Chief Justice Mumba Malila has condemned the confrontation involving former Patriotic Front (PF) secretary-general Davies Mwila at the Supreme Court in Lusaka, calling it flagrant lawlessness and an assault on the administration of justice. Security has since been intensified at the courts to protect judicial officers and members of the public.
Law enforcement agencies are investigating the incident, the Chief Justice said, warning that those responsible will face the full force of the law.
“Unruly conduct and violence will not be tolerated under any circumstances,” Dr Malila said in a statement issued on Tuesday.
The incident took place shortly after proceedings in the Lima Constituency election petition were adjourned. Mr Mwila had a confrontation with some court attendees as people left the hearing.
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 Kaunda won the seat with 22,760 votes against Mr Mukupa’s 8,041.
Mr Mwila had attended the proceedings in solidarity with Mr Kaunda. He allegedly angered some people by mocking their “salt sana” slogan and making remarks suggesting that he and his generation would not suffer financially.
Some of those present then confronted the former PF secretary-general, forcing him to retreat into the Supreme Court reception area. He slipped and fell while trying to get away.
The group caught up with him, but Judiciary staff and security personnel stepped in to stop the situation from escalating further.
In his statement, Dr Malila reminded the public that court premises demand a certain standard of conduct. He urged everyone visiting the courts to behave with decorum, respect and dignity.
The Judiciary’s response has gone beyond words. Security at the courts has been tightened to protect judicial officers and members of the public, a measure taken directly in response to the altercation.
The ruling UPND has also condemned the attack. In a statement issued by its Media Team, the party described the assault as unfortunate and unacceptable in a democratic society governed by the rule of law. It called on law enforcement agencies to investigate professionally, impartially and without political interference.
“No political disagreement, personal grievance or ideological difference can justify physical attacks, intimidation or the humiliation of another person,” the UPND said.
The party rejected statements attributed to PF-Pamodzi Alliance National Youth IPS Given Gift Chibale, who linked the incident to suspected UPND cadres. It challenged him to hand any evidence identifying the perpetrators to the police rather than assign political responsibility before investigations had established the facts. The UPND said it would report the matter to the police under the cybercrime laws.
The Lima petition is one of several election disputes now before the courts following the August general election. Its hearing will continue under the tighter security arrangements, while police investigations into the attack on Mr Mwila proceed.
No suspects have yet been named
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