Tensions are mounting in Katima Mulilo as residents took to the streets on Thursday to demand answers from the Town Council over controversial land transactions, including the alleged exchange of plots for vehicles.
The protest, led predominantly by young residents of the Zambezi Region town, culminated in the delivery of a petition to the Katima Mulilo Town Council. Protesters called for the immediate resignation of all political office bearers by the close of business on Thursday, warning that failure to do so would result in the closure of council offices.
Among their demands, the group urged the council to revoke all land allocations granted to Chinese nationals and other individuals accused of owning multiple plots in the town. They further insisted on the release of a comprehensive land allocation database and documentation of all land-related dealings by no later than next Thursday.
Katima Mulilo Deputy Mayor Lasken Sikosi accepted the petition on behalf of the council and assured the public that the contents would be discussed internally with fellow councillors. A formal response is expected to follow soon.
The protest follows ongoing public scrutiny of the Katima Mulilo Town Council, which has been under fire since March 2025 after allegations of land mismanagement surfaced. Investigations led by Urban and Rural Development Deputy Minister Sankwasa James reportedly revealed irregularities, some of which are believed to be under the review of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).
