|
Zambian judges 'not good enough'
26/01/2007 10:42 - (SA)
Lusaka - Zambian judges on Friday said they were boycotting corruption cases after the head of the country's anti-graft unit accused them of not being up to the task.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, a magistrate said: "We have resolved to stop handling corruption cases until further notice." Corruption cases that came up on Thursday were adjourned without setting a new date.
The head of Zambia's Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Nixon Banda had caused a furore by saying magistrates had failed miserably in tackling corruption cases.
Banda had since apologised, saying: "It has come to my attention that the remarks I made have caused damage to the relationship between the judiciary and the ACC. I therefore unreservedly retract the statement."
The judiciary had blasted the statement saying it took "great exception" to the remarks. Most corruption cases involving top politicians and former senior government officials had ended being dismissed.
President Levy Mwanawasa had launched an all-out fight against corruption, but five years down the line most of those accused had been set free by the courts.
Those acquitted on corruption charges included former finance minister Katele Kalumba, main opposition leader Michael Sata and ex-intelligence chief Xavier Chungu, who were all accused of stealing government vehicles.
Former president Frederick Chiluba and several of his ex-aides were on trial for corruption and abuse of office committed during their ten-year reign in government, which ended in 2001 and the lingering trial was still dragging on.
|
News
