SANGWA WITHDRAWS IN 7 PF CASE
JOHN Sangwa, a partner in Simeza, Sangwa and Associates, has withdrawn from representing the seven Patrotic Front (PF) presidential candidates, citing breach of terms of engagement.
Mr Sangwa, State Counsel, was in conduct of the matter before the Lusaka High Court in which Mr Mutotwe Kafwaya and six others are challenging the election of Matero Member of Parliament, Miles Sampa as PF party president and the appointment of Mr Morgan Ng'ona as the party’s Secretary General.
The seven petitioners include Mr Kafwaya, Mr Emmanuel Mwamba, Mr Chishimba Kambwili, Mr Brian Mundubile, Mr Godfrey Bwalya Mwamba, Mr Greyford Monde and Dr Chitalu Chilufya.
In an affidavit in support of summons for withdrawal by advocates filed on Monday, Mr Sangwa said it was agreed that Mr Kafwaya would be the petitioners’ representative in their dealings with the firm.
And a letter of engagement dated November 6, 2023, was signed by Mr Kafwaya, the first petitioner in the matter.
"I have prosecuted this action to the stage where directions have been issued by the court in relation to the preliminary issue filed by the respondents on January 31, 2024,"
"Although the petitioners signed and agreed to the terms of engagement, they have not lived to the said terms thereby making it difficult for the firm to continue to extend its services to them," he said.
Mr Sangwa said the petitioners are yet to answer to the request for them to engage another law firm replacing Simeza, Sangwa and Associates.
In the circumstances, I respectfully ask that an order be made declaring that Simeza, Sangwa and Associates have ceased to act as the advocates for the petitioner in this action and that the petitioners do pay me the costs of. This application to be taxed in default of agreement," Mr Sangwa submitted.