Six armed robbers shot and robbed a Chililabombwe businessman of Kamenza East, making away with US$90,000, a pistol and an iPhone 17 Pro Max valued at K49,000.

The victim, Abram Mukuka, 34, a father of five, was shot in the left leg during the attack, and the bullet remains lodged in his leg. The suspects also fled in his Toyota Hilux registration number AGC 2398, which was later found dumped on Kaoma Street in Chililabombwe.

According to Mr Mukuka, the incident began when his son spotted men hiding in a nearby maize field as he was opening the gate for him to drive into the yard. The armed suspects then emerged and attacked.

Mr Mukuka said he was shot in the leg as he attempted to grab his pistol from his other vehicle which was parked inside the yard. After he was shot and fell to the ground, his daughter tried to fight off one of the robbers during the struggle.

He said the attack appeared to have been planned, as the assailants were masked and wearing reflective jackets. He also observed that one of the suspects had a hand with missing fingers.

Mr Mukuka has since been taken to Nchanga South Hospital in Chingola for treatment to have the bullet removed.

The matter has been reported to police, and investigations are ongoing.

The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has given the Zambian Premier League (ZPL) and broadcaster TopStar a 72-hour ultimatum to resolve the ongoing MTN Super League broadcast blackout.

Speaking when he opened the Strategic Plan Working Group Workshop at Golden Peacock Hotel in Lusaka today, FAZ President, Keith Mweemba, warned that legal action may be taken if the situation is not addressed urgently.

He expressed concern that no Super League match has been televised since November 2025 despite a five-year broadcast deal worth $1 Million per season, insisting that the issue must be resolved without delay.

Mweemba stressed that it is crucial that broadcasting partners, such as TopStar are brought to the round table, stating that contractual obligations must be honoured.

He stated that FAZ would not hesitate to enforce the agreements through legal means if necessary.

Mweemba also revealed that the association could explore partnerships with other broadcasters, including SuperSport and Azam Media, following recent amendments to laws removing monopoly and exclusivity clauses.

Soccer Analyst, Yotham Mwanza, described the situation as unfortunate, urging the Zambia Premier League and TopStar to address the issue.

And Zambia Sports Fans Association Patron, Peter Makembo, said the issue must be urgently resolved on round table between FAZ and the parties involved.

Remains of Abel Mwanza, who died in a tragic school shooting in Tumbler Ridge, Canada, which claimed eight lives and left 25 others injured on 10th February, 2026 have arrived in the country for burial on Monday in Kitwe.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mulambo Haimbe, says government worked closely with Canadian authorities from the time the incident occurred to ensure that the remains were brought back home with dignity.

ZANIS reports that speaking during the arrival of the body at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka, before it was flown to the Copperbelt, Mr Haimbe said government had provided logistical support, including an aircraft from Lusaka to the Copper belt, to ease the burden on the family.

“On this solemn occasion, we commiserate with the family on this tragic loss. You can imagine the young life that has been lost and the devastation the family is going through. As government, we wish to express our deepest condolences,” he said.

Mr Haimbe further assured citizens that government continues to monitor the safety of Zambians in the diaspora, revealing that authorities are closely following developments in the Middle East.

“We are assessing minute by minute, hour by hour, and we already have an evacuation plan in place, should that become the situation that we must deal with,” he said.

Meanwhile, Canada’s Charge d’ Affairs to Zambia, Corry Van Gaal, expressed sorrow on behalf of the Canadian people, describing the shooting in Tumbler Ridge as a tragedy that has shaken communities in both countries.

“It is with great sadness that I speak on behalf of the Canadian people to send my condolences to the Mwanza family,” she said. “Sadly among those who lost their lives was young Abel Mwanza, a young Zambian boy who I am told was such a joy in his class and a real hero.”

She added that Canada mourns the loss of eight young people and stands in solidarity with Zambia during this period of grief.

Speaking on behalf of the family and the Living Word Ministries, the Church Overseer Bishop, Steven Nkhata, thanked both the Zambian and Canadian governments for their hands-on support throughout the repatriation process.

“The government of Zambia, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has really been so helpful from the time the shooting took place in Canada. They have been communicating with us 24-7,” he said.

He added that the intervention to fly the remains to Ndola had significantly reduced the logistical and emotional strain on the family.

The body is expected to be received at Ndola Airport before being taken to Kitwe, where a church service will be held at Maranatha on Monday, followed by burial.

The Fourth Session of the Tanzania – Zambia Joint Permanent Commission on Defence and Security, held from February 23rd to February 27^th, 2026, has concluded following a review of security-related issues of mutual interest between the two countries.

The Commission noted that the weaponisation of emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), space assets, and cybersecurity, as well as various organised crimes in the region, remain a significant concern.

This was stated in a joint communique signed by the two Defence Ministers, Zambian Acting Minister of Defence, Jack Mwiimbu, who is Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security, and Tanzania’s Minister of Defence and National Service, Rhimo Nyansaho.

The communique, which was issued to ZANIS by the Commission, also indicated that the two countries agreed to continue cooperating through new strategies aimed at addressing security threats.

The two nations further committed to ensuring that all outstanding and newly adopted resolutions during the fourth session are implemented promptly.

The Zambian delegation further extended an invitation to Tanzania to participate in the fifth session of the Commission, which Tanzania accepted.

The next session is scheduled to be held in Zambia in February 2027, with exact dates to be announced later.

Both countries expressed satisfaction with the current state of their bilateral relations and emphasised the need to further strengthen their strategic partnership.

he Kasama Magistrate Court has sentenced a 24-year-old man of Lwimbo Village in Chief Mwamba’s Chiefdom in Kasama District to two weeks community service for criminal trespass.

 George Chituta was convicted after he was found walking on the runway at Kasama Airport.

Chituta, who appeared before Magistrate Willie Banda, was facing one count of criminal trespass.

The offence is contrary to Section 306(a) of the Penal Code, Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia.

Particulars of the offence were that on January 26, 2026, around 10:30 hours, Tamira Ngoma, a security officer at Kasama Airport, spotted a man later identified as Chituta walking on the runway.

The accused was stopped and questioned about his presence on the runway but failed to give a satisfactory explanation.

He was apprehended and handed over to Kasama Airport Police Station.

During court appearance, Chituta pleaded guilty to the charge.

In mitigation, Chituta pleaded for leniency, stating that he keeps his grandmother and mother and he is the only male they depend on.

Magistrate Banda sentenced him to two weeks community service within the court premises, warning that failure to comply would result in imprisonment.

 President Hakainde Hichilema has reiterated the importance of preserving Zambia’s cultural heritage, describing it as a cornerstone for national unity and economic development.

The President says traditional ceremonies remain critical in fostering peace and harmony as they bring together people from diverse ethnic backgrounds.

He notes that culture gives a nation its identity and must be protected for present and future generations.

The media reports that President Hichilema when he graced this year’s Nc’wala Traditional Ceremony of the Ngoni people in Eastern Province.

He commended Paramount Chief Mpezeni for consistently safeguarding and promoting Ngoni cultural traditions since 1835.

Mr Hichilema further assured the nation that the government will continue investing in tourism infrastructure as a way of growing the sector and boosting economic opportunities.

The Head of State revealed that tourist arrivals have increased from about 500,000 in 2021 to approximately 2.5 million to date.

And, President Hichilema disclosed that plans are underway to construct a public university in Eastern Province to enhance access to higher education.

He added that government’s education reforms have yielded positive results, with the country recording the highest Grade 12 pass rate in its history.

Meanwhile, Malawi’s Vice President, Jane Ansah, praised the Zambian government for agreeing to sell maize to Malawi, describing the move as a demonstration of strong bilateral relations.

Dr Ansah also commended the establishment of the Mwami One Stop Border Post, saying it has significantly boosted trade and economic activities between the two countries.

She further highlighted the role of traditional ceremonies in strengthening unity among different communities.

Earlier, Nc’wala Traditional Ceremony Organising Committee National Chairperson, Dumisani Tembo, who spoke on behalf of Paramount Chief Mpezeni, thanked President Hichilema for attending the ceremony and called on citizens to embrace unity, peace and forgiveness.

Paramount Chief Mpezeni pledged the Ngoni people’s support for President Hichilema in the forthcoming general elections, citing various development projects implemented in the province.

He also appealed to the government to construct a public university in the region to promote higher education learning.

The traditional leader presented the President with a shield, symbolising acceptance into the Ngoni kingdom and protection.

He urged Zambians to avoid divisions based on tribe or political affiliation and instead promote national cohesion.

Meanwhile, one of the ceremony’s sponsors, ZANACO Bank, disclosed that it donated desks to several schools in the province to improve learning conditions.

ZANACO Board Chairperson, Professor Oliver Saasa, said the bank believes traditional ceremonies strengthen cultural heritage, unity, and investment opportunities.

Professor Saasa emphasised that meaningful celebrations should translate into improved livelihoods for communities, hence the bank’s continued support through social investments.

This year’s Nc’wala Traditional Ceremony was held under the theme “Reconnecting Abenanguni and Promoting National Unity and Love”.

President Hakainde Hichilema has called on Zambians to value and invest in traditions which showcase the country’s true identity.

The media reports that Mr Hichilema has further paid tribute to Paramount Chief Mpezeni and all Ngoni chiefs for keeping the legacy of Zambia’s traditional heritage.

“We wish the Paramount chief good health and full recovery,” Mr Hichilema said when he called on the Paramount Chief at his Laweni palace in Chipata.

And Paramount Chief Mpezeni noted that Zambia is a democracy in which one leader should lead at a time.

The traditional leader applauded President Hichilema’s sound leadership which has been demonstrated through free education policy, building of schools and the increased Constituency Development Fund (CDF).

He cited the empowerment funds especially for the vulnerable people in various communities as one of the tangible efforts which has transformed people’s lives.

The Chief said he believes that President Hichilema still stands a chance to lead Zambia for the second tenure following the laws that govern the country.

“We know not many will be happy with you but do not pay attention to such people, and who can work like you have done so far, I want to say this without fear,” the Paramount Chief said.

Paramount chief Mpezeni, however, appealed to the government not to go ahead with the proposed sale of the National Pensions Scheme Authority (NAPSA) building in Chipata as it is serving a lot of people currently under government’s control.

The Chief further handed over a spear and a shield to President Hichilema symbolising authority.

Receiving the two traditional instruments, President Hichilema thanked the Paramount Chief for the trust bestowed upon him saying he will endeavour to keep it.

Earlier, Malawian Vice President, Jane Ansah, also paid a courtesy call on Paramount Chief Mpezeni, expressing her country’s gratitude for the invitation to this year’s Nc’wala traditional ceremony.

Dr Ansah praised Zambia for the warm reception since her arrival in the country, noting that Zambia and Malawi have long enjoyed unity and peace.

She added that the two countries share a lot in common including culture and traditions.

The Paramount Chief expressed happiness with the visit by the Malawian Vice President and her delegation, and for their being part of this year’s Nc’wala ceremony

Minister of Transport and Logistics, Frank Tayali, says the government remains committed to upgrading airports and is taking the issue seriously.

Mr Tayali adds that government desires to see that all airport infrastructure across the country is upgraded to match international standards.

The media reports that the Minister said this when he conducted a tour of the ongoing works at Mfuwe International Airport in Mambwe District yesterday.

Mr Tayali observed that Mfuwe Airport has been an international airport for a long time, hence needing to meet international airport standards unlike only having one 2.2 kilometre runway.

He expressed happiness that with the current upgrade, the old runway will serve as a taxiway leading into an international standard 3-kilometre runway.

Mr Tayali added that the improvement of auxiliary facilities such as the car park was important in preparing for the anticipated increase in traffic volume, further stating that the plan fits right into President Hakainde Hichilema’s economic recovery plan.

Mr Tayali further called on the contractors to ensure that they uphold quality standards in their works and that the project be completed within the expected timeframe.

Meanwhile, Ministry of Transport and Logistics Assistant Director for Aviation, Paul Mulola, disclosed that K2 Billion had been budgeted for the upgrade of Mfuwe International Airport.

Mr Mulola explained that the contractors had applied for an advance payment of K261 Million, out of which K33 Million was paid to them in July of 2025, and the other part payment of K100 Million towards the advance payment was paid in October 2025 with a remainder of K128 Million.

He noted that according to the update given by the contractors, the works were at 28 percent completion.

Mr Mulola indicated that there were some delays with the environmental impact assessments by the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA), which have however been settled, adding that soon, the main contractor will commence works on the planned 3-kilometre runway.

And Mambwe District Commissioner, William Banda, said the upgrade will improve service delivery.

Mr Banda also commended the Minister for taking time to assess the progress on the project.

 Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry Chipoka Mulenga, has called on all well-meaning Zambians to actively participate in the country’s economic value chains to accelerate national development.

Mr Mulenga says Zambia is taking decisive steps to fast-track economic growth by reinforcing collaboration between the government and the private sector.

He has explained that this is why the government has established a Public-Private Dialogue Forum (PPDF) alongside a dedicated Presidential Delivery Unit (PDU).

In a statement made available to the media by Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry Principal Public Relations Officer, Everness Nankalah, the Minister said the two structures are aimed at ensuring that policies formulated by the government translate into tangible benefits for citizens and the business community.

Mr Chipoka further noted that key policies to support trade, investment and industrial development are already in place and stressed that the next phase requires active engagement from citizens, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders to maximise the impact of initiatives.

“This is a call to action. The policies are in place, but success depends on all of us getting involved and together, we can make Zambia a land of hope and opportunity,” he said.

Mr Chipoka added that by fostering inclusive dialogue and strengthening accountability mechanisms, the government seeks to unlock new opportunities for economic expansion, job creation and enhanced regional competitiveness.

He said the initiative reflects a broader vision of building a resilient and inclusive economy where the government and citizens work collaboratively to achieve sustainable development.

 Lusaka Province Principal Public Relations Officer, Logic Lukwanda, has bemoaned that most parents are not taking advantage of the free education policy by taking their children to school.

Mr Lukwanda says it is disheartening that some parents are denying children access to education and has implored them to ensure that children attend school under the policy, urging communities to report violators.

He has however expressed happiness at Lusaka Province’s surpassing enrolment of one million learners, describing it as a significant milestone.

Mr Lukwanda told the media in an interview that the government has also heightened the feeding programme in schools, built and expanded classroom blocks through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) as well as recruitment of teachers to ensure effective implementation of the policy.

“All these strides made in the education sector are to ensure that the free education policy runs smoothly as intended,” said Mr Lukwanda.

Meanwhile, Basic Education Teachers Union of Zambia Director for Public International Relations, Obby Chisala, commended the government for the attention it has given the education sector.

Mr Chisala says the union has seen massive improvement in the allocation of school grants countrywide.

“As a union we have noticed that in the four years of the current government, the allocation of grants has been timely and consistent,” he said.

Mr Chisala further urged the school management to always use the school grants for the intended purpose and encouraged the school to ensure that all projects are documented for accountability purposes.