Legal Aid Bureau has revealed that it is still grappling with over 25,000 active cases since 2015 currently being handled by only about 48 lawyers.
This was revealed during the ongoing Criminal Justice System Reform Conference happening in Lilongwe.
According to a panel discussion during the conference, this backlog reveals part of the problem that Malawi’s Criminal Justice system has which primarily affects individuals who cannot afford private legal representation hence contributing to prolonged pre-trial detentions and causing overcrowding in the country’s prisons.
Acting director for the Bureau, Chimwemwe Mwale, says despite such a challenge, the backlog has been due to increased awareness of the bureau’s services and also shows the dare scenario of a large number of people who can’t afford a private lawyer.
Minister of Justice, Titus Mvalo, pointed out that there are traces that the current system victimises the underprivileged.
Mvalo however reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enforce legal limits on pre-trial detentions, which should not exceed 90 days based on the severity of the charges.
Chief Justice, Rezine Mzikamanda, expressed similar concerns, calling for an expansion of plea bargaining to speed up case resolutions and reduce prison overcrowding.
By Yamikani Makanga
