By Suleman Chitera
Government has issued a stern warning to individuals who have illegally seized land by hiding behind political party connections, declaring that the era of impunity is over.
Minister of Lands Chimwemwe Chipungu has given land grabbers a non-negotiable two-week ultimatum to surrender land taken from rightful owners through intimidation and political threats. Failure to comply, he warned, will result in arrests and forced repossession.
Chipungu described the situation as deeply troubling, saying it is unacceptable for individuals to abuse political influence to dispossess citizens of land that was lawfully acquired through established procedures. He said such conduct undermines the rule of law and fuels insecurity among ordinary Malawians.
The minister was speaking on Tuesday during a joint press briefing in Lilongwe attended by Minister of Homeland Security Peter Mukhito, Minister of Local Government Ben Phiri, and Minister of Information Shadreck Namalomba—a strong signal of coordinated government action.
Chipungu announced that starting 13 January, the Ministry of Lands will roll out a nationwide inspection exercise to verify the legality of land ownership and occupation. Any land found to have been acquired through coercion, fraud, or political intimidation will be reclaimed.
Backing the move, Mukhito has directed the Malawi Police Service to arrest all individuals who grabbed land by threatening others under the guise of political affiliation. Authorities say no one will be shielded by party colours or connections.
Chipungu emphasized that the government’s position is clear and final: all illegally seized land will be repossessed and returned to its legitimate owners.
“This is not a warning for debate,” he said in effect. “It is a directive for action.”
As the countdown begins, land grabbers across the country face a stark choice—return what does not belong to them, or face the full force of the law.
