By Burnett Munthali
In a powerful and thought-provoking Facebook post, lawyer Alexius Kamangila reflected on his personal journey through Malawi’s justice system, advocating for the abolition of the death penalty and highlighting the deep-seated injustices that plague the country’s legal system. Drawing from his experiences, Kamangila recounted moments that shaped his conviction to fight for justice, particularly for those on death row and long-term remand without trial.
Kamangila began by sharing his experience as a young law student, visiting prisons and interviewing death-row inmates for his dissertation titled “Decades of De Facto Moratorium on the Death Penalty: A Violation of the Right to Human Dignity.” Even as early as 2014 and 2015, Kamangila was deeply involved in understanding the plight of those condemned to death. His interactions with these prisoners moved him, particularly his meeting with Jack Bandawe, a well-known figure known as Nachipanti. “I have always wondered, did he really do what they said he did?” Kamangila wrote, underscoring the doubts he had about the guilt of some prisoners sentenced to death.
He went on to describe an unforgettable interview with a man in his fifties or sixties who broke down in tears when asked how he spent his days in prison. The emotional weight of that moment, Kamangila explained, left a lasting impression on him. “I was only 23 and didn’t know how to handle an old man crying like a baby,” he admitted, highlighting the personal toll these stories had on him.
Kamangila also reflected on his encounter with Bambo Matiki Njala, an 84-year-old man who had been in custody for nine years without a trial. With Kamangila’s help, Njala was eventually released, but not before facing severe health issues that were addressed only through the intervention of medical students and hospital interns. This experience solidified Kamangila’s resolve to fight for those unfairly caught up in the justice system, writing, “Seeing an old man… being out [of prison] was one of my greatest days.”
Kamangila’s post goes beyond personal anecdotes, calling for systemic change. He criticized the prolonged inaction of the justice system, lamenting that injustice has become a norm. He expressed frustration at the lack of urgency in investigating serious issues within the judiciary, particularly questioning the suitability of Chief Justice Rezine Mzikamanda to lead investigations into alleged corruption involving his deputy, Justice Chikopa, and the former Registrar of the High Court, Kenan Manda. Kamangila raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest, pointing out that Manda is reportedly related to the Chief Justice by marriage.
His post further called for transparency and accountability, questioning whether an external, reputable judge from SADC should be brought in to lead the investigation. Kamangila’s concern was not limited to the alleged actions of individuals, but extended to the system’s failure to act. He labeled this inaction as “passive corruption,” emphasizing that those tasked with upholding justice must also be held accountable.
Kamangila’s advocacy for abolishing the death penalty is deeply intertwined with his criticism of the broader justice system. He described the death penalty as unjust and disproportionately affecting the poor, writing, “Death Penalty ndiyaamphawife” (The death penalty is for the poor). His work with death-row inmates showed him firsthand the flaws in the system, leading him to the firm conclusion that Malawi must move beyond capital punishment.
Conclusion
Lawyer Alexius Kamangila’s powerful words serve as a clarion call for reform within Malawi’s justice system. His experiences in the field, from interviewing death-row inmates to helping long-term remand prisoners gain freedom, have shaped his belief in the need for urgent change. Kamangila’s post is not just a personal reflection, but a passionate appeal to the nation to wake up and confront the systemic injustices that continue to erode the foundations of justice in Malawi. Through his advocacy, Kamangila pushes for a more humane and fair legal system—one that prioritizes justice, human dignity, and the rights of all citizens, regardless of their status or background.
#UMUNTHU: Justice for All.
