Metro

Zambian opposition group UKA describes sacking of judges as a ‘blatant act of vengeance’

Published

1 month ago

October 27, 2024

Prominent Zambian opposition group, the United Kwacha Alliance (UKA), has described the recent sacking of three constitutional court judges by President Hakainde Hichilema as a “blatant act of vengeance.”

In a statement issued in Lusaka on Saturday, UKA spokesperson, Jackson Silavwe, accused the president of compromising the independence of the judiciary by dismissing three judges, calling the move an attack on Zambia’s democracy and a violation of the principle of separation of powers.

Silavwe who condemned the dismissal, noted that it was out of place particularly as the judges had ruled against Hichilema in the 2016 presidential election petition.

“What we find appalling is that these judges were cleared of misconduct allegations by the Judicial Complaints Commission (JCC) multiple times, yet the same Commission has reversed its stance, now recommending dismissal on what appears to be biased charges,” Silavwe stated.

He further argued that the dismissal confirmed suspicions of political interference by Hichilema’s administration, especially with the Constitutional Court set to rule on the eligibility of former President Edgar Lungu and other high-profile cases.

“We also fear this action will erode public confidence in the judiciary, which is already at a low,” he emphasized.

Silavwe stated that the judges were guaranteed security of tenure under Zambia’s Constitution, a safeguard he said was being disregarded under the New Dawn administration.

Asserting that Zambia’s democracy hinges on judicial independence, Silavwe urged Chief Justice Mumba Malila to protect judicial officers from what he described as intimidation by the executive branch.

“We call on the Chief Justice to rise up and defend his judges from harassment,” he demanded.

Silavwe also urged the Law Association of Zambia (LAZ), the church, civil society and political parties to speak out against what he sees as harmful interference, while calling on Zambians to remain peaceful but not to be intimidated by a government he accused of threatening basic freedoms of speech, assembly and association.

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Metro

Zambian Police thwart attempt to traffic 13 Ethiopians in Lusaka

Published

2 hours ago

December 3, 2024

Isaac Dachen

A human trafficking syndicate has been busted by the Zambian Police while attempting to traffic 13 Ethiopian nationals en route to South Africa.

The National Police Spokesperson, Rae Hamoonga, who revealed this in a statement on Monday, said the police intercepted the operation in Lusaka during routine patrol.

Hamoonga said officers from the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport Police Station set up a screening point at Hellensdale Junction, near Kalimba Farms, and stopped a suspicious vehicle with registration number ABF 4650 with fully tinted windows and a red number plate painted black which drew suspicion by the patrol team.

The police spokesman said upon inspection, officers discovered individuals lying on top of one another inside the van.

“When questioned, the driver and two accomplices abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot. Although officers pursued them, they escaped into a nearby farm,” Hamoonga said.

He added that inside the vehicle, police found 13 Ethiopian men who appeared frail and weak.

“Preliminary interviews revealed they had traveled from Ethiopia, passing through Kenya and Tanzania, before heading to South Africa to meet an unidentified individual.

“Reinforcements were called, and all 13 victims were taken into protective custody for further questioning.

“Two suspects, the driver Siaumpe Kaumbe and Patrick Kombe, an unlicensed driver, were later apprehended, while a third suspect remains at large,” the statement said.

“The Zambia Police Service remains committed to combatting human trafficking and ensuring the safety and dignity of all individuals,” Hamoonga said and urged the public to report suspicious activities to the nearest police station, while assuring that investigations were ongoing to dismantle the trafficking network responsible for facilitating the crime.

Metro

Nigeria seeks SA’s support for G20, BRICS membership

Published

6 hours ago

December 3, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Nigeria has sought the support of South Africa in its bid to attain full membership in the G20, BRICS and the BRICS New Development Bank.

Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, who made the request at the ministerial session of the 11th Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) held in Cape Town on Monday, also pleaded with the South African government to support Nigeria’s bid to assume leadership roles in thematic discussions of interest under South Africa’s G20 presidency which commenced on December 1.

While delivering her speech,
Ojukwu said President Bola Tinubu, who is a member of the ad hoc mediation committee established by the African Union, had prioritised resolving crisis in Africa to foster peace and stability in Sudan and other conflict-affected parts of the continent.

‘‘We are strongly committed to seeking a resolution of the crisis in Sudan and in this guise, we seek South Africa’s support to further accelerate the peace process and to ensure that within our region, conflicts are de-escalated,” she said.

‘‘We can hope that with peace, greater progress and development can be achieved across all spheres,’’ the ambassador added.

She lauded the officials of both countries for working hard to present a draft communique facilitating amendments and submissions raised at the ministerial session of the BNC which will be presented to President Tinubu and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa at the presidential BNC session later on Tuesday in Cape Town.

In his response, South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr. Roland Lamola, also affirmed that his country would amplify Africa’s voice during its G20 presidency.

“We will count on Nigeria’s wise counsel as we assume this major responsibility.

‘‘Our people expect South Africa and Nigeria, given our common roots, to continue working together and more closely in order that their conditions and prospects are improved and the quality of life enhanced,’’ Lamola said.

He further highlighted priority areas of collaboration, including trade, investment, tourism, health, education, agriculture, ICT, artificial intelligence, arts and culture, climate change, defense, and security, and stressed the importance of expediting the finalisation and implementation of outstanding agreements under the BNC framework.