JUDGE MUMA’S CASE GOES TO HIGH COURT

THE Lusaka magistrate court has granted the state's application to refer Mongu High Court Judge Wilfred Kopa Muma to the High Court on basis that he is a sitting Judge.

In this matter, Muma is facing two counts of willful failure to comply with the law or applicable procedure C/Sec 34 (2) (b) of Anti-Corruption Act number 3 of 2012 & Abuse of Authority of Office C/Sec 21 (1) (a) as read with section 41 of the Anti-Corruption Act number 3 of 2012.

In the last sitting, state prosecutor Margaret Chitundu made an application before magistrate Trevor Kasanda to transfer that matter to the High Court on grounds that Judge Muma is anticipated to continue discharging his functions even when he is appearing in the Subordinate Court, a court he has supervisory jurisdiction over.

When the matter came up for ruling yesterday, magistrate Kasanda transferred it to the High Court for trial.

This was after, the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) gave consent pursuant to section 254 and 82 of the criminal procedure code, and Chapter 88 of the Laws of Zambia as read with statutory instrument no 235 of 1965.

However, the defence lawyers expressed dissatisfaction in a manner the state conducted itself towards the matter.

"In as far as we have seen the order, we are not pleased with the manner the state has conducted itself in this matter first of all. This is a criminal matter it appears that the State has been secretive in the manner they have proceeded. We noted that the filed originating notice of motion in the high court.