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| National |
| Villagers attack chief over coupons, says MP |
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by
Malawi News Agency, 22 November 2006
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07:11:16
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Irate villagers in Neno are said to have attacked their headman Mwingitsa of Traditional Authority Symon on Saturday, threatening to kill him for allegedly favouring his relations and friends in the distribution of subsidised fertiliser coupons.
But the police on Monday said they have no record of the incident.
MP for Neno South Mark Katsonga-Phiri said in an earlier interview on Monday that according to T/A Symon, the matter is being handled by the police.
“The chief briefed me about the incident and told me the matter is currently being investigated by the police,” said Katsonga-Phiri.
He said according to Symon, the villagers—armed with knives and pangas—stormed Mwingitsa’s house, asking him to explain why there are few coupons for the village, suspecting foul play.
The MP said the people forced their headman to the TA’s place to explain to his subjects reports that he was either favouring his relations and friends or that he was selling the coupons.
According to Katsonga-Phiri, Symon said the villagers are complaining that there are too few coupons for the beneficiaries and that some people appeared on a list of those who have accessed the coupons yet they haven’t.
The MP said there is need for government to look into the loopholes in the distribution of the coupons, arguing that many districts do not have enough coupons.
Mwanza Police public relations officer Helix Malekano said there was no official record on the matter, but said rumour on the alleged incident is circulating in the area.
“I contacted the Officer-in-Charge and he said there was nothing of that sort in the files, but there is that rumour circulating,” said Malekano.
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