Zambia's president suspends three judges
President Michael Sata has with immediate effect suspended Justices Philip Musonda, Charles Kajimanga and Nigel Mutuna.
The President has since appointed a tribunal which will be headed by Justice Lovemore Chipoka of the Malawi High Court to investigate the alleged misbehavior of the three Judges.
Other members of the tribunal include retired Zambian high court Judges Naboth Mwanza and Thomas Ndlhovu while Chipili Katunasa will serve as secretary for the tribunal.
President Sata says the tribunal is expected to present him with a report on the findings in the next 2 months but that the tribunal may recommend on how long the process would take.
President Sata noted that the terms of reference would be based on the allegations that the trio interfered with a case involving the Post newspapers, Development Bank of Zambia (DBZ and JNC holding limited and Mutembo Nchito.
The Head of State noted that his office has received numerous complaints about Justices Philip Musonda who is a Supreme court Judge, Charles Kajimanga and Nigel Mutuna who are High court Judges, from the Law association of Zambia, Lawyers within the judiciary and members of the public.
President Sata noted that the terms of reference would be based on the allegations that the trio interfered with a case involving the Post newspapers, Development Bank of Zambia (DBZ and JNC holding limited) and Mutembo Nchito.
And President Sata explained that he has decided to engage Justice Lovemore Chipoka of the Malawi high court to ensure that the tribunal proceedings are conducted in an impartial manner.
The President has indicated that the deputy minister in the office of the Vice President Edgar Lungu would be sent to Malawi to deliver a letter of appointment to Justice Chipoka.
Source: Lusaka Times