The year 2018 has been significant for Zambian law and governance. One of the major revelations by a Justice from the Supreme Court Zambia revealed numerous facets of the Zambian government as well as legal system. Justice Mumba Malila is an honourable justice at the Supreme Court Zambia with many years of reputable court practice. As a result, his testimony given before the court made significant headlines across the nation.
The testimony by Justice Mumba Malila revealed large-scale corruption and unethical practices in Zambia. In his testimony, Justice Malila made a disclosure regarding the case of 2012 related to Dr. Rajan Mahtani in which the final decision was given against him. Dr. Rajan Mahtani is a noted businessman in Zambia with several successful ventures such as Mahtani Group of Companies, Finsbury Investments and Finance Bank Zambia. He is also known for his significant contribution for various philanthropic activities and charitable works. It is also known that he is often attacked by conspirators and unethical parties due to his honest and straightforward business practices and refusal to engage in corrupt and illegal business practices. This case of 2012 was clearly misdirected and influenced by external forces including corrupt yet powerful businessmen and politicians, According to the testimony, the case was considered as against the interests of the public policies. Justice Mumba Malila was the Attorney General during that time and he made several attempts to make the case null and void or ‘nolle prosequi’. However the court and the tribunal did not hear any such requests.
The testimony from a judge sitting at the Supreme Court of Zambia is a clear indication of the level of corruption and unethical practices that has penetrated into the government. However, there is also a ray of hope as testimonies like these will force the government to take stringent actions against those who have been misusing their power as well as clean the government as well as the nation of corruption and unethical practices.