Judge recuses himself from GBM expulsion case

LUSAKA High Court judge Mubanga Kondolo has recused himself from handling a matter in which former Defence Minister Geoffrey Mwamba has challenged his suspension and expulsion from the ruling Patriotic Front (PF).
Mr Justice Kondolo said he was declaring interest in handling the matter because he had close family ties with Mr Mwamba.
“I wish to advise that the plaintiff and I are personally well acquainted with close family ties.
“I, therefore, declare my interest and wish to recuse myself from conduct of this matter,” he said.
Mr Justice Kondolo further stated that he had requested that the matter be transferred to another judge, and that Mr Mwamba had, through his lawyers Makebi Zulu and Company, indicated that the application was urgent.
The case has since been re-allocated to another judge, Annie Sharpe Phiri.
Mr Mwamba is in this matter asking the Lusaka High Court to stop his suspension and expulsion from the PF by declaring that it is null and void.
He claims that no formal charge of any misconduct was ever preferred against him or if preferred, the same was not and still has not been communicated to him.
He says during the events leading to his suspension and subsequent expulsion, he was not given an opportunity to be heard.
Mr Mwamba, who has sued Justice Minister Wynter Kabimba in his capacity as PF secretary general, says because of the happenings, he has suffered damage, loss and inconvenience.