Kitwe, Zambia | February 10, 2025 – The air in the conference Hall at the Garden Court was thick with anticipation as the Director of Public Prosecutions, Gilbert A. Phiri SC, stood before the newly appointed members of the Copperbelt Technical Committee. In his hands, he held copies of a document that symbolised more than just ink on paper – it was a ray of hope, a blueprint for justice, and a call to action.
The Framework, a meticulously crafted agreement signed by 21 institutions committed to combating organised crime and illicit financial flows, was about to be handed over to those who would carry its mission forward on the Copperbelt Province. As each document was placed in the hands of each technical committee member, the weight of the moment was palpable. This was not just a transfer of responsibility; it was the passing of a torch, a symbol of trust and expectation.
With solemnity and resolve, the Director of Public Prosecutions addressed the committee:
“I receive the Framework, and I am now passing it over to you, ladies and gentlemen. We expect you to run, we expect you to fight crime. Overall, we expect you to coordinate, to work together, to share information. We are passing the torch. We are passing the baton.”
His words echoed through the hall, a powerful reminder of the collective effort required to dismantle the criminal networks that threaten copperbelt’s and Zambia’s prosperity. The document, now in the hands of the Copperbelt chapter, represents not just a mandate but a promise – a promise to uphold justice, to protect the vulnerable, and to reclaim the resources stolen from the people.
The newly appointed members stood tall, their faces a mix of determination and humility. They understood the gravity of the task ahead. The Framework is not just a set of guidelines; it is a weapon in the fight against corruption, unauthorised mining, and financial crimes. It is a tool to restore trust in institutions and to ensure that no district of the Copperbelt will be left vulnerable to exploitation.
As the ceremony concluded, the room erupted in applause, not just for the moment but for the future it represents. The torch had been passed, and with it, the hope of a brighter, safer Copperbelt Province. The journey ahead will be challenging, but the resolve in the room was unmistakable. Together, they would run the race, fight the fight, and ensure that justice prevailed.
The Copperbelt chapter of the Inter-Agency Framework is now officially in motion. The torch has been lit, and its light will guide them forward.
