the former DPP allegations of Mutembo Nchito’s case. These are (from
left to right) Judges, Anel Silungwe, Mathews Ngulube, Ernest Sakala
and Mathews Zulu.
Transparency International Zambia President Lee Habasonda has warned that the tribunal constituted to probe suspended DPP Mutembo Nchito risks turning into a joke due to numerous adjournments.
Mr Habasonda said the recent actions by the state of seeking to amend the charge sheet and requesting for adjournments could mean that they were unplanned to start the tribunal.
He said Zambia was setting a bad precedent by probing constitutional office holders in the manner it was handling the case against Mr Nchito.
Mr Habasonda added, ‘What we are seeing now with this tribunal is worrying, there is little progress made just on preliminary issues and the state seems very unprepared to proceed.’
‘You will recall as TIZ we welcomed the setting up of the tribunal but it now appears that the whole process was hastily arranged leading up this see saw we are seeing,’ Mr Habasonda said.
Mr Habasonda has since advised government to briefly suspend the tribunal and only reconstitute when substantial charges have been found against Mr Nchito.
‘We should not be seen to be taking a path that appears to be interested in fixing an individual but we should seek justice at all times,’ he said.
The tribunal which last sat on Friday, April 17 2015 has been adjourned to Tuesday, April 21 2015.
Mmmmmm habasonda plz behave yourself,hw dare u criticise a tribunal put up by his excellency. E.l?
I am always think that people should only comment publicly when they have something sensible to say. I think we all agree that so far it appears that the state is unprepared or not up to the “simple task” at hand.
However in is irresponsible and outright wrong for Mr Habasonda to come out with statements such as:
1. “Zambia was setting a bad precedent by probing constitutional office holders in the manner it was handling the case against Mr Nchito”.
2. Mr Habasonda has since advised government to briefly suspend the tribunal and only reconstitute when substantial charges have been found against Mr Nchito.
The issues (Not charges – We are not in Court) before the tribunal are as substantive as they come and Govt is setting a very good precedent that criminality is not for DPP’s…
Sorry about typo, Should start; I always think…
If his Excellency is wrong, then he is wrong!
Everything in Zambia is a joke already, the nominations at Kabwe were a joke, the campaign was a joke, the election promises if any, were a joke, the voters are a joke, the presidency, a joke, the theiving politicians are a joke, the construction projects are a joke, the economy is a joke, unemployment is a joke. Zambia National football team, a joke. I will be damned if Anything is for real in Zambia.
TIZ is right the hatred for Nchinto has clouded their mind. This tribunal will be a sham
HHabasonda just close your ass
This farting is too much to bear
Isn’t it already a joke? The state was ill prepared for this tribunal. The wheels are coming off their allegations. So far, the state has withdrawn 2 Charges. I think Brebnar Changala has started giving details about one of them. The Mahtani nolle – I think the AG can give more light on that one.
Every day that passes seems to be justifying Mutembo more and more. I now see why the state wanted a secret tribunal. Very embarassing. Infact, why did the President want to ‘smuggle’ in a letter dated 9th April 2015 on the 17th April 2015?
Free advice to Mr Lungu. You will not always be President. Ask RB. Do not abuse your office in order to fight RB’s wars. Mutembo is facing this tribunal because of his fight against corruption. You want to fix him at any cost!
So because Lungu will not be president forever, criminals should not be prosecuted? As far as am concerned(100%) this Job(Nchito) has a case(s). Let him clear his name
Good observation, amending or adjourning the case means that there is something fishy.
Ndaje Kahks @ 4.1. I think Mutembo is doing a good job clearing himself so far. The state seems not to have done their homework before rushing for a tribunal. Everything seems to be falling apart. Two cahrges already dropped. One clearly explained already (the AG had the answer all the time!).
Even I as a layman, can see that the ‘self nolle’ was agreed to by the court! Are you going to have a tribunal for that magistrate who said it was within the law? Mutembo gave a reason for that ‘nolle’ – “go and report these serious allegations to competent investigative wings..”. So far, the state has agreed with him over two of those charges. That is why they has dropped them. I don’t think it is looking good for the state.
Its no easy when criminals like RB, Former Judge Ngulube etc gang up against justice, especially if the crooks in the new leadership are their friends. We are noting their actions are their objective is too clear – ACQUIT LUPIYA AND ALL THE CORRUPT GENERALS AND SUCH SCUM !!! Its hard but they may not win, in the long run. To Mutembo – sad as historically, Revolutions devour their own children,.
Ndaje Kahks, Lungu will not be president forever so he should not be part of any criminality. Ask RB. Going to court everyday instead of resting & respected, like KK.
If Lungu Unconstitutionally connives to defeat the ends of justice – that is criminality. It will be paid for. Richard Nixon was exposed by two reporters ochestrating a break-in & subsquent cover-ups. Remember Watergate.
That letter shows criminality. Trying to counter after your AG has been hammered by sneaking in a back-dated letter. That is defeating the ends of justice.
You missed the point. If Mutembo is a criminal it don’t matter who is president
deja vu @ 8.1, what do you mean? “IF Mutembo is a criminal…”, well, is he?
The indications so far are that HE IS NOT. Rather, criminals are fighting him and are trying to smear his name – but so far failing. The charges or allegations are failing to stick. Criminals involved in oil deals & funding of presidential campaigns are trying to use sitting a president to destroy Mutembo. This is what we are seeing.
These are the people fighting Mutembo: Newton Nguni, Brebnar Changala, Keith Mweemba (Corruption Accused), Lewis Mosho (of the K45,000,000 Shoprite fame), R.B. (Thru his lawyers – also corruption accused). It does not take a genius to see that there is something wrong here! Include 2 discredited judges who have an axe to grind against Mutembo on the tribunal!!!
This tribunal is worst of resources.