Council probing fake licences

Some traders in Lilongwe are operating their businesses illegally following revelations that the Lilongwe City Council has uncovered syndicates that have been forging and issuing fake business licenses to the business community.

A statement from the Council signed by its Chief Executive Officer, Moza Zeleza, indicates that the Council has embarked on an inspection exercise to seal off all business premises carrying fake licenses or operating without proper documentation.

The statement further shows that some of the council’s ex-employees could be behind the syndicate.

“Some of our former and current employees operate around Bwalo la Njobvu and demand money from trucks offloading goods within the areas on the pretext that the same is demanded by the Council.

“These persons are cheats and fraudsters that should be reported to the Council or police, notwithstanding that they may have bona fide Council identity cards,” part of the statement said.

The Council has since asked people operating businesses in the city to verify their licences with the Council to ascertain if they are real or forged.