Malawi gov’t warns chiefs against abuse of power: 99-year-old T/A Nyachikadza buried
Malawians from all walks of life congregated in the Lower Shire district of Nsanje over the weekend to pay their last respects to the late grandpa Chief Nyachikadza.
Late T/A Nyachikadza died last Thursday upon arrival at Nsanje District Hospital after a long illness. He was 99 years old.
Pubic Relations Officer (PRO) for the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, Maganizo Mazeze, said the chief had been in and out of the hospital over the past three years due to old-age related illnesses.
Speaking during the late chief’s burial, Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Grace Maseko, took advantage of the gathering to warn chiefs in the country against abusing their powers.
The minister said government had noted with regret rising cases of chiefs being involved in various malpractices such as grabbing land from their subjects for no apparent reasons.
She cautioned the traditional leaders who abuse their powers that government will not tolerate mistreatment of innocent Malawians.
Maseko described traditional leaders as “unifying figures” who she said must always ensure that the interests of their subjects are put forth.
“Government will not tolerate any traditional leader ill-treating his subjects or engaging in corrupt practices at the expense of his subjects,” warned the minister.
She then advised the bereaved royal family to avoid quarrelling over the chieftaincy but follow proper procedures and ensure that the rightful heir is given the throne.
Real name Symon Nyantondola, the departed T/A Nyachikadza was installed chief in 1979 and is survived by a wife and 11 children.
He was laid to rest at Pamsuwo village in the area of T/A Ndamera where he had relocated after government declared his headquarters a flood-prone area and asked the people to move to higher ground.
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