By Lovemore Khomo
High Court Judge William Msiska has adjourned the hearing on Lilongwe street vendors’ injunction application pending judicial review to 13th July, 2023.
The adjournment comes as the Attorney General sought extension of time to file their response on the matter.
Justice Msiska has granted the state up to seven days to file the response, as first defendant.
Lawyer representing the vendors Felisa Kilembe Mitambo said they will wait for the 13th July for their case to be heard on injunction application.
On 13th June 2023, the High Court of Malawi granted leave for judicial review where vendors challenge the Lilongwe by-laws evicting informal traders from plying their trade on the streets and confiscating their goods.
The basis for judicial review application is on the alleged different forms of abuse that council evictors and confiscators are involved in.
On the other hand, Lilongwe City Council published a public notice on 28th April 2023, stating that from 2nd May 2023, informal traders were prohibited from engaging in illegal street vending.
The Applicants are supported by the Southern Africa Litigation Centre (SALC) and the Centre for Human Rights Education Advice and Assistance (CHREAA).