The newly appointed Deputy Chief Justice takes oath of office

The newly appointed Deputy Chief Justice of the Republic of Malawi, Honourable Justice Lovemore Chikopa SC on Thursday 18th April, 2024 took oath of office at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe. Presiding over the official swearing in ceremony was the Head of State His Excellency Dr. Lazarus Chakwera.

In his speech, President Chakwera highlighted that the appointment of Hon. Justice Chikopa SC as the first-ever Deputy Chief Justice in Malawi's history is a remarkable step towards strengthening the judicial system.

Dr. Chakwera described Justice Chikopa as a patriotic person with integrity and the capability to hold the office. He went on further calling on the Judge to serve the office in defence and advancement of justice. He also appealed to Malawians to support his office for its effectiveness. He then commended the Judiciary for making strides in the functional review process, which led to the accession of Honourable Justice Chikopa SC to the position.

Speaking earlier, Secretary to the President and Cabinet (SPC), Madame Collen Zamba, affirmed that section 111(2) of the Constitution of the Republic of Malawi confers power to the President to appoint a Deputy Chief Justice.

Honourable Justice Chikopa SC joined the Judiciary in 1998 as a Principal Resident Magistrate and rose to the rank of Chief Resident Magistrate. He was later appointed as a Judge of the High Court in 2000 and as a Justice of Appeal in 2012.