The government of Malawi has questioned the legality of the will of the former president, Hastings Kamuzu Banda, who died in November. Dr Banda left most of his estate -- including property -- to his long-time companion and official hostess Cecilia Kadzimira. But the Malawian authorities claim these homes are state property. Ofeibea Quist-Arcton of our News Staff reports on this latest twist to the story of Kamuzu Banda's will.

When Malawi's veteran former president-for-life, His Excellency Ngwazi Dr Hastings Kamuzu Banda, died in a South Africa last year, observers predicted a bitter battle over his will. And that's precisely what happened.

When the will was read earlier this month, relatives and hopeful beneficiaries gathered -- only to find that Dr Banda had left almost everything to Cecilia Kadzimira, his long-time companion, political confidante and official hostess. Madame Kadzimira inherited the bulk of the estate, including a number of Dr Banda's properties.

The full extent of his wealth was shrouded in secrecy, though analysts said it was a fortune running into hundreds of millions of dollars. Dr Banda, an old-style autocrat, ruled his country Malawi for thirty years.

Details of his will shocked and apparently infuriated some members of his family. Two nieces were left a modest monthly stipend.

No male relative apparently received anything. Fred Kazombo, a Banda nephew, who was once jailed by his uncle, promptly challenged the will which he claimed was a fake.

Mr Kazombo threatened to take drastic action -- and seek government intervention. Well the Malawian government has responded, though perhaps not quite as Mr Kazombo would have wished.

The Lands Minister, Peter Fatchi, announced on national radio that the properties left to Madam Kadzimira were not owned by Dr Banda and therefore reverted to the state on his death. The minister said Madam Kadzimira has been given notice to leave Mudi, the state house in Blantyre, where she now lives.
 

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