Lawyers mourn James Tomoka

Lawyers in the country have expressed sadness over the death of revered private practice lawyer James Tomoka who succumbed to pneumonia on Tuesday at Mwaiwathu Private Hospital in Blantyre.

In a statement issued yesterday, Malawi Law Society (MLS) says lawyers in the country are saddened and shocked by Tomoka’s death, describing him as “an exemplary lawyer, ethical and knowledgeable in the law”.

MLS says Tomoka was fair in dealing with his clients and other lawyers.

“He was active in various activities and served in various positions within the Malawi Law Society, taking different positions in difficult times the country was going through.

“We have lost a silent defender of democracy. Young lawyers have lost a great teacher,” reads the statement signed by MLS executive director Paula Caetano.

Tomoka’s younger brother, Noel, said burial will take place today at Nkhamenya, about 45 kilometres from Kasungu Boma off the Lilongwe-Kasungu-Mzuzu M1 Road.

Tomoka was a senior partner of the legal practice of Messrs Chisanga & Tomoka.