By Esther Chisola
President Hakainde Hichilema has with immediate effect removed Justice Anne Sitali, justice Mungeni Mulenga and Justice Palan Mulonda from their offices as Judges of the Constitutional Court of Zambia.
State House chief communications specialist Clayson Hamasaka stated that the removal of the three judges followed the recommendation in the report presented to the President by the Judicial Complaints Commission (JCC).
“The removal of the said Judges is in exercise of the powers vested in the President in Article 143 (b) and (c) of the Constitution of the Republic of Zambia,” read the statement.
On September 24, 2024, the President suspended the three judges’ following a recommendation from the JCC.
The action to suspend the three judges attracted mixed feelings as some viewed it as a positive step toward ensuring judicial accountability, while others saw it as an alarming power grab, particularly with Edgar Lungu eligibility case underway.
The timing of the suspensions led many to speculate about its underlying political motivations.
