Malawi Law Society questions DPP’s withdrawal of political, corruption cases
The Malawi Law Society (MLS) has expressed serious concern over the Director of Public Prosecutions’ (DPP) recent decisions to discontinue high-profile criminal cases involving political figures aligned with the current government or his former clients.
In a statement issued to mark Malawi’s 62nd independence anniversary, the MLS acknowledged the DPP’s constitutional powers, which may be exercised independently or under the direction of the Attorney General. However, the Society noted that the current pattern is worrying and risks undermining public trust in the justice system.
“Based on information available to the Society, many of the affected cases involve political figures aligned with the current government and/or former clients of Mr. Maele,” read the statement, signed by MLS chairman Davis Njobvu and honorary secretary Francis M’mame.
The Society observed that although the Constitution requires the DPP to justify discontinued cases before Parliament’s Legal Affairs Committee, many citizens increasingly perceive these powers as being used to favour politically connected individuals.
Furthermore, the MLS has questioned a pending application by the Anti-Corruption Bureau—made at the direction of the DPP—to withdraw corruption charges against Lin Yunhua currently before the High Court.
“The society questions why a corruption-related case should be discontinued without the evidence being subjected to judicial scrutiny. The society is further concerned that the accused person was previously a client of Mr. Maele before his appointment as DPP.
“This creates an apparent conflict of interest. The society urges Mr. Maele to reconsider his position and to avoid any perception that prosecutorial power is being exercised for personal or improper purposes,” the statement concluded.
