THREE ARRESTED IN K7M FAKE LAND DEALS

Police in Lilongwe have arrested three men for fraudulently selling other people’s plots of land.

The suspects, who include a deposed Group Village Head, allegedly swindled three people out of K 7. 1 million in their latest fake land deals.

They are said to have been previously arrested on similar charges and they are on court bail.

The suspects–Blessings Chiipila, Manase Chipala and deposed Group Village Head Chapata, real name Frank Kachitseko–are said to have been selling fake lands to unsuspecting buyers.

The three used to pose as agent, land owner and group village head in their scam in Kaphiri, Six Miles, By-Pass and Kalumba areas.

The latest fraud, however, came to light when original landowners showed up to lay a claim on the same portions of land.

The duped buyers reported to Chitsime Police Unit, leading to the arrest of the suspects on Thursday.

They have since been charged with fraud other than false pretence contrary to Section 319 of the Penal code.

The Section says any person who by deceit or other fraudulent means obtains property from any person shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable to imprisonment for seven years.

The suspects will be taken to court soon to answer their relevant charge.

Chiipila, 43, is from Kalumba Village, Kachitseko, 39, comes from Chapata Village, and Chipala, 32, hails from Mlewa Village all under Traditional Authority Kalumba in Lilongwe.

Meanwhile, police are calling on any other people who may have fallen victims to the scam to report to the police.

Foster Benjamin
Deputy Public Relations Officer
Lilongwe Police Station