Chief Justice urges magistrates to be ideal servants

Chief Justice Rizine Mzikamanda yesterday urged magistrates in the country to abide by professionalism and ethics when executing their duties.

He said magistrates must at all times try to update themselves with law reforms if they are to administer justice all the times.

Mzikamanda made the call in Liwonde during the Association of Magistrates in Malawi (AMA) elective Annual General Meeting.

He said: “Access to justice is broad and there are a number of issues that courts in the country need to do to enhance and improve justice for all. One thing is to remain faithful to the court that we all take as we are chosen to start our work.

“For all of you to be ideal magistrates, you need to keep yourself updated to the various law reforms that take place. You cannot be a good magistrate if you do not understand the law and this will help in achieving justice to all.”

The Chief Justice warned the magistrates against corruption, saying he will not spare anyone who indulges in corrupt practices at the expense of Malawi’s judicial system.

“There is no way a magistrate can claim to give justice if he or she is corrupt. I have worked with the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) and I know how to investigate corruption. If you are found, don’t expect mercy,” he added.

Commenting on the criticism in the recent Catholic bishop’s pastoral letter, Mzikamnda said as judiciary, they have and will always welcome informed criticism that can help to build them and correct the way they conduct themselves.

“In terms of justice delay, many times it is because of research that we always do before giving out judgement. In addition to this, as judiciary, we are under-staffed, we do not have adequate resources and this affects passing out of judgements,” he said.

On his part, AMA president senior resident magistrate Montfort Misunje agreed with Mzikamanda, saying Malawi’s courts are overwhelmed with cases against few personnel and limited resources.

“We are men and women of integrity. If you check our Constitution as AMA, you will note that discipline and zeal are some of the attributes,” he said.

Meanwhile, Misunje has asked for allocation of more resources to the judiciary for its smooth discharge of duties.