Soche East residents demand answers over councillor’s absence

Some residents of Soche East Ward in Blantyre are demanding the whereabouts of their councilor, Leonard Chimbanga, who has allegedly been absent from the ward for months now.

Speaking to Capital FM, some residents expressed frustration, claiming that Chimbanga’s prolonged absence has stalled developmental activities in the area.

“Yes, it was this year in June when we noticed that our sitting councillor is missing on duty. His absence has affected us since no developmental activities are happening,” said the source.

“Our roads are bad, we have no working street lights, and in this rainy season, excessive vegetation in our communities poses a security risk,” another concerned resident added.

The residents allege that Chimbanga initially informed them via a WhatsApp forum that he had traveled to South Africa for medical attention.

However, they now claim he is in Germany seeking asylum and attempting to obtain permanent residency.

“When we try to communicate with him on the forum, he doesn’t respond, but we see him active on his official Facebook page almost every day,” they added.

The residents are calling on Chimbanga to forfeit his position and declare the seat vacant so that the Blantyre City Council can begin the process of replacing him to restore developmental progress in the ward.

In response, Chimbanga, a Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) member, confirmed he is in Germany but dismissed other allegations saying they are baseless and politically motivated.

He stated that his absence is due to ongoing medical treatment and that he is following medical advice.

“I am still receiving medical treatment in Germany, and I will return as soon as I receive clearance from my doctors.”

“These accusations are being fuelled by individuals with political ambitions who want to tarnish my image. Soche East is making strides in development, and these claims are simply not true,” Chimbanga said.

He also accused the residents of using improper channels of communication when trying to reach him.

“I cannot be busy responding to WhatsApp messages. They are there to insult me and I prevent them for my health,” he stressed.

The situation has sparked widespread debate among residents, with some defending Chimbanga’s position while others continue to demand accountability for his prolonged absence.

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