Small Scale Business Operators Association in Malawi has threatened to stage national protests should the judiciary continue to delay pronouncing a judgment on a case in which government wants refugees and asylum seekers to stop plying their trade illegally.

General Secretary for the association, Tennyson Mulimbula, says the case has stalled for several months despite Chief Justice Rezini Mzikamanda’s ultimatum to the judiciary to conclude outstanding cases within 90 days.

Mulimbula argues the delay by High Court Judge Mandala Mambulasa to pronounce judgment on the case is negatively affecting their businesses due to the influx of foreigners on the market.

Registrar of the High Court and Supreme Court of Appeal, Kondwani Banda has since called for patience on the matter.

Last year, government commenced a process of repatriating the refugees plying their trade in illegal places across the country.

However, the initiative was halted following an injunction sought by the refugees.