Pubdate: Tue, 10 Feb 2004
Source: Times Of Zambia (Zambia)
Copyright: 2004 Times Of Zambia
Contact:  http://www.times.co.zm/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2871
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)

LUSAKA LAWYER LOSES APPEAL TO PRACTISE

The Supreme Court has upheld a High Court decision to strike off
Lusaka lawyer, Julungu Fred Matenda, from practising his profession in
the country because he was convicted of drug trafficking in 1997.

Delivering judgment, deputy Chief Justice David Lewanika said the drug
scourge had become a source of concern not only nationally but worldwide.

In dismissing the appeal by Matenda with costs, Justice Lewanika said
he agreed with the high court that the advocate's conduct had injured
the entire legal profession.

Judge Lewanika said the amount of drugs found on Julungu was quite
substantial and as such a disgrace to the profession.

Matenda was convicted of having 19.3 kg of cannabis in 1997 which the
Drug Enforcement Commission officers found in his house. Julungu's
explanation was that he was keeping the drugs for a client .

Matenda admitted the charge in a magistrate's court and was given a
discharge on condition that he did not commit a similar offence within
a period of two years.

The Law Association of Zambia legal practitioner's committee had
recommended to the high court that Matenda be struck off the
practising roll due to his involvement in drugs.

The committee which argued that Julungu had caused disgrace to the
profession was granted the order.

The High Court ruled that Matenda was unfit to continue practising as
an advocate of the High Court due to his past conviction in drugs,
that he should not practice law anymore.
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