The President of Zambia has sacked the country’s High Commissioner to South Africa for misconduct.
President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia took the decision after the High Commissioner, Ms. Mazuba Monze reportedly asked a male staff to shave her.
The diplomat, who was serving at the Zambian Mission in Pretoria had reportedly made an uncommon request, and an undiplomatic directive.
Apparently, the High Commissioner requested a Zambian staff to shave her private parts.
The staff refused, stating that it was not part of his duties to shave ambassadors, especially their private parts.
The High Commissioner reportedly termed this act as disobedience and an act of insubordination and proceeded to fire the staff.
The matter went quiet for a while until he appealed against the decision and brought the matter to the attention of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
When the allegation about the strange request by Ms Monze was verified, President Hakainde Hichilema promptly fired the High Commissioner.
Meanwhile, other reports suggest that the allegation against Ms Monze was exaggerated.
The Maravi Post reports that a concerned Zambian living in South Africa has come forward, claiming that the allegations against Ms. Monze may have been exaggerated or fabricated by her detractors.
The individual alleges that a campaign was launched against Ms. Monze, involving false reports and fabrications, which ultimately led to her dismissal.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen what further actions will be taken and what consequences Ms. Monze will face.
One thing is certain, however: the incident has left a stain on Zambia’s diplomatic reputation and raised questions about the conduct of its representatives abroad.
Zambia Observer
