Sant’ Egidio calls for access to justice

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ommunity of Sant’ Egidio volunteer Alexious Kamangila has commended the Judiciary for taking the courts to the people.

He said this on Wednesday when the community supported camp courts for Bvumbwe and Thyolo Prisons where 11 remandees answering murder charges were given an opportunity to be heard.

“This shows the Judiciary’s commitment that given all the support many things can improve as far as access to justice for everyone is concerned,” said Kamangila, who is a lawyer and social justice activist.

Chief legal aid advocate Rodgers Mpombedza, who represented the 11 accused, also applauded the Judiciary for its dedication to dispense justice.

“It is clear from this exercise that our courts are open to everyone.

What slows the wheels of justice are generally resources which hinder timely justice and equal access,” he observed.

Mpombedza also applauded Sant’ Egidio and other stakeholders for their effort in easing pressure in the criminal justice system.

Since the most affected are the poor who cannot afford a lawyer, Sant Egidio through Justice for All Initiative, supports the Judiciary to facilitate camp courts.

Community of Sant’ Egidio has set up a number of camp courts to provide homicide remandees, preferably those beyond the detention time limit, an opportunity to be heard and considered for bail release.

The exercise incorporates the Judiciary, State advocates (prosecutors), Legal Aid Bureau (defence lawyers) and civil society organisations.