The recent decision by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in Zambia to enter a nolle prosequi in the case of Mumbi Phiri has raised questions and concerns about the independence and integrity of the justice system in the country. Many are asking why the DPP made this decision, particularly on the day of the judgement, and whether there was any political pressure or interference involved.
However, according to the Justice Minister Mulambo Haimbe, the DPP’s decision is lawful and should not be questioned. He argues that the DPP has the discretion to enter a nolle prosequi at any stage of the proceedings, and that this decision was based on the evidence and the law.
While it is true that the DPP has the power to enter a nolle prosequi, the timing of this decision raises some serious questions. It is unusual for the DPP to make such a decision on the day of the judgement, and many believe that this was done to prevent a conviction and to protect Mumbi Phiri, who is a prominent member of the ruling party.
Moreover, Haimbe’s argument that people should not concentrate on the nolle prosequi but should instead ask why a convicted murderer was in former president Edgar Lungu’s inner circle is somewhat disingenuous. While it is certainly important to investigate how a convicted murderer was able to get close to the former president, this does not excuse or justify the decision by the DPP to enter a nolle prosequi in this particular case.
It is the responsibility of the DPP to ensure that justice is done, and that those who break the law are held accountable for their actions. If there is evidence that Mumbi Phiri committed a crime, then she should be prosecuted and, if found guilty, punished accordingly. This is the fundamental principle of the rule of law, and it is essential for a fair and just society.
The fact that a convicted murderer was able to get close to the former president is certainly concerning, and it highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in the political system. However, this should not distract from the issue at hand, which is the decision by the DPP to enter a nolle prosequi in the case of Mumbi Phiri.
It is important for the justice system to be independent and free from political interference, and for the DPP to make decisions based solely on the evidence and the law. Any perception that the justice system is being manipulated or controlled for political purposes undermines public trust and confidence in the system, and ultimately weakens the rule of law.
In order to address these concerns, there needs to be greater transparency and accountability in the justice system, and measures put in place to prevent political interference. This may include the establishment of an independent body to oversee the work of the DPP, or the creation of a special prosecutor’s office to handle cases of political corruption and abuse of power.
Ultimately, the rule of law is essential for a fair and just society, and it is the responsibility of all those in positions of power and authority to uphold and protect it. The recent decision by the DPP to enter a nolle prosequi in the case of Mumbi Phiri raises serious questions about the independence and integrity of the justice system in Zambia, and it is important for these concerns to be addressed in a transparent and accountable manner.
In addition to the concerns about the DPP’s decision in the case of Mumbi Phiri, there are broader concerns about the state of democracy and the rule of law in Zambia. In recent years, there have been increasing reports of political violence and intimidation of opposition parties in the run-up to ward by-election.
A murderer? What happened to “innocent until proven guilty”?
And Mr. Haimbe is a legal professional, no?
Well, another clear demonstration of UPNDs approach to the law.
And why shouldn’t the DPP be questioned? Is she God?
To be fair, he was found guilty and convicted so not innocent in this case.
@chiza Chirwa when was Mumbi Phiri convicted? A nolle prosecute means the case has been discontinued not that the person has been foind guilty and then freed. Its not a pardon.
You are aware that he was referring to the convicted barber to ECL? He says people should not concentrate on Mumbi Phiri and the nolle but INSTEAD ask why a convicted murderer was close to the President.
Useless minister period.These chaps don’t think in this govt.They use tribal emotions
kikikikikikikiki! What are tribal emotions
At the time Chilekwa was Lungu’s barber, he was not a convicted murderer as this dullard Haimbe is trying to insinuate. A cabinet full of emotional morons!!!
This article doesn’t show where Haimbe made such statements. I am hard pressed to believe he would say this. Indeed the law allows for a nolle at any point before judgement. Reasons ordinarily hinge on national security or diplomacy where foreign nationals are involved. In rare cases such as Milingo Lungu’s immunity, the DPP may take action for economic reasons.
Whatever way you look at it, majority of people must be able to understand why a nolle is entered, despite the DPP doing so for any reason.
This case was abuse of authority,braking someone to prison and then entering a nolle to prevent them from suing government for wrongful imprisonment is immoral.
Stop your lame attempt at thought control. We will think what we want. We will ask ourselves what we want. The government wont dictate our thoughts
Please spare yourself some embarrassment the DPP is a known UPND sympathiser but his time will come
F00Iish tribal cow. They know their time is up. Next election they are out. I will beat these f00Is once we back in power.
Stop stereotyping and hallucinating. Even convicts have friends relatives and associates. Lawyers and presÃdents are part of such groups of people.
Let’s have emotional intelligence in governance. Hasn’t the “convict” appealed? What if he is declared innocent? What will we say.
Aiding a criminal is a crime. You can not tell me that ECL security detail failed to vet Chilekwa. Who ever protected the convicted murderer should be held accountable. Mumbi, ECL, whoever….
You exertion a lot of pressure incriminating Edgar and his friends than you do reduce hunger, cost of living and the like. The day of reckoning always catches up on us.
Doesn’t it mean that Jesus was a betrayer like Judas, or having a friend who is a murderer you are a murderer too? Stop blaming ECL for your failures. if he has a case to answer take him to court that tarnishing is name every time you have your own failure.
kkkkkk what about people who killed Kungu of North Western Province? were are they? Were is the rule of Law here.