The Judiciary of Zambia has strongly condemned false and malicious claims reportedly made by an online publication, Munyaule Zambia, claiming the killing of High Court Judge, Susan Wanjelani’s children in South Africa.
The publication claimed on Friday that the alleged incident followed Judge Wanjelani’s recent judgment favoring nine Patriotic Front (PF) Members of Parliament.
In a statement issued Friday evening, Deputy Director of Corporate Communication, Kalumba Chisambisha, described the report as “reckless” and “a grave threat to the rule of law, peace and stability.”
Chisambisha stated that spreading falsehoods intended to undermine judicial officers and the justice system endangered the country’s constitutional mandate.
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“The article further insinuates that the alleged killings were linked to a recent judgment delivered by Judge Wanjelani,” Chisambisha said, adding that the Judiciary remains independent and impartial, guided by the Constitution and the laws of Zambia.
Chisambisha also highlighted the personal toll such statements had on individuals, stating, “Such defamatory statements tarnish the judiciary’s reputation and inflict undue emotional distress on individuals and their families.”
The Judiciary reminded the public of the importance of responsible social media use, urging Zambians to verify information before sharing it and exercise freedom of expression responsibly.
Chisambisha warned that the Judiciary would pursue legal action against those responsible for spreading false information intended to defame or intimidate judicial officers.
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