Chikulamayembe dispute rages on

Following the installation of Mtima Gondwe as Paramount Chief Chikulamayembe on Tuesday, Joseph Bongololo Gondwe who is disputing the chieftaincy has said he will take the matter to court.

His lawyer Michael Goba Chipeta has told The Daily Times that they have observed anomalies in the installation process, hence the move to take the matter to court.

However, Chipeta refused to disclose the anomalies, saying they will be communicated soon.

“I have received instructions from my client that there were so many anomalies which could not allow the ministry to install Mtima Gondwe. So we are challenging the installation,” Chipeta said.

There was no immediate comment from the Ministry of Local Government and the Mtima Gondwe’s camp on the new development.

But addressing people who welcomed him after being installed, Paramount Chief Chikulamayembe said he is the legitimate heir to the throne, hence his being crowned the Tumbuka chief.

Meanwhile, Police in the Northern Region have not made any arrest in connection with the fracas which erupted on Tuesday during the installation ceremony presided over by Minister of Local Government Benson Phiri at Senior Chief Mwankhunikira’s residence.

As the chief was being installed, some people invaded Chikulamayembe’s headquarters at Bolero, setting the building ablaze and destroying property there.

Northern Region Police Deputy Public Relations Officer, Maurice Chapola, has said the same suspects set ablaze three houses and destroyed other property at Bolero Trading Centre.

“Our investigations are underway to find the perpetrators. We are currently conducting an assessment to find out the total damage and injuries. We are very sure that very soon we are going to arrest some suspects for justice to prevail,” Chapola said.