On 14th January 2025 a shocking act of violence unfolded at Kapyepye, under Group Village Headman William in Traditional Authority Lundu, Blantyre District. The incident involved an elderly granny, Nercy Ziyaya, aged 110, her 70-year-old daughter Anne William, their granddaughters Linda John, 32, and Mwaiwawo Balaka, 20. The family was brutally attacked over a land dispute, leaving them deeply traumatized.
The conflict began over a narrow road that runs along the boundary shared by the victims’ family and a neighboring family. Both families normally use this road, but over time, tall grasses had made it nearly impassable. In an effort to ensure safe passage, the victims decided to clear the road, including parts on both sides of the boundary.
Upon learning about the clearing the road, the other family became furious and they asked for a meeting to discuss about the clearing issue. On that fateful day, three brothers from the offended family—Sawadi Sanudi, Ayatu Sanudi, and Fred Sanudi—arrived at the victims’ home, armed with panga knives. They accused the victims of overstepping their bounds by clearing the other side of the road. Christopher Balaka, a family member, recounted the tragic events: “We tried to explain that the road is for everyone’s use, and the clearing was only meant to improve access. But the brothers wouldn’t listen. What followed was unimaginable.” The situation quickly escalated, with the brothers attacking the elderly women and their granddaughters mercilessly. Linda John suffered a deep cut to her finger from a panga knife and required seven stitches at the hospital.
Christopher reported the incident to Lundu Police Station the same day. The police initially released the perpetrators, sparking outrage among the victims and their community. On 16th January, at 3 a.m., two of the accused brothers were arrested and charged with unlawful wounding and assault causing bodily harm.
The officer in charge at Lundu Police Station confirmed the arrests but revealed that the suspects were granted bail the same day at 4 p.m. However, Malawi Network of Older Persons’ Organizations (MANEPO), followed up on the case on 20/1/25 and the police in Charge at the Police Station revisited the case. The case is now set to be heard at Lirangwe Court, with the hearing expected to take place on Friday or Monday. Reflecting on the ordeal, Christopher said, “It was devastating to witness such merciless behavior, especially within our own community. We hope for justice, not just for our family but for the sake of peace in our village.”
The victims and their supporters remain hopeful that the legal system will deliver justice and that such acts of violence will not happen again.
