Chikhulupiliro Zidana, an officer at the Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services who sued the government over the appointment of his superior, Charles Kalumo, is seeking K120 million as party and party costs from the case.
In a letter dated June 2024, delivered by his legal representation, Gracian Luzu of Ritz Attorneys at Law, Zidana has given the Attorney General’s office a deadline of seven days to settle the sum.
He has also warned that if the government does not meet the payment deadline, a cost assessment could be initiated, potentially amounting to not less than K350 million.
“Our client hope that you will appreciate the value of amicable settlement of the costs in the spirit of prudent expenditure of taxpayers money,” reads part of the letter
On June 6 2024, High Court Judge Mike Tembo sitting at Blantyre declared the appointment of Kalumo as director general of the department unconstitutional.
The ruling meant Kalumo, who has resisted several calls to resign, ceases to be the department’s head.
Justice Tembo said Kalumo’s appointment was in violation of the applicable law.
“Consequentially, it is ordered that Brigadier General Charles Kalumo (Retired) cease to hold the position of director general of Immigration and Citizenship Services having been appointed by the defendant in contravention of the relevant law,” reads part of the ruling.
President Lazarus Chakwera, who has also resisted calls to fire Kalumo, made the appointment in August 2022.
