By Cecilia Chiluba 
Kitwe City Council has unveiled a scam in which a private developer illegally acquired title deeds on one of the local authority’s prime properties, located at Freedom Park.
Council Public Relations Officer, Emmanuel Lupikisha, disclosed that the discovery was made during an ongoing exercise by the local authority to ensure that all its properties are properly titled, in line with a government directive aimed at enhancing asset management and protecting public land.
Mr. Lupikisha stated that the land in question had been strategically earmarked to attract investment in the hospitality industry.
He explained that according to investigations carried out by the Council, the private developer in question allegedly obtained a title deed between December 2024 and January 2025, without the knowledge or consent of the local authority, which is the rightful owner of the land.
“Kitwe City Council has learnt with dismay that one of its prime properties, located at Freedom Park, currently housing council offices, is now appearing on title under the name of a private developer.”
“Kitwe City Council has since resolved to recommend the immediate cancellation of the purported title deed that was illegally obtained over Council land adjacent to the NAPSA Complex,” Mr. Lupikisha said.
He added that the Council has also resolved to report the matter to law enforcement agencies for thorough investigations.
Mr. Lupikisha stated that this is in a bid to establish how the title was acquired and to ensure that everyone involved in the illegal transaction is brought to justice.
“The Council remains committed to protecting public assets and ensuring that land meant for public benefit is not lost through fraudulent or illegal activities,” he added.
Joseph Tembo