Former army officer on trial for alleged murder sues State over unpaid salaries

Nigel Mwaba, a former Lieutenant in the Zambia Army currently on trial for the alleged murder of former doctor Tasila Tembo, has filed a lawsuit against the Attorney General, demanding unpaid salary arrears dating back to 2020.

In his claim submitted to the Lusaka High Court, Mwaba, who resigned from the Zambia Army following his arrest, stated that he was apprehended and charged with murder in 2020, a case for which he is still undergoing trial.

Mwaba contended that he worked throughout October 2020, making him entitled to a full salary for that month.

However, the Attorney General allegedly withheld his salary without explanation and continued to withhold his pay after his arrest, despite paying other army officers facing similar criminal charges.

The lawsuit claims that while his salary was withheld, the State continued to pay off his loans with the bank and other organizations, yet failed to release the remaining portion of his salary.

Mwaba argued that his employment was not formally terminated at the time of his resignation and noted communications within the Zambia Army Command directing the salary department to pay him, which were ignored.

Despite receiving payslips, Mwaba claimed he never received any actual payment.

He argued that the refusal to pay his salary was unlawful and discriminatory, as other officers in similar situations continued to receive their pay.

He stated that this had caused him financial hardship, making it difficult to cover his children’s school fees and meet daily needs.

He also claimed to have suffered mental anguish and depression due to reliance on family support.

Mwaba is seeking an order directing the State to pay all salary arrears from the time of his arrest until his resignation, as well as damages for loss of income, inconvenience and mental distress.

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