By Burnett Munthali
On October 11, 2024, Justice Kenan Manda obtained an injunction from the High Court prohibiting lawyer Alexious Kamangila from making any statements regarding him. This legal action follows Kamangila’s recent social media posts, where he allegedly made claims about Judge Manda’s conduct in relation to his judicial responsibilities.
The injunction was issued just days after Judge Manda demanded K250 million in compensation from Kamangila for allegedly defaming him. Manda had threatened to take Kamangila to court if he failed to comply with the demand. The High Court’s decision underscores the judiciary’s commitment to protecting its officers from unfounded allegations that could tarnish their reputations.
According to documents reviewed by MIJ Online, Kamangila has been making statements on his social media page that imply Judge Manda has engaged in fraudulent behavior related to his duties. This has raised concerns about the ethical conduct expected of legal professionals, particularly in their public statements.
Currently, Kamangila has instructed his legal representatives to inform Judge Manda that he intends to pursue legal action regarding the issues he has raised. He argues that he should be allowed to express his concerns and maintain his stance on the matters at hand.
The court’s injunction serves as a critical reminder of the boundaries of free speech and the responsibilities that come with it, particularly for those in the legal profession. The ongoing situation highlights the tensions that can arise when public figures express allegations against the judiciary, prompting a deeper examination of the interaction between legal rights and judicial integrity.
