchenga demanded money for land she did not own, sparking tension between her and Chief Ng’onga.
In a letter to the Center for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI), Chief Ng’onga sought assistance, claiming she was being threatened by Chief Mchenga over the land compensation issue.
When contacted, Chief Ng’onga confirmed writing the letter and stated, “Chief Mchenga received compensation for land she doesn’t own, and now she’s threatening me over my land compensation.”
