Zambia’s parliament suspended a cabinet minister on Tuesday from its proceedings for one month for slapping a fellow lawmaker within parliament grounds.
Speaker of the National Assembly Patrick Matibini said Lusaka Province Minister Bowman Lusambo was suspended for slapping outspoken lawmaker Chishimba Kambwili last October.
Kambwili has repeatedly accused government officials of corruption since his dismissal as information and broadcasting minister in November 2016 but the state denies the allegations.
Kambwili complained after the incident that Lusambo had slapped him twice after accusing Kambwili of making false accusations against the government.
Mr. Lusambo said in a Facebook post he has no regrets.
“With respect to my suspension from Parliament announced by the Honourable Mr Speaker, I wish to state that I have accepted the decision of the members. However, I wish to state that I have no regrets over my actions as they were driven by strong principles to defend the Republican Constitution and the Republican President,” he said.
“I also believe that there is nothing to reflect upon following my suspension because it is far better to die for a principle than to allow disgruntled, desperate and visionless politicians abuse the President through unsubstantiated allegations.”
Under the terms of the ban Lusambo can not enter parliament grounds or use its facilities during the period of suspension. Matibini says Lusambo will not be entitled to any allowances as well.
