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

Kitwe, Zambia | February 10, 2025 – Zambia’s Inter-Agency Framework on Collaboration and Cooperation was officially launched in Kitwe, Copperbelt, marking a significant step in combating organized crime and illicit financial flows. The event, attended by Her Excellency Ms. Bronagh Carr, the Irish Ambassador, and other dignitaries, emphasized unity, justice, and accountability. A Collective Response to a Growing Threat Director of Public Prosecutions Gilbert A. Phiri SC, Chair of the Framework’s Steering Committee, stressed the urgency of a unified response:“Illicit financial flows, illegal mining, and other economic crimes erode trust and deprive our government of resources. This Framework is our collective response, signaling our commitment to justice.” The Framework brings together key institutions, including the Zambia Revenue Authority, Patents and Companies Registration Agency, and law enforcement bodies, to dismantle criminal networks. Ambassador Carr: The Power of Collaboration Ambassador Carr highlighted the importance of institutional cooperation:“Zambian institutions must work together, share information, and move beyond individual mandates. This collaboration reflects the

The State, through the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC), and the National Prosecution Authority (NPA), wishes to inform the public that on 14th January 2025, the Subordinate Court of the First Class for the Lusaka District ordered the Directors of the National Housing Empowerment Fund (NHEF), and the company itself, to repay victims who paid money for plots which were never allocated to them in relation to transactions concerning the Riverdale Estate under the NHEF. In this regard, the Directors and the company have undertaken to repay all individuals who paid for plots but were not provided with the said plots, as ordered by the Court.As part of the plea agreement reached with the State, the convicts are required to make the repayments within 30 days from the date of the Court Order. This agreement is a crucial step in ensuring justice for the victims and recovering funds lost in the scheme.Before the convicts repay the victims, the Drug Enforcement Commission

Lusaka, 31.01.25 – In a stunning case of law enforcers turning lawbreakers, two police officers have been convicted and sentenced to 12 months imprisonment with hard labour for possessing counterfeit currency. A third officer, also implicated, was acquitted due to insufficient evidence. Detective Chief Inspector Maybin Kasezya of Chelstone Police Station and Sergeant Joyford Mambwe, a police officer and Zambia Under-16 National Team coach stationed at Chinsali Police Station, were found guilty of being in possession of 24,478 forged K100 Zambian Kwacha notes. Their co-accused, Detective Inspector Maureen Nawa of Chelstone Police Station, walked free after the court ruled that there was no direct evidence tying her to the offence. The case unfolded on January 9, 2018, when Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) officers, acting on intelligence, pursued the suspects from Ridgeway Post Office through Matero and Northmead before finally intercepting them in Chelstone. A day later, forensic analysis by the Bank of Zambia confirmed that the seized notes were counterfeit.

On 29th January 2025, the Special Rappourteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, Ms. Irene Khan held a meeting at National Prosecution Authority with the Attorney General, Mr. Mulilo Kabesha, SC, the Solicitor General, Mr. Marshal Muchende, SC, the Director of Public Prosecution, Mr. Gilbert Phiri, SC and officers from Ministry of Justice and National Prosecution Authority. The Special Rappourteur is in the country and is examining in the spirit of cooperation and dialogue the situation of the rights to freedom of opinion and expression in the context of the mandate of the Special Rappourteur.

Siavonga, Zambia – In a significant step toward curbing environmental crimes, the National Prosecution Authority (NPA) has secured the permanent forfeiture of a South African-registered heavy-duty truck used in the illegal trafficking of Mopane wood. Valued at approximately ZMW 2.3 million (USD $82,000), the vehicle was seized while transporting 82 logs of Mopane out of the country. The case stems from the arrest of Takaedza Dzingirai (54), a Zimbabwean truck driver, who was caught by officers from the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) at Willizi Truck Park in Chirundu. Found guilty of illegal possession and transportation of Mopane wood, Dzingirai was fined ZMW 20,000 by the Chirundu Magistrate Court for breaching provisions of the Forest Act. Initially, the truck and timber were placed under conditional forfeiture on 30 August 2024, allowing any legitimate owners to come forward. However, after no claims were lodged, the Siavonga Subordinate Court granted a final forfeiture order on 24 January 2025, handing both

Lusaka, January, 2025 – The Court of Appeal has granted the State leave to appeal to the Supreme Court in a high-stakes non-conviction-based forfeiture case involving Sydney Mwansa, a bus conductor who is also a convicted drug dealer. The ruling highlights the fact that forfeiture laws apply indiscriminately, cutting across all social and economic classes. Mwansa’s legal troubles began in 2016 when he was arrested for drug-related offences. Investigators uncovered that, despite his modest earnings, he owned substantial assets, including a prime property in New Kasama, a house in Kamwala, and a Girsan pistol. The State argued that his known income was insufficient to lawfully acquire such wealth. In the High Court, Mwansa successfully explained the acquisition of his Kamwala house and pistol, but the New Kasama property raised red flags. Unable to justify its purchase, the court declared it tainted and ordered its forfeiture to the State. Mwansa appealed, and the Court of Appeal overturned the forfeiture, ruling that

Lusaka, 2025 – A Zambia Air Force (ZAF) officer accused of having unlawful carnal knowledge of his biological daughter has been denied bail by the court. The accused, whose identity has been withheld to protect the child victim, appeared before the court today for plea-taking. He pleaded not guilty to the charge. Following the plea, the defence applied for bail, but the State strongly objected this application, citing the risk of interference with witnesses and the severity of the crime seeing as the victim resides within the same household as the Accused person. Upon reviewing the submissions from both sides, the Honourable Magistrate ruled in favour of the Prosecution, denying the accused’s bail application. The court emphasised the seriousness of the allegations and the need to protect the integrity of the ongoing proceedings before court. The matter has since been adjourned to the 12th day of March, 2025 for commencement of trial.