Harrington seeks fresh case on Forest 27

FORMER Lands Minister, William Harrington and an environmentalist Robert Chimambo have again applied for leave in the High Court, challenging the alleged refusal by the Deputy Chief Justice to appoint a tribunal to investigate Lands Minister Jean Kapata.

Mr Harrington and Mr Chimambo want a High Court order compelling deputy Chief Justice, Michael Musonda to establish a Tribunal to investigate the alleged illegal acquisition of land in Lusaka East Forest Reserve 27 by Ms Kapata.

“The applicants ask for stay of the decision of the DCJ to refuse to appoint a tribunal under order 53 Rule 3 of the Supreme Court Rules, 1999 edition until after the determination of this application and an interim order that he appoints a tribunal forthwith as the Minister of Lands is likely to see out her term of office as a Member of Parliament and Cabinet Minister before this matter is determined by the court and as such could be rendered a mere academic exercise,” reads part of the application.

They are also seeking an Order of Certiorari to remove into the High Court for purposes of quashing the said decision of the acting Chief Justice to refuse to appoint a tribunal to investigate the various allegations of the conduct of Ms Kapata.

Mr Harrington and Mr Chimambo also want an order of mandamus to compel Judge Musonda to re-reconsider his decision in line with the provisions of the Parliamentary and Ministerial Code of Conduct Act, chapter 15 of the Laws of Zambia after receipt of the written allegations giving factual particulars alleged by them.