Justice Lovermore Chikopa has been sworn-in as new Deputy Chief Justice of the Republic of Malawi at Kamuzu Palace in the capital Lilongwe.

President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera presided over the swearing in ceremony.

In his speech Chakwera said the appointment signifies a positive step towards strengthening of judicial system in Malawi and the appointed Justice Chikopa has become the first deputy chief justice in the country.

“Today is a great day because, we see the rise of the lord justice Lovemore Chikopa to the office of Deputy chief justice, becoming the first person in the history of Malawi to hold this position,” he said.

The appointment has come three years after parliament passed the constitution Amendment Bill which created the Deputy Chief Justice position.

The appointment underscores president chakwera’s commitment to upholding the independence of the judiciary and maintain the separation of powers within the three Arms of government.

Justice Chikopa has served as a Supreme Court Judge of the Malawi supreme court of appeal since 2012