CSO's Calls on Chakwera to Condemn Kumbali Arson

Land disputes between the proprietor of Kumbali lodge and neighboring communities have resulted into the loss of property worth millions of kwacha, belonging to the lodge.

Besides, charitable organizations Conservative Research Africa CRA and NGO Kusamala Institute of Agriculture and Ecology whose offices and houses were housed within Kumbali lodge, have also suffered losses in the attack.

In a statement which Zodiak has seen, CRA has lost assorted kitchen and lounge furniture and appliances worth 25,150 us dollars and three vehicles.

CRA which is implementing Research, community outreach, education and capacity building in the country says the arson is a blow to the Organisation, lamenting it was not part of negotiations regarding land ownership disputes. 

“CRA does not own any land and does not participate in any actions or negotiations regarding this issue. We are sadde3ned that a few people have taken these drastic action, we hope those inhabitants of the surrounding villages who do not support the burning and looting will stand with CRA in the future and rebuild the working relationship”.

Meanwhile, Malawi police service has condemned the unbecoming behavior of some individuals from Area 44 who torched and looted Kumbali lodge. Police National spokesperson James Kadadzera says they ensure all culprits are brought to book.

“This is very sad indeed, it is our plea that contact and dialogue should be promoted at all cost to resolve misunderstandings, we are condemning this act and will ensure that all offenders are brought to book. So far we have arrested 48 people we expect to apprehend more” , says Kadadzera. 

The incident occurred barely a day after an angry mob stoned to death a granny in Dedza, premised on witchcraft.

While condemning the two ugly scenes, Centre for Democracy and Economic Empowerment CDEDI’s Sylvester Namiwa has called President Lazarus Chakwera to publicly condemn the wild behavior.

“The president should know that what has happened is an indication of lawless state and poses a security threat to potential investors. Tonse government has promised us that it is working to improve the economy and attacking investors will scare them and this will affect revenue collection”.

He added, “We expect the president to publicly condemn this act”. 

When contacted, presidential press officer Brian Banda has told us he will respond in the soonest time possible.

 

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