This article was originally published on Malawi24 ">Malawi24, Malawi's #1 independent news platform. A fence has suddenly gone up around Lucius Banda’s final resting place, as a traditional leader moves to curb what he describes as growing disrespect at the gravesite. Sosola Village Headman in Balaka has built a wooden fence around the mausoleum constructed at Sosola Village Cemetery, where the late musician and politician was laid to […] Read the full article and more Malawi news at Lucius Band
A fence has suddenly gone up around Lucius Banda’s final resting place, as a traditional leader moves to curb what he describes as growing disrespect at the gravesite.
Sosola Village Headman in Balaka has built a wooden fence around the mausoleum constructed at Sosola Village Cemetery, where the late musician and politician was laid to rest.
The structure was built by relatives and friends of Banda within the boundaries of the cemetery.
The traditional leader says he decided to fence off the mausoleum after observing visitors engaging in behaviour he considers disrespectful to the dead and local culture.
“People come to this house without any order, taking pictures while drinking alcohol, and some even step on the graves behind the house. This is disrespectful to our culture, and that is why I built the fence,” he said.
The chief said the fence is intended to help restore order and protect the dignity of the gravesite.
He said although Banda’s family and the committee that spearheaded the construction of the mausoleum did not consult him on how the structure should be built, he did not complain or take offence.
The traditional leader added that he attended the ceremony held to officially open the mausoleum.
Meanwhile, the family of the late Banda has not yet commented on the fencing of the mausoleum.
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