Lusaka | February 3, 2026 – The National Prosecutions Authority (NPA) and the Human Rights Commission (HRC) have established a critical action plan to address systemic delays in Zambia’s criminal justice system that contribute to prolonged pre-trial detention and court congestion.

The agreement was forged during a strategic meeting on Monday, February 2, 2026, when a senior delegation from the Human Rights Commission, led by Chairperson Dr. Pamela Sambo, paid a courtesy call on the Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr. Gilbert A. Phiri, SC.

The Commission’s delegation included Director-General Mbololwa Wamunyima, Vice-Chairperson Dr. Felicity Kayumba-Kalunga, and several key Commissioners, among them Ms. Laura Miti, Father Joe Komakoma, and Bishop Emmanuel Yona Chikoya.

The HRC outlined key concerns from its monitoring, noting that delays in bringing accused persons to court, frequent adjournments, and the submission of incomplete investigation dockets undermine the constitutional right to a fair hearing within a reasonable time. These holdups create a cascading effect, overburdening police cells and correctional facilities.

In response, the learned DPP provided a frank appraisal of institutional hurdles, including understaffing, poor-quality dockets from police, and resistance to granting bond. He highlighted the misuse of remand, acknowledging that many individuals currently in pre-trial detention could be processed through alternative legal mechanisms.

A key focus was on plea bargaining as an effective tool to expedite case

resolution and reduce the prison population. The learned DPP emphasised the urgent need for public sensitisation on the process, noting that it is frequently, and incorrectly, perceived by the public as a form of corruption rather than a legitimate and efficient legal instrument.

He detailed ongoing counter-measures:

· A strict directive to police not to submit dockets without proof of bond.

· The pilot of a Digital Case Flow Management System in Lusaka.

· Recent recruitment of 52 public prosecutors and ongoing interviews for State Advocates.

· Promoting plea bargaining to resolve suitable cases efficiently, while combating public misconceptions about the process.

Chief State Advocate Ms. Nkumbiza T. Mumba highlighted severe operational constraints, such as some districts having only one prosecutor, a lack of courtrooms, and challenges with witness intimidation and forensic evidence delays.

To translate dialogue into progress, both institutions committed to:

1. Regular technical meetings on pre-trial detention.

2. Improving docket management to shorten review times.

3. Enhancing early collaboration between prosecutors and investigators.

4. Sharing data on remand durations to guide reforms.

5. Joint initiatives to reduce adjournments and over-detention.

The HRC will provide the NPA with specific case schedules for follow-up.

This strengthened partnership aims to ensure that the pursuit of justice is both efficient in its protection of fundamental human rights.