Corruption and National Plunder in Zambia: Is the adquate law

Abstract

Zambia as at 24th October 1964 when it got independent from Britain did not have separate legislation and particular institutions for combating corruption and economic plunder. This offence was only provided for in the penal code and was subject to enforcement by the Zambia Police Force until in 1980 when it apparently became clear that the Police had no capacity to rise to challenges posed by this complex and devastating crime. Owing to this, a bill was passed that gave way for the enactment of the Corrupt Practices Act of 1980 which also mandated the creation of a separate institution to combat this crime and as a result the Anti Corruption Commission was introduced as an extended enforcement agent of the executive branch of Government. This crime however, gained root both in the country and at international level prompting nations to sign various regional and multi-lateral agreements to combat this sophisticated and devastating crime. Zambia has not been spared at all and hence the reason upon which this paper has been designated to assess the extent of the crime and indeed the adequacy of the legal machinery in place.