Maravi

Chief justice Sakala explains his 3 judges pannel to Sata

Chief justice Sakala explains his 3 judges pannel to Sata
By George Chellah
Sat 14 Nov. 2009, 04:00 CAT

CHIEF Justice Ernest Sakala has explained that he directed that all high-profile criminal appeal cases involving people accused of plunder and corruption be heard by a panel of three judges as a way to enhance people’s confidence in the judiciary.

In his letter to Patriotic Front (PF) leader Michael Sata dated November 11, 2009, and copied to the Minister of Justice, justice Sakala stated that the law he used to implement the directive had been there for many years.

“Dear Mr. President Sata, Re: High Court Sittings on Appeal. Your letter dated 10th November, 2009 on the above subject, refers.

I confirm that pursuant to Section 334 of the Criminal Procedure Code, CAP 88 of the laws of Zambia, I did direct that all high profile criminal appeal cases from the subordinate courts, involving people accused of plunder of the people's resources and corruption in public office, be heard by a panel of three judges,” read justice Sakala's letter in part.

“This law has been there for many years. It has been used before me. It is, therefore, not correct, 'that this is new arrangement of hearing appeals'. I have not introduced a new system. The measure has been taken because the records of these particular cases are voluminous, bulky and involve complex issues.

“Above all, the measure has been taken to enhance the Zambian people's confidence in the judiciary. The English adage is that 'two heads are better than one'. Certainly, three heads must be best than one. From the foregoing, I hope you will continue to have confidence in the judiciary. In the meantime, I wish you and your family very good health.”

And in his letter to justice Sakala dated November 10, 2009, which was also copied to the Minister of Justice, Sata challenged the Chief Justice to explain the reasons behind his directive that appeals in corruption cases involving Regina Chiluba and Gladys Nyirongo should be heard by a panel of three judges.
Sata demanded that justice Sakala explains the new system to the people of Zambia.

“…The judiciary is and has remained the mirror of our society in the eyes of our citizens. You have a duty as a public officer to explain to our people the reasons for introducing such a new system especially when the cases involved are those of people accused of the plunder of the people's resources and corruption in public office,” Sata said.

“Is there any special reason for this new system and why now? I hope that you shall be in a position to explain this matter to the Zambian people if the judiciary is to retain their confidence.”

Labels: ERNEST SAKALA, JUDICIARY, SATA

posted by MrK @ 5:47 PM