8 people arrested over chieftaincy wrangles in Ntchisi

Malawi: Police on Monday arrested eight people in connection with a fight over the chieftaincy of Kandanda Village in Traditional Authority Kalumo in Ntchisi district.

Yohane Tasowana, Public Relations Officer at Ntchisi Police, confirmed the development, saying the accused have been charged with unlawful wounding and malicious damage.

He also stated that three people were injured in the fight and are being treated at Ntchisi District Hospital.

Senior Chief Kalumo of the district told police that two parties are in chieftaincy: Village Headman Njovu and Village Headman Kandanda.

It is claimed that Village Headman Njovu is subject to the chieftaincy of Kandanda, which is led by a woman.

The party of Village Headman Njovu is dissatisfied with being led by a woman and has decided to seize control of the Kandanda chieftaincy.

As a result, the fracas began, and Njovu's party assaulted Kandanda members with panga knives and other dangerous weapons, injuring three people and damaging their homes.

They will appear in court shortly to answer the charges brought against them.