Reflection: DPP and the Committal certificate debate

HH after his court treason case

MacDonald Chipenzi writes:

The Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) cleverly skirted around from not signing the HH and others’ Committal Certificate to the High Court and allowed his juniors to sign on her behalf.

This act alone has brought serious debate, both in and outside Court and also has, in addition, delayed the HH and others’ treason case to be heard.

Ironically, however, the DPP signed the Committal Certificate to the High Court for murder suspects, Keith Mukata and his wife Charmine Musonda, respectively.

In accordance with the law under Article 180 (7) the constitution states that the DPP “…. shall have regard to the public interest, administration of justice, the integrity of the judicial system and the need to prevent and avoid abuse of the legal process” in the performance of her/his functions.

Further, the constitution under article 180 (8) explains that the DPP’s functions”..may be exercised in person or by a public officer or legal practitioner, authorised by the Director of Public Prosecution, acting under the general or special instructions…”

The puzzle is why did the DPP decide to delegate her signature on the treason case certificate but stamp it on the murder case certificate? Was it in “regard to the public interest, administration of justice, the integrity of the judicial system and the need to prevent and avoid abuse of the legal process”?

Let us brainstorm