Legal challenges involving former Zambian ministers

Legal proceedings involving former Zambian government officials have emerged in both electoral and criminal contexts.

In the electoral sphere, former Cabinet ministers Paul Kabuswe and Sylvia Masebo have petitioned the Lusaka High Court to overturn their parliamentary election defeats. Kabuswe, the former Minister of Mines and Minerals Development, alleges electoral malpractice in Chililabombwe, including voter bribery and physical obstruction of his supporters. Masebo, the former Health Minister, is contesting the result in Chongwe East, alleging defamatory statements and misconduct intended to influence voters.

In criminal matters, the Economic and Financial Crimes Court (EFCC) has cleared the way for the Director of Public Prosecutions to proceed with an appeal against the acquittal of former Health Minister Chitalu Chilufya and HoneyBee Pharmacy Limited. The appeal concerns criminal counts related to the HoneyBee medical procurement scandal. While respondents sought to dismiss the appeal due to filing delays, the court ruled that the delays were not attributable to the prosecution and that the court retains jurisdiction.