The Mzimba District Land Network (MDLN) has issued an ultimatum to M’mbelwa District Council, demanding urgent action to address alleged irregularities in land administration as tensions over land governance continue to rise in the district.
The warning comes amid growing concerns from traditional leaders, with Group Village Headman Mbale revealing that community leaders have given selected officials in the Lands and Physical Planning Department 30 days to leave the district.
The officials include Physical Planning Technician Lucy Kankuwe and Lands Clerk Duncan Chaponda, who are accused of overstaying in their positions and abusing their authority through questionable land transactions.
He cautioned that failure to comply with the directive would result in unspecified action.
In a press statement released on Friday, March 27, 2026, MDLN Chairperson Teckson Amadu stated that the district’s land governance system is facing deepening challenges marked by a lack of transparency, procedural violations, and weak accountability, despite years of engagement with the authorities.
Speaking on behalf of a consortium of civil society organisations advocating for land tenure rights, Amadu said the current situation risks fuelling land conflicts if left unaddressed.
He stressed that land remains a vital resource in Malawi’s socio-economic development, supporting over 86 percent of employment, contributing about 30 percent to the Gross Domestic Product, and accounting for approximately 75 percent of export earnings.
MDLN further noted that land is often the only asset available to many poor households, providing shelter, social identity, and economic security.
The network accused council officials of bypassing established procedures in the allocation and sale of land.
It alleged that plots in areas such as Kazengo, Mabushi, Mzimba LEA, Tovwirane, and the Old Hospital site were distributed without proper guidelines, with about 90 percent of unadvertised plots reportedly allocated to civil servants within the council.
It also raised concerns over the subdivision of public land, including the old hospital premises, describing the process as lacking transparency.
Transactions involving private investors, particularly in commercial developments such as fuel stations, were also cited as questionable.
On legal matters, MDLN criticised the handling of cases involving community members accused of encroaching on hospital land.
It stated that, out of more than 200 suspected encroachers, only 25 were taken to court, yet findings from the Surveyor General reportedly showed that only 11 had actually encroached.
The organisation warned that wrongful prosecutions could lead to compensation claims, ultimately burdening taxpayers.
The network also condemned legal action against investigative journalist and disciplinary measures against Mustard Moyo, describing them as attempts to silence individuals acting in the public interest.
MDLN further faulted the council for excluding local communities and key governance structures from land-related decision-making.
It cited the failure to consult bodies such as the Urban Development Structure Committee and traditional leaders when acquiring customary land for public use, warning that a lack of consultation and compensation could trigger future disputes.
To address the situation, MDLN has called for immediate dialogue within seven working days involving the District Commissioner, affected communities, traditional leaders, and civil society organisations.
It has also demanded a forensic audit of land acquisition processes, the transfer of long-serving officials in the Lands and Physical Planning Department, and the withdrawal of court cases against community members and the journalist.
The network concluded that land governance in the district “leaves much to be desired,” calling for urgent reforms to restore transparency, accountability, and public trust in the management of land resources.
The council is yet to comment on the matter.
