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(LUSAKATIMES) Courts unhelpful on graft cases – TIZ

Courts unhelpful on graft cases – TIZ
Thursday, December 9, 2010, 9:24

Transparency International Zambia (TIZ) president, Reuben Lifuka has charged that the acquittal of Second Republican President, Fredrick Chiluba’s wife, Regina is a clear indication that the use of courts of law in investigating and persecuting prosecuting corruption cases in Zambia is not helpful.

Mr. Lifuka said the general implication of the outcome of Mrs Chiluba’s case is that more room has been given for corrupt people to engage in corruption and go scott free after plundering public resources because the law is weak.

He told QFM in an interview that the weakening of the law against graft and its interpretation has just given plunderers and all those who cannot account for the usage of public resources space to go scott free without being taken to task.

Mr Lifuka said that it was now a free season for all those engaging in corruption to go ahead and plunder as much as they can because they know very well that the law has no strength to bite.

Mr. Lifuka further said the Zambian courts have done themselves a de-service following the acquittal of Mrs Chiluba.

Mr Sata said Mrs. Chiluba has finally got what she appealed for and congratulated her despite the acquittal being at the expense of many Zambians.He said the acquittal also raised the question of the duplicity in handling of corruption cases. Mr Lifuka said there was a huge possibility of selective justice on culprits of the same offence on the basis of one’s status in society.

Meanwhile Patriotic Front leader Michael Sata has congratulated second republican president Fredrick Chiluba’s wife Regina on her acquittal by the High court on.

The a panel of three High court Judges quashed the three and half years prison sentenced slapped on Mrs Chiluba by a lower court on allegations of receiving stolen property.

Mr Sata said Mrs. Chiluba has finally got what she appealed for and congratulated her despite the acquittal being at the expense of many Zambians.

QFM

Labels: CORRUPTION, REUBEN LIFUKA, TIZ

posted by MrK @ 1:45 PM