By The Forum

The Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) under the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs has requested additional funding amounting to MWK2.9 billion to support prosecution efforts and reduce the growing backlog of homicide cases.

Director of Public Prosecutions Fostino Maele made the plea before the Parliamentary Cluster Committee on Legal Affairs and Government Assurances during budget consultations on allocations to the Directorate of Public Prosecutions and State Advocate (Vote 351) and the Attorney General (Vote 354).

Maele said the current funding is inadequate, particularly for prosecuting cases that require legal personnel to travel to districts across the country.

“The Directorate requires MWK2.9 billion as we target to prosecute 1,000 homicide cases over the next two years to reduce the backlog and ensure timely delivery of justice,” he said.

He also requested an additional MWK500 million for witness tracing and case preparation to ensure key witnesses are located, prepared and protected for trial.

In the proposed budget, the Treasury has allocated MWK4.8 billion to the Directorate of Public Prosecutions and the State Advocate. Of this amount, MWK3.76 billion is for Other Recurrent Transactions while MWK1.02 billion is for personal emoluments.

The allocation also includes MWK280 million for expanding DPP operations in Zomba, MWK105 million for capacity building of lawyers and paralegals, and MWK1.5 billion for prosecuting criminal cases related to violence against vulnerable groups.

Meanwhile, the Attorney General’s Chambers has been allocated MWK1.9 billion, up from MWK380.6 million in the previous budget. The increase is partly attributed to the establishment of offices in Zomba and Blantyre to expand the office’s nationwide presence.

Attorney General Frank Mbeta said the increase in personal emoluments is intended to support the office’s retention strategy, including raising non-practising allowances for its lawyers.

Responding to the submissions, Co-Chairperson of the Cluster Committee Hon. Gilbert Khonyongwa said the committee would consider the DPP’s request and lobby the Treasury for additional funding if justified.

On the Attorney General’s allocation, the committee agreed with the reasons for the increase and indicated it would consider a request for about MWK700 million in additional funding to help defend lawsuits and settle outstanding cases.

In line with his commitment to monitor attendance and participation of Members of Parliament in cluster committees, Speaker of the National Assembly Right Honourable Sameer Suleman observed proceedings of the Cluster Committee on Legal Affairs and Government Assurances, as well as the Cluster on Social and Community Affairs and Local Government Authorities.

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