LAZ CONDEMNS VIOLENCE AT SUPREME COURT PREMISES AND CALLS FOR ARREST AND PROSECUTION OF PERPETRATORS.
The Law Association of Zambia (“LAZ”) strongly condemns the reported acts of violence at the Supreme Court premises in Lusaka on 13th October 2026, following the adjournment of proceedings relating to the Lima Constituency election petition. LAZ is deeply concerned that such conduct occurred on the premises of an institution entrusted with the administration of justice.
LAZ notes the statement issued by the Honourable Chief Justice, Dr Mumba Malila, SC, who condemned the incident as flagrant lawlessness and an assault on the administration of justice and the sanctity of the Judiciary. The Chief Justice emphasised that, although the courts remain open and accessible to members of the public, everyone attending court premises is expected to conduct themselves with decorum, respect and dignity. He expressly warned that “Unruly conduct and violence will not be tolerated under any circumstances.”
LAZ further notes the Chief Justice’s confirmation that security measures at Judiciary premises have been strengthened to protect judicial officers, court staff and members of the public, and that law enforcement agencies are investigating the incident. He also indicated that those found responsible would face the full force of the law. LAZ welcomes these measures and the commitment to accountability in accordance with the law. Court premises must remain safe, secure and functional spaces in which judicial proceedings can take place without violence, intimidation or disruption.
The courts must remain places where disputes are resolved through the application of law, free from violence, intimidation and political coercion.
Every person, regardless of political affiliation or standing in society, is entitled to the equal protection of the law and must be able to seek justice, attend court and participate in judicial proceedings without fear for their safety. Political differences, however strongly held, can never justify physical attacks, intimidation or other unlawful conduct. This principle is especially important in electoral disputes, where the courts provide a lawful and peaceful avenue for resolving political disagreements.
Article 118(1) of the Constitution of Zambia provides that judicial authority derives from the people of Zambia and must be exercised in a just manner that promotes accountability. Article 122(4) places an obligation on every person, including public office holders, to protect the independence, dignity and effectiveness of the Judiciary. Further, Article 119(3) establishes that court proceedings shall be conducted in public, except as otherwise provided by the Constitution or other law, or as ordered by a court. Taken together, these provisions underscore the importance of preserving the authority and independence of the Judiciary while ensuring safe and lawful access to the courts.
Violence, intimidation and disruption within court premises endanger litigants, advocates, witnesses, judicial officers, court staff and members of the public, place public property at risk, and threaten access to judicial services. Such conduct may deter persons from seeking judicial redress, obstruct the peaceful determination of disputes and undermine the dignity and authority of the Judiciary. If allowed to become normalised, it risks eroding public confidence in the justice system and weakening the rule of law.
LAZ therefore urges members of the public to respect the authority of the courts, maintain law and order, and pursue any dissatisfaction with judicial proceedings or other grievances through lawful and established channels. No grievance, political disagreement or dissatisfaction with a court process can justify violence, coercion, interference with judicial proceedings or the obstruction of access to justice.
LAZ calls upon the Zambia Police Service to ensure that the ongoing investigations are conducted promptly, thoroughly and impartially, without political interference, and that all persons reasonably suspected of criminal conduct are identified.
Arrests must be effected where lawful grounds exist, and appropriate criminal proceedings instituted by the relevant prosecuting authorities where the evidence warrants prosecution. Throughout the process, the constitutional rights of all persons concerned, including the presumption of innocence and the right to a fair hearing, must be respected.
LAZ further calls upon political parties, their leadership and other relevant stakeholders to unequivocally reject violence and intimidation and cooperate fully with law enforcement agencies.
Where members of any such organisation are established to have participated in the incident, appropriate internal disciplinary measures should be taken in accordance with the organisation’s applicable rules and procedures. Accountability is essential to ensuring that such conduct is neither tolerated nor repeated.
While welcoming the strengthening of security at Judiciary premises, LAZ emphasises that such measures must protect court users and facilitate the orderly conduct of proceedings without unjustifiably restricting lawful public access to the courts. The need to maintain security and order must remain consistent with the constitutional principle of open justice.
LAZ also wishes to inform its members and the public that it has formally written to the Honourable Chief Justice requesting an urgent courtesy meeting to discuss the reported incident and other matters of mutual concern relating to the administration of justice. The Association awaits a response to its request.
The independence, impartiality, dignity and effectiveness of the Judiciary are indispensable to constitutional governance and the rule of law. No person should fear for their safety merely because they seek judicial redress or attend court proceedings.
LAZ reaffirms its commitment to an independent and effective Judiciary, free from violence, intimidation and coercion, and calls upon all persons to respect and protect the authority of the courts and the peaceful resolution of disputes.
This Press Statement is issued pursuant to Section 4 of the Law Association of Zambia Act, Chapter 31 of the Laws of Zambia.
Issued on 14th October 2026.