State challenges PeP leader’s court action

THE Attorney General’s chambers yesterday told the Constitutional Court that Pep leader, Sean Tembo’s purported verbatim report by the Special Assistant to the president, Amos Chanda concerning the ‘gift of land’ from Eswatini is questionable. Chief State advocate in the Attorney General’s Chambers, Joe Simachela said the authenticity of Mr Tembo’s claims that Mr Chanda confirmed the said gift of land was questionable because the alleged verbatim report was not contained on an official headed paper as per government standard. In this matter, Mr Tembo petitioned the Constitutional Court seeking an interpretation on whether it was legal for President Edgar Lungu to have received land as a gift for his private use from King Mswati. However, Mr Simachela stated in an affidavit in support of answer to the petition that Mr Tembo had also not provided documented evidence of the claimed land transfer or of the 10 heads of cattle. “The petitioner has not provided documentary evidence of the purported land transfer or of the 10 heads of cattle,” Mr Simachela said. Mr Simachela further said Mr Tembo’s amended affidavit should not have contained unnecessary issues such as legal arguments and conclusions. According to the originating notice of motion, Mr Tembo asked for an interpretation on whether it was lawful for President Lungu to have received a gift of land for his private use from King Mswati. “Whether or not the Republican President in his official capacity can receive a gift of land from another person without violating Section 21 (b) of the Anti-Corruption Act No 3 of 2012 and Article 92 (1) of the Republican Constitution. The meaning and scope of section 21 (b) of the Anti-Corruption Act No 3 of 2012 and Article 92 (1) of the Republican Constitution vis-à-vis the President receiving gifts,” read the notice of motion. He claimed that President Lungu’s Special Assistant for Press and Public Relations Amos Chanda further claimed that President Lungu received the controversial piece of land in his “private capacity” as a citizen of Zambia.

PICTURE BY SALIM HENRY/STATE HOUSE Special Assistant to the President for Press and Public Relations Amos Chanda (left) with Catholic Bishops from Democratic Republic of Congo Donatien Nshole Babula (centre) and Fridolin Ambongo Besungu address the press after meeting President Edgar Chagwa Lungu at State House in Lusaka yesterday.