By Blackson Mkupatira
Chiradzulu, April 4, Mana: Chief Justice Rizine Mzikamanda says the Judiciary is committed to taking justice to hard-to-reach areas to ensure marginalized communities have access to justice.
Mzikamanda made the remarks Thursday during the relaunch of Mombezi Magistrate Court in Traditional Authority (TA) Mpama in Chiradzulu.
Mzikamanda said justice is not a privilege of a few but a human right and that everyone is entitled to access it.
"That is why the Judiciary is committed to serving all people in the country, whether rich or poor, young or old and the vulnerable.
"This commitment has led to the rehabilitation and operationalization of non-functional magistrate courts across the country," he said.
He stressed the importance of strengthening the relationship between the court and surrounding communities to promote the principle of people-centered justice.
Mzikamanda commended the role courts play in upholding justice in the country, saying Malawi is a beacon of democracy in the SADC region and this reputation is largely due to the contributions of the Judiciary.
Chiradzulu District Commissioner, Francis Matewere, said out of ten courts in the district, only five are functional, which compromises access to justice as people have to travel long distances to seek legal redress.
“In our district development plan, we want to promote access to social services including judicial services, so this is a milestone for us," he said.
Matewere appealed to the Judiciary to support capacity building for local leaders to ensure justice prevails at community level.
Chiradzulu District Magistrate, Smart Maruwasa, said the reopening of the magistrate’s court in the area will fast track case resolution and promote the rule of law in the district.
“We handle many cases, including theft and sexual offenses involving minors, which often experience delays in resolution. So, the reopening of this court will help reduce case backlog and ensure that justice is delivered in a timely and efficient manner,” he said.
Mombezi Magistrate’s Court was closed in 2015 and remained non-functional, affecting communities in Likoswe, Mpama, and Onga.
