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  • February 18, 2025
Evidence presented against corrupt lawyers and judges may have been stolen from JSC office by burglars – Malawi Nyasa Times

Evidence presented against corrupt lawyers and judges may have been stolen from JSC office by burglars – Malawi Nyasa Times

A break-in at the offices of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) in Malawi has raised serious concerns about the security and integrity of evidence related to corruption investigations within the judiciary. Thieves broke into the office in the early hours of Monday and made off with a laptop belonging to JSC Secretary Irene Chikapa. The theft took place on the Civil Service Commission (CSC) campus, where Chikapa’s office, which handles complaints against judicial officers, was specifically targeted.

Not surprised: Kamangila

What is particularly alarming is that the burglary appeared to be aimed at obtaining specific documents related to corruption cases. While the thieves also raided other offices within the CSC, including those of the CSC chairman and deputy director, nothing was stolen from those areas. However, Chikapa’s office, which was responsible for handling complaints against judges and lawyers, was thoroughly ransacked and a computer containing crucial files was taken.

Chikapa confirmed the incident and said the theft was discovered when staff arrived at work on Monday morning and police were alerted. Despite the theft, she downplayed the significance of the stolen laptop, claiming it contained only backup files, and assured the public that the complaints against judges were safe. “There is no crucial information on the stolen laptop,” she said, adding that any involved complainants could be asked to resubmit their complaints.

However, many are skeptical of her reassurances. Human rights lawyer Alexious Kamangila, who has long accused the judiciary of corruption, argued that the burglary was part of a broader pattern of attempts to destroy evidence. “This is a textbook example of a corrupt system trying to eliminate evidence,” Kamangila said, pointing to similar incidents of fires and burglaries used to erase crucial information. “They need to know that the evidence is indestructible, and such attempts to hide the truth will ultimately fail.”

The Malawi Law Society (MLS), through its president Patrick Mpaka, has called for transparency and urged the JSC to provide a detailed report on the intrusion, its impact on ongoing investigations and measures to prevent future security breaches prevent. “The public deserves a clear explanation,” Mpaka said, emphasizing the importance of accountability in ensuring the integrity of judicial investigations.

This incident adds to ongoing concerns about the effectiveness and transparency of the justice system in Malawi. With allegations of corruption within the judiciary and this latest breach raising serious doubts, the public continues to question whether those responsible for investigating misconduct are themselves involved in attempts to cover up the truth.

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