By Cathy Maulidi:
Youth and Society (YAS) has commended the Judicial Service Committee (JSC) for what it calls its commitment to transparency and accountability within the Judiciary.
However, in a statement, Yas has expressed concerns about the limited options available for submitting complaints, which are currently restricted to postal addresses.
“We recognise the importance of facilitating channels through which the public can voice concerns or lodge complaints regarding the conduct of judicial officers and the Judiciary’s functioning.
“Such mechanisms are critical in fostering public trust and enhancing access to justice for all Malawians,” the statement, signed by Yas Executive Director Charles Kajoloweka, says.
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Yas proposes additional methods to complement the postal address, including email submissions, a toll-free hotline, a WhatsApp number and closed public meetings.
The organisation says these channels could provide a more comprehensive, accessible and transparent framework for public engagement.
According to the statement, a direct and confidential line to the JSC for convenient complaint submission, along with controlled, respectful and confidential forums for citizens to voice concerns, would be more effective.
Kajoloweka adds that these mechanisms would strengthen accountability within the Judiciary and demonstrate its commitment to upholding justice.
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He has urged the JSC to extend the deadline for complaints and introduce these additional channels.
Last week, JSC announced that it had opened a probe into allegations of misconduct against High Court judge Kenan Manda and other judicial officers.
In a statement issued on October 30, 2024, JSC Secretary Ireen Mayeso Chikapa said the investigation follows allegations made on social media by human rights lawyer Alexious Kamangila regarding corruption in the Judiciary.
Chikapa added that the investigation would extend to Magistrate Diana Mangwana in a child custody case involving Ricardo Andre Teixeira Almeida and Shenaz Peter Bhagwanji.
The JSC has called for people with evidence or complaints related to the cases to submit them through a postal address and has set a timeframe of four weeks to complete the investigation.
Acting Assistant Registrar of the High and Supreme Court, Innocent Nebi, could not be reached for a comment after several attempts to contact him regarding Yas’s request.
