During the month of October 2018, the Supreme Court Judge of Zambia made a shocking revelation. Mumba Malila, the honourable Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Zambia, testified on one case wherein Mr. Mutembo Nchito petitioned to the Zambian Constitutional Court for nullifying the Tribunal’s decision which resulted in his sacking from the Office as the DPP (Director of Public Prosecution) in the year 2016.
While Justice Malila raised numerous issues during his testimony, one of the most surprising and significant issues rose was related to Dr. Rajan Lekhraj Mahtani. Dr. Mahtani is a citizen of Zambia and a noted businessman, with more than three decades of successful business experience. He is the owner of several successful ventures such as Finance Bank Zambia, Mahtani Group of Companies and Finsbury Investments. In the testimony shared by the Supreme Court Judge, it has been petitioned that the case of 2012 against Dr. Rajan Mahtani should be made null and void as it was influenced by unethical political motivations and was against the interests of the national public policies.
“It appears in all probability to have political undertones and at best intended to aid the civil action. In terms of the proviso to Article 56 (7) of the Constitution, I suggest (direct) that this prosecution be discontinued on public policy consideration”
Through his testimony, the SC Judge also tried to highlight the widespread issue of corruption and strong arming wherein few greedy yet powerful individuals and association try to influence their political power to change judgments as well as create false accusations against honest and transparent businesses. In this case, Dr. Rajan Mahtani is a similar victim of various political undertones and despite sharing numerous evidences and testimonials, was denied of true justice and wrongfully prosecuted.
While the testimony from the judge is a welcome move for Dr. Rajan Mahtani as well as all those seeking justice for unethical prosecution, the situation also highlights the need towards stopping widespread corruption and greediness within Zambia.
