By Cathy Maulidi & Alick Ponje:
The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has completed its initial review of complaints received from concerned individuals and groups regarding the conduct of judicial officers.
In an interview Tuesday, JSC secretary Irene Chikapa confirmed the development, saying of the 26 complaints received, four have qualified for further investigation due to the inclusion of supporting evidence.
According to Chikapa, 11 complaints have been returned to the complainants with requests for additional evidence to address existing gaps in the complaints.
Chikapa told The Daily Times that while some complaints have been temporarily suspended for reasons such as pending appeals, three have been dismissed entirely due to a lack of evidence supporting their claims.
“The four complaints with evidence will be discussed by the commission at an upcoming meeting to determine the next course of action.
“Regarding the 11 complaints with evidentiary gaps, we have contacted the complainants, requesting them to provide more evidence within a 21-day timeframe,” Chikapa said.
When asked about the potential next steps for the substantiated complaints, Chikapa responded by saying that details would emerge after comprehensive reviews.
“I cannot definitively say whether these cases will be referred to the Anti-Corruption Bureau or not. This decision will be made by the commission during the aforementioned meeting,” she said.
Chikapa also declined to specify whether the four cases with evidence involved judges or magistrates.
“Let me refrain from commenting on that at this time. Please await the outcome of the Justice as key stakeholders in this fight. Only through collaboration can we tackle corruption effectively,” Njobvu said.
He reiterated that one person or one institution cannot combat or eradicate corruption alone and that it is an issue that should concern every Malawian.
The new MLS president urged every citizen to be concerned about the direction in which Malawi is heading, as day by day, “it seems we are getting worse, not better.”
He added that his executive committee, together with the rest of the MLS membership, will work to educate and rehabilitate lawyers who stray from ethical practice.
“But if these efforts fail, we will not hesitate to take disciplinary action. This is necessary not only to hold individuals accountable but also to set an example for others in the profession and for those who may consider entering it for the wrong reasons,” Njobvu said.
He also insisted that his first step will always be to ensure that the message is clear, that there is a better, lawful way to practise law and that it does not require breaking the law or cutting corners.
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