Justice Beyond Politics: A Call for Self-Introspection Among Judges, Police, and Magistrates

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By Dr. Lawrence Mwelwa

In the heart of Africa, where wisdom flows as deeply as its rivers, we are often reminded of the proverb: “The mill of justice grinds slowly, but it grinds exceedingly fine.” Yet, what happens when the mill is corrupted? When justice becomes a weapon wielded by the powerful, rather than a refuge for the weak, it is not just the accused who suffer—it is the very soul of a nation.

Judges, police officers, and magistrates are entrusted with the sacred duty of upholding fairness and justice. These roles are not mere jobs; they are callings that demand integrity, wisdom, and the courage to resist political manipulation. Yet, we find ourselves in an era where selective prosecution and the weaponization of the legal system have become tools to settle political scores. This is not justice—it is tyranny dressed in legal robes.

How does one explain the travesty of charging Mumbi Phiri with aggravated robbery, a charge so disproportionate to the circumstances that it borders on absurdity? A situation that should have been handled as a minor offense—perhaps conduct likely to cause a breach of peace—was escalated into a charge designed to humiliate and incapacitate. Was this the hand of justice, or the invisible hand of politics? “False scales are an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is His delight” (Proverbs 11:1). Those who twist justice for political gain would do well to reflect on this.

The judiciary and law enforcement must ask themselves hard questions. Is denying bail to individuals like Bowman Lusambo, GBM, Chitotela, and Chilangwa truly in the interest of justice, or is it a means of satisfying the political vendettas of the moment? When a cardiac patient like GBM languishes in prison without proper care, can those responsible for his plight truly sleep peacefully? If you wield the power of the law without compassion, you sow seeds of resentment that will one day bear bitter fruit. As the elders say, “He who cuts the path crookedly will one day walk it barefoot.”

The danger of weaponizing the legal system is that it destroys trust—not just in institutions, but in the very idea of justice. Today, the target may be someone you despise, but tomorrow, it could be you or someone you love. “Do not judge unjustly, nor show partiality to the wicked; judge your neighbor in righteousness” (Leviticus 19:15). A legal system that bends to the whims of power is no longer a guardian of fairness but a servant of oppression.

History teaches us that political winds are fickle. Politicians who demand loyalty today will forget your name tomorrow. They will not stand by you when the tide turns. “The bird that builds its nest in a storm must be ready to rebuild when the wind blows it away.” To the police officer executing an unlawful arrest, the judge denying bail without merit, or the magistrate imposing disproportionate sentences—remember that the actions you take today will define the legacy you leave behind. Your children and grandchildren will either walk proudly in the shadow of your integrity or carry the shame of your betrayal.

Self-introspection is not a sign of weakness; it is the hallmark of wisdom. Ask yourself: Can I justify my actions before God, before my community, and before my conscience? Can I meet the eyes of the families I have harmed, knowing I acted not out of fairness but out of fear or favor? “Do to others what you would have them do to you” (Matthew 7:12). If you cannot answer these questions with honesty, it is time to realign your path.

Let the judiciary and law enforcement be reminded of the higher calling they serve. Justice is not a tool to suppress dissent or silence opposition. It is a pillar that upholds democracy and ensures peace. “Woe to those who make unjust laws, to those who issue oppressive decrees, to deprive the poor of their rights and withhold justice from the oppressed” (Isaiah 10:1-2). This warning should weigh heavily on the hearts of those who twist the law to suit political ends.

True justice is impartial. It does not favor the powerful or persecute the weak. It is a shield for the oppressed and a sword against wrongdoing, regardless of who stands accused. To every judge, police officer, and magistrate—let your actions reflect the timeless wisdom of Africa and the eternal truths of Scripture. “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people” (Proverbs 14:34). Uphold righteousness, and you will build a legacy that outlives politics and power.

The path of integrity is not always easy, but it is always right. Stand firm in your commitment to fairness, resist the pressures of political manipulation, and let your conscience guide you. For in the end, “Justice and righteousness are the foundation of God’s throne” (Psalm 89:14). Let them also be the foundation of your work. When your time in office is over, may you walk away with your head held high, knowing you served not the whims of man but the enduring principles of justice and truth.