NGOCC COMMENTS ON THE REGISTRATION OF THE LONDON HIGH COURT JUDGMENT AGAINST DR F.T.J. CHILUBA AND OTHERS IN THE ZAMBIAN COURT

The Non Governmental Organisations’ Coordinating Council (NGOCC) continues to follow the process of registering the London High Court judgment against Dr F.T.J Chiluba and others in the Zambian court of law, with not just keen interest, but also mindful of its broad repercussions to ordinary Zambians.

We take keen interest because this high profile case is indeed a public interest case that should be devoid of political expediency. Government should be reminded that utmost responsibility need to be applied even as the case is being set aside. From our point of view, Judge Hamaundu’s judgment, despite its technicalities, clearly provides an opportunity for the due process of the law to be taken further through common law action.

Therefore we find government’s assertions (through Hon Shikapwasha as government spokesperson) that any appeal in this case would be detrimental to development as baseless and retrogressive to the provision of justice.

Secondly, NGOCC is aware that this case involves colossal sums of money in millions of US dollars which could greatly help in providing health care services to the women, men and children instead of getting questionable loans of US$ 53 million for mobile hospitals.

It is also very evident that the validity of the London High Court judgment in not in contention at this point, but that there is an opportunity to take the process further. It is our expectation as NGOCC that the Attorney General recognises this fact and institute the appeal process against this case given the various merits highlighted.

Surely there is need to ensure that this case is exhausted through all the legal channels for the benefit of not only the accused but also for justice to be seen to be done.

We hope that for the first time, our judiciary will rise to the challenge and heed the many voices of Zambians who are calling for the appeal of the London High Court judgment.

Engwase B. Mwale

NGOCC EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR