PUBLIC PROTECTOR DELIGHTED WITH THE DESIGNATION OF A RESIDENT JUDGE FOR
MUCHINGA PROVINCE
….which will contribute to a fair and expeditious dispute resolution by a
competent, independent and impartial court
Lusaka, Monday 8th January, 2024
The Public Protector Mrs. Caroline Sokoni says the designation of a resident Judge in Muchinga Province is a milestone which will contribute to a fair and expeditious dispute resolution by a competent, independent and impartial court.
Speaking when she officiated at this year’s ceremonial opening of the High Court Criminal Session in Chinsali, Mrs. Sokoni noted that the move will contribute to safeguarding the interest and rights of individuals in accessing justice and further contribute to citizen trust and social peace in the area.
For the first time since the opening of the High Court in the Province in 2019, a resident Judge has been appointed to be based in Chinsali.
Mrs. Sokoni says this will increase the disposal rate of both criminal and civil cases to a desirable percentage in order to reduce the backlog of cases being carried forward in a particular year.
The Public Protector has also congratulated Honourable Justice Willie Sinyangwe for being the first High Court Resident Judge for Chinsali.
Meanwhile, the Public Protector has called for the preservation of the independence of the judiciary.
She notes that the courts play a vital role in the proper functioning of a state based on democratic values hence should not be subject to improper influence from the other branches of government, or from private or partisan interests.
Mrs. Sokoni added that a fair and impartial judicial process is a precondition for accountable governance and for anti-corruption safeguards to take effect.