Sata writes Madzimawe, Nzamane over threats to Mpezeni

Sata writes Madzimawe, Nzamane over threats to Mpezeni
By Staff Reporters
Fri 03 Feb. 2012, 14:01 CAT

PRESIDENT Michael Sata says chiefs Madzimawe and Nzamane are working to destabilise the Ngoni chiefdom and Paramount Chief Mpezeni's authority.

In separate letters dated February 1, 2012 to chiefs Madzimawe and Nzamane obtained from sources in Eastern Province, President Sata stated that the duo should cease from issuing any further threats or derogatory remarks of any form against Mpezeni.

"I have noted with great concern that your conduct in issuing threats against His Royal Highness Paramount chief Mpezeni is in direct violation of your duty under section 11 of the chiefs Act, Chapter 287 of the Laws of Zambia, which requires a chief to preserve the public peace in his area and to take reasonable measures to quell any riot, affray or similar disorder which may occur in that area," he said.

President Sata advised that under Section 4 of the chiefs Act, he was empowered by statutory order to withdraw the recognition accorded to them, if under inquiry, he was satisfied that the withdrawal of the recognition was necessary in the interests of peace, order and good government.

He stated that under Section 7 of the chiefs Acts, where the recognition accorded to a chief had been withdrawn or revoked, and the President was satisfied that the presence of such a person in any area would be prejudicial to the maintenance of public order in that area, he can prohibit such a person from being within the area specified.

"I accordingly wish to warn your Royal Highness that should you continue to undermine his traditional authority or to issue threats to Paramount chief Mpezeni or indeed any other citizens of Zambia, I will have no option but to consider whether your presence in the chiefdom would be prejudicial to the maintenance of public order, and necessitate your removal from the chiefdom," stated President Sata.

Both chiefs have denied intimidating chief Mpezeni over his statement supporting the lifting of Rupiah Banda's immunity from prosecution.