. CHIBESAKUNDA

By PERPETUAL SICHIKWENKWE –
ACTING Chief Justice Lombe Chibesakunda has implored the three-member Tribunal appointed to probe Tourism and Arts Minister, Sylvia Masebo to discharge their duties diligently so as to meet the expectations of Zambians.
Ms Justice Chibesakunda said this yesterday when she swore in acting Supreme Court judge Rhoda Kaoma as chairperson of the Tribunal together with two members, Livingstone High Court judge-in-charge, Ernest Mutiyo and Lusaka High Court Judge Chalwe Mchenga.
Ms Justice Chibesakunda also swore-in Deputy Registrar of the Supreme Court, Mathews Zulu as secretary for Tribunal at a ceremony held in the Lusaka High Court conference room.
The Tribunal which is expected to complete its work within 45 days from the date of its appointment has been constituted to probe Ms Masebo for alleged interference in the operations of the Zambia Wild Life Authority (ZAWA).
Ms Justice Chibesakunda told the tribunal members that they were expected to discharge their assignment without fear or favour as expected by the Zambian people and as provided by the Zambian laws.
She said Zambia was a democratic country and since the judiciary was the third arm of Government, the values of impartiality; independence and observance of the rule of law were supposed to be adhered to.
Ms Justice Chibesakunda said the members are expected to conduct themselves within the terms of reference as was indicated in their letters of appointment.
“I just need to refresh your memories that this is a very serious assignment given to you. You have 45 days in which to complete this inquiry. Let me also refresh your memories that courts perform multiple roles in our society which is a democratic society and a growing democracy,” she said.
Ms Justice Chibesakunda further said that it was an obvious role for the courts to provide service of settling disputes and inducting inquiries when called to do so.
“ As a third arm of Government, let me say and allow me to say that three founding values are inherently in this role…these are impartially, independence and observance of the rule of law,” Ms Justice Chibesakunda said.
The tribunal was constituted after former Transport and Communications minister William Harrington challenged the decision of Ms Justice Chibesakunda to refuse to appoint a tribunal against the Chongwe Member of Parliament (MP) but High Court Judge Dominic Sichinga ruled that Mr Harrington had the right to be heard.
Ms Justice Kaoma, Mr Justices Mutiyo and Mchenga all committed to discharge their duties faithfully, fully and impartially to the best of their ability.
Mr Harrington, who also attended the swearing-in ceremony, yesterday later told journalists in an interview that he was happy that the tribunal had finally taken shape.
He indicated that he would call 20 witnesses ranging from editors from various media houses, civil servants such as those from the office of the President and Anti-Corruption Commission and those alleged to have been fired from ZAWA by Ms Masebo.