DPP Calls for Patience in Complex Prosecutions

By Hannock Kasama

Director of Public Prosecutions GILBERT PHIRI has urged Zambians not to lose confidence when the prosecution of certain cases does not commence immediately, noting that some investigations require considerable time before charges can be brought.

Mr PHIRI said the complexity of certain cases often demands lengthy investigations, citing the Edward Shamwana case of 1985, in which investigations took 11 months before prosecution commenced.

He added that Zambia has made notable progress in the prosecution of financial crimes, pointing to the successful conviction of several former government officials.

Mr PHIRI said further strengthening investigators’ skills will improve both the speed and quality of financial crime investigations and prosecutions.

He was speaking in Lusaka during the graduation ceremony for participants in the pilot Financial Investigations and Asset Recovery Training Programme.

The training was organised by the National Prosecutions Authority (NPA) in partnership with the Southern Africa Institute for Policy and Research (SAIPAR) and Irish Rule of Law International.

Mr PHIRI expressed confidence that the skills acquired during the five-week programme will strengthen financial crime investigations and contribute to faster progression of cases through the justice system.

Meanwhile, Irish Ambassador to Zambia AIDAN FITZPATRICK said there is a growing need to equip investigators with modern skills as financial crimes become increasingly sophisticated.

Mr FITZPATRICK said enhanced investigative capacity is essential in responding to emerging methods used in financial crime.

And SAIPAR Director of Research and Programmes Dr MARJA HINFELAAR said she is confident the training has adequately equipped participants with practical skills in financial investigations and asset recovery.

Dr HINFELAAR said the programme will contribute significantly to strengthening institutional capacity in tackling financial crimes.

A total of 15 out of 25 participants were conferred with certificates during the graduation ceremony. The graduates were drawn from government institutions involved in financial investigations and asset recovery.