Former Zambia National Farmers Union (ZNFU) vice-president Joseph Mungandi has initiated contempt of court proceedings against Jervis Zimba for allegedly defying a High Court order that barred him from acting as the union’s president.
Mungandi, through his legal representatives, Kayula & Associates, filed an application seeking leave to cite Zimba for contempt.
High Court Judge Gaudentia Salasini granted the request, paving the way for proceedings against the former ZNFU president.
Court documents reveal that Mungandi, who owns Golden Bitch Farms in Muyukwayukwa, Kaoma, initiated legal action against Zimba and other defendants on February 26, 2025.
He alleged constitutional breaches by the trustees of ZNFU.
On March 11, 2025, the court issued an interim injunction restraining Zimba from holding office or performing presidential functions. The order also halted a scheduled ZNFU meeting on March 13, 2025. However, despite being served with the order, Zimba allegedly continued to act as ZNFU president.
Mungandi argues that Zimba’s actions constitute “deliberate, intentional, and willful” disobedience of the court order, amounting to contempt. The application stated that Zimba’s defiance undermines the judiciary’s authority and frustrates the administration of justice.
On March 16, 2025, Zimba filed an appearance and defense while opposing the injunction. However, Mungandi contended that his continued defiance of the court order demonstrates impunity.
He seeks an order committing Zimba to prison for contempt of court. He is also requesting that Zimba be ordered to cover the legal costs incurred in the application.
