Counsel Kasambara addressing the crowd
Five months since its opening, the Legal Aid Bureau office in Thyolo district has assisted over 100 people in need of legal advice and assistance.
At a sensitization campaign held in the district on Wednesday, 26 October, 2022, it was emphasized that the bureau also assists in civil matters, aside criminal litigation provided for people that cannot afford to hire a private lawyer.
Senior Legal Aid Advocate responsible for Thyolo, Chikondi Mmanga Kasambara who was the main speaker during the event, highlighted that there are a lot of benefits that one can get from the bureau aside legal assistance in criminal matters.
“There is no need for one to suffer from human rights abuse when Legal Aid Bureau is readily available to assist in a lot of issues including legal advice.
“The bureau’s offices in Thyolo are strategically located at the Boma close to the prison and they give a chance to prisoners and everyone else to insist on meeting a lawyer whenever they feel,” explained Counsel Kasambara.
Some civil cases that the bureau handles include custody and maintenance proceedings, matrimonial cases, chieftaincy wrangles, land disputes, personal injury claims, contract disputes, deceased estates and labour matters.
The event which also had moments of informing people of laws and legal procedures, attracted the attendance of representatives from the District Council, police and traditional authorities among others.
Ward Councillor Hudson Ovila, also encouraged people that attended the event to take the bureau as a blessing whenever they are troubled and need the aid of a lawyer.
“I am a good example of one of the people that benefited from the bureau some years ago when I had a contract matter in Thyolo. I had to travel all the way to Blantyre to get access to Legal Aid Bureau offices and they helped me solve my case,” explained Councillor Ovila.
He also added that it has to be easier for most people living in Thyolo to be assisted now that the bureau is closer to them.
On his part, Traditional Authority Nchiramwela indicated that the presence of the bureau makes his work easier because all matters that are beyond him can easily be resolved by lawyers.
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