Court rejects Sampa’s bid to summon minister, other officials over Mopani Mines sale

The Constitutional Court has dismissed Matero Member of Parliament (MP), Miles Sampa’s application to summon Mines Minister Paul Kabuswe, Permanent Secretary Hapenga Kabeta, and ZCCM-IH Chief Executive Officer Ndoba Vubetti over the sale of Mopani Copper Mines to Delta Mining Limited.

In his ruling, Judge Mudford Mwandenga said Sampa was on a “fishing expedition” for additional evidence and was improperly seeking the court’s assistance in gathering it.

“I decline the invitation for the reasons I articulate,” Judge Mwandenga ruled, stating that the application lacked merit.

Sampa, who filed an ex parte summons on February 25, argued that his request was within the court’s jurisdiction.

However, the judge ruled that the Constitutional Court Act does not outline procedures for summoning witnesses, which are instead governed by court rules.

The court also found that Sampa had not attempted to secure the witnesses’ voluntary cooperation before seeking legal compulsion.

Additionally, the requested documents were deemed insufficiently specific and not essential to the case.

Meanwhile, the Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) has withdrawn its application to join the case as amicus curiae.

The notice, filed on March 21, formally retracts LAZ’s motion submitted on March 14.

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