Chaos in Court: Chief Justice Condemns Brutal Attack on Davies Mwila at Supreme Court

The Zambian Judiciary has been rocked by an unprecedented act of violence that unfolded within the hallowed premises of the Supreme Court, an incident that has drawn swift and unequivocal condemnation from the highest echelons of the justice system. Chief Justice Mumba Malila described the incident as nothing short of “fragrant lawlessness” and a direct “assault on the administration of justice” and the very dignity of the Judiciary itself. The audacious strikes, visibly and audibly captured in videos, targeted former Patriotic Front Secretary-General Davies Mwila, who was attending proceedings related to the Lima Constituency election petition in support of MP Kelvin Kaunda.

Occurring “right on the marble floors of the high ceiling entrance” of the nation’s highest courts, the violence is presumed to transcend mere assault and public disorder, potentially touching upon “contempt in the face of the court.” This is because the incident represents an “abhorrent desecration” of a space traditionally upheld as a dignified altar of justice, demanding near-choreographed conduct to enforce order. The Chief Justice has emphatically warned that such “violence and unruly conduct within court premises would not be tolerated,” reaffirming the Judiciary’s commitment to protecting the rule of law and maintaining a safe environment. Security at Judiciary premises has since been intensified to safeguard judicial officers, court staff, and the public, with law enforcement agencies actively investigating the matter to ensure those responsible are dealt with according to the law.

This “ugly dent on the time honoured traditions and adherence to the observance of the sanctity of courts” must be “nipped right in the bud and now.” The incident is not merely a violation of Mr. Mwila’s person but a profound “mob justice” action at the “sacred fountain of justice,” leaving a “scar, not just on the face of our Judiciary but also on the collective conscience of the nation.” Fears have been raised that such violence, if unchecked, could extend beyond witnesses and observers to judicial officers themselves. The urgent and necessary need to restore the dignity of this elevated institution of democracy is paramount “in order to forestall such unwanton behaviour on the premises of justice.”

The incident has also triggered a wave of political exchanges. The ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) has “rightly condemned and distanced itself from the attackers,” calling for an impartial police investigation. The party has challenged allegations linking suspected UPND cadres to the incident and specifically called on PF–Pamodzi Alliance National Youth IPS Given Gift Chibale to provide evidence for statements attributed to him.

Following the “kerfuffle,” Mr. Mwila issued a striking demand, reiterating, “I’m giving those who attacked me 30 days to apologise and report themselves to the police.” This ultimatum, however, sparked further commentary, with some critics questioning its tone and implications, drawing parallels to “witchdoctors issuing curses.” The debate further escalated when Mumbi Phiri, described as a senior “Tonse” member, reportedly phoned into Capital FM to warn that Mwila “is not a simple person to touch,” even offering to escort his attackers to apologize. This led to a broader public critique regarding the perceived “fascination with witchcraft” within certain political circles, questioning why such rhetoric permeates “every conversation.” The commentary sharply contrasted these views with President Hichilema’s recent statements in the UAE, where he reportedly emphasized that witchcraft is not something to be feared, and that it “does NOT exist” except “in our minds.” Critics challenged proponents of witchcraft to demonstrate its efficacy in real-world scenarios, such as robbing banks or helping African teams win the World Cup using “juju,” highlighting that the “West and the Chinese have shown us what super intelligence can do” in contrast to the lack of spectacular works of witchcraft.

As the nation awaits highly anticipated remedial action from the Zambia Police, the metaphorical “wound inflicted on the face and belly of our Lady Justice is wide open and festering, awaiting urgent treatment.”