Justice Sakala sets up tribunal to probe Dora

Justice Sakala sets up tribunal to probe Dora
Written by Mwala Kalaluka
Friday, February 27, 2009 9:06:21 AM

CHIEF Justice Ernest Sakala has constituted a tribunal to probe the alleged abuse of office and corruption against communications and transport minister Dora Siliya.

According to a press release signed by the Judiciary's registrar and director of court operations Mwamba Chanda yesterday, the tribunal, that has been constituted at the behest of former communications and transport minister William Harrington, will start sitting next Monday.

"This serves to inform members of the general public that his Lordship, the Hon Chief Justice Ernest Sakala has constituted a Tribunal pursuant to section 13 of the Parliamentary and Ministerial Code of Conduct Act, chapter 16 of the Laws of Zambia to probe into alleged abuse of office and corruption against Hon Dora Siliya- MP, and Minister of Transport and Communications," Chanda stated.

Chanda stated that members of the Tribunal include Supreme Court Justice Dennis K. Chirwa, who will be its chairperson, Supreme Court Justice Peter Chitengi [member], High Court Justice Evans Hamaundu [member] and deputy director-Subordinate Courts, a Mrs C. Maka Phiri [secretary].

"The Tribunal will commence its sittings on Monday the 2nd of March 2009 at 09:00 hours in Court Room No. 2 at the Supreme Court Building," Chanda stated. "The proceeding of the Tribunal will be open to the public."

Among the issues that Siliya will be probed on include the questionable awarding of a US$2 million contract to RP Capital Partners of Cayman Islands to evaluate Zamtel's assets pending the partial privatisation of the parastatal company.

Siliya also allegedly disregarded advice and cancelled a duly awarded contract for the delivery and installation of radars at the Lusaka and Livingstone international airports.