Sampa fails to open defence in PF convention case, cites illness

A dramatic twist unfolded in the Lusaka High Court on Thursday when Matero Member of Parliament Miles Sampa failed to open his defence in the contentious case challenging the legitimacy of the Patriotic Front (PF) extra-ordinary convention that installed him as party president.

The session before Judge Conceptor Chinyawa-Zulu was thrown off course after Sampa’s legal team announced that he had “unexpectedly fallen ill,” prompting immediate protest from the petitioners.

The case, filed by Mporokoso MP Brian Mundubile and seven others, seeks to nullify the October 24, 2023 convention that elevated Sampa to the PF presidency.

Defence lawyer David Musonda told the court that the MP’s sudden illness made it impossible for him to take the stand.

“We were notified only a few hours ago that our client is unwell. In light of this development, we respectfully seek an adjournment,” Musonda said.

Representing faction leaders Morgan Ng’ona and Robert Chabinga, lawyer T. Munalula said his side did not oppose the application, revealing that their lone witness was also unwell.

The petitioners, however, pushed back sharply. Lead counsel Jonas Zimba accused the defence of a pattern of non-compliance and foot-dragging, arguing that no medical proof had been provided to justify Sampa’s absence.

“Section 3(1) and 3(2) of the Evidence Act demands evidence of illness. It is not permissible to rely on mere claims of malaise,” Zimba contended.

He further noted that Sampa had still not filed his witness statement and urged the court to close the defence case entirely.

Alternatively, he requested an “unless order” that would compel the defence to meet wasted costs before any future hearing.

Musonda maintained that the illness was genuine and abrupt, insisting that the defence was only asking for a fair opportunity to present its case.

Judge Zulu, while allowing the adjournment, expressed frustration over the continued delays. She reminded both sides of the public interest at stake and cautioned that the court would no longer tolerate unnecessary setbacks.

“The court shall not wait for litigants who appear uninterested in being heard,” she warned.

The matter is set to resume on December 8, 2025.

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