Lusaka, Zambia, 21.06.2024 – A dramatic turn of events has unfolded in the ongoing trial of Fredson Yamba and JosephMalanji, as the prosecution alleged witness tampering and interference by the accused persons. In a riveting courtroom session before Magistrate Hon. Ireen Wishimanga, the trial of Fredson Yamba and Joseph Malanji took a startling turn. Mukelabai Kwaleyela, Senior Investigations Officer of the Anti Money Laundering Investigations Unit, brought grave concerns to light regarding witness interference in the ongoing case. Kwaleyela revealed, “Your honour, I’m facing serious challenges in bringing witnesses to court in this matter.” He detailed incidents where witnesses were allegedly approached and offered money not to testify, leading to considerable setbacks in the trial proceedings. The prosecution, led by Senior State Advocate Mukuma Chilila Chipawa, raised urgent alarms, citing interference by one of the accused, Joseph Malanji, dating back

Lusaka, Zambia –Magistrate Sylvia Munyinya has upheld the highest standards of judicial integrity by dismissing Dan Pule’s recusal bid, despite allegations of tribal bias. The court’s ruling reaffirms the judiciary’s commitment to impartiality and justice in Zambia. Pule, the controversial spiritual leader of the United Kwacha Alliance (UKA), had sought to remove Magistrate Munyinya from his seditious case, citing apprehensions of unfair trial due to her ethnic background. However, the magistrate’s firm stand demonstrates the judiciary’s resolute commitment to judicial integrity, even in the face of bias allegations. Magistrate Munyinya’s ruling highlighted the importance of substantiating allegations of bias with convincing evidence, rather than mere suspicions or apprehensions. She stated, “Recusal is a crucial ethical responsibility that a judicial officer must consider carefully, as Section 6 of the Penal Code sets the standards for judicial officers.” The magistrate’s decision to

Lusaka, Zambia, 23.06.2024 – The National Prosecution Authority (NPA) made a notable impact at the 2024 Africa Public Service Day, securing 2nd place in the highly regarded Service Excellence Awards. This recognition, under the category, “Most Transformed and Innovative Institution,” underscores the NPA’s dedication to modernizing their tools to enhance their operations and in the process also enhance their delivery of prosecution services. Held at East Park Mall in Lusaka, the event’s theme was “Empowering a Citizen-Centric Public Service for an Inclusive and Thriving 21st Century Africa: A Journey of Lifelong Learning and Technological Transformation.” Within this vibrant setting, the NPA’s achievements captured significant attention, marking a crucial moment in their ongoing evolution. The NPA’s success was prominently displayed through their engaging participation at the event. Their booth, adorned in signature blue, attracted a steady stream of visitors eager to

The trial of Lumezi MP Munir Zulu took an unexpected turn yesterday as defence Counsel Macqueen Zaza alleged duplicity in the charges. Munir Zulu, 36, is facing three counts of seditious practices. When the case came up for plea and commencement of trial before Lusaka magistrate Faides Hamaundu, Zaza raised a preliminary issue, submitting that the charge has three counts, all stemming from section 57(1)(b) of the Penal Code as read with section 60. Zaza pointed out that counts one and three charge the accused under section 60(1)(e), while count two charges him under section 60(1)(f), all stemming from the same incident on May 26, 2024, at Cresta Lodge in Lusaka’s Ibex Hill. However, Senior State Advocate Susan Mwamba Besa responded that the indictment is not barred for duplicity, citing the principle of joinder of counts in section 135 of

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

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

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

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