By NATION REPORTER
DESPITE assurances by Mongu High Court judge that her case would be reviewed, former Patriotic Front (PF) deputy secretary Mumbi Phiri has suffered another set back after the cause listing committee rejected her lawyer’s request to have an addendum cause list issued to include her.
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PF presidential aspirant, Chishimba Kambwili has insisted that the authorities should ensure that Ms Phiri was taken to court as soon as possible because too much time had elapsed.
Mr Kambwili said that it was unfair to keep Ms Phiri in prison when everyone knew that she had not committed any offence.
“Saying she will be taken to court is an understatement, she needs to be released because she is innocent and did not shoot Lawrence Banda,” Mr Kambwili said.
Recently, Judge Wilfred Muma visited the facility where Ms Phiri is incarcerated and she lamented over her prolonged detention and was assured that she and other people in her predicament would have their cases dealt with.
According to a letter dated August 15 by the Mongu High Court’s cause listing committee to Makebi Zulu Advocates, the committee had resolved not to approve the addendum because it was guided by the first come, first serve principle.
The committee said when they sit for cause listing of cases they also considered the adjourned cases from previous sessions including appeals, sentences and confirmation and therefore it was not just the new cases that required cause listing.
The committee indicated that it should be seen to be impartial and independent in this case which was committed to the High Court on March 23, 2022 and the record was received by the High Court on May 18, 2022.
“Furthermore, there will be no justification in skipping all these other cases which were committed earlier than this case in question as the attached list will show that the case is appearing on number 60,” the letter reads in part.
The court has indicated that the law requires that every person should be treated equally and fairly, hence Ms Phiri’s request could not be considered.
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