Director of Public Prosecution calls for alternative dispute resolution to hasten criminal cases (video)

Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Gilbert Phiri, has urged prosecutors to adopt alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms in eligible cases to expedite the resolution of criminal matters.

Speaking during the ceremonial opening of the High Court criminal sessions for Northern Province in Kasama District, Phiri highlighted the country’s overcrowded correctional facilities, which house over 26,000 inmates across just 87 facilities.

He described this as a severe violation of human rights under both national and international standards.

“I wish to express my disappointment with the country’s retributive criminal justice system, which prioritizes punishment over rehabilitation,” Phiri stated, calling for a paradigm shift towards ADR to alleviate systemic inefficiencies.

The DPP also acknowledged challenges such as inadequate staffing and courtroom infrastructure, which have contributed to prolonged pre-trial detentions.

“This underscores the need for alternative dispute resolution mechanisms,” he said.

Justice Matthew Zulu, the High Court Judge for Kasama, echoed Phiri’s remarks, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts among stakeholders to address delays in justice delivery.

“There is a need to maximize the use of legal provisions allowing for non-traditional case disposal methods,” Zulu said, citing ADR as a vital tool.

The event, held under the theme “Exploring and Imploring Alternative Dispute Resolution Mechanisms in Criminal Cases as a Tool to Counter Delays in the Delivery of Justice,” was attended by Northern Province Minister Leonard Mbao, His Royal Highness Paramount Chief Chitimukulu Kanyanta Manga II, and other government officials.

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