LUSAKA | June 15, 2026 – His lordship, Chief Justice Dr. Mumba Malila, SC, has warned newly appointed and elevated judges against corruption and political influence, urging them to uphold the integrity and independence of the Judiciary as they assume their new responsibilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Opening an induction workshop for judges of the Superior Courts in Lusaka, Dr. Malila cautioned judicial officers against allowing themselves to be compromised, reminding them that judicial office is built on public trust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDo not make justice a purchasable commodity,\u201d the Chief Justice said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He warned that judges who allow their decisions to be influenced by improper considerations risk destroying the reputations and careers they have spent years building.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Chief Justice also delivered a strong message on judicial independence, advising judges to remain above partisan politics and resist pressure from political actors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDo not at any time procure judicial complicity in partisan projects,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cLet them say what they want to say. Let them talk. But never, ever be seen to be part of any partisan project.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dr. Malila said judges would often face criticism and political rhetoric but urged them to remain restrained and allow their judgments to speak on their behalf.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThere will be many instances when you will be forced to react to political rhetoric. As a wise judge, you will be well advised to remain silent and only speak through your judgment,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Chief Justice further called for improved case management and timely delivery of judgments, expressing concern over delays that leave litigants and accused persons waiting years for the resolution of their cases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He said the recent appointment of additional judges was intended to strengthen the Judiciary’s capacity to reduce case backlogs and improve access to justice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dr. Malila also disclosed that the Judicial Training Institute of Zambia was expected to become operational soon, providing continuous professional development and refresher training for judges and judicial officers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In addition, he revealed that the Judiciary was exploring the establishment of a specialised Lands and Environment Court to enhance the handling of land and environmental disputes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Earlier, Chairperson of the Chief Justice’s Advisory Committee on Training and Continuing Education, Lady Justice P. K. Yangailo, said the induction programme was designed to strengthen judicial competence, ethics, accountability and professionalism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She reminded participants that appointment to judicial office was both an honour and a public trust and encouraged them to embrace continuous learning throughout their judicial careers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The opening ceremony was attended by Deputy Chief Justice Michael Musonda, SC, Deputy Chief Justice Americus, Judge President of the COMESA Court of Justice Marvin Sitwala Mwanamwambwa, Judge President of the Court of Appeal Justice Mwiinde Siavwapa, Judicial Service Commission Chairperson Vincent Malambo, SC, Chief Administrator Nalishebo Imataa, Acting Chief Registrar Pamela Masheke, judges of the Supreme Court, Constitutional Court and High Court, and other senior Judiciary officials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This was not a welcome ceremony. It was a field manual for survival in a political minefield.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Don’t take bribes. Don’t play partisan games. Don’t sit on judgments for a decade. When the politicians scream, keep your mouth shut and write your ruling.
And never, ever forget the Chief Justice’s hardest shot:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDo not make justice a purchasable commodity.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Zambia’s newest judges have been put on notice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Chief Justice has spoken. The rest is up to them.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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