The body of the late Traditional Authority Kapondo of Mchinji was laid to rest on Monday at his Mponda Headquarters in the district.
The late T.A. Kapondo died on Saturday at Kamuzu Central Hospital in Lilongwe after a battle with High Blood Pressure and stroke.
Politicians, government officials, chiefs and the general public flocked to Mponda Headquarters to pay their tribute to the fallen chief.
Director of Chiefs in the Ministry of Local Government, Unity and Culture, Charles Makanga, expressed his sadness with the demise of the chief.
Makanga, however, advised royal families to minimise wrangles that border on chieftaincy, saying this affects government in installing chiefs.
“Royal families should always consider contact and dialogue when there are issues regarding succession plans when a chief dies.
“Chieftaincy wrangles make government to take a long time in installing a new chief for the affected area,” said Makanga.
He made the sentiments in reference to what a representative of the bereaved family, Timothy Sanjikizani, said in his eulogy that the late chief had died without being elevated to Senior Chief despite all the required documents being signed by the President.
The Chewa King of Malawi, Zambia, and Mozambique, Kalonga Gawa Undi, was represented by Senior Chief Santhe of Kasungu who also touched on the need to have a smooth transition.
“Kalonga Gawa Undi is sending a message that he is saddened with the death of the chief and has since asked the grieving family to guarantee a peaceful chieftaincy transition in order to preserve the reputation of the Chewa tribe,” Senior Chief Santhe said.
Born Wickson Thebulo, the late T.A. Kapondo was born on August 11 in 1952 and was installed as Sub T.A. Kapondo in 2000 before being elevated to TA Kapondo in 2002.
He is survived by a wife, seven children and 60 grandchildren.
