Zomba Magistrate in bribe claim, suspended

Zomba third grade magistrate Maxford Gandali  has been suspended for soliciting bribes from court users in exchange for  favoured justice, Judiciary spokesman Mlenga Mvula has confirmed.

Mvula said Gandali is still reporting for work “but not handling any court cases.”

He confirmed that Gandali has received several warnings, verbal and written over official complaints lodged against him by court users that he solicits bribes.

Gandali reportedly tell court users he could make a case disappear in exchange of money.

“Following allegations from your Chief Resident Magistrate [CRM] East that you solicit money from court clients, I write to suspend you from exercising your duties and functions of your office sd third grade magistrate,” reads a letter of suspension signed by Judiciary’s controller of human resources Evans Lora.

Despite being warned by Chief Resident Magistrate several times, Gandali is said to have not changed his bribe seeking behaviour as her offices constinue to get complaints despite bineg transferred to three difference courts within one year.

Mvula said Gandali who has been with the Judiciary since  November 2009 will wait to hear from Jusicial Service Commission to provide the direction on the matter.