Malawi government questions Banda's will

The Malawi government has questioned the legality of the will of the former president, Hastings Kamuzu Banda, in which he left several palaces to his long-time companion and official hostess, Cecilia Kadzimira.

The Malawian Lands Minister, Peter Fatchi, told national radio that the properties were not owned by Mr Banda and so reverted to the state on his death.

The minister said Miss Kadzimira has been given notice to leave Mudi, the state house in Blantyre, where she now lives.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service