Johannesburg, South Africa (ADV) – Zambian President, Edgar Lungu earlier on sworn in eight High Court Judges, urging them to deliver quality and fair justice at the State House.
The newly sworn-in Judges are Evaristo Pengele, Koreen Etambuyu Mwenda – Zimba, Kenneth Mulife, Wilfred Godfrey Kopa Muma, Ruth Hachitapika Chibbabbuka, Abha Nayar Patel, Bonaventure Chakwawa Mbewe and Kazimbe Chenda.
Lungu acknowledged concerns raised by people over the delay in the disposal of court cases, saying that it was the duty of the Judges to guard the integrity and independence of the judiciary by carrying out their functions without outside influence.
“As you join the bench, your first task is to address one of the biggest concerns by members of the public relating to the delay in the disposal of court cases,” he said.
Lungu noted that out of the 37 High Court Judges, 21 were female and only 16 were male. He said today’s appointment of more male judges was meant to balance the gender of Judges in the High Court.
“I expect that with your appointment which has substantially increased the number of High Court Judges, we will see an improvement in the time taken to dispose of court cases. As the Excutive, on our part, we will continue to uphold and respect the doctrine of separation of power and the independence of the judiciary,” he said.
The President is content that a good number of Judges appointed were youths who form the majority of the population.
“In accordance with article 259 of the Constitution of Zambia, appointments to public office should among other things take into account equitable representation of the youth, gender balance and regional diversity,” he added.
President Lungu retaliated his government’s commitment to creating opportunities for the youth and building their capacity through appointments to high offices.
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