By BRIAN HATYOKA
THE judiciary is determined to rid itself of officers engaging in corruption in addition to having such culprits prosecuted to maintain public confidence, High Court Judge Susane Wanjelan has said.
Ms Justice Wenjelan said the judiciary acknowledged that corruption in the dispensation of justice was a big challenge.
She was speaking in Livingstone yesterday during the ceremonial opening of the Southern Province High Court Criminal Session for the year 2018 at the Livingstone High Court.
“We do have in our rank and file officers who are tempted to engage in corrupt practices. Where there is corruption, there can be no justice.
“May I therefore take this opportunity to reaffirm the judiciary’s commitment to the fight against corruption,” she said.
Ms Justice Wenjelan said there was need for members of staff to embrace the vision of the judiciary to be true ambassadors of an honourable and effective judiciary serving the public without fear or favour.
She said the judiciary was resolved to do justice without being moved by race, tribe, creed, political affiliation or any social status of any person.
“As a judiciary, we are aware that the Zambian public has very high expectations of the justice system.
“Our determination therefore is to find ways of quickly disposing of cases in accordance with the law and arriving t just decisions,” she said.
Livingstone High Court Judge in Charge Chilombo Phiri said she would take issues of corruption involving judicial workers seriously.
Ms Justice Phiri also cautioned members of the public against enticing judicial workers with corruption.