Court Users Committee Tackles Delays in Criminal Justice System

Honourable Justice John Chirwa, Judge President of the High Court and Judge in Charge of the Criminal Division of the High Court, today led a Court Users Committee meeting aimed at strengthening coordination among key justice-sector institutions and improving the delivery of justice to court users.

The meeting brought together representatives from various institutions within the criminal justice chain, including the Malawi Prison Service, Legal Aid Bureau, Centre for Human Rights and Rehabilitation (CHREAA), Malawi Police Service, State Advocate Chambers, Malawi Law Society, Paralegal Advisory Service Institute (PASI), and the District Social Welfare Office.

Speaking on behalf of the Criminal Division of the High Court, Honourable Justice Ruth Chinangwa said the meeting provided an important platform for stakeholders to collectively identify challenges that clog the justice system and explore practical solutions to improve its performance.

Executive Director for CHREAA, Victor Mhango, described the meeting as critical, saying it addressed some of the key challenges affecting the criminal justice system, including delays in the hearing and disposal of homicide cases. Mhango said stakeholders had also agreed on timelines for addressing the identified challenges and ensuring that the delays are resolved within a reasonable time.

“This meeting was critical because we have tackled some of the key issues affecting the criminal justice system, particularly delays in homicide trials. Importantly, we have agreed on deadlines to address these delays within a reasonable time,” he said.

Lindiwe Sibande, Programmes Coordinator for Irish Rule of Law International, said effective coordination among justice-sector stakeholders was essential in identifying and addressing challenges within the criminal justice system. She said Irish Rule of Law recognised the importance of bringing key stakeholders together to find practical solutions to challenges affecting the administration of justice.

The meeting was co-funded by the Judiciary and Irish Rule of Law through CHREAA.