Lusaka, 19th February 2025 – For months, the case had gripped Zambia’s financial sector and law enforcement agencies, raising complex questions about financial crime, asset seizure, and the thin line between legitimate business and illicit transactions. On February 14, 2025, the Economic and Financial Crimes Court, presided over by Judges Yangailo, Siloka, and Malata-Ononuji, delivered its highly anticipated judgment, bringing clarity to a matter that had drawn intense scrutiny. At the Centre of it all were Nigerian nationals who presented themselves as legitimate businesspeople unfairly targeted by Zambia’s financial crime authorities. Their companies, duly registered under Zambian law, controlled multiple bank accounts through which millions of dollars flowed. But when their transactions triggered red flags, leading the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) to freeze their accounts, the real battle began. The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) applied for the forfeiture of the seized funds, arguing that the financial activity bore the traits of money laundering. DEC investigator Patrick Chileshe Kafusha detailed

Solwezi, North-Western Province – 14th February 2025 – In a historic moment for the North-Western Province’s fight against organised crime, Solwezi hosted the official rollout of the Inter-Agency Framework on Cooperation and Collaboration (The Framework). Against the elegant backdrop of the Royal Solwezi Hotel, leaders and representatives from 21 key institutions united under the banner of “One Zambia, One Nation.” Deputy Chief State Advocate for North-Western Province, Ms. Sekelebaka Muwamba, set the tone with her opening remarks. “We cannot afford to slumber,” she declared. “We must stay ahead of criminals and prevent them from benefiting from their ill-gotten wealth.” Her call for urgency, vigilance, and collaboration resonated deeply. “The Framework represents our shared commitment to cooperation, coordination, and collaboration in the pursuit of justice. Together, we can build safer, more just communities.” Judge Musukwa, the Judge-in-Charge of the High Court, emphasised the importance of institutional cooperation in ensuring justice. Provincial Minister Felix Mulenga highlighted the Framework’s role in addressing regional

Kitwe, Zambia | February 10, 2025 – The air in the conference Hall at the Garden Court was thick with anticipation as the Director of Public Prosecutions, Gilbert A. Phiri SC, stood before the newly appointed members of the Copperbelt Technical Committee. In his hands, he held copies of a document that symbolised more than just ink on paper – it was a ray of hope, a blueprint for justice, and a call to action. The Framework, a meticulously crafted agreement signed by 21 institutions committed to combating organised crime and illicit financial flows, was about to be handed over to those who would carry its mission forward on the Copperbelt Province. As each document was placed in the hands of each technical committee member, the weight of the moment was palpable. This was not just a transfer of responsibility; it was the passing of a torch, a symbol of trust and expectation. With solemnity and resolve, the Director of

Kitwe, Zambia | February 10, 2025 – Zambia’s Inter-Agency Framework on Collaboration and Cooperation was officially launched in Kitwe, Copperbelt, marking a significant step in combating organized crime and illicit financial flows. The event, attended by Her Excellency Ms. Bronagh Carr, the Irish Ambassador, and other dignitaries, emphasized unity, justice, and accountability. A Collective Response to a Growing Threat Director of Public Prosecutions Gilbert A. Phiri SC, Chair of the Framework’s Steering Committee, stressed the urgency of a unified response:“Illicit financial flows, illegal mining, and other economic crimes erode trust and deprive our government of resources. This Framework is our collective response, signaling our commitment to justice.” The Framework brings together key institutions, including the Zambia Revenue Authority, Patents and Companies Registration Agency, and law enforcement bodies, to dismantle criminal networks. Ambassador Carr: The Power of Collaboration Ambassador Carr highlighted the importance of institutional cooperation:“Zambian institutions must work together, share information, and move beyond individual mandates. This collaboration reflects the

The State, through the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC), and the National Prosecution Authority (NPA), wishes to inform the public that on 14th January 2025, the Subordinate Court of the First Class for the Lusaka District ordered the Directors of the National Housing Empowerment Fund (NHEF), and the company itself, to repay victims who paid money for plots which were never allocated to them in relation to transactions concerning the Riverdale Estate under the NHEF. In this regard, the Directors and the company have undertaken to repay all individuals who paid for plots but were not provided with the said plots, as ordered by the Court.As part of the plea agreement reached with the State, the convicts are required to make the repayments within 30 days from the date of the Court Order. This agreement is a crucial step in ensuring justice for the victims and recovering funds lost in the scheme.Before the convicts repay the victims, the Drug Enforcement Commission

Lusaka, 31.01.25 – In a stunning case of law enforcers turning lawbreakers, two police officers have been convicted and sentenced to 12 months imprisonment with hard labour for possessing counterfeit currency. A third officer, also implicated, was acquitted due to insufficient evidence. Detective Chief Inspector Maybin Kasezya of Chelstone Police Station and Sergeant Joyford Mambwe, a police officer and Zambia Under-16 National Team coach stationed at Chinsali Police Station, were found guilty of being in possession of 24,478 forged K100 Zambian Kwacha notes. Their co-accused, Detective Inspector Maureen Nawa of Chelstone Police Station, walked free after the court ruled that there was no direct evidence tying her to the offence. The case unfolded on January 9, 2018, when Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) officers, acting on intelligence, pursued the suspects from Ridgeway Post Office through Matero and Northmead before finally intercepting them in Chelstone. A day later, forensic analysis by the Bank of Zambia confirmed that the seized notes were counterfeit.

On 29th January 2025, the Special Rappourteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, Ms. Irene Khan held a meeting at National Prosecution Authority with the Attorney General, Mr. Mulilo Kabesha, SC, the Solicitor General, Mr. Marshal Muchende, SC, the Director of Public Prosecution, Mr. Gilbert Phiri, SC and officers from Ministry of Justice and National Prosecution Authority. The Special Rappourteur is in the country and is examining in the spirit of cooperation and dialogue the situation of the rights to freedom of opinion and expression in the context of the mandate of the Special Rappourteur.

Siavonga, Zambia – In a significant step toward curbing environmental crimes, the National Prosecution Authority (NPA) has secured the permanent forfeiture of a South African-registered heavy-duty truck used in the illegal trafficking of Mopane wood. Valued at approximately ZMW 2.3 million (USD $82,000), the vehicle was seized while transporting 82 logs of Mopane out of the country. The case stems from the arrest of Takaedza Dzingirai (54), a Zimbabwean truck driver, who was caught by officers from the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) at Willizi Truck Park in Chirundu. Found guilty of illegal possession and transportation of Mopane wood, Dzingirai was fined ZMW 20,000 by the Chirundu Magistrate Court for breaching provisions of the Forest Act. Initially, the truck and timber were placed under conditional forfeiture on 30 August 2024, allowing any legitimate owners to come forward. However, after no claims were lodged, the Siavonga Subordinate Court granted a final forfeiture order on 24 January 2025, handing both