Kabimba tribunal members sworn in

Acting Chief Justice Lombe Chibesakunda has today sworn in a four members of the tribunal which was constituted set up to probe Justice Minister Wynter Kabimba for alleged abuse of office and breach of secrecy.

Justice Chibesakunda swore in members of the tribunal at the Supreme Court to institute investigations into allegations that Mr. Kabimba abused his office and breached the oath of secrecy.

She told the tribunal that, “you have been entrusted with a noble task of inquiring into matters specified in your appointment”.

Acting Supreme Court Judge Evans Hamaundu will chair the tribunal which comprises High Court Judges Justices Justine Chashi and Gertrude Chawatama and Supreme Court Deputy Director Mark Zulu, who is the secretary for the tribunal.

Meanwhile, Justice Minister Wynter Kabimba declined to comment on whether he would consider stepping down from his position to allow smooth investigations into his alleged case.

Some political parties and sections of civil society organizations have been called for the resignation of Mr. Kabimba to facilitate for transparent investigations and give credibility to the process.

The establishment of the tribunal, which is expected to commence its work soon, was prompted by the petition from former Solwezi Central MMD Member of Parliament, Lucky Mulusa and a human rights activist, Brebnar Changala to the Acting Chief Justice Lombe Chibesakunda.

The duo alleged in their petition that Mr. Kabimba had used government information, which he allegedly obtained from the Solicitor General’s Office to build the Patriotic Front’s petition cases in the parliamentary election petitions.