Minister of Energy Makozo Chikote has warned Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) and fuel service station operators against hoarding fuel, saying the practice is illegal and will attract sanctions.

In a statement issued today, Chikote said Zambia’s petroleum stock position remains stable and urged citizens not to panic buy fuel despite global tensions affecting oil markets.

The minister noted that government had already assured the nation during last week’s press briefing that fuel stocks were stable and there was no need for panic buying.

He explained that Zambia’s fuel reserves had been procured earlier at lower international prices and are sufficient to cushion short-term disruptions despite global tensions involving United States, Israel and Iran.

Following the conflict, Iran reportedly closed the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime route through which about 20 percent of the world’s oil supply passes.

Chikote said government had received reports that some service stations were deliberately withholding fuel from the market in anticipation of possible price adjustments.

“We have received reports that some service stations may be deliberately withholding fuel from the market in anticipation of possible price adjustments,” he said.

He stressed that government will not tolerate such conduct.

“Let me make it clear that such behaviour is a violation of petroleum supply regulations and will not be tolerated,” said Chikote.

The minister added that inspections are being intensified across the country in collaboration with the Energy Regulation Board (ERB).

“We are working closely with ERB to ensure full compliance with petroleum supply regulations. Any operator found hoarding fuel will face sanctions,” he said.

Chikote reassured the public that Zambia’s fuel reserves remain adequate.

“As of today, Wednesday, March 11, 2026, our petroleum stock position is stable. Diesel stocks stand at 310 million litres, giving us 29 days of cover, while petrol stocks stand at 34.8 million litres, equivalent to 20 days of cover,” he said.

He added that the country also has 82.9 million litres of kerosene, providing about 11.6 days of cover, and 2 million litres of Jet A-1, equivalent to about 11.5 days.

While Jet A-1 stocks remain below the desired minimum threshold, the minister said the situation is being actively managed to ensure supply stability.

Chikote urged citizens to remain calm and continue buying fuel normally.

“There is no cause for panic buying. Zambia’s petroleum supply remains secure, and our reserves are designed to cushion short-term disruptions,” he said.

He added that government continues to monitor developments in the Middle East and their potential impact on global petroleum supply chains.

The Kabwe Magistrate court has adjourned a matter in which a 66-year-old man of Makululu Compound in Kabwe District is charged with defiling two girls under the age of 16, to April 24, 2026 for the continuation of trial.

This is in a matter in which Simon Bwalya is charged with two counts of defilement of a child contrary to section 138 of Penal Code Chapter 87 as amended by Act number 15 of 2005 and Act number 2 of 2011 of the Laws of Zambia.

Particulars of the offence are that, Bwalya between 25^th and 31^st October, 2025 in Kabwe District of Central Province had unlawful carnal knowledge of two girls under the age of sixteen.

When the matter came up for trial before Resident Magistrate Sebastian Mwenya, the state called in two child witnesses who are the victims to testify in the matter.

The first witness was a 9-year-old minor who told the court how on the fateful day they left home with her elder sister, aged 13 to go and play at their friend’s house but did not find her and only found her grandfather, who is the suspect in the matter.

The minor explained that the suspect offered the two girls some coins to help him sweep the house, cook food and wash some cooking utensils.

She narrated that after the chores, the suspect called her inside the house and had carnal knowledge of her in his bedroom.

The second witness was the 13-year-old minor who told the court that she cooked the food and swept the house while her young sister helped with washing the plates.

The minor told the court that the suspect called her inside the house after her young sister came out and enticed her with some coins adding that while in the house the defendant instructed the victim to close the door and undress.

She further testified that the suspect threatened to beat her with his walking stick if she did not comply and the defendant proceeded to have carnal knowledge of her in his bedroom.

The two victims went home hiding their ordeal of what had happened at the defendant’s home because he had warned them not to disclose it to anyone.

The duo told the court that after five days they shared their story with a friend who later told the victims’ mother who upon confirmation reported the matter to Police.

The matter is being prosecuted by Senior Public Prosecutor, Remmy Phiri of the National Prosecution Authority (NPA) and the defendant is being represented by Nsama Zulu from the Legal Aid Board of Zambia.

Bwalya remains on bail.

Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry, Chipoka Mulenga has underscored the importance of joint ventures and partnerships in driving economic growth across Africa.

Mr Mulenga says such partnerships will help boost local industries and empower the private sector to contribute meaningfully to national development.

The Minister was speaking during a high-level panel discussion focusing on policy harmonization for continental trade with Trade Ministers from Botswana and Ghana at the African Trade Conference 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa.

Mr Mulenga outlined a five-point policy mantra aimed at strengthening collaboration among African countries.

He highlighted investing, producing, processing, marketing and selling together as African countries as key strategies to foster revenue sharing and facilitate skills transfer between foreign and local investors, as well as the private sector.

 “The aim is to create jobs for young people yearning for employment through partnerships that drive investment, production, and processing,” Mr Mulenga said.

Mr Mulenga reiterated the importance of strengthening intra-African trade and investing in trade-enabling infrastructure to unlock the continent’s vast economic potential.

He further called for stronger policy harmonization among African countries, particularly through aligning regulatory frameworks, standards, and customs procedures to facilitate the seamless movement of goods and services across borders.

The Lusaka High Court has dismissed a case in which Morgan Ng’ona challenged his expulsion as Patriotic Front (PF) Secretary General by faction president Miles Sampa in August 2025 following an internal party dispute.

In a ruling delivered on March 3, 2026, High Court Judge Concepta Zulu found that Ng’ona failed to comply with court directions issued on March 26, 2025, and allowed nearly four months to pass without taking the required steps to advance the matter.

Justice Zulu said the prolonged delay and Ng’ona’s failure to apply for extensions created a substantial risk that a fair trial could not be guaranteed. She added that the inactivity in the case was prejudicial to the proper administration of justice.

The court further stated that Ng’ona’s lack of progress in the case appeared intentional and noted that his explanation—that several interlocutory applications had to be addressed before the main matter could proceed—was not sufficient justification for failing to prosecute the case.

In the matter, Ng’ona had sued Sampa, challenging the decision to remove him as PF faction Secretary General. He also sought a declaration that Sampa’s decision to dissolve the party’s Central Committee was illegal, arguing that Sampa did not have the authority to do so.

Ng’ona also requested an order to stay Sampa’s decision until the case was fully determined.

In his defence and counterclaim filed in June 2025, Sampa asked the court to dismiss the matter and order Ng’ona and Robert Chabinga to stop presenting themselves as leaders of the Patriotic Front.

Following the dismissal of the case on procedural grounds, Ng’ona has since filed an appeal challenging the ruling.

In his appeal, Ng’ona argues that interlocutory applications on record were not properly considered and that the court did not determine whether the delay would create a substantial risk of depriving the parties of a fair trial.

The 26th China Medical Team has donated medical supplies worth over K1.2 Million to Levy Mwanawasa University Teaching Hospital (LMUTH), to enhance patient treatment and reduce the cost of seeking specialised medical care abroad.

The donated items include essential surgical equipment and oncology medical supplies aimed at strengthening the hospital’s capacity to handle complex medical cases.

The media reports that speaking during the handover ceremony in Lusaka today, Hospital Senior Medical Superintendent, Charles Mutemba, said the donation demonstrates the strong partnership that the Zambia and Chinese governments have built over a long period of time.

“These medical supplies will help improve surgical outcomes and lessen the cost of patients traveling abroad for treatment,” he said.

Dr Mutemba further underscored the need for continued collaboration between the Ministry of Health and the Chinese government in strengthening the country’s health sector.

Meanwhile, 26th China Medical Team Leader, Zhang Yingjian, said he is pleased with the long-standing relationship that Zambia and China have built in the health sector.

He added that China also sends specialised medical staff to Zambia for a year to provide medical technology expertise.

“This contribution reflects our shared determination to save lives and support the Zambian community,” he said.

And LMUTH Head of Clinical Care, Frank Changwe, expressed gratitude for the continued support from the 26th China Medical Team, noting that the donation has come at a critical time for the institution.

“These surgical items will greatly support our work, we handle numerous cases that require specialised care and having the right tools is essential in ensuring patient safety,” he said.

Dr Changwe reaffirmed that the Zambian government will continue working with the Chinese government to further strengthen the health sector.

Livingstone Member of Parliament Rodney Sikumba has commissioned several projects worth K 6 million funded under the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) aimed at improving sanitation, waste management and security in the district.

Speaking during the commissioning of an ablution block and a solar-powered water system at St Raphael’s Secondary School, Mr Sikumba said government remains committed to improving the welfare of communities through the effective utilisation of the Constituency Development Fund.

Mr Sikumba said the projects are part of government’s broader efforts to enhance access to clean water, sanitation, health and education facilities.

The commissioned projects include the construction of an ablution block and installation of a solar-powered water system at St Raphael’s Secondary School, the procurement of a skip loader truck for Mbita Market, and the installation of solar-powered street lights in Dambwa North, Mukuni Road in Libuyu and Francis Town Road in Ellen Brittle.

Mr Sikumba said the procurement of the skip loader truck will help improve garbage collection and contribute to maintaining cleanliness in Livingstone.

The MP further noted that the installation of solar-powered street lights will help improve security for residents in the targeted areas.

He also urged residents to safeguard the infrastructure and avoid vandalism of public facilities.

And St Raphael’s Secondary School headteacher thanked government for constructing the ablution block and installing a solar water system at the school.

The headteacher said the facilities will help address sanitation challenges previously faced by pupils and staff.

Meanwhile, Livingstone Mayor Constance Nalishebo Muleabai commended government for supporting developmental projects in the district.

She said the initiatives will improve service delivery and contribute to better living conditions for residents.

Among those present were the Livingstone Town Clerk, council officials and members of the community.

 The Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) has recorded improved rainfall performance and increased reservoir storage levels at the Kariba Dam standing at 477.74 metres above sea level compared to last year’s 476.93 metres as of yesterday, March 10.

The Authority further indicates that water levels at Chavuma gauging station are similarly gradually rising at 3,058 cubic metres per second and likely to improve by mid-March this year.

ZRA Public Relations and Communications Manager, Selusiwe Moyo, has also noted that the water flows at Victoria Falls’, Nana’s farm gauging station, were at 1,645 cubic metres compared to the 871 cubic metres recorded last year.

In a statement issued to the media in Lusaka today, Ms Moyo highlighted that hydrological data recorded at its gauging stations such as Chavuma and Victoria Falls among others across the Kariba Catchment, shows that the ongoing 2025-2026 rainfall season has seen improved rainfall performance across much of the catchment which has led to increased river flows.

She pointed out that the development underscores the impact of recent rainfall events across the basin, leading to a stronger response from the river system.

Ms Moyo notes that the Zambezi River Authority will continue to monitor the hydrological situation in the Kariba Catchment and provide regular updates to stakeholders.

She has since advised all stakeholders to take necessary precautions to ensure the safe management of water resources in the catchment.

The Higher Education Loans and Scholarships Board (HELBS) has urged graduates who are owing and employed in the private sector to comply with student loan repayment obligations, stating that timely repayments are essential for sustaining the loan scheme for future beneficiaries.

HELBS Corporate Communications Manager, Chiselwa Kawanda, says beneficiaries of the student loan scheme are required to repay their loans once they secure employment, regardless of whether they are working in the public or private sector.

“All beneficiaries of the student loan scheme are expected to start repaying their loans once they are employed.

“This applies to those working in both the public and private sectors,” Ms Kawanda stresses.

She explained in an interview with the media that the Board is engaging private sector employers to facilitate loan deductions through payroll systems once a beneficiary is identified.

“We are working with various private sector institutions to ensure that once a beneficiary is identified, the necessary deductions are effected in line with the loan agreement,” she said.

Ms Kawanda, however, acknowledged that tracking some beneficiaries working in the private sector remains a challenge.

“Some graduates do not update the Board on their employment status, which makes it difficult to track them, but we are strengthening our monitoring systems to improve compliance,” she said.

She added that loan repayment is critical to the sustainability of the scheme as it enables the Board to support more students seeking higher education through the loan facility.

Ms Kawanda re-emphasised the need for graduates to comply with repayment obligations, stating that loan repayments will help maintain the revolving fund to support future beneficiaries.0