The new Officer in Charge for Machinga Police Station, Assistant Commissioner Ireen Kaphamtengo, has advised traditional chiefs to avoid favoritism when presiding over land-related cases, warning that bias can cause conflict between the parties involved.
She also urged them to ensure such cases are handled promptly.
Kaphamtengo made these remarks during visits to senior traditional leaders, including Senior Chief Chamba, Senior Chief Mposa, and Traditional Authority (T/A) Ng’ulumia, where she sought to understand the types of cases chiefs face in their areas.
She said findings indicate that land dispute cases are on the rise in Machinga District.
Kaphamtengo therefore advised the chiefs to continue handling land cases themselves, as they are the ones who best understand boundary issues.
She also warned them against accepting bribes when dealing with land disputes, noting that doing so is a criminal offense.
Kaphamtengo further asked the chiefs to refer all other criminal cases occurring in their areas to the police, since chiefs are not authorized to preside over such matters.
She also encouraged the chiefs to work with Machinga Police to strengthen day and night patrols in all areas, together with Community Policing committees, through joint patrols aimed at reducing crime.
She additionally urged the chiefs and residents to report any suspicious individuals they see moving around to the relevant authorities.
“Our duty as the police is to provide security, and we assure you chiefs here in Machinga that your police will work both day and night to ensure safety,” she said.
In response, Senior Chief Chamba said he was pleased to have met with the Officer in Charge for the district police, and stated that he and his subordinate chiefs would ensure that land cases are handled quickly and fairly.
