CABINET has approved a sweeping amendment to the Criminal Procedure Code that will see offenders involved in serious crimes such as rape, defilement, incest and copper theft denied bail once the law takes effect.
The Criminal Procedure Code (Amendment) Bill of 2025, cleared by Cabinet seeks to close legal loopholes that have allowed repeat offenders in grave cases to secure temporary freedom while awaiting trial.
This decision was made during the 20th Cabinet Meeting held at State House on October 29, 2025, chaired by President Hakainde Hichilema, where ministers considered a broad range of legal and policy reforms.
According to chief government spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa, the bill proposes that offences such as rape, defilement, incest, copper theft and stock theft become non-bailable, alongside acts of vandalism targeting power lines, rail systems, aircraft and communication infrastructure.
Mweetwa said the amendment also aims to update Zambia’s justice system by expanding the scope of forensic evidence admissible in court.
“This change will enable the inclusion of modern scientific methods and expert analysis beyond the current narrow focus on chemical and bacterial evidence,” Mweetwa revealed.
“Currently, the Criminal Procedure Code, Cap. 88, restricts the admissibility of forensic evidence to analysts trained in chemical or bacterial disciplines. The restriction is a challenge as there is a rapid advancement in forensic science.”
He said the new provision is expected to make law enforcement more effective, strengthen prosecution capacity and improve public confidence in the justice system.
Once enacted, the Bill will represent a major step toward modernising Zambia’s legal framework and reinforcing the country’s commitment to safety, fairness, and rule of law.
The proposed law is expected to be tabled before Parliament during the current sitting for debate and possible enactment.
By Sharon Zulu
Kalemba November 1, 2025
