The Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA), in partnership with the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), a United Nations organization, launched a two-day in-service training program for prosecutors on 19th November 2024 in Lusaka.  During the opening ceremony, Minister of Technology, Honorable Felix Mutati, through Director of Communications Mr. Milner Makuni, emphasized the rapid pace of technological advancements and the importance of equipping prosecutors with skills to keep up with these changes. ITU representative Anne Ssembonga and ZICTA Acting Director-General Eng. Collins Mbulo reiterated the need for prosecutors to enhance their understanding of digital evidence and develop the legal expertise to analyze and argue cases involving electronic data.  Representing the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Chief State Advocate Ms. Nkumbiza Mumba highlighted the critical role of prosecutors in staying ahead of cybercriminals. She pointed out how digital technology is being used in crimes such as financial fraud, wildlife trafficking, gender-based violence, and other fraudulent activities, stressing the need for continued

A delegation from Zambia’s National Prosecution Authority is currently in South Africa for a three-day SADC Trainers of Trainers (TOT) Meeting. The event focuses on the application of the SADC Handbook for Prosecutors on the Management of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and is being held at the Holiday Inn in Johannesburg. The meeting brings together representatives from 14 SADC member states, including Angola, Mozambique, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mauritius, Madagascar, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Tanzania, Botswana, Seychelles, Namibia, and Zambia. The Zambian delegation is led by Mrs. Chali Mbewe – Hambayi, Deputy Chief State Advocate in charge of the Gender-Based Violence Crimes Department. She is accompanied by Sikute Elizabeth Muliokela, Senior Public Prosecutor; Joe Phiri, Senior Public Prosecutor; and Grace Katoka Muhumpu, Senior Public Prosecutor. Zambia has been given the rare opportunity to facilitate at this training, which facilitation will be conducted by Mrs. Chali Hambayi tackling the issues of Trauma Based Approach in the Prosecution of GBV Cases, Effective Presentation of Evidence

DPP is on a tour of Central Province. During the tour, he is interacting with key stakeholders in the criminal justice dispensation system including the courts and the Zambia Correctional Service. The tour is aimed at, among other things, identifying clogs in the criminal justice system. In these interactions, DPP has made it abundantly clear that NPA has taken an uncompromising stance on integrity and that NPA staff who will compromise this sacrosanct value will be dealt with sternly within due process. To this end NPA has even put in place an Integrity Committee….something like that mwe

President Hakainde Hichilema has reaffirmed his commitment to tackling Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Zambia, pledging enhanced government support during a meeting at State House yesterday, 14th November, 2024, with the National Gender Machinery, a consortium of Government agencies, NGOs and other stake holders dedicated to ending GBV. Mrs. C. Mbewe Hambayi, the Deputy Chief State Advocate in charge of Gender-Based Crimes, highlighted the National Prosecution Authority’s (NPA) progress in fighting gender based violence particularly the establishment of the specialized department and the quick turnover of cases in court. She also outlined the vision of the NPA to increase support services for victims through friendly court preparation rooms and recruiting additional Witness Officers. The DCSA explained that the capacity building is ongoing for all prosecutors through continuous trainings and capacity building. Some of the challenges highlighted included the lack of resources for victims whilst at court and the limited court space that has led to some delays in concluding matters. She

Lusaka, Zambia – 13th November, 2024 – The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Mr. Gilbert A. Phiri SC, is challenging a ruling by a single judge of the Court of Appeal regarding an interim matter that emerged after the final judgment in a case where 15 flats belonging to former First Lady, Mrs. Esther Nyawa Tembo Lungu, were forfeited to the state. This legal move emphasises the importance of judicial jurisdiction, particularly concerning interlocutory appeals following a final ruling. The events leading up to the filing of this Motion began on February 14, 2024, when the DPP sought permission from the Economic and Financial Crimes Court, High Court Division (EFCC) to summon two bankers to present evidence. This request was granted on March 11, 2024, and the bankers testified on May 20, 2024, with their records being cross-examined by Mrs. Lungu. A key procedural dispute arose when Mrs. Lungu, without seeking the court’s permission, summoned three of the DPP’s witnesses

Abraham Hambayi an Accountant under the Ministry of Education in Isoka district at Isoka Boys Secondary School was arrested and charged with 17 counts of the offence of Theft by Public Servant contrary to section 277 of the Penal Code Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia. In addition, he was slapped with 17 other counts of the offence of Forgery contrary to section 348 of the Penal Code Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia. The particulars in the first 17 counts were that on a date unknown but between the 2nd day of September, 2023 and the 25th day of October, 2023 at Isoka in the Isoka district of Muchinga Province of the Republic of Zambia, the convict being a person employed in the Public Service as an Accountant under the Ministry of Education did steal various amounts of money amounting to K221, 673.13=00, the property of the Government of the Republic of Zambia. The particulars of offence

BACKGROUND Mongu-Western Province: Hon. Justice J. H. Mbuzi has found Davies Chama, first accused person and Brian Dumisani Nyoni, the second accused person with a case to answer and put them on their defence. The two accused persons are charged with one count of Acts intended to Cause Grievous Harm contrary to Section 224(a) of the Penal Code Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia. The first accused person is the former Patriotic Front Secretary General and former Minister of Defence. The particulars of offence are that Davies Chama and Brian Dumisani Nyoni on 6th June,2015 at Mulobezi in the Mulobezi District of the Western Province of Zambia jointly and whilst acting together, with intent to maim, disfigure or disable did wound Mushaukwa Mushaukwa. BRIEF FACTS The victim Mr. Mushaukwa Mushaukwa is a cadre for the United Party for National Development (UPND). On 6th June,2015 the victim was in the company of former Member of Parliament for Sesheke Mr. Siyauya

Luanshya, Zambia – The Luanshya Magistrate Court on the 6th November, 2024 denied former Lusaka Province Minister Bowman Lusambo’s application for bail pending appeal. This decision came after Lusambo was sentenced to two years imprisonment with hard labour for unlawfully wounding political opponents during the 2019 Roan Constituency Parliamentary by-election. The case was skillfully prosecuted by Public Prosecutors Sydney Mwape and Shantembo. Lusambo, also known as “The Bulldozer,” was, however, acquitted of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. During mitigation, Lusambo’s lawyers pleaded for leniency, citing his status as a first-time offender, family man, and public servant. They highlighted his dedication to the country, having served as Minister for Copperbelt and Lusaka provinces, and as a Member of Parliament. The defence team also emphasised Lusambo’s community service, including sponsoring a football team for youths aged 12-18 in Southern Province. However, the court remained unmoved, citing the need to deter potential offenders and uphold justice. In delivering the verdict on the bail

Kabwe, Zambia – Justice Ruth Hachitapika Chibbabbuka yesterday continued hearing the testimony of Emmanuel Simposya, a 24-year-old UPND cadre, who recounted the events that occurred on April 8, 2023, during the Muchinda Ward Council By-Election campaign in the Kamalamba area of Serenje District. The shooting incident left lasting physical and emotional effects on the victims. The case, prosecuted by Director of Public Prosecutions Mr. Gilbert A. Phiri, SC, and Deputy Chief State Advocate Mercy Lungu, Head of the Appeals Department at the National Prosecution Authority, involves Socialist Party President, Dr. Fred M’membe. He faces multiple charges related to the alleged shooting and subsequent assault on the victims. Under cross-examination, Simposya testified how Dr. M’membe, without provocation, fired two shots into the air before advancing towards him and shooting in his direction. The bullet grazed his ear and the side of his head, causing an injury that continues to affect him to this day. Simposya further explained that he and other