New Paramount Chief Chikulamayembe of Rumphi has accused Mtima Gondwe of sponsoring violence including the recent stoning of Deputy Minister of Health, Enock Phale’s fleet of vehicles at Bolero in the district.

The paramount Chief made the accusation on Friday during a press briefing at Rumphi District Council Chamber.

Chikulamayembe said the violence is denying people in the area the access to development which includes good quality medical care and he then apologized to Minister Phale for the incident.

“I ascended on the throne in accordance to the dictates of the Chikulamayembe Chieftaincy but only that Mtima Gondwe is hell-bent that is why he is causing chaos in the area,” he said.

Speaking on uniting the warring factions, spokesperson for Chikulamayembe, Group Village Head Chikalamba Gondwe said Mtima’s group is refusing negotiations to end the misunderstandings between them.

“We want to unite the two but each time we talk of that the Mtima camp refuse the negotiation process of ending the misunderstandings and this is worrisome,” said Chikalamba.

But spokesperson of Mtima Gondwe, Hunga Gondwe said the attack on the Deputy Minister had nothing to do with Mtima Gondwe and condemned the attacks on Phale.

“I want to make it clear that the attack on the Deputy Minister has nothing to do with Mtima Gondwe and i can assure you people that Mtima did not sponsor the violence because he is a man of peace,” said Hunga

Phale was under attack last week when he was visiting health facilities in the same district and unknown assailants suspected to be Paramount Chief Chikulamayembe’s loyalists destroyed some houses on Friday.