By Suleman Chitera
Encroachers in Nkhotakota have allegedly destroyed property worth over K1 billion belonging to the Swedi family, openly defying a stop order issued by the Nkhotakota Town Council.
Officials from the Swedi family say the destruction followed the illegal occupation of land reserved for a family development project. The intruders reportedly went on a rampage, damaging infrastructure and valuable materials despite clear directives from the council ordering all activities on the site to cease.
Speaking on the matter, family representative and property owner Ibrahim Swedi strongly condemned the act, describing it as lawlessness that threatens private investment, erodes respect for local authorities, and undermines Malawi’s development agenda.
“We have all the supporting documents, stop orders and judgements from the Nkhotakota Town Council confirming ownership of the land,” said Swedi.
Swedi added that he inherited the property from his late father, who passed away many years ago, dismissing claims by encroachers that the land does not legally belong to the family.
Nkhotakota Town Council has since confirmed that investigations are underway, warning that those responsible will face the full force of the law as authorities move to restore order and protect legally owned property.
