Despite facing threats to his life and that of his lawyer, human rights advocate Alexius Kamangila has vowed to continue his crusade against corruption in Malawi’s judiciary.
His fight against alleged judicial misconduct, particularly his case against Justice Kenan Manda of the High Court (Commercial Division), has sent shockwaves through the legal fraternity. However, intimidation tactics, including threats and attacks on his lawyer, have only strengthened his resolve.
The latest casualty of this relentless crusade is Lawyer Gift-Dick Chimowa, who until recently represented Kamangila in the controversial case. Chimowa has withdrawn from the case, citing serious threats to his life and property. In a letter addressed to the Malawi Law Society (MLS), he detailed a series of chilling events that forced his decision.
According to Chimowa, the intimidation began on February 12, 2025, after a mediation session at the High Court in Lilongwe. As he drove home, he noticed a black saloon vehicle following him through the city’s winding roads. Thinking it was a mere coincidence, he brushed it off—until two days later, when he was trailed again, this time in Blantyre. The pursuit escalated when unknown individuals allegedly broke into his stationary vehicle, stealing his laptop and crucial court documents.
“I have reason to believe that these acts of intimidation are directly linked to my involvement in Mr. Kamangila’s case,” Chimowa stated in his letter to MLS. “The judicial corruption we are fighting against is more dangerous than I had anticipated. I have been left with no choice but to withdraw from representing my client to ensure my personal safety.”
The developments have enraged Kamangila, who has vowed to press forward despite the withdrawal of his lawyer. He condemned the threats and accused corrupt legal elites of orchestrating a campaign of intimidation against those who seek justice. Speaking to The Atlas Malawi in a WhatsApp interview, the anti-corruption crusader said:
“I have also been shocked by the extent of desperation by the corrupt judges and lawyers. I know these people are gangsters and savagery, they are criminals. They have been intimidating me, and on 13th October 2024, there was an attempt on my life. Several threats continued, but I didn’t imagine they would attack my lawyer. I am sorry to Mr Chimowa, but he is brave, and I look forward to the truth to this attack. As far as my case against Kenan Manda is concerned, I am extremely motivated to fight Evil until these criminals are no longer Judges &/or Lawyers. These people have just added petrol to the fire that will burn them.”
Despite the threats, Kamangila has reaffirmed his commitment to pursuing his anti-corruption crusade in the judiciary. He insists that no amount of intimidation will deter him from seeking justice and exposing those he believes are corrupt.
The allegations against Justice Manda remain a deeply divisive issue within Malawi’s judiciary, with some calling for a full investigation while others dismiss the accusations as baseless. Meanwhile, police have yet to comment on Chimowa’s claims, further fueling speculation about the extent of corruption within the system.
As Kamangila stands alone in his quest for justice, the nation watches closely. Will his relentless pursuit expose the rot within the judiciary, or will the system silence yet another voice speaking out against corruption? One thing is clear—the battle is far from over.
