PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema on Wednesday voiced concern over what he called a growing trend of judges using social media to address serious matters.
Speaking at the swearing-in of 40 judges to the Supreme Court, Constitutional Court, High Court and as Clerk of the National Assembly — the largest cohort appointed since independence — Hichilema said it was “strange” for judges to engage in cyber-related discourse online and to invite the head of state to respond on social media.
“I am noticing something that is worrying, judges communicating through social media,” he said. “Your job is sacred. What if the President also decided to answer through social media? What would it become?”
He urged the judiciary to maintain its dignity and uphold the rule of law, saying no individual or institution is above it.
“The judiciary is not above the law. The law is above all of us,” he said.
Hichilema also called on the new judges to deliver rulings without delay, citing his own case that has been in court for 24 years. He said timely justice was critical, especially for citizens in rural areas.
The president said the appointments reflected national unity, noting that all regions of Zambia were represented and that 26 women were among the new High Court judges.