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Regina should not thank Zambians for her acquittal - Milupi

Regina should not thank Zambians for her acquittal - Milupi
By Mwala Kalaluka
Thu 09 Dec. 2010, 04:01 CAT

REGINA Chiluba should thank those that acquitted her instead of the Zambian people that are shocked at her acquittal, says Charles Milupi. Milupi, who is the opposition Alliance for Democracy and Development leader, said there was nothing for Regina to thank the Zambian people for following her acquittal by the Lusaka High Court on Tuesday. Milupi made the comment in an interview from Zambezi West.

He said the outcome of Regina’s case was not surprising because institutions that were supposed to be independent were beholding one arm in the separation of powers, which was the Executive.

“All the three arms of government must redeem themselves,” Milupi said.

He said the people that had compromised themselves to please the Executive should not assume that Zambians were not watching them.

“Zambians must not cheat themselves that in MMD and its government they have champions of anti-corruption,” said Milupi.

Transparency International Zambia said Regina’s acquittal had not come as a surprise.
TIZ president Reuben Lifuka said Regina’s acquittal seemed to be part of the grand scheme to absolve Chiluba of any corruption charges or allegations.

Lifuka said the moment Chiluba was acquitted of corruption by then magistrate Jones Chinyama, it became clear that a path was also being prepared for Regina to be acquitted.

Meanwhile, Anti-Voter Apathy Project executive director Bonnie Tembo said Regina’s acquittal was something expected.

Tembo said it was obvious that anyone that had dealt with Chiluba would be let off following his acquittal by the Lusaka magistrates’ court.

Regina was on Tuesday acquitted of all charges of receiving stolen property by a panel of three High Court judges.

According to judge Evans Hamaundu, who read the judgment, Regina was entitled to be acquitted because at the close of the prosecution the key ingredient of the charge was not established.

Labels: BONNIE TEMBO, CHARLES MILUPI, CORRUPTION, COURTS, EVANS HAMAUNDU, REGINA CHILUBA

posted by MrK @ 2:58 PM