Govt allays fears over Chief Justice Malila after opposition PF raises the alarm concerning his wellbeing

The Ministry of Health has provided an update on Chief Justice Mumba Malila, who is recovering after an accident that occurred on August 30, 2024.

Ministry Permanent Secretary for Technical Services, Kennedy Lishimpi, reported that Chief Justice Malila was evacuated to South Africa for further treatment following the incident.

Speaking to the media at the Ministry of Information and Media in Lusaka on Wednesday, Lishimpi confirmed that Chief Justice Malila had received appropriate treatment in South Africa.

“Today he is undergoing his review and he is responding very well to treatment,” he said.

Lishimpi also addressed concerns regarding Malila’s driver, Newion Njovu, aged 45.

According to Lishimpi, Njovu was evaluated after the accident and was found to have had no complaints or injuries.

“He is alive and well,” Lishimpi assured.

Additionally, Lishimpi provided details about the driver of the other vehicle involved in the accident, Philemon Dyamini, aged 40.
“He was charged by the Zambia Police Service for the offense of Dangerous Driving. He was released on police bond on September 2, 2024, and he is yet to appear in court,” Lishimpi noted.

He said the Ministry of Health would continue to provide updates on Chief Justice Malila’s recovery as more information becomes available.

This followed concerns raised by Faction Secretary-General Raphael Nakacinda of the Edgar Lungu-led Patriotic Front (PF), who questioned the involvement of the Minister of Justice in matters concerning the Chief Justice’s health, arguing that it should have been the Minister of Health overseeing medical evacuations and treatments as is typically the case.

“Why is the Minister of Justice handling the Chief Justice’s health matters instead of the Minister of Health, who is funding the evacuation and treatment, and why have the procedures changed?” he questioned.

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