Serious concerns have emerged in the distribution of relief aid under the World Food Programme (WFP) in Blantyre North Constituency, with vulnerable beneficiaries accusing some local leaders of confiscating food and cash assistance meant for struggling households.
Mrs. Joyce Tebulo and Mr. Charles Kaipa of Village Headman Kamwiri 1 have come forward, saying they were forced to surrender part of the aid they had received under the WFP relief programme.
The two say that on 30 January this year, they received two bags of government-issued maize and K37,500 in cash support.
However, they state that the village head of Kamwiri 1 dispatched members of the Village Development Committee (VDC), Mr. Gelad Moyo and Mr. George Kamndaya, who confiscated one bag of maize and K20,000 from them.
They were reportedly told that one household was not entitled to receive two bags of maize.
Speaking in an emotional interview, Mr. Kaipa popularly known as Bwanali described his family as extremely vulnerable.
He said he is partially blind, while his wife suffers from mental health challenges. He further explained that their child was previously admitted to Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital after sustaining severe burns from hot porridge at Kanyeteza Primary School.
“We struggle every single day to survive,” he said. “How can they say we do not deserve this support when we are suffering like this?”
A follow-up in the villages of Kamwiri 1, Kamwiri 2, Zamanemba, Chatenga, Dastan, Kapiza (under Group Village Headwoman William in Lundu), and Chiomboto (under Chigalu) uncovered similar complaints from beneficiaries.
Several residents say some traditional leaders are confiscating WFP relief items and intimidating those who attempt to speak out.
According to community members, beneficiaries are warned that if they report the matter, they risk being denied burial assistance or even being forced to relocate from their villages.
The matter has raised concerns about transparency and accountability in the distribution of humanitarian assistance, with calls for relevant authorities to investigate and ensure that aid reaches its intended beneficiaries without interference.
