Malawi News

Former attorneys-general join thin plastics case

Former attorneys-general join thin plastics case
ON THE STATE’S SIDE—Silungwe

By Wezzie Gausi:

Two former attorneys-general (AGs) Kalekeni Kaphale and Chikosa Silungwe have offered to join for free the thin plastics case.

They have offered to be on the side of the State.

Ministry of Justice spokesperson Frank Namangale confirmed the development Tuesday.

Namangale said upon formal appointment by current AG Thabo Chakaka Nyirenda, the two would become part of the State team.

The team wants to fight a fresh injunction 11 companies obtained to stop the Ministry of Natural Resources and Climate Change from implementing a ban on thin plastics.

Meanwhile, Chakaka Nyirenda has been urged to withdraw the injunction that the High Court of Malawi in Lilongwe granted to 11 plastic manufacturers.

The injunction effectively stopped the Malawi Environment Protection Authority from enforcing the ban on single-use thin plastics.

In the order, made on July 9 2024, Judge Simeon Mdeza gave the claimants permission to apply for judicial review challenging the constitutionality and legality of Environmental Management (Plastics) Regulations of 2015.

The judge also ordered that the matter be referred to the Chief Justice for certification as a constitutional matter.