By Suleman Chitera
The government has issued a stern warning to individuals attempting to illegally seize land in Area 10 of Lilongwe City, where an office belonging to the Egyptian Ambassador was constructed, declaring that arrests are imminent and no political or social connections will offer protection.
Minister responsible for Lands, Chimwemwe Chipungu, personally visited the disputed site and confirmed that the property was lawfully purchased in 1992 and is duly registered in the name of the Egyptian Ambassador. His findings directly contradict claims by unknown individuals who are now attempting to assert ownership over the land.
What the minister found on the ground painted a picture of calculated vandalism and criminal intent. The building had been stripped of its iron sheets and window frames, while fruit trees planted by the ambassador years ago had been cut down—acts the minister described as outright criminal and intolerable.
Chipungu was unequivocal in his warning: the property will not be taken over under any circumstances. He stressed that anyone involved in the illegal occupation, destruction, or attempted seizure of the land will be arrested and prosecuted.
“The law will apply equally,” the minister said, making it clear that political affiliation or nationality will not shield offenders. “Whether they belong to the ruling party, a former ruling party, are Malawian citizens, or foreigners, they will face the full force of the law.”
The minister went further, issuing a broader national warning to those who have illegally acquired government land or property. He said the era of impunity is over and that the government will not spare anyone who bypassed lawful procedures to claim land that does not belong to them.
This case has once again exposed the persistent problem of land grabbing in urban Malawi, often driven by political arrogance, greed, and weak enforcement. With diplomatic property now under threat, the government’s response is being closely watched—both locally and internationally—as a test of its commitment to the rule of law.
For now, the message from the Ministry of Lands is blunt and unmistakable: touch what is not yours, and the law will catch up with you.
