Conflict over control of Limbe market, depot
Rival committees allegedly based on political affiliation are fighting for the control of Limbe Market and depot in Blantyre.
The development follows Tonse Alliance win in the June 23 fresh presidential election.
Soon after Malawi Congress Party president Lazarus Chakwera’s victory on Saturday night, Limbe Market Tonse Alliance members on Sunday tried to wrest power from DPP members who were in control of the market and bus depot, but ended up fighting.
Tension still ensued yesterday when we visited the facilities.
In the morning, minibus touts from rival committees engaged each other in running battles before police intervened to calm the situation.
In an interview, Limbe Depot Minibus Touts chairperson Alfred Chikhungwa said people were politicising the issue.
He said: “It is not about which party is ruling the country at a particular time.
“We have been serving every government. This is not the time for others to take over simply because the regime has changed.”
On her part, Limbe Market Tonse Alliance chairperson Maggie Jere said it has always been the tradition that when regime changes, market leadership also changes.
She said: “Limbe Market DPP leadership should surrender power to us. We do not want any more squabbles.
“They are clinging to power because they want to continue collecting money.”
Blantyre City Council spokesperson Anthony Kasunda said they have launched investigations into the matter.
He said: “The council collects revenue from bus depots and terminals.
“The council has launched an investigation into the allegations that there are some individuals that are forcing minibus operators to give them money.”
