DPP adopts Courts’ stance on HH corruption charges
DIRECTOR of Public Prosecution (DPP) Lillian Siyunyi has adopted the discretion of the Constitutional Court not to react to UPND president Hakainde Hichilema’s allegations of corruption against judges of the Constitutional Court. Mr Hichilema recently alleged that Constitutional Court judges Palan Mulonda, Annie Sitali and Mungeni Mulenga were corrupt and were under the control of President Lungu. Ms Siyunyi, responding to a letter addressed to her office by a Lufwanyama resident Henry Chilombo who asked the DPP to inquire and investigate Mr Hichilema’s allegations, said she had noted Mr Chilombos’ letter but that the remarks complained of were directed at the Constitutional Court which was part of the judiciary. She said the Constitutional Court had used its discretion not to take up the matter and that her office respected the discretion of that court and would adopt the position.In August, Acting Chief Justice Mervin Mwanamwambwa also acknowledged receipt of Mr Chilombo’s complaint against the UPND Leader and wondered why the Constitutional Court had not charged Mr Hichilema with contempt of court. Judge Mwanamwambwa said the procedure on contempt of court was that it was the court or the adjucator attacked or insulted who should summon and charge the culprit with contempt of court. He said it was not for the Chief Justice, the Deputy Chief Justice or the Supreme Court to make an inquiry into the matter.