Lilongwe district commissioner (DC) Lawford Palani yesterday expressed anger at the absence of one camp in the Kalumba chieftaincy wrangle meeting at Traditional Authority (T/A) Kalumba headquarters in the district.
Group village head Chakwanila, whose name is Panganani James and is challenging Madalitso Kanthenga’s installation as T/A Kalumba, did not turn up at the indaba.
A visibly angry Palani charged: “I am disappointed with the other camp that has not turned up yet. I came here to reason with both camps, but it is unfortunate that the other side is missing.
“How can we move forward with such type of attitude? If there are some issues, let us channel them to courts or my office, rather than fighting among yourselves.”
Lilongwe Central legislator Lobin Lowe, who is also acting leader of opposition in Parliament, echoed the same sentiment, lamenting the absence of Chakwanila camp.
He said: “It is not good for the DC to travel all the way to meet us here and yet, we fail to show up. It sends a wrong signal out there.
“If we fail to meet the DC, then whom shall we turn to with our wrangles?”
In a separate intervie, Chakwanila said he did not receive any communication concerning yesterday’s meeting.
He dismissed claims that he deliberately ignored the meeting.
Chakwanila has since promised to be available next week Monday.
“I am more than ready to attend next week’s meeting so that we should hear what the DC will bring us,” he said.
Lilongwe Police Station officer Assistant Commissioner Sydon Mpina warned the factions against fighting each other, saying the law will not spare them. The meeting threatened unspecified consequences if some factions will not come next Monday.
