UPND MPs supports ratification of Hamaundu, Woods as Supreme Court Judges

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Opposition UPND Members of Parliament Friday, overwhelmingly supported the ratification of Judges appointed by President Michael Sata who were brought before Parliament.

Evans Hamaundu and Albert Wood were ratified as Supreme Court Judges. While Betty Mwaka Majula Mung’omba, Chilombo Maka-Phiri, Mwila Chitabo, William Smith Mweemba and Charles Chanda were ratified as High Court Judges,

The UPND Members of Parliament who supported the ratification were Jack Mwimbu for Monze Central, Request Mutanga – Kalomo Central and Garry Nkombo for Mazabuka.

Mwimbu who is also a lawyer by profession said the procedure had been followed in picking the Judges and called for an over-hole reformation of the Judiciary. He said there was need to make the Judiciary independent so that there was no interference from the Executive.

Mutanga said the Judges deserved being ratified as they had served in the Judiciary for over 30 years. He explained that the job of Judges was a challenging one and lauded the Judges for having stayed in the Judiciary for a long time.

“This is a challenging job which I don’t envy,” Muntanga said.

He however urged the Judges to stay steadfast and not get swayed by the Executive. Mutanga said there was no one favoring the Judges saying their ratification was based on merit.

While Nkombo said the Judges were men of good standing and education background. He recounted the interaction he has had with some Judges back during his time at University of Zambia. He said he has respect and was happy that Mrs. Mungomba who recently lost her husband  was being ratified as High Court Judge.

He also talked highly of Judge William Smith Mweemba.

Nkombo said the the ratified Judges would add value to the Judiciary and hopped that the Executive will be able to pick one from the team to replace Acting Chief Justice Lombe Chibesakunda whose ratification was rejected.