The Zambian government’s attempt to arrest John Sangwa for contempt of court, following his criticism of the state, risks backfiring by amplifying his message and exposing political interference in the judiciary.
Lusaka, Oct. 11 – State House is reportedly making frantic efforts to persuade the Attorney General (AG) Mulilo Kabesha and judges of the Constitutional Court to have John Sangwa arrested for alleged Contempt of Court following his recent explosive interview on Emmanuel Mwamba’s Conversation Podcast. According to a well placed source, Hakainde Hichilema is so rattled by the interview that he has given blessings for the imprisonment of Sangwa.
Also Read: Edgar Lungu’s Battle for Justice: What to Expect from the Constitutional Court!
As Edgar Lungu’s legal team prepares to defend the Constitutional Court’s previous ruling on presidential terms, today’s proceedings could reshape Zambia’s political landscape and test the integrity of its democratic institutions.
“The Boss feels that Sangwa has destroyed the case and wants the AG to liase with the judges to punish Sangwa. The problem is that the judges refused to hear Sangwa’s oral submissions, so he was entitled to share his opinions with the public. The other problem is that sending Sangwa to prison for contempt would require the same judges who had refused to give him the opportunity to be heard to hear him. He can go and repeat the same points he made on The Podcast in their face. What will they do?” the source explained.
It’s very clear, according to the source that they made a mistake when they refused to let him submit his oral arguments because now his ideas have been submitted to an even bigger court of public opinion.
“I can see why Hichilema is rattled because what State Counsel Sangwa has said is really damaging. But remember that the impression we have created so far is that State House is not involved in this matter. By intervening, we are making it clear that we are the ones behind the case and removing the veil,” the source emphasised.
Asked if State House is not worried that the judges might refuse to summmon Sangwa, the source said State House feels the judges will do what they are asked by the Attorney General.
“Just wait and see what will happen before the end of the day. They are scheming right now. Instructions have been given to the AG to have Sangwa sent to prison for contempt. Do you remember that the same ConCourt has asked the same AG to punish Makebi Zulu over this same eligibility case? Now they are going for Sangwa because he has really destroyed that case. Watch the whole interview if you have not, because it is really explosive,” the source advised.
Also Read: The Truth Untangled: Holding Leaders Accountable in the Face of Political Lies!
True journalism must uncover the truth behind false promises, hold leaders accountable, and prioritize the nation’s needs over blind political loyalty.
About Our Advocacy: Woodpecker’s Digest provides in-depth analyses and commentary on issues of national importance, alongside articles on personal development and health. We believe journalism can be a force for socio-economic change.
©2024 Woodpecker’s Digest.
Putting news into perspective
Very impressive way of reporting, this is high level professional platform, just like how the Post News papers Used to report.
We want to see more of you on The Digest.