More cries of injustice in Neno: Magistrate Dzowela mum on matter
A spate of complaints continue to register against Neno second magistrate, Daniel Dzowela, for injustice with a new one indicating that he is “sitting” on a land case involving a commoner and a magnate who is into the timber business.
Last week Nyasa Times reported a case involving businessperson, Alick Maliana, who has since appealed to the high court for a review of his case in which one Mapepu who works for Partners in Health borrowed his money, failed to pay, agreed to give out property and then later sued him for getting the property “by force.”
Magistrate Dzowela ruled in favor of Mapepu, but Maliana appealed to the higher court after sensing foul play.
Dzowela had ruled that Mapepu—who owed Maliana K250 000—be compensated K456 000.
The case is presently awaiting a review by the High Court.
And, on Wednesday, Delemu Masache—a subsistence farmer—let out his share of the injustice saying his land was encroached by a man, John, in 2015 but nothing has taken shape ever since.
“When I went to the court and filed the case nothing happened. After about nine months when I went to follow up, I was told that judgment on my case had already been delivered. It shocked me,” said Masache.
He said the ‘timber man’ continues to plunder trees in his land.
“I have been taken for a fool. I thought by going to court I would be assisted but I think I was mistaken,” he said.
According to him, he continues to suffer even more at the expense of his own property.
“At one point when they heard that I had gone to the court to follow up on the case, they pounced on my granddaughter, Cecilia George, for no reason at all. I reported to police but nothing is happening also,” complained Masache.
Unlike Maliana who has been able to appeal, Masache seemed clueless on what next.
“If possible, I would want if his [Dzowela] bosses heard about this and followed up issues. For people like me, we expect to be assisted through the courts and get disappointed when things turn otherwise,” he said.
In a telephone interview with Nyasa Times, Dzowela could neither deny nor confirm the allegations.
“I cannot comment…no I cannot comment,” said Dzowela.
When he was pushed to say more on the matter he said: “Come to Neno and see the case files. That is where I have put my comment.”
Nyasa Times understands some members of the community have reported the matter to the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB).
ACB could not immediately comment.
Follow and Subscribe Nyasa TV :
