Judiciary fires Magistrate for soliciting bribes

Third grade Magistrate Maxford Gandali who was suspended for allegedly demanding money from court users has now been  fired by Judiciary Services Commission.

Judiciary spokesperson Mlenga Mvula confirmed the dismissal, saying the Judicial Service Commission decision si with effecr from February 6, 2017..

He said Gandali was  stationed at Liwonde Magistrate  Court un Machinga but his misconduct was committed at Zomba Magisrate court.

Gandali was accused by  Chief Resident Magistrate [CRM] East that he was soliciting  money from court client.

According to CRM East Agness Patemba, she on several times summoned and verbally warned Gandali about his “unbecoming behaviour of soliciting money from court users” before officially writing him a warning letter.

Patemba also complained to the registrar that despite warning the magistrate, her office continued to receive queries from court users about Gandali’s conduct of soliciting bribes.

Within one year, the CRM East has transferred Gandali to three different courts, but reports of his demanding bribes from court clients have not ceased, according to the Judiciary.

Gandali has been with the Judiciary since November 2009 when he was appointed as third grade magistrate.