Crime has no hiding place

ZAMBIA is a country built on laws, and those laws are meant to protect every citizen. But too often, some people choose to ignore them, believing they can get away with crime. Whether it is corruption, theft, violence, or the misuse of cyberspace, the truth remains the same:…

ZAMBIA is a country built on laws, and those laws are meant to protect every citizen. But too often, some people choose to ignore them, believing they can get away with crime.

Whether it is corruption, theft, violence, or the misuse of cyberspace, the truth remains the same: the law will eventually catch up with them. Director of Public Prosecutions Gilbert Phiri’s warning that even those committing offences from abroad are not immune is timely.

“You can do wrong from the comfort of distance, which does not mean the jaw of the law will never reach you.”

The rule of law is the backbone of any society. Without it, disorder takes over. When people respect the law, businesses grow, communities feel secure and development becomes possible. But when crime is allowed to spread, everyone pays the price.

Farmers lose their crops to theft, investors lose confidence, and ordinary families are left living in fear. The Government has shown that it will not condone lawlessness.

Through the National Prosecutions Authority, assets worth over US$24 million have been recovered in the past five years from proceeds of crime. This is proof that crime does not pay.

Some people think only big crimes matter, such as corruption scandals, fraud, or violent offences. But small acts of lawlessness also weaken society. Petty theft, traffic violations, or spreading false rumours online may seem minor, yet they erode trust and respect for the law.

Every crime, big or small, chips away at the values that hold our nation together. Being a citizen is not just about enjoying rights; it is also about fulfilling responsibilities. Freedom of speech, for example, is a right, but it must be exercised responsibly. It cannot be used to incite violence, spread hate, or damage reputations.

Similarly, freedom of movement does not mean freedom to steal, vandalise or commit fraud. Mr Phiri’s call is simple but powerful: “We need to behave ourselves wherever we are, we need to uphold the law, we need to be fair.”

This is a reminder that responsibility is the duty of every Zambian. Every act of crime has a cost. When public funds are stolen, schools and hospitals suffer. When investors fear corruption, they take their money elsewhere.

When communities are plagued by theft or violence, families live in insecurity. Crime is not just a personal failing; it is a national burden. That is why the fight against crime must be taken seriously. It is not about punishing individuals alone.

It is about protecting the future of Zambia. Some offenders believe they can escape justice by hiding behind distance, anonymity, or influence. But history shows that the law is patient and relentless. Whether one is abroad, in a position of power, or hiding behind cyberspace, accountability will eventually come. The Government’s firm stance against lawlessness is proof that impunity will not be tolerated. No one is above the law.

But the fight against crime is not the responsibility of the police or prosecutors alone. It is a collective effort. Communities must reject lawlessness, families must teach values of honesty and respect, and individuals must choose responsibility over recklessness.

Cyberspace, streets, offices and marketplaces all must be governed by the same principle: respect for the law. As our country works to grow its economy and strengthen democracy, crime in all its forms must be confronted. Cyberspace is not a hiding place, and neither are foreign borders or positions of influence.

The law will catch up with lawbreakers. Citizens must behave responsibly, respect the law and conduct themselves with integrity. Crime has no hiding place, and lawlessness will not be condoned. The future of Zambia depends not only on government action but on the choices of its people. https://enews.daily-mail.co.zm/welcome/home