Police in Lilongwe have arrested Blessings Chiipila, Manase Chipala and deposed Group Village Head (GVH) Chapata; real name Frank Kachitseko for fraudulently selling other people’s plots of land.
Deputy Spokesperson for Lilongwe police, Foster Benjamin said the deposed GVH Chapata, allegedly swindled three people K7. 1 million in fake land deals.
“The suspects have been selling fake lands to unsuspecting buyers and were previously arrested on similar charges, and this time they were also on court bail when they were arrested,” he said.
He added that the suspects used to pose as agents, land owners and group village head in their scam in Kaphiri, Six Miles, By-Pass and Kalumba areas in Lilongwe.
The spokesperson pointed out that the latest fraud came to light when original landowners showed up to lay claim on the same portions of land.
“The duped buyers reported the matter to Chitsime Police Unit which led to the arrest of the suspects on Thursday.
“They have since been charged with fraud other than false pretense 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,” he said.
He added that the suspects would be taken to court soon to answer their relevant charges.
Chiipila, 43, hails from Kalumba Village, Kachitseko, 39, from Chapata Village, and Chipala, 32, comes 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.
