By Chisomo Phiri

The Malawi Judiciary on Thursday May 30,2024,officially launched the Financial Crimes Division at the High Court premises in Lilongwe.

The division which focuses on financial and economic crimes seeks to expedite trial of the financial and economic cases and ensure justice.

Speaking during the launch, Minister of Justice Titus Mvalo said the launch signifies the government’s commitment to the fight against financial and corruption cases.

“A country which is determined to fight against corruption must demand other measures like financial crimes division to ensure that corruption cases are processed with speed and diligence.

“Not only will this division help to expedite trials, officers working in this division will attain skills that will be vital in delivering justice,” Mvalo said.

The Minister said the government was aware of infrastructure challenges that surrounds judicial system as such, government would construct a Court Complex at City Centre in Lilongwe where there would be 40 court-rooms.

On his part, Judge In-Charge for the Financial Crimes Division, who is also Deputy Chief Justice, Redson Kapindu said despite some hiccups, collaborative efforts have necessitated the progress of handling cases.

“Today’s pivotal event signifies not just an establishment of a new financial crimes division but embodies collective commitment as a nation towards constitution principles of national policy that introduce measures guaranteeing accountability, transparency, personal integrity, and financial probity,” he said.

Kapindu said since it was establishment in November 2022, the division has so far registered 139 financial case crimes, and that 40 cases have been finalized.

President for Malawi Law Society(MLS) , Patrick Mpaka said there was a need for adequate funding, technical and institutional support if the division is to serve Malawians more efficiently.

He added that the financial crimes division has three judges, which according to him delays delivery of speedy justice.