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Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Gilbert Phiri, has declined to prosecute former Patriotic Front (PF) Deputy Secretary General Mumbi Phiri on charges of aggravated robbery, citing insufficient evidence.
The DPP also dismissed similar charges against Mambilima Constituency MP Jean Chisenga, New Congress Party leader Peter Chanda, and Lusaka lawyer Celestine Mukandika.
In a letter dated January 13, 2025, addressed to the Commissioner of the Criminal Investigations Department, Phiri stated that there was no evidence indicating that Mumbi Phiri participated in the alleged robbery involving the theft of K20,000 cash and a phone from the complainant, Boldwin Chilambikwa.
“The evidence of eyewitnesses suggests that at the time the complainant was allegedly assaulted and robbed by a person named Peter, the accused was engaged in a confrontation with a woman in the crowd,” Phiri noted.
He added that Minister of Green Economy and Environment Mike Mposha was reportedly attempting to diffuse the situation.
Phiri explained that there was no evidence linking Mumbi Phiri to the alleged use of a taser gun during the robbery, nor any proof she acted in concert with the assailant.
He further pointed out the absence of medical evidence to corroborate claims of assault.
Regarding Jean Chisenga and Peter Chanda, the DPP observed contradictions in witness statements.
“While the complainant alleges that the accused searched his room and stole a laptop bag containing K20,000, witness statements suggest otherwise,” Phiri stated.
He highlighted that one witness testified the complainant intended to fabricate accusations for political reasons.
Phiri stated that the lack of corroborating evidence, coupled with contradictions in witness accounts, rendered the cases unsuitable for prosecution.
“Taking these cases to court in their current state would lead to undue embarrassment to the state and is not in the public interest,” he stated.
Mumbi Phiri had been accused of orchestrating the theft of K20,000 and an Infinix phone valued at K3,800 from Chilambikwa in Kawambwa District, Luapula Province.
The incident reportedly involved the use of a taser gun.
The DPP’s decision may underscore the importance of credible evidence in pursuing criminal charges.
On January 8, 2025, the police arrested Phiri in connection with an alleged aggravated robbery incident reported in Kawambwa District.
According to Rae Hamoonga, the complainant alleged that his Infinix cellphone, valued at K3,800, and cash amounting to K20,000 were stolen by a man identified as Peter, who was reportedly in the company of Phiri.
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