In a judgment delivered on 17th September, 2024, the Economic and Financial Crimes Court ordered the forfeiture of a ZMW 8 million farm in Sinda District, owned by Tasila Lungu, a Member of Parliament for Chawama constituency in the Lusaka District and daughter of former President Edgar Lungu. The Court concluded that the property was tainted by unexplained wealth as investigations revealed a significant discrepancy between Tasila Lungu’s income and the value of the farm. This case, which has garnered national attention, is a striking example of the government’s resolve to pursue asset recovery and ensure accountability in property ownership. The Court’s judgment was based on evidence showing that the property was unlawfully acquired, with Tasila Lungu unable to justify the purchase and development of the farm based on her legitimate income. The Court found that from 2015 to 2021,

The afternoon session of the 2nd Annual Prosecutors Conference has been nothing short of electrifying! Delegates were treated to thought-provoking presentations. Key highlights of the afternoon presentations include, “The Marriage Amendment Act No.13 of 2023: Implications on the Offence of Child Marriage and Defilement in Zambia presented by various prominent speakers including His Royal Highness Chief Chamuka of the Chamuka Royal Establishment and “Perspectives from the Appellate Courts on Case Management and Presentation” by Honourable Justice Chalwe Mchenga-Deputy Judge President Court of Appeal. “A Successful appeal depends on a successful prosecution” Justice Chalwe Mchenga The Prosecutors’ Conference has come to a close, leaving attendees inspired and equipped with new knowledge and connections to enhance their prosecutorial work. The event brought together local and international Prosecutors from Kenya, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Eswatini, Tanzania and Namibia that will definitely not be leaving the

The brief interlude ended at the break of day two of the National Annual Prosecutor’s Conference, with delegates refreshed and rejuvenated, clearly building on the energy and insights from Day One’s sessions. Today’s agenda promised to be just as engaging and delivered accordingly as the following presentations were made: 1. Building Public Trust and Confidence through effective communication. 2. Innovation in the field of anti-corruption-New approaches to an old problem. 3. Taking profits out of crime accelerating the effective implementation of anti- money laundering laws and countering the financing of terrorism globally. 4. Combating human trafficking challenges and opportunities for third world countries. 5. Victim Impact Statements: Promotion of Justice in Criminal Cases. 6. ⁠Enforcing the law: A frontline approach to combat environmental crime, smuggling and wildlife crime; and 7. Implementation of the Children’s Code Act- Findings of the Child

 The 16th of September 2024 marked a significant milestone in the pursuit of justice in Zambia, as the National Prosecution Authority launched the Code of Ethics and Prosecutors Manual at the 2nd Annual Prosecutors Conference currently being held at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre. This momentous occasion was graced by   the Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Gilbert Phiri S.C accompanied by his two deputies the Chief State Advocate  Ms. Nkumbiza Mumba and the Ag Chief Administrator Ms Cassandra Soko. The Code of Ethics and Prosecutors Manual are vital policy documents which will guide prosecutors in their critical role of upholding justice and ensuring accountability. These documents are aligned with international standards, such as the UN Guidelines on the Role of Prosecutors, which emphasise the importance of independence, impartiality, and fairness in prosecution. The Prosecutors Manual is expected to provide clear

At the official opening of the second National Annual Prosecutors’ Conference under the theme: The Pursuit of Prosecutorial Excellence: Interagency Co-operation and Global Alliances, the Learned Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr. Gilbert A. Phiri, S.C., gave a strong message to individuals involved in corruption.The Learned DPP noted that perpetrators of this vice know how to corruptly build alliances aimed at undermining the fight against corruption. They possess deft skills of painting us black, he said. We are not unaware of their devices and gimmickry. But we are resolved to fight crime and decisively so. The message is that for those contemplating a life in crime and corruption they must give serious reconsideration to their plans. The consequences of crime especially corruption are guaranteed to be very painful. The corrupt must always live to regret their actions.The DPP indicated that Zambia’s

The second National Annual Prosecutors’ Conference was officially opened by Her Honour the Vice President of Zambia Mrs. W.K. Mutale Nalumango. The ceremony was graced by attendances from notable luminaries, including the Minister of Justice Hon. Princess Kasune, the Attorney General Mr. Mulilo Kabesha S.C, the Director of Public Prosecutions Mr. Gilbert Phiri S.C who was flanked by the Prosecutor General of Namibia Ms Olyvia Martha Imalwa, the DPP of Malawi Mr Masuako Chamkakala and the Chief Executive Officer of the Ethics and Anti –Corruption Commission of Kenya. In her remarks, the Vice President stated that in line with the theme of the conference which is anchored on co-operation , her government is cognisant of the fact that agencies must work together to achieve common goals. This she stated, maximises the usage of resources and leads to the avoidance of

In a landmark conviction that underscores the commitment of the National Prosecution Authority (NPA) to upholding justice and accountability, Raymond Tapiseni, the former Finance Manager of Zambia Health Education and Communication Trust (ZHECT), has been convicted and sentenced to 6 years of imprisonment with hard labour by Hon. Ngobola at the Lusaka Magistrates Court. Tapiseni was found guilty on a staggering 69 counts, including 63 counts of forgery contrary to sections 347 and 342 of the Penal Code, 1 count of uttering false documents contrary to section 352 of the Penal Code, and 5 counts of theft by servant contrary to sections 272 and 278 of the Penal Code. His conviction follows a meticulously detailed investigation conducted by the Zambia Police Service that brought to light the fraudulent activities spanning from June 24, 2016, to July 1, 2020. In his

In a significant development in Zambia’s battle against financial crime, the State has successfully secured the forfeiture of ZMW 58 million in Gold, $200,000 in cash and a Toyota Prado from two Chinese nationals convicted of conveying property suspected to have been stolen. This significant action highlights the power of forfeiture in dismantling the financial networks that sustain criminal activities. The investigation in this case was triggered by a report received by the Zambia Police Service on 12th August 2024. The tip-off indicated that a White Toyota Prado, registration number AGP 8998, traveling along Kafue Road was suspected of carrying illegal contraband. Upon intercepting the vehicle, officers identified Zhao Changsong and Zhao Yanjing as the occupants. The vehicle, along with the suspects, was taken to Lusaka Division Headquarters for a thorough Search. The Search revealed 40 pieces of Gold, estimated

The National Prosecution Authority (NPA) held its 2024 Labour Day Award Giving Ceremony for Headquarters and Lusaka Province on 6th September, 2024. A total of nineteen (19) employees from Headquarters and Lusaka Province were awarded.  The event was graced by the presence of the Learned Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Mr. Gilbert A. Phiri, SC. The DPP delivered a speech in which he thanked the NPA employees for their hard work and unflinching sense of dedication to duty. He reaffirmed his commitment to motivating NPA employees  by improving the terms and conditions of service and fostering a conducive work environment. The DPP pledged to ensure that the Institution’s policies, strategies and practices prioritise the welfare of employees as investing in employees, is an investment in the nation’s development.  

The Economic and Financial Crimes Division of the High Court of Zambia in a judgment delivered on 21st August, 2024 restated the settled international standards on Non-Conviction Based Forfeiture in the case of Anti-Corruption Commission vs. Pittscon Zambia Limited & 7 Others 2022/HPEF/12. The High Court disagreed with the decision of the Court of Appeal in the case of Sydney Mwansa vs. The People (CCZ) Appeal No. 276 of 2021 by distinguishing it on the premise that it did not conform with settled international standards on Non-Conviction Based Forfeiture.  In the Sydney Mwansa case, the Court of Appeal decided that there must be a connection between the property sought to be forfeited and a criminal charge.  On the other hand, the High Court has indicated that it would instead follow the Supreme Court’s decision in the case of The People