‘Judge shopping’ warning from Malawi Chief Justice

Chief Justice Andrew Nyirenda says Malawians should not shy away from reporting misbehaving judges to authorities whenever there are questionable judgements.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with MBC, the chief justice said judges should be professional all the time because Malawians watch them constantly.

“The more they pervert their opinions, the more unprofessional they become,” said Nyirenda.

He, however, said in the absence of official complaints, there is nothing the judiciary can do to stem out the malpractice.

He said Malawians are fond of complaining in silence, saying this culture can make judges work with impunity.

“People don’t come to complain with they have issues with the judiciary, probably for the fear of the unknown,” said Nyirenda.

Nyirenda nonetheless said the judiciary cannot work on anonymous tips.

The Chief Justice also said courts will in two to three months time use new technologies as they move away from old colonial era case management. He also said it will soon be engaging the public on feedback.

The chief justice said he was happy to take over for the mantle well respected in the world for its independence although he bemoaned lack of human resource and financial resources as the major setback.

He gave an example of the country having only 4 chief magistrates against hundreds of magistrates they supervise in the country.

Nyirenda said he was happy that issues of judge shopping has drastically been minimised at the institution.