Malawi and Mozambique officials hold cross border meeting

In a bid to strengthen collaboration between Malawi and Mozambique the communities from Makanjira in Mangochi and Chimbunila district have been urged to maintain peace as they are still awaiting resolutions for land demarcation

The call was made during a cross border meeting which took place at senior chief Chala in Chimbunira district in Mozambique

The Malawian delegate was led by Dr Raphael Piringu district commissioner for Mangochi while Salion Santos Gabriel district commissioner for Chimbunila led the Mozambican team

Both delegates comprised traditional leaders and officials from police, health and office of president and cabinet

After the land demarcation saga in Makanjira side the two parties have been having cold wrangles accusing each other of crimes and atrocities

Land dispute, ill-treatment by police, confiscating of motorcycles by police border pass, stealing of motorcycles and livestock are some of the concerns raised by both parties

However, Malawian community also alleged that sometimes their wives are raped when they go to fetch firewood in Mozambique side

Speaking to the gathering Piringu said that both district commissioners agreed to meet their subordinates and hear their grievances after receiving complaints from their people

“We requested traditional leaders and police from both sides to sit down and come up with solutions to the claims.  We condemned some chiefs who resort into violence whenever they have little misunderstandings against their fellow,” explains Piringu

Concurring the same Gabriel pleaded with both sides to stop harboring criminals and encouraged police officers to conduct joint patrols for the betterment of their citizens

In response to the grievances Mangochi police officer in charge Timothy Phiri and commandant for Chimbunila police station Joana Maquichone assured the gathering to caution men in uniform and provide maximum security along the borders

Meanwhile progress meeting has been scheduled in October at Mangochi district and two more district commissioners from Ngauma and Mandimba in Mozambique will be present.