By Burnett Munthali
The Legal Affairs Committee of the Malawian Parliament has launched an investigation into alleged misconduct involving Justice Ken Manda. This afternoon, the committee met behind closed doors with representatives from the Malawi Law Society (MLS) in Lilongwe as part of its ongoing inquiry.
Committee Chairperson Peter Dimba confirmed that the investigation encompasses both recent accusations and earlier controversies surrounding the judge. One significant past issue under scrutiny is Justice Manda’s ruling on the sale of Gamu Filling Station in Lilongwe. This judgment stirred debate and widespread criticism in the National Assembly.
Dimba noted that the committee’s investigation is not limited to the current allegations, but also covers other areas of concern involving Justice Manda’s past conduct. “We are looking at both the present and previous allegations, including the contentious judgment on Gamu Filling Station,” he stated.
Next week, the committee plans to engage with the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), which is responsible for the discipline of judicial officers. The JSC, according to Dimba, is critical to the investigation due to its constitutional mandate to ensure accountability and address misconduct within the judiciary.
The meeting with the JSC, set for Friday next week, is expected to delve deeper into the allegations and determine any potential violations of judicial ethics by Justice Manda.
The investigation represents a critical step in upholding judicial integrity and maintaining public trust in Malawi’s legal system. The Legal Affairs Committee’s actions underscore the importance of transparency and accountability in the judiciary.
