A partcipant answering questions during the event
On Thursday, 01 December 2022 the Bureau was at Namachete Primary School in Salima district for an awareness campaign where hundreds of people were in attendance.
The Bureau sensitized the people of Group Village Headman Chisonga on messages relating to what legal aid is, what the Bureau does and where services can be attained.
In his remarks, the Group village headman indicated that a lot of people were not aware that they have an option of being represented in court without making exorbitant expenditures.
“Even I was having challenges on some cases, and it was hard to refer them to court since I was not sure if a villager can afford a lawyer,” added GVH Chisonga.
The campaign also attracted the attendance of representatives from Salima police, magistrate court and Paralegal Advisory Service Institute (PASI) among others.
“The police are your friend, but when you are in the wrong, we apprehend you and take you to court. We will prosecute you according to law but if you have insufficient means and cannot afford a lawyer, Legal Aid Bureau can assist you,” emphasized Station Prosecution Officer for Salima police, Justice Manolo.
Similar sentiments were echoed by Second Grade Magistrate Her Worship Agness Chirambo who was also in attendance. She was quick to mention the court does not take sides in hearing cases, but everyone who is accused has a right to legal representation.
Licenet Kadiwa, Salima Legal Aid Officer, assured those gathered that the Bureau is always available to give them a hand in either civil or criminal cases.
“Apart from court representation, we also give legal advice and education. People should understand that legal aid is for them and where we have enough resources, we assist everyone accordingly,” stressed Kadiwa.
The event was painted with several colourful activities including a dancing competition and a question-and-answer session where winners received legal aid branded materials. A football bonanza also made the event more fascinating as Chisamba football team played against Chimutu football team.
Legal Aid Bureau’s offices in Salima are located at the Salima ADD premises, close to Ndi Moyo Palliative Care Centre where the veterinary offices are located in Salima town.
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