In a resounding confirmation of Zambia’s intolerance for hate speech, the Kasama High Court has upheld the conviction of former government minister Chishimba Kambwili, dismissing his appeal against a five-month sentence with hard labour. The ruling, delivered by a panel of three High Court Judges, comes nearly two years after Kambwili’s controversial remarks on a local radio program which were deemed to be hateful and demeaning toward the Tonga-speaking people. The original conviction was handed down on November 30, 2023, by the Subordinate Court in Kasama. Kambwili had been found guilty under Section 70(1) of the Penal Code, which criminalises expressing or showing hatred, ridicule, or contempt against individuals based on tribe or place of origin. His inflammatory statements were made during a live broadcast at Radio Mano Community Radio Station on August 2, 2021. The court ruled that the remarks were not only deliberate and unlawful, but also dangerous in their potential to spark tribal tensions and threaten national

Lusaka, 10 July 2025 – Senior staff from the National Prosecution Authority, Financial Intelligence Centre, Anti‑Corruption Commission, Zambia Police Service, and other Inter‑Agency Framework institutions convened at the Southern Sun Hotel for an important Scoping Mission on Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Financial Investigations & Asset Recovery Curriculum Implementation. With all 21 member agencies of the Framework having formally endorsed the curriculum in January 2024, the focus turned to breathing life into it through strategic planning. Developed under Zambia’s Inter‑Agency Framework and funded by the EU AML‑CFT ESCAY programme, the curriculum standardises training across law enforcement, prosecution, and asset-recovery functions. It blends regional best practices with local insights to create a robust, unified toolkit for financial crime response. The Learned Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr. Gilbert A. Phiri SC, framed the day as the vital turning point between intention and implementation: “Today’s meeting is… the first concrete step toward breathing life into a curriculum that has remained dormant for

No pause. No delay. From the moment of their inauguration, the newly appointed NPA Board – led by Chairperson Mr. Moses Phiri signalled its intent to get straight to work. Within minutes, the Board transitioned from ceremony to an intensive orientation with senior management, setting a tone of urgency, purpose, and engagement. Mr. Phiri is not a figurehead. He brings hands-on leadership, clarity of purpose, and a readiness to align the Board’s oversight with the institution’s operational demands. They have reported for duty.Fully present.Fully engaged.And already to work.

When Honourable Minister of Justice, Princess Kasune, visited the National Prosecution Authority (NPA) on 2nd July 2025, it was far more than a ceremonial appearance at the inauguration of the newly appointed Board. It marked the fulfilment of a quiet, personal commitment made at the very outset of her tenure. Appointed on 28th June 2024, the Minister was soon approached by the learned Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr. Gilbert A. Phiri, SC, with a singular and pressing appeal: to prioritise the appointment of a governing Board for the Authority. Made  in measured tones, the request struck a chord. “I promised him,” she recalled, “I said I will work on it.” Reflecting on the moment, she added, “I told myself, if I was to do just one thing for the NPA, it would be this. And here we are – just one year into my office.” Her first official visit to the NPA, therefore, was not only historic – it was

Lusaka, Zambia | 02.07.2025 – The National Prosecution Authority (NPA) has officially ushered in its newly inaugurated Board, ending a four-year hiatus in statutory governance and setting the tone for a well-structured, accountable, and forward-moving institution. The inauguration, held in Lusaka at the NPA Head Office, marked what the learned Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Mr. Gilbert A. Phiri SC, described as a critical moment for the Authority’s internal governance, institutional resilience, and prosecutorial strategy. “Today’s inauguration means we can begin to take even more giant steps as outlined in our strategic plan,” said the DPP, noting that while the absence of a board had not compromised the constitutional independence of the Office of the DPP, it had delayed crucial internal systems essential for sustainable institutional performance.He highlighted the Authority’s continued commitment to prosecutorial excellence, highlighting key priorities such as financial crimes, asset recovery, and inter-agency collaboration: “We are resolved to take profit out of crime. There are no sacred

The Economic and Financial Crimes Division of the High Court has dismissed former Deputy Inspector-General of Police Charity Katanga’s appeal, upholding her February 2024 conviction, three-year sentence, and forfeiture of assets to the State. She is expected to begin serving her sentence today, with further details to follow. CASE RECAPConviction & Sentence (Feb 19, 2024)-Katanga was found guilty of possessing ten Higer buses valued at over K26 million which were deemed to be proceeds of crime under the Forfeiture of Proceeds of Crime Act. She was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment . ASSET FORFEITURE (Jul 2, 2024)Following her conviction, the Lusaka Subordinate Court ordered the forfeiture of the ten buses and K1,522,005.15 from her Chibeka Express Ltd account to the State, confirming these assets as tainted . APPEAL THROWN-OUT –The High Court has now dismissed her appeal, fully sustaining the original conviction, sentence, and forfeiture orders. Katanga will begin serving her three-year sentence as of today. BACKGROUNDBetween 2017 and 2022, Katanga used

The National Prosecution Authority (NPA) has been recognised under the category of Best Legal and Structural Reforms during this year’s Africa Public Service Day commemorations. At the provincial celebrations held in Chipata, the Eastern Province team proudly held up the trophy on behalf of the institution – a gesture that captured both the spirit of the day and the nationwide efforts behind the award. In Mongu, the *Western Province NPA team also scooped the award, joining in the collective recognition of the Authority’s reforms across the country. This honour reflects the NPA’s continued strides in strengthening prosecutorial systems and legal frameworks – work that aligns closely with the 2025 Africa Public Service Day theme:“Enhancing agility and resilience in public institutions to bridge historical gaps and deliver for all.” From headquarters to the provinces, this award belongs to every officer whose dedication is shaping a more responsive and resilient justice system.

Livingstone, Zambia |June 2025In a speech that struck deep at the heart of criminal justice systems across the region, Zambia’s Learned Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr. Gilbert A. Phiri, S.C., has issued a bold call to arms: the justice system must be rebuilt, not just reformed, to centre the victim and dismantle the barriers that silence them. Opening the second in-person Annual General Meeting of the Southern Africa Heads of Prosecution (SAHOP), Mr. Phiri challenged his counterparts from 16 SADC countries to do more than convene – to reimagine. Held under the theme, “Innovative Criminal Justice Practices – Strengthening Regional Collaboration to Combat Gender-Based Violence,” the meeting confronts one of the region’s most urgent and devastating crises. “We cannot pretend the current system was designed with vulnerable women and girls in mind,” Mr. Phiri declared. “It’s time to flip the script. When victims speak, we must not only listen , we must act.”His remarks were grounded in a sobering reality

This Is the Moment – Zambian Government Urges Southern Africa’s Heads of Prosecution to Lead the Charge Against Gender-Based ViolenceA Survivor’s Voice at the Forefront – Minister Mwamba Shares Her Story to Inspire Prosecutorial Action Livingstone, Zambia | June 2025 Moments after Honourable Madam Justice Catherine Lombe Phiri delivered her opening remarks and eloquently set the stage for urgent and collaborative action, she invited the Guest of Honour, Minister of Community Development and Social Services, Honourable Doreen Mwamba, MP, to address the Forum. What followed was a powerful and deeply personal speech, one that moved the room and redefined the tone of the gathering. In a message that was both impassioned and purposeful, Minister Mwamba issued a stirring appeal to the region’s heads of prosecution – This is the moment. Stand up. Take action. Cement your commitment. But it was not only the clarity of her call that struck a chord – it was the courage of her candour. With

From the 16th to 17th   of June 2025, the Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr. Gilbert A. Phiri, SC, conducted a working tour of Namwala and Sinazongwe Districts in Southern Province. He was accompanied by two officials from the NPA namely: Mr. Matumo Mululu Acting Principal State Advocate – Choma and Ms. Naomi Tembo Executive Officer – Livingstone. The DPP’s visit aimed at; assessing the state of criminal justice delivery mechanisms in the two districts, addressing institutional challenges, and strengthening collaboration with key stakeholders, including the Judiciary, Law Enforcement Agencies and district leadership. During the tour, the DPP addressed critical issues such as the rise in of Gender-Based Violence and organised stock theft in the Province. He also had the opportunity to meet with the Police Command and the Courts in Choma, to discuss ways to enhance cooperation and effectiveness in justice delivery. He called for enhanced investigation capacity, inter-district cooperation, and community involvement in combating crime. He firmly discouraged the