Hichilema suspends Judge Katanekwa (Here’s what you may not know)

President Hakainde Hichilema has suspended Justice Timothy Katanekwa from exercising his duties as puisne Judge of the High Court of Zambia.

The President’s action followed the recommendations put forth by the Judicial Complaints Commission (JCC) in its report.

“Hichilema’s decision to suspend Justice Katanekwa is in exercise of powers bestowed upon him by Article 144(3) of the Constitution,” State House Chief Communications Specialist, Clayson Hamasaka, said in a statement issued in Lusaka on Wednesday.

At the time of his suspension, Justice Katanekwa was presided over both criminal and civil cases.

Among the case was the matter in which Patriotic Front (PF) faction leader, Miles Sampa, sued senior party officials who included Given Lubinda and Nickson Chilangwa challenging his suspension in February, this year.

Read more: Lungu-led PF faction leads more legal assault against Sampa, seeks declaration of his presidency as illegal

On February 9, 2023, Judge Katanekwa granted Sampa an injunction restraining Lubinda and others from holding themselves in their position.

Justice Katanekwa was admitted to the bar in 1982 and appointed to the High Court as Judge in 1996.

Last November, Judge Katanekwa granted the order summoning former Registrar of Societies Thandiwe Mhende to submit the true office bearers of PF. Ms Mhende was, however, fired from her position days before she could testify in court.

A lusaka businessman, Misheck Chatora in April, 2023, wrote a letter of complaint to JCC accusing Justice Katanekwa of injustice against Maritime Freight in a matter against Zambian Breweries in November, 2011.

Judge Katanekwa was in October this year summoned to appear before JCC in relation to the complaint.

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