THE Acting Chief Justice has encouraged the general public to take advantage of the efficient approach of the Small Claims Court in hearing cases. THE Acting Chief Justice has encouraged the general public to take advantage of the efficient approach of the Small Claims Court in hearing cases.
Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony for Commissioners of Small Claims in Lusaka, Justice Lombe Chibesakunda said since its establishment in 2009, the Small Claims Court has proved to be very effective in the disposal of cases with monetary value not exceeding K20million Kwacha.
“The Small Claims Court in Lusaka has disposed of over 2,800 cases out of the 5,150 cases that were filed, while the Ndola court has disposed of over 1,900 cases out of 2,892 cases filed,” she said.
She added that statistics clearly show that the court has become very popular and the work and success of the Small Claims Court is the true manifestation of the cooperation between the Judiciary and the Bar.
Justice Chibesakunda told the newly sworn-in commissioners that although they were not judiciary employees they would be expected to perform judicial functions.
“There is no doubt in my mind that you will competently and diligently execute your duties because you have all performed well as advocates before the courts of Zambia,” she said.
Meanwhile, Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) President, James Banda, has advised the newly sworn- in commissioners to work hard and take their work seriously.
“Their duties will involve ensuring justice for poor people and as they are the most deprived of justice. So the Commissioners should be on top of their game and make sure that they are knowledgeable about the current laws so that justice is carried out,” he said.
Mr. Banda said LAZ nominated the commissioners to the judiciary because they are the best, hence the best would be expected from them.
Among those commissioned were Martin Musaluke, Paulman Chungu, Bubile Lungu Mupeso, Getrude Musyani, Mulambo Haimbe, Wilson Mweemba, Maureen Samulela Tresha, Natali Mulenga, Vincent Mwewa, Derrick Mulenga, Douglas Mazumba and Joseph Jalasi.