Lusaka lawyer, Mushipe, awarded K2 million by court for malicious prosecution, imprisonment

Lusaka lawyer, Martha Mushipe, has joined the list of UPND members compensated for false imprisonment and malicious prosecution, with the government agreeing to pay her K2 million.

According to a consent judgment signed by Lusaka High Court Judge, Charles Zulu, Attorney-General Mulilo Kabesha had agreed to the government paying her damages and costs totaling K2,150,000.

The judgment stated that the government shall pay Mushipe K1,500,000 for false imprisonment and malicious prosecution, K350,000 for loss of business, and K300,000 in costs.

In 2022, Mushipe sued the state claiming K1.5 million compensation for pain and suffering caused by alleged false imprisonment for seditious practices in 2016.

She also demanded K3.6 million in compensation for loss of business and damages for loss of money, goods, and files vandalized at her law firm during a search by state security agencies.

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Mushipe was acquitted of seditious practices by the Lusaka Magistrates’ Court and the Attorney General initially stated she was not entitled to any compensation as due process of law was followed.

The consent judgment, signed on July 25, 2024, stated that the payments are in full and final settlement of all Mushipe’s claims against the defendant.

Mushipe accepted the payments and will have no further claims against the state under this matter.

Other UPND officials compensated through consent judgments include Transport and Logistics Minister, Frank Tayali, who received K450,000, Lusaka Province UPND chairman Obvious Mwaliteta, and Kafue businessman James Sichomba, each awarded K900,000.

Ten Livingstone-based members accused of burning City Market also received K1 million each as damages for false imprisonment and malicious prosecution.

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