Anti-corruption icons say the decision by Government to set up a Financial Crimes Court in the High Court is proof enough that Chakwera administration is serious in dealing with corruption in the country.
Moses Mkandawire
This follows the passing of Corrupt Practices Act Amendment on Tuesday in Parliament which creates the Financial Crimes Court to deal try all corruption cases as well as frees the Anti-Corruption Bureau from the armpits of the director of public prosecutions.
The anti-corruption activists say this is a welcome development because prosecution of corruption and other financial related cases will now be expedited.
National Anti-Corruption Alliance Chairperson Moses Mkandawire said the move is timely, in as-far-as ensuring speed in handling such cases is concerned in Malawi.
“It is a welcome development. What we therefore need is to ensure that the Head of State assents to the passed bill, so that it becomes a law very quickly,” explained Mkandawire.
“Rules and regulations should be put in place quickly and then judges should be appointment so that some of these cases should be handled within reasonable time in order to generate confidence and trust of the people within the judicial system,” he added.
In a separate interview, governance commentator Victor Chipofya has described the move as a ‘milestone’ in combating corruption in the country.
“Our courts are overwhelmed with so many other cases that they have to deal with, so there have been delays in the delivery of judgements.
“As such, the creation of the Financial Crimes Division is something that is very welcome because it will help us as a nation to be dealing with these types of cases (corruption) quickly,” said Chipofya.
The Bill relates to the Corrupt Practices Act Amendment Bill, which was passed by Parliament to empower the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) to prosecute cases without seeking consent from the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
Parliament passed the bill to create the new division at the courts on Tuesday.
