By CIJM

An outraged community has stopped a controversial land deal between traditional leaders in Mzuzu City and Prophet Shepherd Bushiri, leader of the Enlightened Christian Gathering (ECG) and president of Goshen Trust.

The proposed sale involved a portion of the Kaning’ina Forest Reserve, which has been protected since 1937. The residents, who rely on the forest for firewood, honey, mushrooms, medicinal plants, and other essential resources, vehemently opposed the deal.

In 2015, the Mzuzu High Court ruled in favour of the Mzuzu City Council and Block Leaders, stating that traditional leaders hold no jurisdiction over land within Mzuzu City limits. Despite this ruling, the chiefs still pursued a deal with Bushiri’s Goshen Trust, raising concerns about political interference and corruption.

Bushiri (centre) interacting with some Chiefs

Davie Chipeta, Chairperson of the Concerned Citizens of Msongwe, and Dr. Penjani Matthew Theu, another advocate, emphasized that the land’s protected status makes it unsellable. In a joint statement, Chipeta and Theu added, “People of Msongwe have always respected the rule of law. We do not condone any unlawful activities by individuals trying to sell any part of this gazetted forest reserve.”

A letter from the Northern Zone Forest Office supported their stance, affirming that the land has never been officially removed from the forest reserve since it was gazetted in 1937.

Kenneth Msonda, Deputy Publicity Secretary of the Malawi Congress Party, initially claimed to have facilitated the deal by providing spiritual guidance. However, he later distanced himself from any claims of political meddling, defending his role as CEO of Kemso Properties Inc. and president of the Association of Real Estate Agents in Malawi.

Msonda stated that the chiefs had offered the land to Goshen Trust for free, in exchange for promises of job creation and other community benefits. “I am providing spiritual and professional guidance to Prophet Shepherd Bushiri, while also serving as CEO of Kemso Properties Inc. and president of the Association of Real Estate Agents in Malawi,” Msonda explained.

This aligns with comments from Bushiri’s spokesperson, Aubrey Kusakala, who confirmed that the chiefs intended to give the land to Goshen Trust in exchange for job opportunities and community benefits.

Nkhatabay District Commissioner (DC) Rogers Newa acted, sending land officers to investigate the ownership of the disputed land. The investigation confirmed that the land is part of the Kaning’ina Forest Reserve and is public property, meaning chiefs have no legal right to allocate or sell land within the reserve.

The DC ordered the chiefs to halt any attempts to encroach on or develop the land, citing the need to protect the area in accordance with the forest’s protected status under law.

Thanks to the efforts of the Concerned Citizens of Msongwe, the controversial land deal has been blocked, preserving the Kaning’ina Forest Reserve.