Chikopa takes oath, Sata urges ‘don’t be intimidated’
Zambian President Michael Sata has sworn-in Malawi Judge Lovemore Chikopa and urged not to be intimidated as he heads the tribunal to investigate the alleged misconduct of the three judges.
According to Zambian media, Chikopa and two Zambian retired judges and their secretary were sworn in at State House on Tuesday.
The tribunal will investigate the alleged interference in the case involving the Development Bank of Zambia (DBZ) and Post Newspapers Limited, JNC investment holdings and Mutembo Nchito.
The tribunal is expected to complete its investigations within two months but may recommend to the President its own timeframe should need arise.
“You shouldn’t be intimidated because the constitution knows that you are all judges,” President Sata said.
Other tribunal members sworn-in include former High court Judges Naboth Mwanza and Thomas Ndlovu while Chipili Katunase Magayane is the secretary.
The suspended Judges to be investigated by the tribunal are Supreme Court Judge Philip Musonda, and High court Judges Charles Kajimanga and Nigel Mutuna.
President Sata said he expected a fair hearin and that the tribunal to embrace the principles of Justice which demands that the accused persons are given an opportunity to be heard.
