By Vincent Gunde
A concerned citizen of Malawi Comrade Edwards Kambanje, has expressed his deep concern over political arrests of high profile people observing that their cases do not reach conclusion just as cases of ordinary citizens.
Kambanje has noted that these arrests are just made as symbolic saying the speed which bail is granted compared to ordinary citizens, raises concern about equality before the law a development which has made Malawians to conclude that justice is only bought with money and without money, one cannot buy justice.
He said successive administrations have made arrests of these high profile suspects- very few have reached conclusions and judgment saying it is the wish of each and every Malawian to see that justice is served equally by making sure that the police is let to do their job independently.
“High profile suspects do not stay long in police custody unlike ordinary citizens who do not have names in the society, there is need to have a system where law enforcement agencies operate independently,” said Kambanje.
Social commentator Isaiah Emmanuel Sunganimoyo, said access to justice is crucial, simplifying legal processes, increasing awareness of rights, and ensuring affordable legal aid, can help level the playing field.
Sunganimoyo has urged Malawians to focus on building a just society where laws serve everyone regardless of background or position saying all the citizens have a role to play in ensuring that there is accountability and fairness in the delivery of justice.
He said court injunctions are a legitimate part of the country’s legal system of allowing individuals to protect their rights saying this is used appropriately and should not be seen as a way to shield one wrongdoing.
“Everyone is entitled to their rights regardless of party affiliation, some individuals choose not to seek injunctions or their situations were different, let’s focus on ensuring equality before the law rather than making assumptions,” said Sunganimoyo.
He said Malawi has a constitution which is the supreme law of the land saying if there are concerns about implementation or interpretations, Malawians should address those specifically rather than suggesting that the constitution is not being followed.
There have been concerns from the general public on the way court injunctions are being issued to high profile suspects for the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) which has made many people to argue that these injunctions were not there during the time that half of the DPP members were arrested.
Sunganimoyo said equality before the law is a fundamental principle calling for the need to scrutinize those cases and ensure that justice is served fairly so that all Malawians the rich and the poor are made to believe that there is no one above the law.
