By Twink Jones Gadama
BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-Chief Justice Rizine Mzikamanda has delivered a stern message to judiciary officials, urging them to treat recent criticisms of corruption and lack of integrity as a wake-up call.
Speaking at the Association of Magistrates in Malawi (AMM) elective conference in Liwonde, Machinga, Mzikamanda emphasized the importance of professionalism in the judiciary.
The remarks come in response to recent concerns raised by the Catholic Bishops through the Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM), which criticized some judges for delaying cases and lacking accountability.
Mzikamanda urged judicial officers to take these observations seriously and ensure that they carry out their duties with utmost professionalism.
One of the key challenges highlighted by AMM President Senior Resident Magistrate Montfort Misunje is the shortage of magistrates in the country’s courts.
With only about 250 magistrates available, there is a significant backlog of cases that need to be addressed.
Misunje emphasized the need for more magistrates to handle the workload effectively and ensure that cases are heard promptly.
The shortage of judicial officers not only impacts the efficiency of the courts but also puts additional pressure on existing magistrates.
In light of these challenges, Chief Justice Mzikamanda’s call for integrity and professionalism in the judiciary is more important than ever.
Judicial officials need to uphold the highest standards of ethics and accountability to ensure the effective administration of justice in Malawi.
As the judiciary grapples with issues of corruption and inadequate staffing, there is a pressing need for swift action to address these concerns.
By adhering to the principles of integrity and professionalism, judicial officers can help rebuild public trust in the justice system and ensure that justice is served fairly and efficiently