Allegations of illegal public land sales dominated a full council meeting in Mzimba on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, with Inkosi Kampingo Sibande urging authorities to take firm action against those implicated.
The traditional leader questioned why a former council officer, identified as Masterd Moyo, had not been reported to the police. He alleged that the individual continues to sell land at Mzimba Boma despite no longer being employed by the council.
Sibande warned that failure to protect council land could erode public trust and deprive communities of vital development resources.
“There is a need to raise concerns regarding the management of council land,” Sibande said, emphasizing that all transactions involving public assets must be conducted transparently and lawfully.
He called for a thorough investigation, the recovery of any lost funds, and the repossession of land where wrongdoing is established.
Responding to the concerns, Emmanuel Bulukutu confirmed that the Mzimba District Council is investigating officers linked to suspected illegal land dealings. He revealed that some serving officials are believed to be part of a syndicate involved in dubious land transactions.
“The major issue we are addressing is that a former town ranger was illegally allocating parcels of land without council approval,” said Bulukutu.
He added that a public stop order had been issued, warning residents against conducting land transactions with the individual.
Bulukutu further stated that authorities are documenting all parcels allegedly sold or allocated unlawfully, with plans to repossess affected land, including areas around the Old Hospital site.
He warned that legal action, including possible arrests, would follow if unauthorized transactions continue.
The District Commissioner reaffirmed the council’s commitment to safeguarding public land, describing sound land management as essential for sustainable local development and effective service delivery.
Currently, the Council has approved the 2026/2027 budget of MK146 billion.
