President Hakainde Hichilema has appointed former Energy Regulation Board (ERB) chief executive officer Butler Sitali as a judge of the Supreme Court, subject to ratification by the National Assembly.
According to a statement issued by State House Chief Communication Specialist Clayson Hamasaka, the appointment was made on the recommendation of the Judicial Service Commission in line with Article 140(e) of the Constitution.
Sitali, a lawyer by profession, was dismissed from public service in March 2013 following allegations that he was linked to the then opposition United Party for National Development (UPND) and had allegedly leaked information to opposition Members of Parliament. He later challenged the dismissal, citing political victimisation.
In subsequent legal proceedings, the Court of Appeal upheld his termination but awarded him compensation equivalent to 24 months’ pay in respect of his vehicle and related benefits.
Alongside Sitali, the President has appointed Justice Chalwe Farai Mchenga, Lady Justice Abha Patel and Lady Justice Getrude Chawatama as Judges of the Supreme Court, also subject to parliamentary ratification.
For the Constitutional Court, the President appointed Lady Justice Pixie Yangailo, Justice Vincent Siloka and Getrude Imbwae, pending ratification by the National Assembly.
In the Court of Appeal, Justice Charles Zulu has been appointed Deputy President.
Other judicial appointments include Lady Justice Sharon Kaunda Newa, Lady Justice Irene Zeko Mbewe, Lady Justice Bridget Chilombo Maka, Lady Justice Ruth Chibbabuka, Lady Justice Concepter Chinyama Zulu and Lady Justice Susan Wanjelani, all subject to parliamentary approval.
The President has also appointed several High Court judges, pending ratification, namely Rodgers Kabwe Kaoma, Ikechukwu Iduma, Makalo Sosoo Mwaanza, Davis Chibwili, Sylvia Munyinya Okoh, Katrina Maimbolwa Walubita, Mutafela Chimuka, Ireon Tilisa Wishimanga, Claudia Luswili, Kaumbi Mutinta Ndulo Mundia, Thelma Nkumbiza Mumba and Maureen Samulela Tresha.
Other appointees to the High Court include Angelica Mwanza, Japhet Zulu, Diana Mizinga Majokwe, Comfort Mulenga, Sombo Chinyaama Kachaka, Sekelebaka Muwamba Kundachola, Peter Chileshe, Bubala Chibbonta, Anne Chisanga Nsama, Ruth Lumbongo Mbambi, Kalifano Tiza Munsanje Manyepa, McRobby Chiwale, Kabukabu Sikwibele and James Bako Chipola.
In addition, acting under Section 5(1) of the Electoral Commission of Zambia Act No. 25 of 2016, President Hichilema has appointed Major General Vincent Mukanda (Rtd) as Deputy Chairperson of the Electoral Commission of Zambia and Zevyanji Sinkala as Commissioner.
All appointments are subject to ratification by the National Assembly
Wonders never cease when you are particular age you cannot go back looking for a job but hey we are wired differently all the best
This should be revisited. And the opposition should take note
The president should nt appoint judges, Editors in chief and police chiefs. They should be appointed independently with perhaps Parliament endorsement. Otherwise it makes democracy a farce. Appointment of judges especially three months before elections is very suspicious. Most of the appointed will silently or invisibly owe the appointer
How was this ERB man identified for a job in the Supreme Court? Aren’t such jobs for active judges?