Lusaka, Zambia – Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Gilbert Phiri has hailed the recent amendment to the Marriage Act as a significant step forward in the fight against child marriage in Zambia. Speaking at a dialogue on joint action to create awareness of the minimum age of marriage, DPP Phiri emphasised the gravity of child marriage, citing alarming statistics from UNFPA and UNICEF. The amendment, enacted in December 2023, categorically prohibits child marriages under both customary and statutory law, nullifying the previous provision allowing marriage of children as young as 15. This change harmonises the legal age of marriage with Zambia’s constitutional definition of a child as anyone under 18. DPP Phiri noted that prior to this amendment, Zambia’s legal landscape was fraught with inconsistencies, including a loophole allowing child marriages under customary rites. He highlighted the landmark case of Rex vs. Chinjamba (1949), which previously permitted sexual relations with girls under 16 within the context of lawful marriage. The

In a dramatic turn of events, the highly anticipated trial of Christian Democratic Party president Danny Pule failed to commence today as expected. Pule faces charges of Seditious Practices. The prosecution was poised to present its case, but Pule’s legal team raised a preliminary issue, alleging bias on the part of the court due to its connection to the Zambezi region, which is at the centre of the alleged charge. According to an affidavit filed in support of the preliminary issue raised, the deponent, Mr. Danny Pule, states that: “Records before this honourable Court will show that I have been charged with an Offence of Seditious practices… The particulars of the Offence are that it is alleged that I uttered seditious words to promote feelings of ill will or hostility between different communities or different parts of a community.” He further states that: “The offence that I have been charged alleges that the subject community being affected is that of

In a significant development, 20 Chinese nationals and one Cameroonian have been convicted for their involvement in a sophisticated cyber crime operation run under the guise of Golden Top Support Services Limited. The convicted individuals faced charges under the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act No. 2 of 2021 and the Information and Communication Technologies Act No. 15 of 2009. Their offences included computer-related misrepresentation, identity-related crimes, and operating an unlicenced network. The investigation commenced on April 5, 2024, when officers from the Drug Enforcement Commission were alerted to suspicious activities occurring at Golden Top Support Services Limited in Kalundu. Acting on this intelligence, officers conducted a search of the premises, leading to the seizure of 135 personal computers, 1 laptop, a Toyota Alphard, 37,000 SIM cards, an iPad, 2 pistols with 73 rounds of ammunition, ZMW 13,143.00, $20.00, 17,000 Dinars, 23 cell phones, and 11 SIM boxes. Investigations revealed that the accused were creating fake identities using a modified

Justice Served in High-Profile Embezzlement Scheme – Court Recognises Victim in Forfeiture Judgment. In a significant victory for the National Prosecution Authority, the Economic and Financial Crimes Court (EFCC) has delivered a judgment in the Ngucha case, ordering the forfeiture of assets worth millions of Kwacha to the State. The case involved a sophisticated embezzlement scheme that took place between January 1 and December 31, 2019, in which a staggering K7,755,472.32 was stolen through fictitious credit transactions. The managers of various service stations masterminded the scheme, using their positions to create fictitious credit transactions, deposit less cash sales from the purported transactions, and steal the difference. The Interested Parties were identified as: The said interested parties were found to have engaged in the criminal activity and were charged with: The court ordered the forfeiture of the assets, citing overwhelming evidence of criminal activity. The forfeited assets include four Toyota Hiace mini buses, six other motor vehicles, and a block of

Vienna, Austria, 16/05/25 – In a landmark presentation at the 33rd Session of the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, Zambia’s Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr. Gilbert A. Phiri SC, unveiled the transnational dimensions of illicit mining and its far-reaching implications for the country’s development. Illicit financial flows in Zambia’s mining sector, particularly in copper, have long been a thorn in the side of the government, with estimates suggesting a staggering $12.5 billion loss between 2013 and 2015 alone. The country’s rich copper reserves have driven economic growth, but the sector’s vulnerability to illicit activities has hindered progress. DPP Phiri’s paper, “Unveiling the Transnational Dimensions of Illicit Mining: Exploring Illicit Financial Flows in Zambia’s Mining Sector,” exposed the intricate web of mechanisms used to siphon funds, including transfer pricing manipulation, profit shifting, and false accounting. He highlighted the involvement of politically exposed persons and organised crime networks, which further complicates investigations. The side event, sponsored by South Africa, aimed

The NPA has reaffirmed its commitment to addressing Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Zambia through innovative practices and collaborative efforts. Speaking at a side event hosted by the NPA and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) titled ‘Innovative Practices in Criminal Justice in the SADC Region’ at the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice – 33rd Session in Vienna, Austria, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Mr. Gilbert A. Phiri SC, highlighted the NPA’s strides in combating GBV. The DPP, accompanied by Senior State Advocates, Vivian Nsingo, Jacklyn Banda, and Samson Zulu, noted that GBV remains a pervasive problem in Zambia, with over a third of women experiencing physical violence and 47% of married women facing physical violence. Zambia also ranks 16th globally and third in the SADC region for child marriages, with 31% of girls married before 18 and 6% before 15. To ameliorate some of these challenges, the DPP highlighted that Zambia has taken commendable

FORMER PRESIDENTIAL AIDE AMOS CHANDA CONVICTED OF STEALING COURT RECORD Amos Chanda, former Special Assistant to 6th Republican President Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu, was convicted on charges of stealing and destroying a court record. The verdict was delivered on Friday, May 10th 2023, by Lusaka Senior Magistrate, Ireen Wishimanga, marking an end to a rather dramatic sequence of events.Chanda’s conviction stems from his act of stealing and destroying a court record between May 12, 2020, and October 1, 2022. The stolen record pertained to a case involving Chanda, alongside Walid El Nahas, who was former Intelligent Mobility Solutions (IMS) board chairman and Zindaba Soko, former RTSA chief executive officer. The trio faced 2 counts of Corrupt Practices with a Public Officer, contrary to Section 19 (2) of the Anti-Corruption Act No. 3 of 2012, 2 counts of corrupt Practices by a Public Officer, contrary to Section 19 (1) of the Ant-Corruption Act No. 3 of 2012 and 2 counts of

The National Prosecution Authority (NPA) has continued its commitment to supporting child witnesses and victims with the launch of its second child-friendly interview room, this time in Livingstone. This specially designed space provides a safe, welcoming, non-intimidating and comforting environment for children to share their stories and prepare for trial. The first room, launched in Kasama, has already made a profound impact, and the Livingstone room is set to do the same for the southern region of Zambia. The interview room designed to put children at ease, with an array of toys, books, and engaging activities to help them feel comfortable and build trust with NPA prosecutors. By prioritising the needs of young victims and witnesses, the NPA is revolutionising the way justice is served, one child-friendly room at a time! Strategically located in Livingstone, it ensures that children in this region have access to a supportive environment, reducing the trauma and anxiety often associated with legal proceedings. This marks

In a landmark legal development, a panel of three Economic and Financial Crimes Court Judges, has delivered a judgment in favour of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), resulting in the forfeiture of properties belonging to Chiyeso Lungu, daughter of former President Edgar Chagwa Lungu. The case, centred on allegations of illicit property acquisition, unfolded with careful legal arguments from both sides. The DPP asserted that two properties, Stand No. L/9390 and Plot No. LUSAK/LN-79093/1, were suspected to be proceeds of crime, valued at K9,375,438.62 and situated in State Lodge. Chiyeso Lungu, a legal practitioner, contended that the properties were acquired legitimately using funds provided by her parents, Edgar and Esther Lungu. During the proceedings, Chiyeso Lungu emphasised that there was no law barring ownership of property exceeding known income levels. However, the court scrutinised the evidence presented, focusing on the crucial question of whether Chiyeso could substantiate her claim of legitimate acquisition. The DPP highlighted the significant value disparity