Huambo - Angola Bar Association (OAA) in Huambo province has suspended five members over suspicion of bribery of a judge of guarantees at the local District Court.
The members are Avelino Rodrigues Tchiwila, Domingos Marinheiro Solino, Educardo Cachipui Chiteleculo, Mário Cangongo and Pedro Pongolola da Gama.
The case involves a judicial magistrate of the Huambo District Court, who accepted a bribe from a defendant in exchange for his freedom. As a result, the Superior Council of the Judiciary (CSMJ) expelled magistrate Amílcar Dumbo by resolution.
According to the CSMJ's decision, the money was deposited by the defendant's lawyer in the account of the daughter of the then judge of guarantees.
In a statement issued by the Angolan Bar Association on Thursday, the Huambo Provincial Council informs members and society in general that the preventive suspension of the lawyers is the result of suspicions that they participated in acts of corruption involving a judge of guarantee, whose activity was carried out in this territorial district.
According to the statement, the preventive suspension aims to ensure decorum and integrity in the practice of law and will remain in force while a full investigation is carried out to clear out all the facts and hold accountable those involved.
The Angolan Bar Association reaffirms its commitment to transparency, ethics and respect for ethical principles, with the aim of preserving public trust in justice and the legal profession.
“Last but not least, the Huambo Provincial Council will continue with the investigation, respecting the right of defense of the lawyers and ensuring a fair and rigorous process,” reads the statement.
Established in 1996 as the Provincial Delegation, the Huambo Council of the Angolan Bar Association controls 341 lawyers and 462 trainees. ALH/TED/AMP
