Zambia politicians still divided over Judge Chikopa

Divisions are still evident in the Zambian media over the matter of Malawian High Court Judge Lovemore Chikopa heading a tribunal to investigate three Zambian judges suspended for alleged misconduct.

Opposition leaders continue to pile pressure on the Michael Sata government to send Chikopa packing, arguing, it is a drain on public resources, while the governing elites maintain that he will stay put and chair the tribunal.

The State run Times of Zambia on Monday quoted Justice Minister Wynter Kabimba as saying that “calls for Chikopa to return home were misplaced.”

Earlier, Heritage Party leader Godfrey Miyanda told journalists that Judge Chikopa should return to Malawi because “his continued stay in the country was a cost to the government.”

The tribunal comprises Chikopa as chairperson, and members that include Justice Thomas Ndhlovu, retired High Court Judge Naboth Mwanza, and Chipili Katunasa as secretary.

Last year, President Sata suspended Supreme Court Judge Phillip Musonda, and two High Court judges Nigel Mutuna and Charles Kajimanga over their alleged misconduct in a civil matter.

The three judges are being accused of misconduct in the manner they handled a civil case involving the Development Bank of Zambia as complainant, and The Post Newspapers Limited, Mutembo Nchito and JNC Holdings Limited as defendants.

The development follows a ruling by the Supreme Court last week that the tribunal headed by Chikopa can start its duties.