Chiefs empowered to handle cases

Communities in Dowa have commended the establishment of primary justice systems in their areas by Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP) of the Lilongwe Archdiocese, saying the development has seen some cases handled at chiefs level.

Traditional Authority (T/A) Kayembe said chiefs are handling cases such as land and property grabbing and theft of chickens unlike in the past.

“Due to sensitisation meetings on the role of primary justice, such cases have been reduced; hence, we request that the project be extended,” she said.

CCJP Dowa primary justice projects officer Prince Kulemeka said the project has increased the number of women in primary justice delivery systems in the district.

Dowa District director of planning and development Emmanuel Bulukutu commended the various roles CCJP plays in the district, especially in assisting the vulnerable and marginalised groups to access justice.

Apart from T/A Kayembe, CCJP also implemented the project in T/As Mponela, Dzoole and Msakambewa and has distributed over 80 bicycles to community volunteers to ease mobility challenges.

The project was funded by the United Kingdom’s Department for International Development.n