Judge Emelia Phiri Sunkutu Suspended Over Conduct Concerns
Lusaka, Zambia – May 28, 2025
High Court Judge Emelia Phiri Sunkutu has once again been removed from the bench following a Judicial Complaints Commission (JCC) recommendation, reigniting debates over judicial accountability in Zambia.
The suspension, announced by State House and effective immediately, marks the second time Justice Sunkutu has been sidelined over misconduct allegations. A seasoned legal figure with over a decade on the bench, she currently oversees the Mansa High Court and previously served in Ndola. Her academic pedigree including law degrees from the University of Zambia and the UK’s University of Lancaster contrasts with her contentious professional trajectory, which includes prior roles as a State Advocate and legal manager at the Environmental Council of Zambia.
Her first suspension in 2013, under President Michael Sata’s administration, came alongside that of Judge Timothy Katanekwa amid undisclosed misconduct claims. Though the outcome of that tribunal was never made public, Katanekwa’s subsequent 2023 suspension and now Sunkutu’s repeat disciplinary action—suggests systemic concerns. Legal insiders note that her name has resurfaced in JCC files multiple times, with complaints citing delayed rulings and procedural irregularities.
Notably, three successive presidents Sata, Lungu, and now Hichilema have endorsed suspensions against her, dispelling notions of political targeting. “When administrations of different stripes take the same action, it signals a conduct issue, not a conspiracy,” remarked a Lusaka-based legal analyst.
President Hichilema’s administration has suspended or dismissed at least seven judicial officers since 2021, framing the moves as housecleaning for a more credible judiciary. Critics cry overreach, but proponents argue that tolerating misconduct undermines public trust.
As investigations proceed, Justice Sunkutu’s case underscores a hard truth: even the highest legal minds must answer for their professional conduct. The Zambian judiciary, it seems, is no longer a sanctuary for the untouchable.
quality at entry gigo
Economy first
10 Years = equals a seasoned lawyer ??
we need young energetic blood 45 to 50 Max these oldies are leading us up the garden path time and time again
14years on the bench (judge). She has been practising law much longer than that.
Out of concern. Why should the findings of the JCC be private? Why should their hearings be private?
Our friends in SA have public hearings for appointment of judges where they are grilled by MPs. And they cannot be discharged in secretive manner like is the case here or as was the case with the constitutional court judges who were fired allegedly for supporting ECL.
If there was need for.a constitional amendment it ought to be have been such where we tame the power of the President.
Sort out the economy.
She can still be politically targeted by all 3 because she does not brook no nonsense as espoused by political leaders. Or the cases can be different depending on the administration and situations. Soon you might find she is replaced by someone with Haa…………
They should make the rulings public. We are not in the Second Republic. We are a democracy and transparency should be everyone’s new culture (including HH who has hidden his assets). We should all be PROUD of being transparent.
You are right. It is very possible that one can be politically targeted even by three different political leaders. Just suppose she refused to be controlled by the Executive as should be the case in a democracy. All our presidents since 1991 havent understood or appreciated the principle of separation of powers. They all want to hang on to powers they should have discarded given our change of rule. Like appointing judges, PSs, senior Civil servants, overseeing DeadNBC, not wanting to be criticised or they lock you up for treason, etc
Habitual offender. She needs to be retired.
Let JCC disclose the reason so zambians can
Know.
That’s being tribal and you are inciting anarchy.When they arrest you for that you start crying.Use your brain and your mouth wisely
Refugees are farming. Despite living under harsher conditions, they are making a diffrence.
But iwe, you are busy pa LT commenting ma rubbish and always complaining about high cost of living.
Make a difference for yourselves and your family, dont wait for boma.