Nice brokers peace in chieftaincy row

National Initiative for Civic Education (Nice) Trust has urged two factions in the Kalumba chieftaincy dispute in Lilongwe to bury their differences.

This follows a complaint which a dethroned candidate for the chieftaincy, Hambisa Kanjanga, lodged with Nice.

In the petition, dated March 15 2021 and copied to Lilongwe Police, district commissioner, Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace, Ombudsman and Lilongwe Central legislator Lobin Lowe, the faction is pushing for  Kanjanga’s reinstatement.

Ironically, Kanjanga was found guilty of imposing himself as the legitimate chief by the Nkukula Magistrate’s Court in Lilongwe last year. He was arrested and is on bail pending court appearance. 

Despite the judgement, Kanjanga is challenging his rival Madalitso Kanthenga, who was declared the legitimate chief in 2019 by the High Court in Lilongwe.

Speaking on Wednesday during the meeting with a rival factions, Nice Lilongwe district civic education officer Hajira Ali appealed for peace.

“You should tolerate one another since the issue is back in court,” she said.

On her part, Lilongwe Police Station community policing coordinator Malango Mwasinga told Kanjanga that it was contempt of court to disrespect a ruling which declared Kanthenga the  rightful heir to the Kalumba chieftaincy.

“We cannot dispute the High Court judgement of June 7 2019. Until the court rules otherwise, Kanthenga remains the legitimate chief,” she said.

Lilongwe District Council chairperson Luciano Botomani said the dispute is affecting the implementation of projects in the area.

“So, we appeal for calm as we wait for the court to determine the case,” he said.