The Zambia Army has cautioned the public against the abuse of social media platforms and the misuse of artificial intelligence tools to create and circulate content that ridicules, defames or undermines state institutions and constitutionally established office holders.

Zambia Army Spokesperson Sydney Mwewa says there has been an increase in misleading AI-generated videos circulating on some online platforms.

Colonel Mwewa says such content has the potential to incite soldiers and threaten the peace and stability the country currently enjoys.

He says the situation is particularly sensitive during the election period, noting that some individuals with ill intentions have previously attempted to draw the Army into partisan political activity.

Colonel Mwewa says the Zambia Army remains a disciplined, apolitical and professional institution mandated by the Constitution of the Republic of Zambia to preserve national sovereignty, protect territorial integrity and uphold constitutional order.

He says the institution expects respect and responsible conduct from all citizens in order to safeguard national cohesion.

In a statement, Colonel Mwewa urged the public to exercise caution when engaging with online information, verify content before sharing, and avoid material that may incite division, public disorder or disrespect towards national institutions.

He further warned individuals behind the creation and circulation of such content that the Army is closely monitoring the situation, and that those responsible will be held accountable under the law.

Colonel Mwewa said the institution will not tolerate actions that threaten national peace, adding that law enforcement will deal with offenders without fear or favour.

He called on citizens to protect peace, unity and the integrity of institutions that support national governance.

Two children have died after their mother, who is believed to be mentally ill, allegedly threw them into a stream in Chembe District of Luapula Province.

The incident occurred on Sunday morning at Makubi Stream near Jelemani Village in Chief Kasoma Lwela’s area.

According to Luapula Province Police Commissioner Stephen Palaata, the victims, a two-year-old boy and his 10-month-old sister, were allegedly thrown into the stream by their 36-year-old mother.

Mr. Palaata said Chembe Police Station received a report of the incident at about 12:35 hours from a relative of the suspect, who informed officers that the woman had allegedly thrown her two children into the stream.

He said police officers, accompanied by personnel from the Chembe Town Council Fire Brigade, rushed to the scene and found that the bodies had already been retrieved from the stream by family members.

Mr. Palaata said a physical examination of the bodies revealed no visible injuries, although both children appeared to have drowned.

He said the suspect is reported to have a history of mental illness, which relatives believe occurs periodically.

Mr. Palaata said suspicion was raised when a family member noticed the woman moving around the village without her children, whom she was usually seen carrying.

When asked about their whereabouts, she allegedly told the relative that she had thrown them into the stream.

The relative immediately rushed to the water body and found the two children already dead.

Mr. Palaata said family members believe the woman may have been experiencing a mental episode at the time of the incident.

The bodies have since been taken to Chembe Mini Hospital Mortuary, where they are awaiting post-mortem examinations.

Police have apprehended the suspect, who is expected to be formally charged with two counts of murder and will appear in court soon, Mr. Palaata said.

The National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA) says newly enacted pension reforms will enable more families to benefit from the savings of deceased members.

NAPSA Director General Muyangwa Muyangwa says the reforms have broadened survivor benefits, providing greater support to spouses and children when a contributing member dies.

Mr. Muyangwa says under the new provisions, surviving spouses of eligible members will continue receiving pension payments, ensuring a source of income after the contributor’s death.

Speaking on ZNBC’s Sunday Interview, Mr. Muyangwa said children will qualify for survivor pensions up to the age of 18, while those pursuing further education will continue receiving support until the age of 25.

He said one of the key changes introduced by the reforms applies to cases where a member dies after making at least 180 contributions but leaves no surviving spouse and no child eligible for survivor benefits.

Mr. Muyangwa said the previous arrangement often left families uncertain about accessing benefits in such circumstances.

He said the new law allows benefits to be transferred through the deceased member’s estate, enabling appointed administrators to process claims on behalf of beneficiaries.

Former Zambia Intelligence and Security Services Chief Xavier Chungu has appeared before the Lusaka Magistrates’ Court for explanation of charges.

Mr. Chungu is facing four counts relating to the provision of certain information, seditious practices, and the disclosure of information to unauthorised persons.

The alleged offences are said to have been committed on May 24, 2026, when Mr. Chungu appeared on the That Zed Podcast.

When the matter came before Lusaka Chief Resident Magistrate Nthandose Chabala, the court informed the accused that his appearance was solely for the explanation of charges.

Magistrate Chabala further informed Mr. Chungu that the matter will continue to come up for mention until the court receives instructions from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) regarding committal to the High Court.

Meanwhile, Deputy Chief State Advocate Mercy Lungu informed the court that the State was in possession of a certificate from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) denying the accused bail.

However, defence lawyer Kennedy Mambwe applied for bail pending trial, arguing that the reasons advanced for denying bail were vague and speculative.

Magistrate Chabala has adjourned the matter to Friday, June 12, 2026, for a ruling on the defence’s bail application.

Chief Justice Mumba Malila has urged newly appointed judges to refrain from engaging in partisan politics, stressing the importance of an independent Judiciary committed to upholding the rule of law.

Dr. Malila said judges are expected to remain steadfast in the discharge of their duties, noting that their role is not to make popular decisions, but to make decisions that are fair and consistent with the law.

He was speaking during an induction workshop for newly appointed judges in Lusaka today.

Dr. Malila said public confidence in the Judiciary depends on the integrity and ethical conduct of judges and urged them to safeguard the institution’s credibility at all times.

Meanwhile, Advisory Committee on Training and Continuing Education Chairperson Pixie Yangailo said the induction workshop has been organised to support newly appointed judges as they take up their responsibilities.

 50-year-old man of Choma has allegedly taken his own life after hanging himself using a nylon rope tied to a tree.

The incident was reported to Mbabala Police Post on June 5, 2026, at 10:00 hours by the brother to the deceased Vent Muleya who reported that his brother Empraim Muleya had committed suicide.

Southern Province Commanding officer Moono Namalongo said disclosed that the incident is reported to have occurred between September 1, 2025, at around 10:00 hours and June 5, 2026, at around 10:00 hours at Munyati Farm, Matambana Village in Chief Cooma Chiefdom as the deceased had been missing for a while.

“Brief facts of the matter are that on September 1, 2025, at around 10:00 hours, the deceased left home for an unknown destination and did not return. A search by family members within the village and surrounding areas proved unsuccessful, and the matter was reported to Mbabala Police Post on September 3, 2025, at around 09:00 hours,” Mr Namalongo said.

Mr Namalongo said on June 4, 2026, at around 15:00 hours, the brother went to collect firewood in the bush area of Munyati Farm where he discovered a suspected human skull and bones and further observed a nylon rope hanging from a tree and clothing on the ground within the vicinity, and immediately alerted police.

Mr Namalongo indicated that police officers visited the scene and found a nylon rope hanging from a tree together with suspected human bones scattered on the ground, black pair of trousers and a greenish shirt were also recovered and positively identified by the reporter as belonging to the deceased, who was last seen wearing the same clothing when he went missing.

He said the scene was found to be heavily contaminated likely due to wild animals and prolonged exposure to weather conditions.

He further explained that preliminary investigations indicate that the deceased had a history of mental illness and was known to live alone in the village and was also known to leave home early in the morning and return in the evening.

Mr Namalongo said the motive for the suspected suicide has not yet been established and an inquiry file has been opened and investigations into the matter were ongoing.

The United Party for National Development (UPND) in Central Province has condemned violence that characterised yesterday’s political campaigns where supporters of ruling party clashed with cadres from the opposition National Restoration Party for Unity and Progress (NRPUP) in Kabwe’s Katondo Township, and warned that it will not shield anyone perpetrating violence ahead of the August 13 general elections.

UPND Acting District Chairperson Ahmed Lubinga has distanced the UPND from the fracas saying the party does not support and condone violence.

Mr Lubinga says the leadership in Kabwe District will not entertain emphasizing that the ruling party remains committed to upholding the Electoral Code of Conduct to ensure the campaigns are peaceful.

He urged party members in the district to uphold peace before, during and after the elections.

And UPND Central Province Information and Publicity Secretary Fred Khunga has reaffirmed the party’s commitment to engaging in peaceful campaigns.

Mr Khunga said the provincial leadership is saddened by the political violence and lawlessness that characterised political campaigns in Kabwe over the weekend.

Some political party cadres clashed in Katondo Township during a political rally organized by the Tonse Pamodzi Alliance.

Acting Chilanga District Commissioner, Maureen Chilende has urged civil servants to maintain professionalism during the ongoing campaign period, warning that breaches may attract consequences under the conditions of service.

Speaking at a meeting of government heads of department held at the district administration, Ms Chilende said it is everyone’s democratic right to belong to the political party of their choice and to vote for leaders of their choice, but that should not interfere with work or lead to active participation in politics in the work space.

Ms Chilende reminded staff that unprofessional conduct during the campaign period can have consequences as set out in the conditions of service for civil servants.

“As civil servants deal with people from different walks of life it is only right that they maintain professionalism at all times,” she said.

She also encouraged departments to work collaboratively to foster development, saying no department should work in isolation because everyone is working for a common goal, to ensure the country develops through the implementation of the various programmes under the different ministries.

The Acting District Commissioner added that departments with transport should assist those without so that government programmes keep moving.

To ensure continued coordination, Ms Chilende said more meetings will be held to update one another on achievements and challenges and to identify the best ways to address them so there is no breakdown in implementing government programmes.

Government says all preparations are set for the burial of the late Paramount Chief Mpezeni of the Ngoni people tomorrow Tuesday, June 9^th, 2026.

The media reports that Local Government and Rural Development Permanent Secretary, Nicholas Phiri has confirmed the development to the media in Chipata.

Mr Phiri said all requirements for the burial of the late Paramount Chief in accordance with the dictates of both the customary norms and state funeral declared by President Hakainde Hichilema have been done.

The Permanent Secretary added that the government worked closely with the family and the traditional leadership in all preparations for the burial of the late Ngoni King.

He further announced that President Hichilema will join the family and the Zambian people in bidding farewell to the late traditional ruler.

Paramount Chief Mpezeni the fourth, whose real name is David Njengembaso Jere, of the Ngoni people in Zambia’s Eastern Province and Malawi, passed away on May 30, 2026, at the age of 75.

He served a historic 44-year reign, acting as a crucial traditional custodian, peace ambassador, and leader of the annual Nc’wala ceremony.

Government through Road Development Agency (RDA) says significant progress has been recorded on major roads and bridges being implemented across the country through the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangements.

Speaking in an interview with the media, RDA Chief and Communications Affairs Manager, Anthony Mulowa, says the Agency remains committed to improving the country’s road network in order to enhance connectivity, promote economic growth and facilitate trade.

Mr Mulowa disclosed that one of the flagship projects, the Lusaka – Ndola Dual Carriageway has reached 76 percent completion under the PPP financing model.

He added that the Ndola – Sakania – Mufulira Road project in Copperbelt Province has also made substantial progress and currently stands at 55 percent completion.

Mr Mulowa highlighted that the government is implementing a number of strategic road and bridge projects across the country and is encouraged by the progress being made on key projects, particularly those being undertaken through the Public-Private Partnership financing model.

He further noted that works on the Kasomeno-Mwenda Road and Bridge Project are advancing well, with bridge construction currently underway on the Luongo and Luapula rivers.

He explained that other PPP projects progressing steadily include the Mufulira-Mokambo Border Road, Solwezi-Kipushi Road, Lumwana-Kambimba Road, Mutanda-Kaoma Road via Kasempa and the Katete-Chanida Road.

Furthermore, Mr Mulowa highlighted that government funded projects are equally registering notable progress across various provinces.

He cited that the Monze-Niko Road project in Southern Province has been substantially completed, with only minor works remaining on the Bwengwa Bridge.

Mr Mulowa also disclosed that the Maamba-Batoka Road project has attained 46 percent completion, while rehabilitation works on the Lusaka-Mongu Road section from Tateyoyo to the Katunda/Lukulu Junction have reached over 36 percent completion.

“Our objective is to ensure that road infrastructure development continues to support economic activities, improve accessibility and enhance the movement of people and goods throughout the country,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mr Mulowa stressed that the Chipata-Chadiza Road project in Eastern Province has surpassed the 50 percent completion mark, with paving works nearing completion.

He adds that construction and rehabilitation works are also ongoing on Blue Lagoon Road in Central Province, Chikankata Road in Southern Province, the Nchelenge-Chienge Road in Luapula Province and the Samfya-Kasaba Road via Lubwe.

Mr Mulowa reaffirmed the government’s commitment to delivering quality road infrastructure and assured the public that the Agency will continue monitoring projects to ensure they are completed within the stipulated timeframes and according to the required standards.