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Mchinji Police Station client trying out the toll free phone
The Bureau partnered with Malawi Police Service to place one toll free phone in all district police station sin the country. This initiative will help increase reach by the Bureau to the suspects in holding cells who have just been arrested. The service is for starters exclusive to only the arrested suspects to use for contacting the Legal Aid Bureau
Section 42(2)(b) of the Constitution which prescribes that "as soon as it is reasonably possible, but not later than 48 hours after the arrest, or if the period of 48 hours expires outside ordinary court hours or on a day which is not a court day, the first court day after such expiry, to be brought before independent and impartial court of law and to be charged or to be informed of the reason for his or her further detention, failing which he or she shall be released" and section 42(f)(v) which prescribes that the arrested "be represented by a legal practitioner of his or her choice or, where it is required in the interests of justice, to be provided with legal representation at the expense of the State, and to be informed of these rights"
This initiative will assist the justice system process of the country realise these constitutional rights to the people and it is a step further by the Bureau in assisting the vulnerable who can not afford private lawyers.
Chilungamo (Justice and Accountability) Programme continues supporting the Bureau in a bid to improve access to justice for all