Frequently Asked Questions
ο The Office of the Public Protector is established under Article 243 of the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Act No. 2 of 2016 and is operationalised by the Public Protector Act No. 15 of 2016.
ο The Office of the Public Protector is an independent oversight institution established to investigate complaints of maladministration, abuse of power, unfair treatment, or injustices by state institutions and officials in Zambia.
ο Initiate, receive and investigate complaints of alleged or suspected maladministration in state institutions
ο Disseminate information and sensitise the public on the negative effects of maladministration;
ο Advise Government on good administrative practices
ο The Public Protector redresses grievances of bad administrative practices within state institutions while the ACC focuses on corruption.
The Public Protector may investigate an allegation of maladministrationβ
ο on the Public Protectorβs own initiative; or
ο on receipt of a complaint made by
(i) a complainant acting in the complainantβs own interest;
(ii) an association acting in the interest of its members;
(iii) a person acting on behalf of a complainant;
(iv) a person acting on behalf, and in the interest, of a group or class of persons; or (v)
(v) an anonymous person
ο Complaints can be submitted in person, via email, the website, or in writing to the Office of the Public Protector.
ο Full names, residential/postal address, contact details and depending on the case, you may need to provide copies of evidence or any supporting documents related to your complaint. (Link to the form)
No, lodging a complaint with the Public Protector is completely free.
The time frame varies depending on the complexity of the case, but efforts are made to resolve complaints as efficiently as possible.
The Office analyses the complaint, determines its validity, investigates if necessary, and makes recommendations or directs corrective action.
ο The Public Protector investigates government ministries, departments, agencies, local authorities, and state-owned enterprises.
The Public Protector shall not investigate a matter whichβ
ο (a) is before a court, court martial or a quasi-judicial body;
ο (b) relates to an officer in the Parliamentary Service or Judicial Service;
ο (c) involves the relations or dealings between the Government and foreign government or an international organisation;
ο (d) relates to the exercise of the prerogative of mercy; or
ο (e) is criminal in nature.
