GEARS calls for amendments in the appointment of DPP

Governance, Elections, ADVOCACY and Research Service (GEARS) Initiative Executive DIRECTOR; McDonald Chipenzi has proposed that the position of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) should be open for application by qualified individuals.

Mr. Chipenzi is of the view that in order to avoid the office holder paying allegiance to the appointing authority which happens to be the President, the President should not be the one appointing the DPP.

He notes that Zambians are beginning to have different perceptions around the DPP, hence the job should be advertised so that all those who are qualified can apply and the best candidate is picked who will be accountable to Parliament.

Mr Chipenzi notes that using this criterion will help ensure the DPP’s allegiance is not to anyone, but the state.

He states that it would be difficult for a prosecutor to prosecute an individual that appointed them in an event that they commit an offence.