Lusaka Chief Magistrate Davies Chibwili has dismissed an application in a matter in which Former Ministry of  Defense Permanent Secretary Stardy Mwale and five others wanted the matter to be referred to the high court for constitutional review of the trial’s fairness after the Gulfstream issue was discussed at a Judiciary Conference held in November, 2022.

Magistrate Chibwili has also rejected the lawyers arguments claiming that what was discussed at the Judicial Conference amounted to instructions to the judiciary or other independent bodies and that their clients would not be accorded a fair hearing or trial.

“I find no merit in the application and dismiss it for being frivolous and vexatious”, Magistrate Chibwili ruled.

ZANIS reports that this is a matter in which Mr. Mwale and five others are facing four counts of willful failure to follow procedure in the procurement of the presidential Gulfstream G650.

The other people he is jointly charged with are Isabel Chinji, Micheal Mbewe, Evaristo Sakala, Frank Sinyangwe and John Phiri.

Magistrate Chibwili has adjourned the matter to February 07, 2024 for commencement of trial.