By Peter Sinkamba

INTERVENTION OF CHIEF JUSTICE IN MUMBI PHIRI’S CASE NOW APPEARS TO BE THE FINAL SOLUTION

Chief Justice Mumba Malila informed the nation a couple of days ago that he is yet to receive a report on why the case involving former Patriotic Front Deputy Secretary General Mumbi Phiri has not come up for hearing.

As if aimed at spitting in the Chief Justice’s face, the cause list released yesterday shows that Mrs Phiri has not been included on the August criminal session.

The Chief Justice has promised a judicial system that works expeditiously and ensures persons accused of crimes are taken to court quickly so that they exonerate themselves. This is a test case for his resolve to ensure expeditious trial of persons accused of crimes.

The case of Mrs Phiri is one such case which requires to be taken to court expeditiously for two key reasons.

First, instead of Mrs Mumbi being a suspect, the charge of murder is itself suspect. Up to date, no one has come out in the open to authentically confirm that he saw Mrs Mumbi gun down the deceased.

Second, the only crime she has committed is that she is an outspoken politician who is susceptible to political victimisation.

In view of the foregoing circumstances, the final solution to Mrs Mumbi’s court appearance is a good case for the intervention Chief Justice. According to Article 136(2)(e), the Chief Justice is mandated to make rules, and obliged to give directions necessary for the efficient and effective administration of the Judiciary.

In Mrs Mumbi’s case, it is now abundantly clear that the stream of justice is polluted, requiring CJ intervention.