The Attorney General of the Republic, Beatriz Buchili, revealed this morning in Maputo that the Superior Council of the Judiciary of the Public Prosecutor's Office has expelled, dismissed and demoted four magistrates due to irregularities in procedural procedures found during inspections.

Speaking at the Assembly of the Republic as part of the presentation of the report on the state of the Administration of Justice for the 2022 financial year, Buchili said that the Council had dealt with 82 cases, 72 of which were disciplinary and 10 inquiries.

Of the total number of cases processed, 18 resulted in criminal proceedings, seven against magistrates, 10 against bailiffs and one assistant bailiff, "all of which are being dealt with by the competent bodies".

"Of the total number of disciplinary cases, 29 were against magistrates, of which 20 were concluded and nine carried over to the next period. Of those concluded, 12 received the following sanctions: two expulsions, one dismissal, one demotion, three public reprimands, four fines and one warning," she said.

According to the official, the remaining eight cases against magistrates were closed due to lack of evidence of the facts complained of.

Buchili also said that last year, 43 disciplinary proceedings were opened against judicial officers and assistant judicial officers. Thirty-one cases were concluded and resulted in one expulsion, four dismissals, five demotions, eight fines, three public reprimands and three warnings. Six cases were closed and another was dismissed from the State apparatus, and 12 cases were carried over to the next period.

The prosecutor explained that the main causes of the cases brought against those in the judiciary, including general regime officials, are the result of infractions such as breaches of confidentiality and professional duties, lack of integrity, zeal and attendance.

These findings are the result of administrative inspections carried out at the Beira sub-PGR, the Tete, Manica and Sofala PGRs and the Sofala Provincial Anti-Corruption Office. Extraordinary inspections were also carried out at the Maputo sub-PGR, the Nampula PGR and the Maputo City PGR.