DPP DEFENDS DELAY IN TAKING MUNDUBILE AND MAKEBI TREASON CASE TO COURT
By Nelson Zulu
Director of Public Prosecutions –DPP- Gilbert Phiri has called on stakeholders in the country to give law enforcement agencies space to conduct their work as calls mount for Tonse Alliance presidential candidate Brian Mundubile, his co-accused Makebi Zulu and other treason suspects to either be taken to court or released.
Mr. Phiri says it is appalling that in the Zambian setup, suspects are expected to be taken to court a day after their arrest, regardless of the complexity of the alleged offences.
He says while the state wants accused persons to appear before court, due diligence must first be undertaken to ensure that cases are properly investigated and supported by sufficient evidence.
Mr. Phiri has told phoenix news that investigations into complex cases require time, citing the need for law enforcement agencies to obtain witness statements, medical reports and other evidence before presenting a fully supported case before court.
He cites previous treason trials in Zambia, including that of Edward Jack Shamwana, as examples of cases that took considerable time from arrest to trial and eventual conviction, stressing that law enforcement agencies should be allowed adequate time to conduct their investigations.
Mr. Phiri’s remarks come in the wake of recent calls by the law association of Zambia for the release of Mr. Mundubile, Mr. Zulu and others who have been detained without being taken to court.
PHOENIX NEWS