By Suleman Chitera

Questions are intensifying over the alleged handling and possible use of public resources at Nkhotakota District Council in connection with an ongoing court case involving Council Chairperson Fitton Khofi.

Khofi, who also serves as a Malawi Congress Party (MCP) ward councillor, is currently defending himself in a defamation case before the Chief Resident Magistrate’s Court in Lilongwe.Suwed Cup Launch Brings Excitement to Nkhotakota

The case was reportedly filed by lands officers following remarks Khofi allegedly made during a programme aired on Nkhotakota Community Radio on January 27, 2026.

At the centre of the growing controversy are unverified claims suggesting that resources belonging to the district council may have been connected to the handling of the matter. However, the allegations have not yet been independently confirmed, and no official documentation has been made public to substantiate the claims.Magistrate Under Fire in Nkhotakota Over Abuse of Office Allegations

The development has triggered debate among governance and accountability observers, with some citizens calling for transparency regarding how local authority resources are being managed, especially in matters involving elected public officials facing personal legal battles.Sugar Shortage Worsens in Nkhotakota as Traders Camp at Distribution Outlets

Efforts to obtain clarification from government authorities have so far yielded little response.

When contacted for comment, Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Ben Phiri referred the matter to Director of Response and Recovery Moses Chimphepo. Chimphepo, however, redirected the inquiry back to Acting District Commissioner Mathias Blugam.Nkhotakota Set for Football Excitement as Ibrahim Swed Launches K9 Million “SUWEDI CUP” Tournament

Despite several attempts to obtain his response, including the submission of a questionnaire, Blugam had not responded by the time of publication.

The silence from council authorities has further fuelled public speculation over whether district council assets, personnel, or financial resources may have been utilised in relation to the court proceedings.Malawi freedom network special appeal – help hevso support rural girls & women in Nkhotakota

Legal and governance experts say that if public resources were indeed used for personal legal matters without proper authorization, such actions could raise serious concerns about accountability, abuse of office, and the protection of taxpayer-funded resources.

Meanwhile, the court case involving Khofi continues in Lilongwe, with attention now shifting toward whether relevant authorities will provide a detailed explanation to address the growing public concern.Suwed Cup Launch Brings Excitement to Nkhotakota

The allegations remain unproven, and no court has established wrongdoing against Khofi or the council regarding the alleged use of public resources.