HH must apologise for court mayhem

Tue, 20 Dec 2016 09:40:11 +0000

By Gwendolyn Mchenga

Apart from apologizing to the nation, UPND President Hakainde Hichilema and his Deputy Geoffrey Mwamba must explain to the nation why they ignored the directive by High Court  Judge Mwila Chitabo, not to bring cadres to court.

“They deliberately brought cadres against the better judgement and advise of a Judge who foresaw the imminent danger of unruly conduct that would disrupt proceedings of the High Court, Supreme Court and Constitutional Court, apart from demeaning the honor and status of the judiciary as an important arm of government.” ZDDM official Charles Kafumbo has said.

He has also questioned the motivation of UPND Member of Parliament, Gary Nkombo who has disputed events at the court by claiming that the cadres were provoked. “He must explain what the cadres were doing at the High Court after the Judge gave very clear instructions for them not to be there.  Is it true they were paid to be there?”

And Kantanshi Member of Parliament Anthony Mumba has insisted the HH must publicly apologise to the country and the international community and take full responsibility for the cadres conduct.

Last week unruly cadres went on rampage smashing property and disturbing proceedings at the Court

Meanwhile eleven female UPND cadres suspected to have taken part in last week’s riot at the Lusaka High Court after Judge Mwila Chitabo adjourned the UPND presidential petition to another date, have appeared in the Lusaka Magistrates Court and have all been granted bail after they denied the charge of riotous behaviour.

Before Magistrate Sylvia Munyinya were Taisa Chihuwe, 43, Matron Milimo, 35, Judy Takula, 25, Yvonne Mulemeli, 40, Benfet Mutelo, 58, Carolyn Hanjoka, 42, Precious Aongola, 54, Patnesi Hachibanga, 29, Cindy Shantumbu, 56, Agness Mankuwe, 56, and Rachel Phiri, 45, who pleaded not guilty to the offense of riotous behavior after it was read out to them.

Chihuwe and 10 others, who are represented by Nelly Mutti, Martha Mushipe and others, told they court that they understood the charge leveled against them but denied the charge.

The 11 UPND cadres are each facing one count of riotous behavior contrary to Section 74 paragraph 2 and 76 of the Penal Code.  The 11accused have been granted bail in the sum of K2,000 each in their own cognizance with two working sureties based in Lusaka.