Former Mazabuka Member of Parliament Gary Nkombo has officially resigned from the United Party for National Development, citing an alleged assault by party members and his decision to contest as an independent candidate in the upcoming elections.

In a resignation letter dated May 22, 2026, addressed to UPND Secretary General Batuke Imenda, Nkombo stated that he was compelled to leave the ruling party in order to meet the constitutional requirements for contesting as an independent candidate.

Nkombo explained that incidents which occurred on May 20, 2026, involving what he described as “assault occasioning actual bodily harm and damage to my property” allegedly perpetrated by “well-known UPND members,” made him feel unwelcome within the party.

The former minister said the events left him with no alternative but to sever ties with the party.

“This has left me with no option, other than to cut my losses,” Nkombo wrote in the letter.

He reflected on his long association with the UPND, noting that he had served the party in various capacities since February 2001. Despite his departure, he wished the party well and expressed gratitude for the years spent serving under its banner.

“I wish the party good tidings and God’s blessings,” he stated.

A copy of the resignation letter was also forwarded to the Electoral Commission of Zambia as part of the process related to his independent candidacy.

Nkombo, who previously served as Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, is now seeking election as an independent candidate, marking a significant political shift after more than two decades of association with the ruling party.

Three people sustained serious injuries after a road traffic accident involving a motorcycle and a light truck at Nyamphande Rural Health Centre Junction, in Lusangazi District.

Eastern Province Police Commanding Officer Robertson Mweemba confirmed the accident, which occurred around 10:00 hours on Wednesday morning, June 3, 2026, along Nyamphande Road in a media statement.

Mr Mweemba said the accident involved a Hino Dutro truck registration number CAL 8579 driven by 21-year-old Fortune Phiri of Hillside Compound in Petauke District and an unregistered SanLG motorcycle ridden by Patrick Phiri, 30, of Nyamphande Village in Chief Nyamphande’s area.

According to preliminary investigations, the truck was travelling from north to south while the motorcycle was moving from east to west when the collision occurred.

Police investigations indicate that the accident happened when the motorcycle rider allegedly turned right without due care and entered the path of the truck, which was travelling on the main road.

“The motorcycle rider sustained an open wound on his right leg. Two female passengers who were travelling on the motorcycle also suffered serious injuries. Fada Banda, 42, of Nyamphande Clinic sustained a fractured right leg and suspected internal injuries, while Lorenka Banda, 33, of Petauke Boarding School Compound sustained cuts to her right leg and head,” Mr Mweemba detailed.

The truck driver escaped unhurt, although the vehicle sustained damage to its right headlamp and right-side view mirror.

Meanwhile, Lusangazi District Commissioner Margaret Zulu visited the injured victims at Kalindawalo General Hospital in the company of officers from the District Health Office to offer comfort and support to the victims and their families.

Speaking during the visit, Ms Zulu expressed concern over the increasing number of motorcycle-related accidents in the district and wished the victims a quick recovery.

She has since called on traffic police officers to intensify the enforcement of traffic regulations among motorcycle riders, stating that stricter compliance measures are necessary to curb the growing number of accidents involving motorbikes.

“I also want to urge motorcycle operators to prioritize road safety and adhere to traffic rules at all times in order to protect lives and reduce preventable injuries on the roads,” she said.

Police have since launched further investigations into the accident and have appealed to all road users to exercise caution, particularly when approaching junctions and intersections.

First Quantum Trident (FQM) has refuted media claims circulating regarding MCK contractor employees and the circumstances surrounding the suspension of operations.

FQM Trident Ltd Public Relations Senior Specialist Mirriam Harmon said in a statement made available to the media today that reports suggesting that a commercial dispute between FQM Trident and MCK led to the suspension of operations were factually incorrect.

Mrs Harmon said the mining company confirms that there has been no commercial dispute between the two parties that resulted in the contractor suspending its operations on 3rd April 2026.

She said the decision to suspend operations and place employees on indefinite leave was made entirely and independently by the contractor.

Mrs Harmon said at no time did FQM Trident instruct, direct, or compel the

contractor to cease operations.

She said FQM Trident remains committed to constructive engagement with relevant stakeholders and is

available to provide more accurate information to prevent misinformation and speculation regarding the matter.

Police in North-Western Province say they are still pursuing eight key suspects who remain on the run in connection with the murder of Eneless Kamutumbe, a businesswoman of Kisasa area in Kalumbila District.

Speaking during a recent media engagement in Solwezi District yesterday, North-Western Province Police Commissioner Brighton Siwale said investigations have progressed, with 19 people charged with murder among other cases out of more than 200 suspects arrested in March this year.

Mr Siwale said eight key suspects were reportedly on the run and investigations have continued, three months after the brutal murder of Ms Kamutumbe.

“We have made headways as police, we have some suspects appearing before the courts of law. About 19 suspects charged with murder, I can’t mention the exact number of suspects charged with malicious damage of property and riotous behavior we also have a good number appearing before the Magistrate court.

 He however said eight key suspects were on the run and police were actively pursuing them.

Mr Siwale appealed to the suspects to surrender themselves to the police before they were apprehended.

“My appeal to them and their relatives around is to encourage them to return home so they answer to the charges rather than wasting government’s time and resources in pursing them. We have reports that some have actually abandoned their families,” he said

In March this year, a mob brutally killed a 46-year-old Helen Kamutumbe in Kisasa area following allegations by Prince Ntambo, aged 25, that the deceased had caused the disappearance of his private parts after allegedly coming into physical contact with him at a local market.

The incident attracted national attention and led to the arrest of more than 200 people as police launched investigations into the matter.

The Zambia Police Service in Northern Province has recorded an accident involving a motorcycle and ambulance.

 Northern Province Police Commanding Officer, Simunji Mulonda disclosed that the accident happened on June 3, 2026 around 14:00 hours near the Luwingu Magistrate Court area along Bangweulu road in Luwingu District.

Mr Mulonda said the rider who was injured was immediately rushed to Luwingu District Hospital where he was attended to, and treated as an outpatient while the driver of the ambulance escaped unhurt.

He explained that the accident involved a Toyota Land Cruiser Ambulance bearing registration number GRZ 354DF belonging to the Ministry of Health, Luwingu District which was being driven by Aubrey Chanda, aged 43, of Kukas Compound in Luwingu District, who escaped unhurt.

He added that the unregistered motorcycle was being ridden by Judge Bwalya, aged 15, of Kapisha Village in Chief Chipalo’s area in Luwingu District.

Mr Mulonda explained that the vehicle sustained a depressed front left fender while the motorcycle sustained a broken headlamp, a deformed front wheel, and other minor damages.

He added that preliminary investigations indicate that the accident occurred when the driver of the ambulance turned left without exercising due care and, in the process, collided with the motorcycle rider who was approaching from the opposite direction.

Mr Mulonda has since implored all motorists to exercise extreme caution when changing direction, turning at junctions, or entering other lanes of traffic.

“Drivers must ensure that the road is clear and safe before executing any maneuver in order to avoid preventable accidents,” he added.

He has further expressed concern at the increasing number of road traffic accidents involving motorcycles, particularly those being ridden by underage persons and on unregistered motorcycles.

Mr Mulonda has called on parents and guardians to strongly desist from allowing juveniles to operate motorcycles on public roads to avoid putting the lives of young riders and other road users at serious risk.

The Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) has backed green growth projects ahead of the World Environment Day which falls on June 5, 2026.

According to a statement made available to the media today by ZEMA Corporate Affairs Manager Ruth Kamwi, ZEMA approved 103 development projects, during the May 2026 sitting of the Environmental Assessments Committee of the 6th ZEMA Board.

Ms Kamwi stated that out of 106 projects considered, only 103 were approved.

She explained that key approvals include a total of 300 Megawatts of solar energy projects, a Plastic Manufacturing and Recycling Plant in Lusaka, a Tile Adhesive Manufacturing Plant in Lusaka and a Used Oil and End-of-Life Tyres Recycling Plant in Kyangozhi, Kalumbila District in North-Western Province.

“These projects advance climate action through cleaner energy, waste-to-energy solutions, and resource efficiency,” added Ms Kamwi.

She further said that the Agency also approved the rehabilitation and upgrading to bituminous standard of 65km of the Chipata–Chadiza Road (D128), including 15km of Chipata township roads and 5km in Chadiza, Eastern Province, by the Road Development Agency (RDA).

She pointed out that the approvals align with this year’s World Environment Day theme: “Accelerating Zambia’s Climate Action for Green Growth and Sustainability.”

“Each project underwent rigorous review to ensure environmental safeguards, climate resilience, and sustainable resource use,” she added.

Ms Kamwi also disclosed that by sector, the committee approved 46 projects in Mining and Mineral Processing, 20 in Manufacturing and Processing, 10 in Infrastructure Development, 21 in Energy, five in agriculture and forestry, and one in tourism, adding that three projects were deferred.

 The Office of the Vice President’s Resettlement Division has commenced harvesting maize from its 10-hectare demonstration field at Kanakantapa Resettlement Scheme in Chongwe District, with over 700 by 50-kilogramme bags expected to be produced.

Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Vice President for Resettlement Division, Mavis Nkomeshya says the entire harvest will be sold to the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) to contribute to the country’s strategic food reserves and enhance national food security.

Ms Nkomeshya said the demonstration field was established to showcase improved farming techniques and encourage resettled farmers as well as surrounding communities to adopt modern agricultural practices.

She disclosed that the Division plans to sink mechanised boreholes at the scheme to support irrigation and ensure year-round agricultural production.

“The irrigation system will benefit both the resettlement scheme and neighbouring farmers, in line with government’s efforts to reduce dependence on rain-fed agriculture,” she explained.

The Permanent Secretary urged farmers to embrace modern farming methods and maximise land utilisation in order to increase productivity and improve household incomes.

And She assured the farmers that government will continue providing training and other forms of support aimed at boosting agricultural output across the country.

Meanwhile, Kanakantapa Resettlement Scheme Manager Nakaala Lwiindi said the harvest demonstrates government’s commitment to supporting Zambia’s food security agenda.

Mr Lwiindi encouraged civil servants and other citizens to venture into farming for both household consumption and commercial purposes.

And Cynthia Kanguye, a Kanakatapa resident, said the project has created employment opportunities for the local people as several community members were engaged during the planting and harvesting periods.

The Kanakantapa Resettlement Scheme is among several resettlement schemes under the Resettlement Division established by the Government to improve livelihoods through agricultural production.

President Hakainde Hichilema has signed five bills into law, including four pension reform bills that will increase the minimum pension, provide advance lump-sum payments to approximately 30,000 retirees, and enhance pension savings for 1.2 million NAPSA members.

The package also includes the fifth bill which is the Education Amendment Bill of 2026.

Speaking at the signing ceremony at State House today, President Hichilema emphasised that reforms are central to restructuring the economy, with the aim of promoting economic growth and improving the livelihoods of the people.

The Head of State noted that reforms, such as those in the energy sector, are essential for the country to function effectively for its citizens.

The President further said when reforms are implemented diligently and with purpose, such as the pensions and education bills they deliver results that are vital to the people’s well-being.

He further called for a holistic approach to nation-building, working together with a shared vision to achieve meaningful progress.

National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA) Director General, Muyungwa Muyungwa, represented by Acting Director General Asa Msusa, highlighted that the new laws will offer members progressive services, opening new opportunities that will contribute to job creation across the country.

Mr Msusa described the legislative milestone as a significant step that will positively transform the country’s trajectory.

Church Mother Bodies Representative, Vanny Munyombwe praised the enactment of the laws, stating that a nation’s character is reflected in its laws and also expressed delight in the government’s efforts.

“Governments are meant to represent the cries of the people. The signing of these five laws exemplifies this principle,” he said.

Dr Munyumbwe affirmed that the church and government are united in their belief that every child in Zambia matters, regardless of background.

Basic Education Teachers Union (BETUZ), Acting General Secretary, Christopher Simukonda, commended the President for his unwavering commitment to uplifting the lives of Zambians through the Free Education Bill.

Mr Simukonda pointed out that Zambia has taken a bold step by providing free education, ensuring no child is denied access to learning.

He emphasised that investing in free education is an investment in social security and reaffirmed teachers’ dedication to fostering national development.

Zambia Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU), Acting Secretary General, Catherine Kantumoya highlighted that the five bills symbolise the ongoing transformation of the country.

She stated that ILO Convention 102, which upholds workers decency, is being supported through the legislative changes, commending the government and President Hichilema for their efforts.

Ms Kantumoya also called for widespread awareness and dissemination of the new laws across the country, emphasising that the reforms are a game changer for Zambia.

Vice President, Mutale Nalumango has commended President Hakainde Hichilema for being a visionary leader whose administration has enacted progressive laws that cut across the nation, citing that the new legislation that demonstrates care and love for Zambians.

Mrs Nalumango, who was speaking during the presidential assent ceremony for five Bills at State House today, said the Bills assented to, are just examples of many reforms passed during the current government’s five years term.

“For the care that the President has, for the love that the visionary leader has, and indeed the support from the institutions that have been part to the development of these roles and the Zambians, we can see, are excited to get these laws that have been put in place,” she said.

Mrs Nalumango highlighted increased women’s representation in decision making as a key achievement of the UPND administration.

“The women folk have cried for a long time for representation in decision making and I think, we have all seen what is happening in our country, women are leading very important institutions in our country. This must be encouraging to the youths, the students, the female students that you are not waiting for nothing,” she said.

She said President Hichilema’s decision to put free education into law, rather than leave it to policy, was meant to protect it from political changes.

“That is why, by decision, the President said we cannot leave things like free education to just the policy and the will of individuals. Let us put it into law, so that it is not just turned anyhow at the whims of somebody, it is law,” she added.

She also commended the labour movement for acknowledging the new social security reforms, stressing that a strong social protection system gives hope to citizens.

“We can’t continue to have weak social security, we are working with social protection. Social security is key to the future, and it gives hope to somebody today,” she said.

And United Party for National Development (UPND) Alliance member, Highvie Hamududu said Zambia has made huge steps against poverty, unemployment and inequality by legislating free education.

Mr Hamududu, who is also the Party for National Unity and Progress(PNUP) leader, cited the UNIP era from 1964-1990s as proof that free education improved the social profile of Zambians.

He said Zambians have been crying for lump sum pension payments, and the government has delivered, adding that monthly pension amounts have also been increased.

Mr Hamududu described the assented Bills as bold steps that address the whole lifespan of Zambia’s free education for children and lump sum pensions for retirees.

He has called for Zambians to celebrate the UPND government for the reforms that will change the country’s socio-economic profile.

Former Minister of Technology and Science, Felix Mutati said legislating free education moves Zambia beyond policy to enforceable commitment for 2.6 million children.

“I think my way to the public is that the law has been assented that you know policy is important but it is not sufficient so when you create law it means that you are compelled to deliver,” Mr Mutati said.

He said education guarantees opportunity for every child regardless of background.

“ You need to pave the way and the only thing which paves the way for anybody in any life is no other than education, so now we have guaranteed education for every child regardless of where you are where you come from,” he said.

Mr  Mutati added that government is complementing free education with school meals, infrastructure and teacher recruitment.

“But on top of that we are also feeding the kids so that they can learn better, we are providing infrastructure such as desks, classrooms, have employed over 40,000 teachers and will continue to employ, so for us this is a journey without a finish line,” he said.

Meanwhile, Learners representative, Emma Chanda commended government for honoring pupils with the Free Education Bill, saying the law restores dignity and hope for children who previously dropped out of school due to lack of fees.

“Today, government has honored, for years many of us watched friends leave school because parents could not afford fees, uniforms, or exam costs and this  law tells every child in Zambia that your future matters, regardless of where you come from,” she said.

A 35-year-old woman of Muwozi area in Mwinilunga District has been allegedly murdered by her husband following a quarrel that ensued after a drinking spree.

Northwestern Province Police Commissioner Brighton Siwale who identified the deceased as Florence Ntenda aged 35 said the incident happened between 29th around 17:00 hours and 31st May,2026 around 07 hours respectively.

Mr Siwale said the matter was reported by the deceased uncle Raynod Kayando aged 51 of Kapila village in Muwozi area.

Mr Siwale said the brief facts of the matter are that on 29th June,2026 in the morning, the couple went to attend the Mukanda traditional ceremony (male circumcision) at headman Kazanga’s village and whilst there they were   offered locally brewed beer commonly called (Kachasu) and Munkoyo to drink during the celebration.

He said the duo got drunk and, in the process, picked up a quarrel where the husband started beating the wife who sustained a swollen face but was later rescued by onlookers who were equally attending the event.

“During the evening time, they spent nights at the house of Charles Chipango within the same village. However, on 31st June,2026 at around 07:00 hours in the morning, Charles Chipango the suspect heard the baby to the deceased crying where the couple were sleeping. When he went outside to go and check, he found the couple sleeping while the baby was left unattended to,

“He woke up both of them, but he observed that the wife appeared to be unwell and in an unconscious state. He then organised for a bicycle and rushed her to Chiwoma Rural Health Centre, where she was pronounced dead upon arrival,’ Mr Siwale said.

Mr Siwale said when the news of her demise reached the village, the husband heard about it and he immediately ran away from the village.

He said the matter was reported to the police who quickly visited the hospital and upon conducting a physical inspection on the deceased’s body, they observed that the deceased’s face and tummy were swollen.

The body was deposited at Mwinilunga District Hospital mortuary awaiting postmortem examination and a docket of case has been opened, and a man hunt for the suspect has been launched.