TIZ cautions DPP against abrogating the constitutional principle

Transparency International Zambia (TI-Z) Executive Director Maurice Nyambe has cautioned the Director of Public Prosecutions [DPP] against abrogating the constitutional principle by acting outside the parameters of what the law provides for the operation of the DPP.

And Mr. Nyambe has reminded the UPND administration on the need for legal reforms to allow for a more meaningful and effective fight against corruption.

He says having noted the limitations imposed on the fight against corruption by the discretionary powers vested in the office of the DPP, including powers to discontinue cases at will, there is need to amend the Constitution and other related laws to enhance the transparency and accountability of the DPP and to strengthen the independence of law enforcement agencies.

Mr. Nyambe has noted with dismay that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has instructed the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) to give reasons for the decision to re-arrest Milingo Lungu.

Mr. Nyambe has reminded the DPP that some form of separation of powers exists when it comes to criminal matters, which entails that the roles of investigating, arresting and prosecution are not performed by the same entity.

And the Judith Kabemba led Democratic Party (DP) faction is worried that the continued entering of Nolle prosequi’s by the office of the DPP is slowly rendering the fight against corruption useless.

Ms. Kabemba says the frustration that is coming with these Nolle prosequi’s will not only take away the confidence people have in the Anti  Corruption Commission( ACC ) and Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC), but may promote corruption, abuse of office,  abuse of public funds among those that hold public offices. 

Meanwhile Governance, Elections, Advocacy, Research Services [GEARS] Initiative Executive Director Macdonald Chipenzi says the DPP is out of order to accost the DEC Director General Mary Chirwa over the re-arresting of Milingo Lungu.