Star FM threatened with contempt of Parly after attempting to cancel broadcast of public hearing on constitution

State-run broadcaster Star FM was threatened with contempt of Parliament after the station tried to cancel the live broadcast of public views on the proposed amendment to the Constitution. Star FM only started broadcasting the public hearing an hour after schedule. This was due to the fact that Star FM general Manager Comfort Mbofana had cancelled the broadcast, despite the fact that the time had been paid for.

Acting Justice Parliamentary Portfolio Committee chairperson Priscilla Misihairabwi-Mushonga confirmed that they had to call Mbofana saying:

As a committee, we made a resolution to call Mbofana to explain to him this would result in contempt of Parliament because you do not get MPs to sit, and later, with no proper explanation, you get the event cancelled. This was a paid-for service and they were not doing us a favour.

If the constitutional amendment passes then it means that the president will be able to unilaterally appoint the Chief Justice, Deputy Chief Justice and Judge President, unlike the present situation where prospective candidates are subjected to public nominations and public interviews.

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