By Burnett Munthali
A group of concerned citizens has written to Chief Justice Rezine Mzikamanda, urging immediate action regarding the recent corruption allegations made by Mr. Kamangila against several members of Malawi’s judiciary. These citizens are calling for accountability and evidence, demanding that the issue be addressed swiftly to preserve the integrity of the legal system.
In the letter, the concerned citizens outline specific demands aimed at bringing clarity and transparency to the serious accusations. They request that the Chief Justice compel Mr. Kamangila to formally lodge a complaint with his office within three days. This complaint, they insist, must be accompanied by concrete evidence of corruption, which should be compelling enough to prove the allegations beyond a reasonable doubt. To ensure transparency, the citizens further demand that Kamangila first publish this evidence on his Facebook page so that the public can fully understand the basis of his claims.
The citizens emphasize that once this evidence is submitted to the Chief Justice, it should be immediately transferred to the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) or the Malawi Police Service (MPS) for swift action. They argue that the judges and lawyers accused of corruption should be arrested and given the opportunity to defend themselves formally before the courts. The letter strongly opposes any form of mob justice, stating that it has no place in Malawi’s legal system, which is built on due process and the rule of law.
Moreover, the citizens’ letter issues a stern warning: if Mr. Kamangila fails to file a formal complaint within the set three-day deadline and does not provide the required evidence, he should be dismissed as a “busybody and lunatic” who is wasting the valuable time of the judiciary. The citizens argue that the Chief Justice should not entertain baseless accusations that undermine the credibility of Malawi’s justice system.
In addition to their demands, the concerned citizens have copied the letter to the Malawi Law Society (MLS), calling on the organization to take disciplinary action against Mr. Kamangila if he fails to provide evidence of his corruption claims. They assert that his actions, if unsubstantiated, bring the entire legal profession into disrepute by demonizing and scandalizing judicial officers without valid grounds.
The situation highlights the need for transparency and due process in addressing serious allegations against judicial officers. While the citizens are clear in their call for evidence, they also stress the importance of ensuring that any allegations are dealt with formally through proper legal channels.
As the legal community and the public wait for Mr. Kamangila’s next move, the issue underscores the importance of balancing accountability with the need to protect the integrity of the judiciary from unsubstantiated claims. Whether Mr. Kamangila provides the evidence demanded, or whether disciplinary action is taken against him, remains to be seen. What is certain, however, is that the matter has sparked a critical conversation about justice, accountability, and the role of public discourse in legal matters in Malawi.
