Council hires private lawyer to defend its cases in court

Mchinji District Council has sought the services of a legal firm Sikwese and Company to defend its cases in court.

In an interview, Mchinji district commissioner Peter Jimusole said the council has lost a number of cases because it had no proper legal representation.

He said the council has lost millions through the said court cases.

“We decided to hire a lawyer on a framework arrangement to defend the council in court,”  said Jimusole.

Asked on whether the council will sustain the process, he said it will not lose a lot of money in legal fees.

Said Jimusole: “The council will not lose a lot of money in paying the hired lawyer, it is even cheaper than the money we have been losing after failing to defend ourselves in court.”

So far, the council has three cases in court. One involves council officials allegedly being involved in corrupt practices.