Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
Chief Justice Ireen Mambilima has urged the judiciary to resolve competition and consumer cases as expeditiously as possible, taking into account the consequences delays will have on consumers, businesses and the economy as whole.
Justice Mambilima says the delay in resolving and concluding competition and consumer cases has led to businesses and consumers losing confidence in the commission as well as the judicial system in general.
She says some of the competition and consumer cases the Competition and Consumer 
Protection Commission (CCPC) handles end in courts of law, and therefore, there has been an observation that a good number of such cases take long to be concluded.
She adds that this has led to businesses and consumers losing confidence in the commission as well as the judicial system in general in so far as redressing their complaints is concerned.
Justice Mambilima has described the interface between justice and consumer protection, not only in Zambia but world over, as invaluable, adding that the role of the Magistrates and Judges could not be overemphasized as they are at the centre of dispensing justice in the country.
The Chief Justice made these remarks in a speech read on her behalf by Supreme Court Judge, Mumba Malila, at the official opening of a conference for Judges and Magistrates organized by CCPC at Protea Hotel in Chisamba.
And speaking at the same occasion, CCPC Board Chairperson, Kelvin Bwalya has described competition law as a combination of various laws, and implored the judiciary not to look at competition law as contractual, investment, commercial or intellectual property law.
Mr. Bwalya has urged the Judges and Magistrates to interpret competition law if its benefits were to be realized.