A 65-year-old woman, identified as Mai Maloko from Namjawa Village in Traditional Authority (T/A) Mtumbwinda, Machinga, is receiving treatment at Nayuchi Hospital after being assaulted during a land dispute.

The altercation occurred yesterday between residents of Namjawa and Mopiha villages, reportedly over disputed farmland.  The woman only identified as Mai Maloko sustained head injuries and a severed arm, along with three others injured in the clash.

T/A Mtumbwinda confirmed the incident, explaining that tensions escalated when villagers from Namjawa allegedly encroached on farmland claimed by Mopiha residents. Despite a ruling by Paramount Chief Kawinga declaring the land belonged to Mopiha Village, disputes between the two communities have persisted for years.

Machinga Police spokesperson Western Kamsire stated that no official report on the incident had been filed.

Charles Gawani, Director of the Malawi Human Rights Resource Centre, condemned the violence and urged communities to embrace dialogue and tolerance in resolving disagreements. He highlighted an ongoing peace initiative, Mtendere, in the district, supported by the UN Peace Building Fund through UN Women, aimed at fostering harmony in the area.