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President Lungu calls for debt relief and cancellation in light of reduced revenue in call with Chinese President

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President Lungu calls for debt relief and cancellation in light of reduced revenue in call with Chinese President

President Edgar Lungu yesterday held a telephone meeting with President Xi Jinping of the Peoples’ Republic of China. During the meeting, the two Heads of State acknowledged the excellent relations between the two countries.

They undertook to further enhance cooperation at bilateral and multilateral levels for the mutual benefit of the peoples of the two countries. The Heads of State called for concerted global efforts and commended the World Health Organisation -WHO- for its leadership and coordinating role in the fight against COVID-19.

President Lungu, in addition, thanked President XI for China’s support to Zambia’s COVID-19 response.

President Lungu called for debt relief and cancellation in light of reduced revenue due to the negative impact of the pandemic, as well as competing needs for the country, to secure adequate resources to fight the pandemic and to stimulate the economy.

The two leaders agreed to continue working closely together to safeguard common interests, including on matters concerning the United Nations Security Council.

President Lungu reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment to the aspirations of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation which has yielded tangible benefits for Zambia through a number of developmental projects.

President Lungu also reaffirmed Zambia’s continued support for the ‘One China Policy’ and applauded the introduction of the National Security Law that will ensure the long-term security and prosperity of Hong Kong.

This is contained in a statement issued to media News this evening by Special Assistant to the President for Press and Public Relations, Isaac Chipampe.

The Joe Malanji Deception: Episode Rwanda

Chief Editor
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The Joe Malanji Deception: Episode Rwanda

By Anthony Bwalya – UPND Member

Before we analyse the latest deception engineered by the Patriotic Front (PF), let us summarise the key allegations at the heart of the Zambia Rwanda Terrorist financing scandal.

Note that none of the below is intended to imply any measure of guilt on the part of any individual, but merely an analysis of information available in the public domain.

The testimony by Major Callixte Nsabimana also known as “Sankara” alleges the following:

– President Edgar Lungu gave Paul Rusesabagina $150,000 out of a total pledge of $1m towards the end of 2017. He further offered the rebels the ability to operate freely in Zambia.

– The president allegedly sympathised with Rusesabagina for the treatment he had to endure under the Paul Kagame regime. Rusesabagina had great respect for the president due to the help / support he had offered fleeing Rwandan businessmen.

– In early 2019, Nsengiyumva Appolinaire met with the President to discuss further support for overthrowing the Kagame regime.

We, therefore, have FIVE key players in this saga:

  1. President Edgar Lungu – the only Zambian Citizen alleged to be involved
  2. Major Callixte Nsabimana also known as “Sankara” – FLN leader, has already pleaded guilty to charges laid against him for attacks in Rwanda.
  3. Paul Rusesabagina – Another alleged FLN leader last known to be based out of Belgium with a trucking business in ZAMBIA setup in the late 90’s after fleeing Rwanda.
  4. Nsengiyumva Appolinaire – A Rwandan living in ZAMBIA operating an SME.
  5. Kayumba Nyamwasa – former Rwandan military chief, arch enemy of Paul Kagame, exiled in South Africa and accused of Terrorism in Rwanda. Despite an arrest warrant, brags about being able to visit Zambia often and has allegedly been seen visiting Zambia often lately.

Joe Malanji does not feature on this list, and therefore is most likely unaware if any of these allegations carry weight. He is merely acting on instructions.

MAY 2019

As part of the trial in May 2019, Sankara alleged the involvement of high ranking intelligence officials in UGANDA and BURUNDI. Meanwhile the RWANDAN PROSECUTION alleged funding for this rebel group came from Rwandan refugees living in countries including ZAMBIA. Recruitment was also alleged to be happening in ZAMBIA.

Therefore, the initial allegations of terrorism financing and recruitment happening on ZAMBIAN soil came from the Rwandan prosecution, and by implication, the Rwandan authorities. The Zambian authorities did not/ have not respond to these allegations.

Around the same time, the Zambian Financial Intelligence Centre lays bare a case of terrorism financing that occurred in 2018, with funds flowing from Zambia to a state where terrorism activities are prevalent. The known individuals involved were linked to terrorism groups in that state. The case was transferred to “competent” authorities for further investigation.

DECEMBER 2019 to MAY 2020

In a complex web of transactions, ZCCM forms a joint venture with little known Sudanese investors (Karma Mining) for ZCCM to obtain a minority stake in a gold processing venture. In a transaction that appears to have failed basic due diligence measures, particularly due to Sudan being a known state sponsor of terrorism, as well as appearing of the sanctions list of the USA, UN, EU and UK. The sequence of events behind this transaction implies political connotations, and appears to have been forced onto ZCCM by the political elite.

A further venture was agreed into with Array Metals, who have exploration rights to $400m worth of Gold in Mumbwa. The players behind this group are Ugandans with no previous known gold mining experience. These Ugandans have suspected links to the political elite in Zambia and in Uganda, and officials are known to have business dealings with a UN sanctioned General from South Sudan.

The above two transactions, which leave the Zambian people with minimal benefits, coincidentally appear to be linked through the players and nations involved.

Refer to link for details of this matrix submitted to and ignored by ZCCM >>
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=164706105027893&id=105996964232141

JULY 2020

As part of Sankara’s sworn testimony in court, startling new allegations are made, as summarised above.

The PF Government in a series of confused responses initially denies the claims without responding directly as to why the allegations cannot be true.

They then secretly (but exposed by eagle eyed citizens) send Joe Malanji as an envoy of the President to meet with Rwandan authorities. He returns and issues another uncoordinated and non-sensical statement saying that the Rwandans are equally surprised by the allegations, that they are not credible, and that Sankara had never travelled to Zambia. Bilateral relations remain intact.

ANALYSIS

Joe Malanji’s statements make no sense at all! It does not tally with the Rebel statement. This is why:

  1. Sankara never said he traveled to Zambia. He said the people who met the President were Rusesabagina and Appolinaire. These two individuals have irrefutable links to ZAMBIA. Can Malanji deny that these individuals have no Zambian links or have never visited Zambia?
  2. The Rwandan prosecutors themselves alleged involvement of players on Zambian soil. How can the Rwandan Government contradict themselves by saying the claims are not credible.
  3. Would the Rwandan Government be prejudicial and ignore the court case and allegations to clear Zambia of any involvement before the trail is concluded and judgement is delivered?
  4. What incentive would Sankara have to dream about the president’s involvement? How would Sankara even dream about individuals like Appolinaire being in Zambia?
  5.  Why has the Rwandan Government been mute on the matter? Why have they not issued their own version of the meeting with Malanji or atleast confirmed the Zambian version as accurate?
  6.  Why has Rwandan media not even reported this meeting and the contents thereof?
  7. Rwandan and Ugandan relations are strained. Zambian relations with Uganda are strong, and politically connected individuals between the two countries are involved in Zambian Gold. Is there a connection or is this a coincidence?
  8. Why is Zambia sending investigators if there is nothing to worry about? They should simply move on since they claim to have been cleared by the Rwandan Government.
  9. Why has Nyamwasa allegedly been allowed free entry into Zambia when he is on Rwanda’s most wanted list?

The reality is that Malanji may have misled the public with his version of events at the meeting with the Rwandan Government.

Sources in the Rwandan Government indicate that the actual discussions vary significantly from what we have been told. Zambia has been told to do more to prove that they were not involved. Hence the Rwandan Government has not yet issued its official position, and hence the panicked dispatch of Malanji to Rwanda.

It is also important to note that Kayumba Nyamwasa, former Rwandan military chief, arch enemy of Paul Kagame, has been allegedly allowed free movement into Zambia despite an arrest warrant. This has been noted by the Rwandan authorities as well and requires explanation.

THE ZAMBIAN PUBLIC

The challenge the people of Zambia have with the current government and leadership is a matter of trust.

Why can’t the government be open and honest with the public so that we remove the need for all this speculation?

If the government was so confident that the matter is a non-issue, as per the tone of the official statehouse statements, what was the need to sneak out senior officials into Rwanda for discussions.

Even if the president is innocent in this, how can we be confident that one of his many friends and associates has not used the name of the president to commit crimes? We have heard this over and over again from the PF. This is the reason why it is important that the president ensures he surrounds himself with people of good reputation and standing in society.

Why is it that the word “terrorism” keeps popping up in Zambia. First it was the FIC report, then ZCCM Gold Scandal with links to Sudan, a country sanctioned for state-sponsored terrorism, as well as Uganda, a country mentioned as part of this plot and now sponsoring of terrorism in Rwanda.

NEXT STEPS

We propose the following:

  1. Can the government sue the accuser in the courts of law?
  2. Can they ask the Rwandan Government to issue a statement in defence of Zambia and validating the statement made by Malanji? Do they understand the ramifications for this country if there is even a bit of truth in the claims?
  3. There is a clear CONFLICT OF INTEREST. The President through his Minister cannot lead investigations into himself for these allegations. Therefore, we propose that a cross member panel/committee be set up in Parliament to lead the investigations. Parliament shall then hold Government to account should any of the allegations be proven. Failure to allow an independent parliamentary committee to investigate will raise red flags and create mistrust.

The people of Zambia deserve answers and we demand answers now!

Parliament likely to adjourn today

Chief Editor
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Parliament likely to adjourn today

The Zambian Parliament is likely to prematurely close for business today due to Covid-19 which has hit the National Assembly building.

So far, a number of Members of Parliament have contracted Covid-19 with Mwansabombwe MP Rodgers Mwewa succumbing to the disease.

Yesterday, the Standing Orders Committee of Parliament resolved to adjourn the House sine die today.

Clerk of the National Assembly Cecilia Mbewe has revealed that even today’s sitting will be done virtually as no MP is expected to be on Parliament grounds.

According to the Order Paper for today, Vice President Inonge Wina is expected to move a motion for the adjournment of the House in accordance with Standing Order 33 (1) of the National Assembly of Zambia Standing Orders, 2016, and in view of the Coronavirus.

And Electoral Expert Macdonald Chipenzi said the expected premature adjournment of Parliament means that Bill 10 is now dead and buried.

“It is with great excitement and joy to learn that the Standing Order Committee of Parliament has just resolved to adjourn the House sine die. This follows the covid-19 fatal attack on the members of the House and the institution in General leaving a trail of fatalities on the members of parliament and staff,” Mr Chipenzi wrote.

“This is as it should be and a sign of responsible leadership by the Committee and its presiding Officers. This means that Bill 10 is dusted and its funeral procession ending officially,” he said.

“It was a long, frustrating and ragged path and journey indeed for both the pro and Anti Bill 10 stakeholders. As it is often said, when God is with you, who can be against you? No weapon or billboards formed against you will prosper.”

“Bravo the Standing Order Committee of Parliament, the Speaker of the National Assembly and Managment at the Assembly and Anti Bill MPs and stakeholders. We have fought a good battle and ran our race dedicatedly.”

Mr Chipenzi said it is now time to resort to normal businesses without the aches, frustrations, stresses and fears from Bill 10.

“To our pro Bill 10 colleagues, democracy is democracy. The majority have won including Covid-19. You can now bring down your Billboards or replace the messages with other pertinent issues like COVID-19 fight. We will meet again over another controversial issue in future as these are never in short supply. Bill 10 is now over.”

Government needs Bill 10 to implement recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry into Voting Patterns and Electoral Violence

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Government needs Bill 10 to implement recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry into Voting Patterns and Electoral Violence

Minister of Justice Given Lubinda says government is eager to implement the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry into Voting Patterns and Electoral Violence.

Mr. Lubinda said government agrees with almost all recommendations made but that in order to reform some of the proposed amendments the outcome of constitutional Amendment bill number ten of 2019 will dictate what will happen going forward.

Mr Lubinda cited the Political Parties Bill and the Electoral process Act as some of the proposals whose outcome will be informed by the outcome of the bill.

Meanwhile, the Southern African Center for Constructive Resolution of Disputes (SACCORD) said there is need to ensure that all the recommendations are observed by all stakeholders to ensure peaceful transition in general elections.

SACCORD Executive Director Boniface Cheembe said there is need to have respect among political leaders through practising issue-based politics.

And Patriotic Front -PF- Deputy Secretary General Mumbi Phiri said the party leadership has guided its members not to retaliate to provocation.

And UPND Deputy Secretary General Administration Gertrude Imenda said in order to end political violence and intolerance it is important for President Edgar Lungu and UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema to dialogue on the way forward.

Davies Mwila pays glowing tribute to late Mwansabombwe Member of Parliament Rodgers Mwewa

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Davies Mwila pays glowing tribute to late Mwansabombwe Member of Parliament Rodgers Mwewa

Patriotic Front Secretary General Davies Mwila has paid glowing tribute to late Mwansabombwe Member of Parliament Rodgers Mwewa for his loyalty to the Party and working hard for the people of Mwansabombwe.

Speaking when he visited the funeral house, Mr Mwila said the late Parliamentarian had a heart for the Party and the people in his constituency.

Mr Mwila said the late MP’s works were evident by the development projects he initiated in Mwansabombwe Constituency.

“Rodgers took development to Mwansabombwe. He shall be missed by Mwansabombwe Constituency and Luapula Province as a whole. He has left a huge vacuum. Replacing Rodgers will not be any easy task because very few are as loyal and committed as Rodgers was. May his soul rest in peace”, the Secretary-General said.

Mr Mwila who was accompanied by PF Media Director Sunday Chanda was received at the funeral House by Luapula Provincial Chairman and Minister Nixon Chilangwa, Pambashe MP and Tourism Minister Ronald Chitotela, Mwense MP and General Education Minister David Mabumba, among other Parliamentarians and senior Party officials.

And President Edgar Lungu said that the late Mwansabombwe PF member of parliament Rodgers Mwewa added value to the party and parliament.

In his message of condolence to Mwewa’s family, President Lungu further described him as a helper who cared for children in need.

Mwewa was also the proprietor of Fountain of Hope orphanage in Lusaka’s Kamwala area, a home to hundreds of former street children.

“Hon Mwewa brought immense value to parliament just as he did to the Patriotic Front. I am also aware that he was a benefactor to more than 300 children at his Fountain of Hope orphanage in Kamwala. His demise is, therefore, not just a great loss to the family but to the entire nation,” said President Lungu in a statement released by his special assistant for press and public relations Isaac Chipampe.

And President Lungu has wished Professor Lupando Munkonge well as he mourns his son and former Lukashya Independent member of parliament, Mwenya, who died last week.

“Hon Munkonge was a hard working member of parliament and despite being an independent MP, he worked very well with the Patriotic Front, a party I am privileged to lead,” said President Lungu.

The late Rodgers Mwewa died on 18th July 2020 at Levy Mwanawasa Teaching Hospital in Lusaka.

ZICTA urges general public and stakeholders to use digital platforms after staff test Postivive for COVID-19

Chief Editor
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ZICTA urges general public and stakeholders to use digital platforms after staff test Postivive for COVID-19

The Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority says a member of staff who works from the Head office in Lusaka has tested positive to Covid-19.

ZICTA Director General Patrick Mutimushi says in order to manage the current situation and to curb the further spread of the virus, the Authority will continue to operate under the strict guidelines as recommended by the Ministry of Health and other health authorities.

Mr Mutimushi has since advised members of the general public and stakeholders to use digital platforms as well as the ZICTa toll free line as they lodge their complaints and further engage with the Authority.

And the First National Bank Zambia has confirmed that there has been a confirmed case of COVID-19 at its Makeni Branch at Cosmopolitan Mall.

The Bank says it has notified the relevant health authorities regarding the developments and closed the branch for 48 hours.

“We can confirm that the Bank has put the necessary precautionary measures to ensure the health and safety of our stakeholders. We care deeply for, and value the wellbeing of, our customers, staff and vendors and therefore we are providing the appropriate support to all involved,” said Bydon Longwe, FNB Zambia CEO.

Longwe said the Bank has already adopted flexible working arrangements in most areas of its businesses and continues to reinforce the adoption of remote working arrangements.

Furthermore, FNB offices and branches have been equipped with hand sanitisers as a
precautionary measure and, where relevant, our respective environments continue to undergo deep-cleaning,”
added Longwe

Chambeshi Toasts Kansanshi Dynamos’ Draw at Zesco

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Kansanshi Dynamos coach Beston “Quicksilver” Chambeshi says Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Zesco United in Ndola will motivate his team to excel in the remaining nine matches of the FAZ Super Division season.

Kansanshi gave away a 1-0 lead to draw against defending champions Zesco at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.

Zesco equalised in the 73rd minute through Jesse Were after defender Clement Mwape had turned the ball into his own net to put Kansanshi in the lead in the 48th minute.

“It was a tough game and we prepared very well for the game against Zesco United. We wanted to get maximum points but unfortunately we drew with Zesco but I am happy with the way boys played. You know playing Zesco away from home and you get a point is a plus,” Chambeshi said after the match.

“We haven’t performed very well in away games but I am happy we came out with a point away from home. It is a motivation to the players and even for the coaches at least we learnt one or two things from the game,” he said.

Kansanshi are slightly above the bottom four with 26 points from 25 matches played.

“We are looking at surviving relegation. I have confidence we will pull through, I have a team that can take this team high. All we need is to put our heads together and plan for the remaining games. Otherwise we are aiming to survive,” Chambeshi said.

The “Mabanga Boys” are now preparing to host Green Eagles in their next league match on August 2 at Independence Stadium in Solwezi.

MONDAY PRO’S HIT LIST

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Here are some briefs from this weekend’s performances involving our selected foreign-based stars.

=POLAND
Slask Wroclaw finished the season in fifth spot but failed to qualify for European competition.
On Sunday, Lubambo Musonda’s side lost 2-1 at home to fourth placed Lechia Gdansk but the Zambia midfielder missed the match due to injury.

=RUSSIA
Lameck Banda, Evans and Klings Kangwa’s Arsenal Tula returns to league action on July22 in a mid-table away clash against UFA in which their seventh placed side will be seeking a third successive league win.

=SWEDEN
Midfielder Edward Chilfuya remains sidelined with injury at Djurgarden who lost 1-0 away on Sunday at Elfsborg.
His compatriot Emmanuel Banda was an unused substitute in that match.

178 new coronavirus cases recorded in the last 24 hours as total deaths rise to 128

Chief Editor
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178 new coronavirus cases recorded in the last 24 hours as total deaths rise to 128

Zambia has in the last 24 hours recorded 178 new coronavirus cases out of the 959 tests conducted bringing the cumulative number of cases to 3,326.

Health Minister Dr Chitalu Chilufya has announced that the cumulative number of coronavirus deaths has risen to 128 from 120 yesterday since the disease broke out in Zambia.

Dr Chilufya said out of the 178 new cases recorded, 104 were detected through Healthcare facility-based screening, 35 were contacts to known cases, six health care workers and 4 truck drivers.

He said of the 128 deaths recorded since the disease broke out on 18th March 2020, 28 are covid deaths, 92 covid related while eight are yet to be classified.

Dr Chilufya also explained that 123 patients were discharged in the last 24 hours bringing the cumulative number of recoveries to 1,620.

He said 61 patients remain in admission, 17 of them on oxygen support at the Levy Mwanawasa Teaching Hospital Isolation facility and 5 of them in critical condition.

He has also disclosed that Mwansabombwe Member of Parliament Rogers Mwewa who died on Saturday last week had underlying conditions (Hypertension and Diabetes) and he contracted Covid 19.

Dr Chilufya told Journalists that there is a generalized distribution of cases without any specific epicenter now.

He urged all Zambians to work together to stop the pandemic especially that in Peri urban arears, numbers are too high

Dr Chilufya said all the provinces have the capacity to tests unlike in the past when tests had to be transported to other provinces.

He has urged Zambians to adhere to the new public health guidelines to halt the spread against the coronavirus pandemic.

HRC concerned with widespread denial of existence of COVID-19

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HRC concerned with widespread denial of existence of COVID-19

The Human Rights Commission is concerned at the increasing cases of Coronavirus and has called for effective national leadership and revival of the campaign to combat the global pandemic.

The Commission has established that there is widespread denial of the existence of the Coronavirus in Zambia and calls for change of attitude and behaviour in order to save lives and protect health.

Commission spokesperson Mwelwa Muleya said the random survey conducted in selected urban and peri-urban areas has revealed that most people do not believe that there is coronavirus in Zambia.

Mr Muleya says it is with great concern that as a result of that kind of denial, public health regulations and guidelines of social distancing, masking up, washing hands with soap, and avoiding handshakes or any form of body contact were in most cases not being observed.

He said the Commission also found out that while some people believe that there is COVID 19 in Zambia, they do not believe that it can cause death and as a result, they are also not strictly adhering to the health regulations and guidelines on Coronavirus.

Mr Muleya said some claim that the wrong perception that the COVID 19 does not cause death was allegedly being created by the over-emphasis by the health personnel on the underlying health conditions of individuals who died from Coronavirus -related illness. This created an impression that no one can die from Coronavirus unless they have an underlying health condition.

“It is the well-considered view of theCommission that there is need for a National Communication Strategy on the Coronavirus to provide a comprehensive guidance to various stakeholders in order to avoid any misinformation and ambiguity in the fight against the global health pandemic”, he said.

Mr Muleya said the legitimate need to prevent public panic should not create uncertainty on the existence and deadly impact of Coronavirus.

“Further, the worrying increasing reported number of Brought In Dead (BID) bodies of individuals believed to have died from coronavirus seem to confirm the challenge of adequate testing for COVID 19; the effect of self-quarantine without access to medical services; and failure by COVID 19 suspected patients to seek medical services for various reasons, including stigma and fear of being quarantined”, he added.

Mr Muleya said the growing reported number of Brought in Dead (BID) bodies is extremely worrying and seems to confirm the current limited testing capacity for COVID 19 and the fact that an increasing number of patients are not seeking medical services from health facilities.

He said this may also be speaking to the dangers of self-quarantine for COVID19 patients without support from medical personnel as well as stigma associated with the pandemic.

“Based on the foregoing, the Commission is calling for effective national leadership and revival of the campaign towards preventing, managing and controlling the Coronavirus pandemic in order to promote and protect the health and lives of the majority”, he said.

Forged Certificate gets Diaspora Support Initiative Suspended from Participating in Public Procurement in Zambia

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Forged Certificate gets Diaspora Support Initiative Suspended from Participating in Public Procurement in Zambia

The Zambia Public Procurement Authority has with immediate effect suspended Diaspora Support Initiative Limited from participating in public procurement in Zambia for a period of two years, for submitting a forged Compliance Certificate.

This is pursuant to Section 65 of the Public Procurement Act No. 12 of 2008 and Regulation 167 of the Public Procurement Regulations of 2011, which, mandate the Authority to suspend a supplier/s from participating in public procurement, for providing false information in a bid or any other document to a procuring entity in connection with a procurement process or contract.

The Authority is directing all procuring entities to enforce the suspension by ensuring that they do not award contracts to Diaspora Support Initiative Zambia Limited.

ZPPA also urged the Public Procurement entities not to sell or issue solicitation documents to Diaspora Support Initiative Zambia Limited or in any way invite bids from them; and not enter in any other dealings or communication with Diaspora Support Initiative Zambia Limited except in respect of existing contracts placed prior to the suspension.

In a circular dated 16th July 2020, ZPPA Director General Christopher Chichoni stated that the suspension did not affect ongoing contracts, but applied to any “success in interest,” which employed or was associated with any partner or director of Diaspora Support Initiative Zambia Limited.

Zamtel Head Office closed after one of its employee tested positive to coronavirus

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Zamtel Head Office closed after one of its employee tested positive to coronavirus

Zamtel has with immediate effect closed its head office in Lusaka after one of its employee tested positive to coronavirus.

Head of Corporate Affairs and Government Relations Reuben Kamanga said that the closure was necessary after one staff tested positive.

“Zamtel wishes to inform its customers and the general public that Management has decided to close its Head Office located at the corner of Chilubi and Church Roads in Lusaka with immediate effect until further notice. This is because one of our members of staff has tested positive for Covid-19,” Mr Kamanga said.

“In the meantime, we urge our customers to visit our service centers in order to access our products and services. Customers can also access our products and services using our online and self-help platforms,” he said.

“We urge customers to adhere to all health guidelines as they visit the service centers.”

HH pays tribute to the late MP Rodgers Mwewa

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HH pays tribute to the late MP Rodgers Mwewa

UPND Leader Hakainde Hichilema is saddened with the death of Mwansabombwe PF Member of Parliament Rodgers Mwewa who died on Saturday evening.

Mr Hichilema says he and the UPND join the people of Mwansabombwe and in particular the arts family in Zambia in mourning the death of a devoted artist and Member of Parliament.

The UPND Leader says he is aware that Mr Mwewa served as Chairperson of Parliamentary Sub Committee on Arts and Culture and therefore always worked in artists’ interest; ensuring matters of Art and culture were promoted to the furthest parts of Zambia.

“Honorable Mwewa started the Mwansabombwe Cultural Festival held in Luapula to uplift the trade in rural Zambia. This was a commendable move”, said the UPND Leader.

And as founder, of ‘Fountain of Hope’ in Kamwala, Mr Hichilema said he recognise Mr Mwewa’s dedication to protecting and providing shelter for children living on the street.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and constituents in Mwansabombwe. May His Soul Rest In Peace”, he added.

Mr Mwewa died Saturday evening and became the second MP in less than 24 Hours to die after Lukashya Independent Member of Parliament Mwenya Munkonge who died earlier in the day.

Mr Mwewa had difficulties in breathing from Friday night and was admitted to CFB Medical Centre in Lusaka.

His condition deteriorated on Saturday morning and he required Oxygen support.

Mr Mwewa was around mid day evacuated to Levy Mwanawasa Teaching Hospital but the ventilators there were not working forcing the medical team to move him to UTH where he died upon arrival in the evening.

Police launch a manhunt for a Police Officer who announced his resignation on social media

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Police launch a manhunt for a Police Officer who announced his resignation on social media

Police have launched a manhunt for Sergeant Jason Chipepo, a Police Officer who announced his resignation on social media on 16th July 2020.

A video has gone viral on social media depicting Sergeant Chipepo number 43888 who has been absconding work since February this year.

Sergeant Chipepo said he took responsibility and decided to resign from the service because of the many wrong happenings including political interference in Police work.

He has also wondered why political parties such as PF, UPND and NDC among others have been allowed to have security wings which are undermining the work of the Police.

Zambia Police spokesperson Esther Katongo said the Police in Muchinga Province have been looking for the said officer after being absent from duty for a long time which is against section 26 (d) of the Zambia Police Act cap 107.

Mrs Katongo said the officer last reported on duty on 2nd February, 2020 and Police have not yet received any communication from him on his resignation.

She said according to the police act, Desertion is an offence committed by police officers who abscond from duty for a stipulated period of time and this is a matter triable by the Criminal Courts of Law.

Sean Tembo opposed to calls for parliament to adjourn sine die due to the increasing COVID-19 cases among MPs

Chief Editor
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Sean Tembo opposed to calls for parliament to adjourn sine die due to the increasing COVID-19 cases among MPs

Patriots for Economic Progress Leader Sean Tembo has opposed calls for parliament to adjourn sine die due to the increasing numbers of COVID-19 cases among Members of Parliament and Parliamentary staff

Mr Tembo says Parliament must not be shut down but should embrace technology such as Zoom so that Members of Parliament do not have to physically be at the National Assembly in order to transact Parliamentary business.

He said parliamentarians can do business from the comfort of their homes saying that is the approach that has been embraced by several progressive countries across the globe.

Mr Tembo said some of the opposition leaders advocating for the shutting down of Parliament believe that it is a solution of opportunity to defeating Bill 10 however this is a narrow and shallow view because the bigger picture is that shutting down a key institution such as Parliament creates a strong case for the declaration of a state of emergency and adjourning of the 2021 general elections.

He said there are several pieces of legislation related to the 2021 general elections, including for delimitation, that are intended to be tabled in Parliament before the 2021 general elections.

Mr Tembo said these Bills need to be given an opportunity to be considered by Parliament.

He said in as much as his party also strongly opposed to Bill 10, the best approach is to defeat it on the floor of Parliament as opposed to advocating for the shutting down of Parliament in the name of COVID-19 so that Bill 10 is not tabled.

Mr Tembo said although the narrow and shallow benefits of shutting down Parliament might appear to favor the opposition, the bigger picture does not.

Meanwhile, Mr Tembo has sent a message of condolences to the families of late Mwansabombwe PF MP Rodgers Mwewa and Lukashya Independent MP Mwenya Munkonge who both died on Saturday.

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