Attorney General Thabo Chakaka Nyirenda has denied accusations that his office and that of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) have been inactive in dealing with cases of lawyers’ misconduct.
The issues stems from findings by the Malawi Law Society (MLS)’s disciplinary committee, whose report pointed out several instances where the AG and the DPP allegedly failed to address disciplinary matters brought to their attention.
Chakaka Nyirenda disputed the accuracy of the committee’s findings, saying they do not reflect the ongoing efforts within his office.
“The accusations against my office and the DPP that disciplinary matters referred to us have not been attended to are not correct. I was in court before the Chief Justice for the same issues. Actually, there are also cases of discipline pending in court which my office already filed,” he said.
He went on to clarify the process of handling complaints, explaining that some come through the MLS while others are directed straight to his office.
He stressed the need for thorough investigations before initiating criminal prosecutions to avoid legal complications.
MLS president, Patrick Mpaka, acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations, adding that there are plans for an inquiry to delve deeper into the committee’s claims and the responses from the AG and the DPP.
