Judge Chombo ‘in no mood’ to allow late lawyers
High Court Judge Esmie Chombo has expressed dissatisfaction with what she calls “professional indiscipline” by some defense lawyers who are continuously coming late for the court proceedings in the K2.4 billion Cashgate case involving former budget director Paul Mphwiyo and 18 others.
Chombo observed that some lawyers are fond of absconding from the proceedings leaving their client helpless in the court, saying the tendency is proving disrespectful to the legal profession.
The Judge made the remarks came after lead defense lawyer Titus Mvalo asked for a brief adjournment of the witness cross examination, a request he got from some of the accused persons whose lawyers were not in the court to ask questions on their behalf.
Justice Chombo said it’s displeasing to note that even though she has been repeatedly reminding the men-of-the-wig to always keep time; still many are continuing coming late with over 45 minutes as some would be seen walking in court 25 minutes after the trial has started.
“We are not going to allow counsels coming late like this. We will close the door for them,” she said.
The judge then turned away two defence lawyers in the afternoon session for late coming.
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Late Justice George Chimasula Phiri, a Supreme Court judge, had a similar stand on legal practitioners reporting late for court cases. He used to go into the court ten minutes before the commencement of the hearing or trial. Time was essential.
Teach them punctuality your worship
bravo, my lady. indeed these selfish idiots should never be entertained!!!!!
Bravo Esmie Chombo. If all the judges were like you, Malawi would have been a law abiding country.