Lusaka | January 15, 2026 – The High Court has granted an adjournment in the closely watched case of The People v Joseph Chishimba until late March, following a significant and last-minute change in the defence strategy. Joseph Chishimba, 49, was scheduled to open his defence today, January 15, 2026, on a charge of Harassment utilising means of electronic communication, contrary to Section 69 of the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act No. 2 of 2021. During the hearing, defence counsel Mr. Kelvin Bwalya Fube applied for an adjournment, informing the court of “fresh instructions” from the accused. This marked a significant tactical change from the defence’s previous declaration that Mr. Chishimba would remain silent. Counsel stated the accused would now give sworn testimony and call four witnesses, necessitating time for preparation. The State, represented by prosecutor Ms. Mildred Muchimba

Lusaka | January 13, 2026 – In a ceremony that decisively set the judicial agenda for the year, the High Court of Zambia officially opened its 2026 Criminal Sessions yesterday, placing historic emphasis on transforming criminal litigation through structured Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).Held under the theme “Consolidating the Call for Proper Use of Alternative Dispute Resolution Through Plea Bargaining,” the event brought together top judges, the Justice Minister, and legal stakeholders. The message was unmistakable: 2026 will be the year Zambia’s criminal justice system embraces modern tools to ensure no one remains trapped in the shadows of delay.Setting a tone of reflective candour, Deputy Chief Justice Michael Musonda, SC, did not mince words. He highlighted a critical gap that has persisted for over 60 years: the lack of national sentencing guidelines.“We are way, way behind. Much smaller jurisdictions around us

Mumbwa | January, 7, 2026 – Zambia’s commitment to the protection of its wildlife resources was indorsed by the Mumbwa Magistrates’ Court, which has sentenced a local man to five years’ imprisonment for the unlawful possession of protected game meat.The court found Shaderick Shikabondo guilty of possessing 31 kilograms of Kafue Lechwe meat without lawful authority, contrary to the provisions of the Wildlife Act. The offence came to light following a tip-off received by wildlife officers, who subsequently obtained a search warrant and conducted a lawful search at the convict’s residence. The search led to the recovery of the illegally butchered meat, for which Shikabondo failed to produce any permit or certificate.In mitigation, the convict pleaded for leniency. However, Magistrate A. Walusiku emphasised the seriousness of wildlife-related offences and the broader implications they carry for the nation. The court noted

Kitwe | December 27, 2025 – A Kitwe subordinate court, on December 22, 2025, convicted an adult woman on two counts of defilement involving male children under the age of sixteen, sending a strong message that boys are also at risk of defilement and sexual abuse. The accused, who shared a bedroom with one of the victims, was found guilty after evidence conclusively proved she had unlawfully carnally known two boys, manipulating and exploiting them over time. The prosecution was led by Senior Public Prosecutor K. K. Kapepa of the National Prosecution Authority, Kitwe office, who presented evidence establishing all essential elements of the offences, while meticulously upholding protocols to safeguard the child victims’ anonymity. All details that could reveal the children’s identities have been withheld, in line with child protection laws and the best interests of the victims. Evidence

Chingola | December 22, 2025 – In the latest development in the case of 34 individuals charged with terrorism in connection with the November 8, 2025 stone-throwing attack on President Hakainde Hichilema in Chingola, the Chingola Subordinate Court today granted bail to nine children in conflict with the law. The nine children have each been granted bail of K10,000 on their own recognizance, secured by two sureties in the same amount. One surety must be a parent or legal guardian, and the other must be a person employed by a reputable organisation. This means that after the children fulfil the bail conditions, they will be released without paying money to the court upfront, on the formal promise that they will attend all court hearings and comply with bail conditions. Each child is required to have two sureties in the same

Chingola | December 18, 2025 – The Chingola Subordinate Court has granted the National Prosecution Authority’s application to amend the indictment against 34 accused persons in the November 8. 2025 stone-throwing attack on President Hakainde Hichilema in Chingola. The amended charge sheet now formally includes the offence of Terrorism, which under Zambian law is non-bailable and carries a mandatory penalty of imprisonment for life upon conviction. This case stems from violence that broke out during President Hichilema’s public address to residents of Chiwempala, including those affected by a recent market fire. Members of the crowd became aggressive, hurling stones at the stage and the presidential entourage. Security personnel intervened immediately, escorting the President to safety, as the unrest escalated into widespread chaos marked by arson and extensive damage to public property. The accused persons who comprise 25 adults and nine

Chipata | December, 2025 – The global 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence may have concluded, but for the National Prosecution Authority (NPA), the mission continues without pause. During the recent campaign, NPA officers across the nation engaged in a series of targeted activities, from community dialogues to inter-agency trainings, to strengthen Zambia’s response to GBV. Today, these efforts form part of the NPA’s ongoing, daily commitment to justice, survivor support, and prevention.The photographs released today capture key moments from the campaign, reflecting a proactive, collaborative approach:

Choma, Zambia December 10-As the 16 days of Gender Activism comes to a close, the National Prosecution Authority in Choma yesterday joined the Judiciary, Legal Aid Board, Drug Enforcement Commission and other stakeholders in a March- past within Choma town. The procession was from the Choma Central Police to the Subordinate Court premises.  The March-past was aimed at raising awareness around the 16 days of Activism against Gender Based Violence and as platform to continue the progressive conversation around issues of GBV. The occasion was graced by the High Court Judge in Charge Hon. Justice Catherine M. Lombe. With the theme for this year being “UNITE to End Digital Violence against Women and Girls”, Judge Lombe noted that the digital age had brought about a unique dimension to gender based violence, with women and girls facing violence on their phones,

Choma | December 10, 2025 – In a transformative four-day workshop, Magistrates, Prosecutors, and Social Workers were trained on the challenges that make Gender-Based Violence cases particularly difficult to prosecute. Of particular focus were issues such as how trauma affects a victim’s memory and behaviour, how perpetrators groom and manipulate children, and why victims’ actions may appear inconsistent with common assumptions when they are, in fact, grounded in their lived experiences. The training, centred on GBV case management and the Children’s Code Act No. 12 of 2022, brought together forty-six (46) frontline officials: twenty-two (22) Magistrates, twelve (12) National Prosecution Authority (NPA) Prosecutors, and twelve (12) Social Welfare Officers. It was led by a distinguished trio – Honourable Mr. Justice C.F.R. Mchenga of the Court of Appeal, Honourable Mrs. Justice S. K. Newa of the High Court, and the NPA’s

Lusaka | December 9, 2025 – In a meeting that challenged the ethics of headlines, the National Prosecution Authority today held up a mirror to the nation’s media, laying out a stark choice – tell stories that empower survivors not break them a second time. With one day left in the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, Mrs. Monde Muyoba-Chizongo, Senior State Advocate in the Gender Based Crimes and Child Protection Department sat down with journalists from Diamond TV, Crown TV, the Daily Mail, News Diggers, the Times of Zambia, and ZNBC. The discussion centred on one undeniable truth that the tone, language, and accuracy of media reporting critically shape how communities understand GBV and child protection, either strengthening justice or inflicting harm. “Your reporting holds a profound power,” Mrs. Muyoba-Chizongo stated, framing the day’s urgent dialogue. “It can