Speaking to Zodiak Online on Wednesday, Thyolo District Legal Aid Bureau officer counsel Prisca Masumba, indicated that after opening the office in May this year, 40 people have already sought assistance for both civil and criminal offences in the district.

Masumba said this shows that people are in need of the services, but long distance to the regional office in Blantyre was a barrier.

"Most people do know that they have that right to legal representation, it is just about distance which was there to Blantyre office to seek the services. But  now that we are here, at atleast we have filled that gap," Masumba said.

Centre for Human Rights Education Advice and Assistance (CHREAA) executive director Victor Mhango, has hailed the Bureau on its efforts to taking legal services closer to the people.

"This is commendable because there are alot of poor people in the communities who cannot afford private lawyers", he said.

The Bureau is also scheduled to open offices soon in Phalombe, Nkhata Bay, Balaka and Dowa under the Chilungamo Programme.