By 
Patriotic Front (PF) faction stalwart and Matero Member of Parliament, Miles Sampa, has dismissed Mines and Minerals Development Minister, Paul Kabuswe’s claims that his application to summon key officials over the sale of Mopani Copper Mines was procedurally flawed.
Sampa described Kabuswe’s argument as “baseless” and a deliberate attempt to evade scrutiny.
The opposition lawmaker had petitioned the Constitutional Court to summon Kabuswe, his Permanent Secretary Hapenga Kabeta, and ZCCM-IH Chief Executive Officer Ndoba Vubetti to provide evidence regarding the controversial sale of Mopani to Delta Mining Limited.
However, Kabuswe, in an affidavit opposing the summons, argued that Sampa’s application was legally defective, stating it should have been filed as a notice of motion rather than a summons.
He further refused to aid Sampa in proving allegations of irregularities in the Mopani deal.
In response, Sampa dismissed Kabuswe’s claims, asserting that his application was legally sound and in line with court procedures.
“I have carefully considered the contents of the respondent’s affidavit in opposition and find the claims both erroneous and misleading. At no point did I swear an affidavit on March 25, 2025, as alleged,” Sampa stated.
He argued that even if procedural irregularities existed—which he denied—they were mere technicalities that should not obstruct substantive justice.
Sampa also refuted Kabuswe’s assertion that he failed to provide sufficient details about the witnesses and documents sought, insisting that his affidavit dated February 25, 2025, clearly identifies them.
“The necessity for such a move is already demonstrated by the affidavit evidence before the court. No party holds proprietary rights over witnesses, and calling government officials does not undermine my petition’s legitimacy,” he argued.
Sampa accused the government of attempting to derail the judicial process by raising technical objections and maintained that summoning key officials was crucial for ensuring transparency in the Mopani sale.
“This court retains the inherent jurisdiction to grant the relief sought, and such objections should not stand in the way of justice,” he submitted.
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