Lusaka | July 13, 2026 – The Lusaka High Court has dismissed a renewed application for bail pending trial by Xavier Franklin Chikonkolo Chunga, a Presidential candidate facing charges under the State Security Act and Penal Code. In a ruling delivered on July 10, 2026, High Court Judge, Honourable Mr. Justice L. Mwale, held that the Learned Director of Public Prosecutions’ Certificate of Denial of Bail, issued under Section 123(4) of the Criminal Procedure Code, Chapter 88 of the Laws of Zambia, leaves the Court with no discretion to admit the Applicant to bail. Mr. Chunga’s legal troubles began after he appeared on a pre-recorded popular tell-all podcast known as the ThatZed Podcast, on May 24, 2026. The Episode was scheduled to air days later. During the interview, he allegedly disclosed confidential information obtained through his official duties, a move

Lusaka | July 10, 2026 – The Lusaka Magistrates’ Court has issued a bench warrant directing the Zambia Police Service to apprehend and produce former Nkana Member of Parliament Binwell Mpundu before the court after he failed to attend scheduled proceedings in a matter in which he is charged with seditious practices. The order was issued by Magistrate Webster Milumbe, who directed that Mr. Mpundu be brought before the court on July 20, 2026 to explain his absence. A bench warrant is a court order authorising law enforcement officers to arrest and bring a person before the court after that individual fails to appear as required. It is issued to enforce compliance with court proceedings and to ensure that the administration of justice is not hindered by an unexplained failure to attend court. The matter has been adjourned to July

Luwingu | 10 July 2026 – The National Prosecution Authority (NPA) has taken a significant step towards expanding access to justice by formally applying for land from the Luwingu Town Council to establish its first permanent district offices in Luwingu.The application was presented by the Deputy Chief State Advocate for Northern Province, Mr. Samuel Simwaka, during a courtesy visit to the Council Secretary, Mr. Gift Kakoma. The proposed offices form part of the Authority’s broader decentralisation agenda aimed at bringing prosecution services closer to communities and strengthening the delivery of justice across Zambia. Mr. Simwaka said establishing a permanent NPA presence in Luwingu would significantly improve the efficiency of criminal prosecutions, reduce delays in the administration of justice, and eliminate the burden placed on members of the public who have long travelled considerable distances to access prosecution services. “For far

Kasama District, Northern Province | July 10, 2026 – The Learned Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Mr. Gilbert A. Phiri, SC, yesterday paid a courtesy call on the Northern Province Commissioner of Police at the Zambia Police Service Headquarters in Kasama, restating the National Prosecution Authority’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with one of its key criminal justice partners. The Director of Public Prosecutions was accompanied by Deputy Chief State Advocate Ms. Makumba Gwendoline Kashishi from the Office of the DPP (ODPP) and Deputy Chief State Advocate for Northern Province Mr. Samuel Simwaka. The meeting provided an important opportunity for the National Prosecution Authority (NPA) and the Zambia Police Service to deepen institutional cooperation and discuss matters of mutual interest relating to the effective administration of criminal justice, particularly in light of forthcoming national electoral activities. Discussions focused on enhancing collaboration

Lusaka | July 8, 2026 – “The proceeds of crime must no longer find safe harbour in Zambia.” That was the rallying cry from the Learned Director of Public Prosecutions Gilbert A. Phiri, SC, as he launched a Financial Investigations and Asset Recovery pilot training programme in Lusaka today, a five-week course designed to ensure that illicit wealth is stripped from offenders and returned to society. Speaking at the launch ceremony held at SAIPAR, the Learned DPP declared that the initiative marks a significant escalation in Zambia’s fight against corruption, money laundering, fraud, tax evasion, wildlife crime, and cyber-enabled offences. The programme brings together 25 participants from 15 institutions, including the Anti-Corruption Commission, Drug Enforcement Commission, Zambia Police Service, Financial Intelligence Centre, Zambia Revenue Authority, Immigration Department, Bank of Zambia, Securities and Exchange Commission, Pensions and Insurance Authority, Department of

Kasama, Northern Province | July 9. 2026 – The dusty streets of Kasama bore witness to more than just the usual hustle of provincial life today. In a modest but significant ceremony, the Learned Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr. Gilbert A. Phiri, SC, officially opened the newly renovated National Prosecution Authority offices in the heart of the Northern Province, a move that signals a deliberate shift in the Authority’s resolve to take justice closer to the people. Accompanied by Deputy Chief State Advocate in the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), Ms. Makumba Gwendoline Kashishi and state advocate from the ODPP, Ms. Ruth Mwangulukulu, the DPP toured the refurbished premises, which now stand as proof of the Authority’s commitment to creating a working environment that matches the gravity of the work being done within its walls. The renovation,

Lusaka | July 8, 2026 – There is a quiet gravity that settles over a room when the words of an oath are spoken. This afternoon, that gravity filled the Office of the Learned Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) as three newly appointed senior officers raised their right hands and pledged themselves to the Republic. Mr. Mahape Gabriel Libakeni, now Deputy Chief State Advocate for Eastern Province. Mrs. Beene Shadunka-Siyumbwa, Director of Human Resources and Administration. Dr. Charles Daka, Assistant Director, Administration. One by one, they stood before the Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr. Gilbert A. Phiri, SC, and spoke the words that would mark the formal beginning of their service. The Oath of Office, prescribed under the Seventh Schedule of the Official Oaths Act, calls them to faithfully and diligently discharge their duties, to perform their functions under the

Lusaka | July 1, 2026 – The Gender-Based Crime and Child Protection Department of the National Prosecution Authority (NPA) yesterday traded the formal confines of the courtroom for the corridors of lived reality, joining the Zambia Association of Women Judges and other key stakeholders at Kamwala Transit Centre to mark the Day of the African Child. Deputy Chief State Advocate, Mrs. Margaret Kapambwe-Chitundu, head of the GBCCP Department, together with advocates from the department, were present as the Judiciary, correctional services, civil society, and, most importantly, the children themselves came together to commemorate this special occasion. Presiding over the event, Hon. Lady Justice Mwamba Chanda-Mate, Judge-in-Charge of the Family and Children’s Court Division, described the commemoration as “not merely a ceremonial occasion” but a moment for “reflection, accountability and renewed commitment” to children’s rights and welfare under this year’s theme:

NPA NORTHERN PROVINCE PARTICIPATES IN UMUTOMOLO TRADITIONAL CEREMONY Mbala District, Northern Province | 27 June 2026 The National Prosecution Authority (NPA) Northern Province joined thousands of members of the public and other stakeholders in commemorating this year’s Umutomolo Traditional Ceremony held in Mbala District. The ceremony was graced by the Vice President of the Republic of Zambia, Her Honour Mrs. Mutale Nalumango, who attended as Guest of Honour. As part of its public outreach efforts, the NPA established an exhibition stand to engage members of the public on the Authority’s constitutional mandate, its role within the criminal justice system, and the prosecution services it provides. The exhibition also offered an opportunity for the public to interact with prosecutors and receive information on the NPA’s functions and commitment to the administration of justice. The Authority’s participation underscores its continued commitment to

Lusaka | June 27, 2026 – As Zambia prepares for the August 13, 2026 General Elections, the Gender Based Crimes and Child Protection Department of the National Prosecution Authority (NPA) is reminding the public that every citizen has the right to participate in the electoral process free from violence, intimidation and harassment. Elections should be a time for citizens to freely exercise their democratic rights, not a time for fear. Women have an equal right to vote, campaign, stand for public office and express their political views without facing abuse or discrimination. Any form of violence directed at women because of their participation in elections is unlawful and should be reported immediately. Violence Against Women in Elections (VAWE) refers to any act that harms, threatens, intimidates or unfairly targets a woman because she is participating in the electoral process.This may