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The State Advocate Chambers in Blantyre, operating under the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP), handled 181 trials, 128 bail applications, 16 appeals and 22 confirmations in 2025, according to Director of Public Prosecutions Counsel Fostino Maele.
He shared the figures during a visit by Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Honourable Charles Mhango, who was accompanied by Solicitor General and Secretary for Justice, Honourable Gertrude Lynn Hiwa, SC.
Maele explained that the Chambers plan to conduct prison visits to assess inmate populations and noted that out of an approved establishment of 49 positions, 35 are currently filled, comprising 10 lawyers, nine paralegal officers and 16 support staff.
He pointed out challenges such as an aging fleet of vehicles leading to high maintenance costs, shortages of senior state advocates and support staff, delays in promotions, limited access to structured training and career development, and lack of soft loans which affect staff motivation and retention.
Financially, the Chambers received K606,457,979 in monthly ORT funding between April and December 2025 against a projected cash flow of K645,331,979, representing 94 percent of the approved budget.
The Honourable Minister, Mhango, conveyed New Year greetings from President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika and urged staff to uphold professionalism and impartiality regardless of political inclinations, warning against any attempt to undermine the President’s vision or government efforts.
He acknowledged challenges relating to mobility, funding, staff welfare and promotions, assuring that some issues would be addressed soon while others would be considered in the new financial year beginning April 2026.
The Solicitor General, Honourable Hiwa, commended the DPP for the report and praised Director of Criminal Litigation, Counsel Josephine Gwaza, for effectively managing the Blantyre Chambers.
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