Courts, Not HH – Kabesha

Courts, Not HH – Kabesha

ATTORNEY-General Mulilo Kabesha has urged people facing criminal charges to stop accusing President Hakainde Hichilema of persecuting them, saying criminal cases are handled by investigative agencies, prosecutors and the courts, and not the head of State.

Mr Kabesha said the President should not be blamed for verdicts delivered by the judiciary, urging citizens to respect the law and allow established institutions to perform their respective roles.

He was speaking yesterday during the commemoration of the inaugural National Prosecutions Authority (NPA) Week and the launch of the authority’s service charter.

Mr Kabesha said Zambia was developing a tendency of ignoring the law, with some people resorting to blaming the President whenever they were arrested or prosecuted.

He said suspects were also increasingly using social media to insult and disparage the President while facing criminal proceedings, describing the behaviour as misplaced.

“Justice is important, the rights for the accused must be respected, the rule of law is the key. It is not persecution but prosecution,” Mr Kabesha said.

He explained that investigative agencies first investigate suspected offences before presenting cases to prosecutors, who assess the evidence and determine whether there are sufficient grounds to prosecute.

Mr Kabesha commended NPA for introducing the service charter, saying it would help strengthen the administration of justice and improve accountability within the institution.

Deputy Secretary to Cabinet Oliver Kalabo urged prosecutors to discharge their duties with professionalism, honesty and integrity, saying the charter would expose the authority to greater public scrutiny.

Dr Kalabo said the public expected quality service from civil servants, including prosecutors, and urged every member of staff to take ownership of the charter to ensure justice remained accessible to all.

He further stressed that prosecutors should perform their duties fairly, regardless of the social or economic status of people appearing before them.

Director of Public Prosecutions Gilbert Phiri echoed the call for impartiality, saying no person should receive preferential treatment in the justice system.

“No person should receive preferential treatment. We prosecute and not persecute,” Mr Phiri said.

Credit: Zambia Daily Mai