GPZ leader, Silavwe, alleges assault on judiciary, blames Hichilema for eroding trust

Golden Party of Zambia (GPZ) leader, Jackson Silavwe, has described the recent suspensions and dismissals of judges as a sustained assault on the judiciary, claiming it has compromised the quality of judgments, particularly in politically sensitive cases.

Silavwe accused President Hakainde Hichilema of targeting key legal figures, including Judges Palan Mulonda, Mungeni Mulenga, Anne Sitali, and former Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Lillian Siyuni, all of whom he said have been “hounded out” of office.

Reacting to the resignation of High Court Judge Emelia Sunkutu after 31 years of legal service, Silavwe described the development as “sad and disturbing.”

Her resignation comes shortly after she was suspended by President Hichilema on May 28, 2025, based on recommendations from the Judicial Complaints Commission (JCC).

The President acted under Article 144 (3) of the Constitution.

“There is no doubt that President Hichilema and his administration have inappropriately ‘touched’ the blindfolded Lady Justice,” Silavwe said in a statement issued in Lusaka on Thursday.

Read More: PF chieftain, Mwamba, accuses Zambian judiciary of enabling dictatorship

He stated thus: “This is nothing less than a sustained assault on the judiciary by the Republican President using state machinery to push his agenda.”

Silavwe warned that the continued interference in the judiciary could further erode public confidence, which he said was already at a historic low.

He called for reforms to safeguard judicial independence and protect judges from political interference.

“The Executive’s overreach demonstrates the urgent need to amend our statutes to insulate judges from political maneuvering,” he said.

Silavwe said that: “We urge President Hichilema to refrain from this judicial warpath and promote the separation of powers among the three arms of government.”

WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.