Mopani Copper Mines has filed an application in the Kitwe High court, asking judge Timothy Katenekwa to cite Copperbelt Energy Corporations (CEC) for contempt of court for disobeying court orders.

This is after judge Katenekwa had granted an ex-parte order, restraining CEC from limiting power supply to Mopani, in the interim, while the two parties resolve the tariffs increase disputes in an arbitration hearing – a directive that the electricity supplier did not obey.

Mopani has since asked the court to cite CEC for contempt of court.

The mining company submitted that CEC had not complied with the order and that they had no respect for the courts.

Mopani added that CEC’s behaviour undermined the course of justice and could impair the standing and reputation of the court and the judicial system in Zambia.

“By implication, CEC’s decision to ignore the order could mean that the courts in Zambia have no effect and should not be obeyed,” submitted Mopani.

Judge Katanekwa has since adjourned the matter to August 30, for hearing and has moved the court to Kabwe District.