Minister Chipungu Warns Land Grabbers: Vacate Within 14 Days or Face Arrest
Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Chimwemwe Chipungu, has announced tough measures to curb illegal land occupation and land grabbing across the country.
He made the announcement at Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe on Tuesday during a joint press briefing with Ministers of Homeland Security; Local Government and Rural Development, and Information and Communications Technology.
Chipungu said Government has observed with concern that some individuals affiliated with political parties are illegally occupying people’s land while falsely claiming ownership.
He said such individuals have been given 14 days to vacate the land, warning that those who fail to comply will be arrested.
He, therefore, said government has commenced a verification exercise to establish how plots were acquired, noting that land obtained illegally or located in unapproved areas such as market places will be reclaimed.
Chipungu warned that individuals who grabbed land under political influence will face the law once the 14-day grace period lapses.
Minister of Homeland Security, Peter Mukhito, said land grabbing is illegal and will not be tolerated, stressing that no individual or political grouping is above the law.
He disclosed that the Malawi Police Service has been directed to arrest anyone involved in illegal land occupation.
Minister of Information and Communications Technology, Shadreck Namalomba, said the era of abusing political influence and corruption is over.
He stated that his ministry will work closely with the Ministry of Lands to combat corruption and restore order in land administration.
He encouraged the public, including social media users, to report corruption and lawlessness to assist law enforcement agencies.