As part of President Chakwera’s ambitious promise to uphold the rule of law, a key component of his 2019 and 2020 agenda was to establish a special High Court Division dedicated to tackling financial crimes and on Thursday, this electoral promise has been delivered as the Judiciary proudly launched the Financial and Economic Crimes Division of the High Court at the High Court of Malawi premises in Area 3, Lilongwe.
The event was graced by an array of distinguished guests, including the host Chief Justice Rizine Mzikamanda, Minister of Justice Hon. Titus Mvalo, Attorney General Thabo Chakaka Nyirenda, Director of Public Prosecutions Mr. Masauko Chamkakala, British High Commissioner to Malawi Her Excellency Fiona Ritchie, and Malawi Law Society President Mr. Patrick Mpaka.
In his address, Hon. Mvalo highlighted the government’s strategic decision to establish the Financial Crimes Court, emphasizing its critical role in expediting the resolution of financial and corruption cases, thereby reinforcing Malawi’s commitment to justice and accountability.
“The Ministry of Justice developed a Bill to introduce the special court. In November, 2022, a law was enacted creating this special court through the amendment to the Courts Act.
“The amendment created a special court called the Financial Crimes Court, a division of the High Court of Malawi,” he said.
He said the day marks a significant milestone in the history of Malawi since it signifies government’s commitment to the fight against corruption and financial crimes in general.
“I am personally happy that after receiving a directive from the State President, His Excellency Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera to introduce expedited processes for corruption cases, and after making the announcement in May 2022 that a special court on financial crimes was going to be established to expedite corruption cases, we are here today witnessing the launch of the court,” he said.
He said the President has said time and again that the fight against corruption is a duty bestowed on all Malawians.
“Executive will do its part, so too is the Judiciary, but the war will not be won unless we all join hands as Malawians. On this note, I would like, in a special way to thank His Excellency the President for his unwavering commitment to the fight against corruption as evidenced by his quick action when the Bill creating this special court was presented for his assent,” he said.
Taking his turn, His Lordship Mzikamanda said the establishment of the court does not mean that the Judiciary was not fighting financial crimes, explaining that other courts were.
He said a well-financed court will go a long way in enhancing the fight against corruption, adding evils and dangers of corruption are obvious. He said corruption causes the ordinary citizens to suffer and it retards development.
Mpaka, in his speech, appealed to the authorities to be aggressive in empowering the division of the new court. He said there are only three judges assigned to this division, which is headed by Justice Dr. Redson Kapindu.
