Press Release
For Immediate Release
COURTESY CALL ON THE CHIEF JUSTICE BY THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC PROSECUTIONS (DPP)
Lusaka 13th January 2023 – The Director of Public Prosecutions Mr. Gilbert Phiri, SC, this morning paid a courtesy call on His Lordship the Hon. Chief Justice Dr. Mumba Malila, SC at the Supreme Court. Accompanying the Chief Justice were His Lordship the Hon. Deputy Chief Justice Mr. Michael Musonda, SC, Justice Edward Musona, Judge-in-Charge of the Economic and Financial Crimes Court, and the Commercial Court and Mr. Exnobert Zulu, The Chief Registrar of the Judiciary.
The meeting was aimed at, among other things, strengthening cooperation between the two institutions in the justice sector, and overall improvement of administration of justice in Zambia.
Among the issues discussed were the need to expedite the conclusion of matters in the Economic and Financial Crimes Court; bridging the dichotomy of the haves and the have nots created by financially constraining bail conditions; insufficient infrastructure; operationalization of courts in towns such as Gwembe, Ngabwe and Lufwanyama, preparedness of Counsel and; withdrawal of cases where indictments are presented but accused persons do not appear before the courts.
Justice Malila, SC congratulated Mr. Phiri SC on his well-deserved appointment to the office of DPP, and as State Counsel. He said the appointment of the DPP gives impetus to the work of the Economic and Financial Crimes Court in the fight against corruption. His Lordship further indicated his expectation that investigations would be thoroughly conducted in order to avoid delays when matters are brought to court, bearing in mind that the failures of the DPP are failures of the Judiciary and that the converse is also true.
Mr. Phiri in turn thanked the Judiciary for according his delegation an opportunity to interface with the Judiciary, and that his office was working to rebuild the public confidence that the office of DPP should inspire. He added that the authority that it wields is a
serious responsibility, hence the need to exercise humility and integrity in executing prosecutorial duties.
He praised the Chief Justice for the Chief Justice’s leadership and commitment to the rule of law, and expressed the hope that the visit would serve as a step towards further strengthening the relationship between the Judiciary and the office of the DPP.
Also in attendance from the DPPs Chambers were Ms. Nkumbiza Mumba – Chief State Advocate, Ms. Mable Nawa – Chief Administrator, Mr. Chipola Bako – Deputy Chief State Advocate for Lusaka and Mr. Gamaliel Zimba – Deputy Chief State Advocate, General and Appeals.
Contact
Kalumba Chisambisha-Slavin
pro@judiciaryzambia.com
www.judiciaryzambia.com
