Chief Justice Mumba Malila has described Retiring Supreme Court Judge, Evans Hamaundu, as an extraordinary and distinguished legal practitioner, who devoted his whole career to see a fair and independent judiciary.
Speaking during a special court session on the retirement of Supreme Court Judge, Hamaundu at Supreme Court in Lusaka, Justice Malila said the legal profession will miss his immense expertise in judicial matters.
Meanwhile, in his last judgment as supreme court Judge, retiring Judge Hamaundu, acquitted Davies Chishala of Luwingu, in a murder case, as the evidence contradicted whether the deceased was beaten or not.
He explained that the absence of Judge Hamaundu will be felt by the judiciary as his contributions of 29 years of distinguished service to the country is unmatched.
“Indeed retiring Judge Hamaundu has been an illustrious legal practitioner, who was committed to providing a fair and balanced judgment to everyone regardless of status in society, his legacy will forever be valued, and remembered” he said.
He added that Judge Hamaundu 65, began his legal profession in 1996 and remained an epitome of simplicity and an avid legal hunter, who believed in perfecting the legal system.
Justice Malila, has since appealed to him to continue helping the judiciary on various issues aimed at enhancing and taking legal matters to another level.
And Attorney General, Mulilo Kabesha also described retiring Judge Hamaundu as a man of integrity and sober character, who imparted professional advice to legal practitioners.
He urged the current crop of legal practitioners to emulate Judge Hamaundu’s exemplary character and leadership in ensuring fair and balanced dispensation of justice to people.
Mr Kabesha observed that outgoing Judge Hamaundu contributed to upholding an independent judiciary and promotion of human rights in the country.
Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) President, Lungisani Zulu, said Judge Hamaundu’s illustrious career in the Judiciary and the country at large deserve commendation.
He emphasized that Judge Hamaundu has been a true asset for the country and that his vast contributions to Zambia’s judicial system must be celebrated by all.
Meanwhile, Judge Hamaundu paid glowing tribute to family and friends that contributed to him becoming a lawyer and finally Judge of the Supreme Court.
And Judge Hamaundu in his last judgment, as Supreme Court Judge, acquitted Davies Chishala of Luwingu district of Northern Province who was accused of murdering Frederick Mulamba, 65 on December 5, 2012.
Facts of the case are that Davies Chishala during a drinking spree with friends of a local brew called Katata, at a nearby village in Luwingu district, allegedly beat the deceased to death.
