GRACE CHAILE
Lusaka
SECURITY has been intensified at the courts to protect judicial officers and members of the public following an altercation at the Supreme Court.
This follows an incident in which former Patriotic Front (PF) secretary-general Davies Mwila was allegedly harassed by unknown people at the Supreme Court.
Chief Justice Mumba Malila yesterday said law enforcement agencies are investigating the incident and those responsible will face the full force of the law.
Mr Mwila had a confrontation with some court attendees shortly after proceedings in the Lima Constituency election petition were adjourned.
The petition was filed by United Party for National Development (UPND) candidate Lee Mukupa, who is challenging the election of National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity (NRPUP) candidate Kelvin Kaunda as Lima Member of Parliament.
Mr Mwila, who had attended the proceedings in solidarity with Mr Kaunda, allegedly provoked some people by mocking their “salt sana” slogan and making remarks suggesting that he and his generation would not suffer financially.
The remarks angered some people, who confronted Mr Mwila, forcing him to retreat into the Supreme Court reception area.
He slipped and fell while trying to escape.
The group caught up with him, but Judiciary staff and security personnel intervened to prevent further escalation.
In a statement issued yesterday, Dr Malila condemned the incident, describing it as flagrant lawlessness and an assault on the administration of justice.
“Unruly conduct and violence will not be tolerated under any circumstances,” he said.
Dr Malila urged members of the public to conduct themselves with decorum, respect and dignity when visiting court premises.
Mr Kaunda won the Lima parliamentary seat with 22,760 votes against Mr Mukupa’s 8,041. https://enews.daily-mail.co.zm/welcome/home