NPA Rolls Out Digital Case Management System to Improve Justice Delivery
The National Prosecution Authority (NPA) has begun rolling out a digital case management system aimed at improving efficiency in public prosecutions and strengthening respect for human rights standards within the criminal justice system.
The development was disclosed during a courtesy call by the Human Rights Commission of Zambia (HRC-Z) Chairperson, Dr Pamela Towela Sambo, on the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Mr Gilbert Phiri, on Monday.
Dr Sambo said delays in bringing accused persons before court, prolonged trials, and frequent adjournments remain key human rights concerns. She noted that such delays often arise from challenges in gathering and processing evidence, as well as difficulties in securing prosecution witnesses.
She explained that prolonged delays adversely affect the rights of accused persons, particularly the right to a fair trial, protection of the law, and personal liberty.
Dr Sambo was accompanied by HRC-Z Vice Chairperson Dr Felicity Kalunga, Commissioners Bishop Emmanuel Chikoya, Panic Malawo Chilufya, Laura Miti, and Father Joe Komakoma. The delegation also included the Commission’s Secretariat, led by Director General Ms Mbololwa Wamunyima.
In response, Mr Phiri said the digital case management system would significantly improve the handling of criminal matters by strengthening docket integrity, enabling real-time docket tracking, and enhancing supervision of cases.
The Director of Public Prosecutions revealed that the system is currently being piloted in Lusaka District, with plans to roll it out to other districts across the country in 2026. He added that the NPA is also implementing additional measures to improve efficiency, including increasing the number of public prosecutors nationwide.
The meeting also provided an opportunity for the two institutions to discuss areas of legal and policy reform, with a view to strengthening collaboration in the promotion and protection of human rights.
