Africa-Press – Malawi. High Court Judge Violet Chipawo has dismissed with costs former Paramount Chief Chikulamayembe, namely Mtima Gondwe, and Group Village Headman Mbawuwo Chilongozi Gondwe’s plea to challenge the installation of Joseph Bongololo Gondwe as Tumbuka chief.
The two sides were back in court over the appointment and installation of the Tumbuka king. The claimants argued that the appointment of Bongololo Gondwe was made against Tumbuka customs and government directions.
They also said the appointment did not follow the direction of the courts. Speaking to the press at court premises on Wednesday, lawyer for Bongololo Gondwe, Michael Goba Chipeta, said the judge agreed with the defence to strike off the case.
“We are happy with the ruling, to the effect that the complainants were abusing the court,” Goba Chipeta said.
On April 30 2022, President Lazarus Chakwera installed Joseph Bongololo Gondwe as the 13th Paramount Chief Chikulamayembe of the Tumbuka people at an event held at Bolero Community Ground in Rumphi District.
Chakwera implored the new paramount chief to become a uniting factor following the divisions that characterised his appointment. “I have also advised him to be an enabler of development in the area by working hand-in-hand with the government and other non-governmental stakeholders,” Chakwera said.
Bongololo Gondwe was born on October 15 1962 in Zambia and later moved to Malawi with his parents. His appointment as Chikulamayembe was rejected by the family of Mtima Gondwe, who argued that Mtima was the right heir to the throne.
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