MUNIR ZULU HAS A RIGHT TO OFFER CHECKS AND BALANCES, COURT TOLD
September 16, 2024…Lusaka
The Lusaka Magistrates’ Court has heard that a Member of Parliament has a duty to offer checks and balances to the sitting government.
Chief Resident Magistrate Davies Chibwili heard this during cross examination in a case where Lumezi Independent Member of Parliament Munir Zulu is accused of three count of libel against Finance Minister Situmbeko Musokotowane, Infrastructure Minister Charles Milupi and Road Development Agency Board Chairperson Mulchand Kuntawala.
When the matter came up last Thursday the witness on stand Detective Chief Inspector Michael Lishebo was asked if he was aware that the Lawmaker has a duty to give checks and balances and he answered in affirmative.
It was in this same court when the defense Counsel Botha Nkula reminded the arresting officer Lishebo, 45 that as a Member of Parliament Zulu enjoys prosecution when expression made is within the boundaries of Parliament.
Lishebo was asked “Do you know where the press conference was held”?, No your honour!, he responded.
Did you find out during your investigations from journalist where it was held? No your honour-witness responded.
It was also heard in court that the arresting officer Detective Lishebo arrested Lumezi lawmaker Munir Zulu before he investigated the matter.
When did you say you detained Zulu? Defence Counsel Botha asked.
I detained him on 27th March 2023 after 4 PM. Witness responded
What offence did you arrested him for? Bota questioned.
Nothing! Witness responded.
So you detained him unlawfully?
No your honour, witness responded.
Who sent you to arrest him? Are you the law abiding officer? Yes Your honour
Which provision of the law?
Your honour am not an expert of law, witness responded.
Is there anything to show that you had a formal interview with the accused?
No your honour! he responded.
In first count it is alleged that Zulu claimed Dr Musokotwane corruptly received $ 250,000 through a bank transfer from undisclosed company.
In second count it is alleged that he claimed that Eng Milupi received $250 000 corruptly through bank transfer from undisclosed company and in the third count it is alleged that RDA board chairperson Eng Kuntawala transfered $150,000 through bank transfer to Eng Milupi.
The matter has been closed without nd two complainants appearing before court that is Milupi and Musokotwane. Magistrate Chibwili has set October 28,2024 as the date for ruling.
The aptitude of our law enforcement officers is dismal and leaves alot to be desired.
This man needs to fired for being incompetent. Dead wood to the state and adds no value. What purpose does he serve in the service?
And we ask why we have such poor policing?
The IG should follow up on such officers and demote and retrain. If they still are not capable of doing basic functions of investigating. Dismiss. Until we hold people accountable we can not expect better results this is a civil service culture.
This cop was definitely paid to say wrong things. He has nothing lose but more gain if he is aid ZMW20,000.00 for instance.
They need incentives for winning cases, then you will see an upswing in their ability to investigate, prosecute and over credible evidence.
The problem with cops is that they always want ‘ Kangono’.
So you want Public servants to be paid to their job? Dont they get a salary?
Pls dont justify corruption. The man in his statements showed us that he was shoddy in his work. He did investigate nor cite the source of hos statements that suggest they are “hear say”. While the line of questioning is suppose to cast doubt in the officer. Police and all public Servants are suppose to be professional. Want to make money join the private sector. Want to get top kwacha excel at what study. The Private sector will pay you what you are worth. The exist to make profits. That is not the role of the Public sector. Their role is to serve. They dont deal in economic goods
Muir and most Political leaders dont understand what a check and balance is. Slander is not a check and balance. Making statements that you cant not prove, is slander.
There was malicious intent on the part of Muri and has made a habit of doing so. Those egging him on will pay the damages and accountability on Muri’s part will not be learnt.