The Ministry of Lands has reiterated the importance of police officers and security agencies understanding the Amended Land Laws and Land Information Management System.
The ministry says well informed officers will support Malawi’s aspirations outlined in the country’s development blueprint, Malawi 2063.
Minister of Lands, Deus Gumba, made the remarks in Dowa during the official opening of a day-long sensitisation workshop of police officers on the Amended Land Laws and Land Information Management System.
He highlighted the significance of land as a key resource for development and stressed that the government is committed to preventing land grabs, misuse, and corrupt exchanges.
“Land is a key resource for development, and the government will ensure that our land is not grabbed, misused, or exchanged in a corrupt way. Security officers play a crucial role in implementing the law and we regard them as key stakeholders. Through our communication strategy, developed in 2022, we have rolled out an engagement exercise and responses we have received so far are encouraging,” said Gumba.
Commissioner of Police, Central – East Region, Rhoda Manjolo, commended the Ministry of Lands for organising the sensitisation workshop. She emphasised that police officers need specialised training to effectively handle land-related issues across the country.
“Various police formations deal with land wrangles and this workshop comes at the right time. Equipped with the knowledge acquired here, officers will discharge their duties more effectively,” Commissioner Manjolo said.
The Land (Amendment) Act 2022 introduces essential provisions, including:
Prohibition of Sale or Lease to Non-Malawians: The law prohibits the sale or grant of a lease to non-Malawians.
Restrictions on Title Exchange: Non-Malawians cannot exchange land titles among themselves through gifts.
Participants in the training have be drawn from Kasungu, Mchinji and Ntchisi. They are police officers and land officials.
