By JOSEPH BANDA –
THE Lusaka magistrates’ court has ordered 200 squatters to file their defence within 14 days or lose their plots located in Libala South.
This is after the court last year passed judgment in default of defence in favour of Disadvantaged Children Pathfinder Association Trust as the rightful owner of the land.
After judgment was passed the squatters through Agness Mulenga, Gilen Mumba and Bentry Zimba applied for a stay of execution of the judgment.
But in his ruling on December 18, 2013, High Court deputy registrar Charles Kafunda said the main thrust of the applicants’ case was that they were not aware of the earlier judgment and the writ of possession, hence their intention to join the action.
Mr Kafunda said in opposing the application, the applicants had no basis for their demands as they were mere squatters who encroached on the land after the court case had already commenced.
“Having considered the matter, I order that this matter be resolved on its merits. Accordingly, judgment issued in default of defence is set aside,” Mr Kafunda said.
“The defendants must file a defence with the next 14 days, failure to which the judgment will stand reinstated.”
