The High Court has ruled that individuals claiming to be chiefs in certain parts of Blantyre City must immediately stop, declaring that no legitimate chieftaincies exist in those areas.
Justice Rachel Sikwese delivered the judgment on Tuesday, siding with residents who had challenged the legitimacy of the Zingwangwa chieftaincy and others.
The residents argued that the title of Senior Chief Dida Zingwangwa was not legally recognized and sought its abolition.
During the proceedings, the petitioners objected to documents submitted by the defence, claiming they were filed late and were not properly sworn.
Their lawyer, Cassius Chithothe, urged the court to dismiss affidavits presented by those asserting chieftaincy status.
The case named Zizo Zingwangwa, Annie Zingwangwa, and Esther Zingwangwa as respondents.
The ruling affects several areas, including Zingwangwa, Chimwankhunda, Manja, Nkolokosa, Money Men, Naperi, and Soche East. As a result, anyone in these locations can no longer claim or function as a chief.
