LILONGWE - by Elizabeth Chingola | The Human Rights Consultative Committee (HRCC), a human rights body in Malawi, has expressed concern over the lack of a specific law governing the seizure of citizens’ property suspected to be linked to corruption or theft.

The organization made the remarks this afternoon, 21 August, during a press briefing at Crossroads Hotel in Lilongwe.

HRCC said that while asset seizure is important for enforcing the law, there is a need for clear procedures to guide the timing, process of seizure, and the handling and safekeeping of people’s property.

According to Robert Mkwezalamba, Chairperson of the HRCC Board, current Malawian laws on seized citizen property do not provide clear direction. He said this sometimes leads to the process being done unfairly or with the intention of violating a person’s rights.

"Through new laws put in place by government, authorities should be required to come out openly and account for how seized property is managed - whether it is sold, stored, or destroyed". He added.

The organization said it has already written a letter to the Chief Justice of Malawi regarding the matter, to present their concerns.