The newly appointed Officer in Charge for Machinga Police Station, Assistant Commissioner Ireen Kaphamtengo, has advised traditional chiefs to avoid favouritism when presiding over land-related cases, warning that bias can fuel conflict among disputing parties.
She also urged chiefs to ensure that such cases are handled promptly to prevent escalation.
Assistant Commissioner Kaphamtengo made the remarks during courtesy visits to senior traditional leaders, including Senior Chief Chamba, Senior Chief Mposa, and Traditional Authority Ng’ulumia, where she sought to appreciate the nature of cases chiefs commonly handle in their respective areas.
She noted that findings indicate a rise in land dispute cases in Machinga District.
As a result, Assistant Commissioner Kaphamtengo encouraged chiefs to continue handling land matters at the traditional level, emphasizing that they are best positioned to understand local boundary issues.
However, she cautioned chiefs against accepting bribes when dealing with land disputes, stressing that such acts constitute a criminal offence.
She further advised chiefs to refer all other criminal cases occurring in their areas to the police, noting that traditional leaders are not legally mandated to preside over criminal matters.
Assistant Commissioner Kaphamtengo also called on chiefs to work closely with Machinga Police to strengthen both day and night patrols in collaboration with Community Policing Committees, through joint patrols aimed at reducing crime.
She additionally urged chiefs and community members to report any suspicious individuals seen moving around their areas to the relevant authorities.
“Our duty as the police is to provide security, and we assure you, chiefs of Machinga, that your police will work both day and night to ensure safety,” she said.
In response, Senior Chief Chamba welcomed the engagement with the Officer in Charge and assured that he, together with his subordinate chiefs, would ensure that land disputes are handled swiftly and fairly.
