DC commends village tribunals

Ntcheu district commissioner (DC) Smart Gwedemula has commended the role village tribunals are playing in serving primary justice which he said is easing congestion at the courts in the district.

Speaking during a monitoring visit of primary justice activities on Wednesday, he said the village tribunals, under Primary Justice Project, are registering remarkable achievements by offering access to justice to communities.

“The village tribunals are doing a commendable job in our communities because people do not have to walk long distances to seek justice at the main court at the boma. With the establishment of the village tribunal courts, smaller cases are resolved right here, thereby reducing congestion at the formal courts,” said Gwedemula.

The DC said the development has contributed to improved justice delivery.

“Magistrate’s courts used to have a backlog of cases before the project started, but now that is history. Some family disputes are being resolved at family level,” he said.

Ntcheu district social welfare officer Mike Makalande said village tribunals need training to build their capacity.

The project is being implemented in six traditional authorities of Champiti, Kwataine, Phambala, Ganya, Masasa and Chakhumbira. n