By GRACE CHAILE LESOETSA
CHIEF Justice Irene Mambilima was a jurist of international stature, a true giant of democracy and rule of law, says Deputy Chief Justice Michael Musonda.
Mr Justice Musonda said the late Ms Mambilima had experience beyond the confines of the courtroom, therefore her expertise would be tremendously missed by the judiciary.
He said this after opening the book of condolences at the Supreme Court in Lusaka yesterday.
Justice Mambilima died on Sunday in Cairo, Egypt after an illness.
Speaking to journalists, Mr Justice Musonda said Ms Mambilima was the longest serving judge, thus forming a bridge between the past and the future judiciary.
He said she was involved in crafting the futuristic judiciary and worked tirelessly to modernise the institution.
“She was humble and yet firm. She was a jurist of international stature that meant a lot to the Commonwealth and the entire humanity. A loyal servant of the law and justice. Chief Justice Mambilima stood for a well-functioning and independent judiciary.
Mr Justice Musonda said Ms Mambilima had gone to Egypt to attend a conference for heads of Judiciary which has been hosted in the last five years.
He said their counterparts in Cairo were in the final stages of completing the formalities to bring the body home.
LAZ president Abyudi Shonga said that the law fraternity was devastated by the death of Ms Justice Mambilimba.
Mr Shonga said she would be remembered for her humility, pursuit for justice and uniting the judiciary.
Meanwhile, the judiciaries of Kenya and South Africa have sent their condolences to Zambia and the Mambilima family on her death.
