Jawuz Backs Court Closure over Security Concerns

The Judicial and Allied Workers Union of Zambia (JAWUZ) has backed the decision to close courts across the country on security grounds, saying the measure should be respected.

JAWUZ president Peter Mwale said the union had directed its members countrywide not to report for work until further guidance was issued by the relevant authorities.

Mr Mwale said the union would comply with the directive and continue working with law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety of court workers and the public.

He said the closure of courts over security concerns was not unprecedented, noting that similar measures had been taken in the past when serious threats were detected.

Mr Mwale said JAWUZ sympathised with litigants affected by the closure but stressed that the safety of court workers and members of the public should take precedence.

He said court workers would only return once security agencies had assessed the situation and cleared all identified threats.