By PERPETUAL SICHIKWENKWE –
THE tribunal constituted to probe suspended Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Mutembo Nchito of alleged professional misconduct yesterday resumed its proceedings in camera.
Mr Nchito was in March last year suspended by President Edgar Lungu who constituted a three-member tribunal to investigate him.
On April 1 last year, the tribunal led by chairperson, former chief justice Annel Silungwe and two other members, former chief justices Mathew Ngulube and Ernest Sakala, commenced the sittings at Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka to hear preliminary issues.
Among the issues was the tribunal being held in camera, legality of the terms of reference and the application by Mr Nchito for two of the members to recuse themselves for alleged bias.
The tribunal ruled that it would go ahead, but all matters would be in camera.
Mr Nchito challenged the decision by seeking leave of the court to apply for judicial review.
The Lusaka High Court ruled in his favour and halted the tribunal from proceeding.
The State appealed to the Supreme Court against the High Court’s decision, and on February 10 this year, the Supreme Court allowed the appeal by the State.
Sources disclosed yesterday that the tribunal resumed its sittings with Catherine Phiri, the deputy chief State advocate, being the first witness to testify.
There was an indication of activity at the venue with some people being seen walking in and out of the premises holding files.
The gates of the premises remained shut, but several motor vehicles were seen parked inside.
The tribunal is expected to conclude its sittings next week.