Lusaka | March 2026 – The Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr. Gilbert A. Phiri, SC, this morning officially opened a four-day orientation programme for newly appointed State Advocates and Public Prosecutors at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre.

Held in the Mosi-oa-Tunya Hall from March 30 to April 2, 2026, the orientation marks a significant step in inducting the Authority’s newest prosecutors into the constitutional, ethical, and professional standards required of their office.

This year’s intake carries particular significance. For the first time, a cohort of Public Prosecutors admitted to the Bar joins the Authority alongside newly appointed State Advocates, bringing together officers who will serve across both the subordinate and superior courts under the same rigorous standards of practice.

In his opening address, the learned DPP highlighted the rigorous selection process undertaken to recruit the new officers, noting that their presence at the orientation was a reflection of merit.

“Every interview, every test, every stage of scrutiny you underwent was designed to ensure that only the most capable, conscientious, and principled minds would stand in this room today,” he said, confirming that the National Prosecution Authority “needed only the best.”

The Director of Public Prosecutions further reminded the newly appointed prosecutors of the weight of the authority entrusted in them under Article 180 of the Constitution of Zambia. He emphasised that the powers to institute, take over, and discontinue criminal proceedings are not only extensive but carry profound responsibility.

Describing prosecutorial authority as “immense and sacred,” the DPP stressed that the effective administration of justice depends on trusted delegates who can exercise discretion with wisdom, fairness, and courage across all courts in the country.

He noted that, through their oath of office, the new prosecutors had been entrusted with this constitutional mandate and called on them to discharge their duties with the highest standards of professionalism.

“With that honour comes an even greater responsibility, the responsibility to wield this power wisely, justly, and with unwavering integrity,” he said.

Over the course of the week, participants will be equipped with practical knowledge and institutional guidance necessary to effectively execute their prosecutorial mandate. The programme will ground the new officers not only in procedure, but in the principles of fairness, objectivity, and regard for the public interest.

The State Advocates and Public Prosecutors will be deployed across Lusaka and other parts of the country where the NPA maintains its presence, strengthening capacity at every level of the court system.

As the National Prosecution Authority continues to build a prosecution service defined by professionalism and legal excellence, this week’s orientation stands as a clear statement of purpose that those entrusted with the State’s prosecutorial power must be equipped, from the very start, to meet its full weight.