The National Assembly has come out of the cocoon to defend its delay in processing benefits of late Clement Chiwaya, former Deputy Speaker.

Chiwaya shot himself dead on Thursday in the office of Clerk of Parliament Fiona Kalemba after getting fed-up with a bid to push his benefits.

The news attracted public attention with many blaming the national assembly.

But in a statement released on Thursday Parliament defended itself on the matter, saying there was an pending case in court regarding Chiwaya’s vehicle which was involved in an accident while transfer of ownership had not been completed and insurance had expired.

Below is a statement from parliament;