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Fake Lawyer Jailed
By Dickson Jere
When he appeared before the Lands Tribunal – there was something unusual that sold him out. He failed to place himself on record even though he was dressed like a lawyer in dark suit and a bib!
The uncharacteristic demeanor of this “lawyer” triggered a quick inquiry from the Tribunal. Questions were asked.
“When were you called to the Bar,” the makeshift lawyer failed to give the year, which further heightened suspicion as every lawyer knows when was called to the revered bar. It’s like a birthday!
He then indicated that he was practicing under the name and style of “Abel Muyembe and Company” – a non registered law firm with Law Association of Zambia (LAZ). When the heat was pressed on him, he changed story and informed the Tribunal that he was merely an “attorney” and “agent” acting for a client who could not make it to attend the session on land dispute.
His practice was short-lived as Zambia Police swiftly moved in and apprehended the fake lawyer. His “chambers” on Lotti House in Lusaka’s CBD were searched and legal documents were found. He was later arrested and charged with impersonating an advocate of the High Court for Zambia.
LAZ testified against him as well as the Tribunal when he appeared before the Subordinate Courts at Lusaka. The Magistrate found him guilty and convicted him.
“He admitted that his firm was not known at LAZ. It was knew at the Zambia Institute of Estates Agency,” the Magistrate said after looking at the evidence.
“I am satisfied beyond all reasonable doubt that the Accused, being an unqualified person, did willfully pretend to be qualified to act as an Advocate,” the Court found and accordingly convicted him to one year imprisonment with hard labour.
I actually encountered this “gentleman” in another case and we spotted him immediately when he failed to “act as lawyer” in Chambers. The Judge did not only reprimand him but also referred matter to LAZ for prosecution.
Members of the public must beware of the growing tendencies of people masquerading as lawyers. LAZ has even set up a special committee to deal with the scourge especially in land transactions.
Case citation – The People v Abel Musonda Muyembe (SSPF-022-23) and Judgment delivered in May 2023.
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