The Judiciary has appointed Justice Chifundo Kachale as the new Judge-in-Charge for the High Court of Malawi Commercial Division in Blantyre.
The former Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) chairperson replaces Justice Ken Manda who went on an extended leave to pave the way for his investigations into alleged professional misconduct.
High Court of Malawi assistant registrar responsible for Commercial Division Emelia Mvula Zidule confirmed in an interview saying Kachale already reported for duties weeks after Manda went on an his leave.
much work. | Lucky Mkandawire
She said: “The extended leave that was granted to Justice Manda meant that we had two judges remaining so there was too much workload and again considering that the Judge-in-Charge was on leave there was need for somebody.”
Until his appointment and subsequent transfer to Blantyre, Kachale was a judge at the High Court Commercial Division Lilongwe Registry.
Mvula Zidule also explained that all outstanding cases Kachale presided over prior to his posting to Blantyre were all reassigned to other judges at the Lilongwe Registry.
Malawi Law Society (MLS) honorary secretary Francis M’mame said in an interview while transfers were normal, the appointment of Kachale would ensure operations at the division are not dysfunctional.
He said: “The move guarantees that the division remains fully functional, enabling the Division to uphold its duty of serving court users and adjudicating matters without interruption.”
On his part, Centre for Human Rights and Rehabilitation (CHRR) executive director Michael Kaiyatsa said the appointment was a welcome development “that will surely restore public confidence in the Judiciary.”
“Justice Kachale’s reputation as a man of high integrity and professionalism makes him a fitting choice to lead this division. His appointment signals a commitment to improving the Judiciary’s public image as a credible institution dedicated to upholding justice and the rule of law,” said Kaiyatsa.
The Judiciary granted Manda an extended leave early this year pending conclusion of his investigations into allegations of corrupt practices.
The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) started investigating Manda and other judicial officers on allegations of misconduct early February following the complaints received from the public.
The commission announced that the special investigative process would be completed within four weeks; however, seven months have now elapsed since the exercise begun.
