Police in Mbala District have recovered three suspected vulture chicks that were allegedly being kept illegally at a residence in Chila View Compound in Senior Chief Tafuna’s area.

 Northern Province Police Commanding Officer, Simunji Mulonda, says the recovery was made on June 5, 2026 at around 17:00 hours following a tip-off from a reliable informant that an unknown man was unlawfully keeping wild birds at his home.

Mr Mulonda said acting on the information, Police Officers conducted a search at the identified residence, and that during the operation, officers discovered three suspected vulture chicks concealed inside an empty 50-kilogramme sack in a grass-thatched kitchen structure.

He said the suspected owner of the birds was not around when officers arrived.

Mr Mulonda said the recovered birds were secured and handed over to the Department of National Parks and Wildlife for further management and investigations.

And the Department of Wildlife and National Parks has since engaged the Veterinary Department, to assess and document the birds ahead of their transfer to Lusaka, where they will receive specialised care.

He said Police have since opened investigations aimed at identifying and arresting the suspect, as well as determining how the protected wildlife species came into his possession.

Mr Mulonda has since reminded members of the public that the illegal possession, trafficking or keeping of protected wildlife species is a criminal offence under the Zambian law.

He has urged citizens to report any suspected wildlife crimes to the Police or relevant wildlife authorities to help protect the country’s biodiversity.

Mr Mulonda said further updates are expected as investigations in the matter continue.

Nakonde District Hospital management has completed emergency repair works on its mortuary unit and upgraded sanitary conditions across all wards.

The structural and hygienic turnaround was revealed during a follow-up inspection conducted by Muchinga Province Permanent Secretary, Tuesday Bwalya, who was accompanied by senior government officials to assess the completed repair works at the facility.

Dr Bwalya expressed satisfaction with the swift improvements, following a strict 14-day ultimatum he had previously issued to the hospital’s administration.

Prior to the repairs, the district’s largest referral health facility was facing severe infrastructure collapses, forcing patients to endure unhygienic conditions.

In mid-May, Dr Bwalya conducted an impromptu spot check at the hospital, during which he discovered that patients were forced to fetch water using buckets and drums due to internal plumbing failures which prevented water from reaching toilets and maternity wards.

During his last visit to the facility, the PS also discovered that the hospital mortuary had been completely non-functional for over three months, causing immense distress to local people

Dr Bwalya said some of the problems that the facility was experiencing can be dealt with by management without being pushed.

He expressed satisfaction with the works done and further commended the promptness and urgency taken on the repairs.

Speaking when he met administrative staff at the hospital, Dr Bwalya, emphasized that public institutions must maintain high operational standards independently.

“Management teams across the province must run these public facilities efficiently with minimum supervision from my office,” Dr Bwalya pointed out.

He stated that taxpayers deserve functioning infrastructure without provincial leaders always stepping in, on local collaboration and costs.

Dr Bwalya said the extensive rehabilitation process required close inter-institutional cooperation between medical staff and local engineering teams.

Nakonde District Director of Health Services, Philip Munkonge, said the rapid response which included the re-operationalisation of the mortuary was made possible through collaboration from the local authority and health department in the district.

Meanwhile, Provincial Health Director, David Silweya, disclosed that the ultimatum served as a positive catalyst, prompting management to look inward and proactively to resolve other hidden operational bottlenecks.

Dr Silweya also expressed gratitude to the government for maintaining stable healthcare support in the region, noting that the availability of essential drugs at the facility currently stands at a commendable rate of over 75 percent.

And Nakonde Town Council Secretary, Donald Mwanza, who oversees all devolved departments, assured that the local authority remains fully committed to intervening whenever structural or operational challenges arise.

“The local authority will continue to work hand-in-hand with the hospital, to ensure that all sanitary problems at the facility are resolved in a timely manner,” Mr Mwanza stated.

Mr Mwanza explained that both institutions will continue to source alternative funding through various council revenue ventures and the health department in a bid to safeguard the facility against future infrastructure decay.

He added that collaborative efforts further made it possible for the local authority to work on the access road that leads to the facility and mortuary area.

Before concluding his visit, Dr Bwalya toured the rehabilitated female, children and maternity wards, and spent time interacting with frontline healthcare workers to appreciate their improved environment.

Police in Eastern Province has arrested a 44-year-old woman of Chasefu District for allegedly setting her husband’s house on fire, resulting in his death.

Eastern Province Police Commanding Officer, Robertson Mweemba, confirmed the incident to the media, which occurred between midnight and 01:00 hours on June 5, 2026, in Mukanile Village of Nkhanga area in Chasefu District.

Mr Mweemba said the fire left the victim with severe burns all over his body and destroyed property valued at K4,550.

He said the matter was initially reported as a case of arson at Nkhanga Police Post under Lundazi Police Station by Agness Nyirenda, 49, that a grass-thatched house in which her brother-in-law, Jackson Nyirenda, 48, was sleeping had been set ablaze by unknown persons.

“Following the report, Police opened a docket of arson and issued a medical report form to facilitate treatment for the victim,” he said.

Mr Mweemba said Jackson later succumbed to his injuries at around 22:00 hours on the same day while receiving treatment at Lundazi District Hospital.

“The body has since been deposited in the hospital mortuary awaiting a post-mortem examination,” he said.

Mr Mweemba said investigations have since instituted saying the deceased and his wife, Mary Vuma, had earlier gone on a drinking spree before returning home around 20:00 hours.

He disclosed that the couple later had a misunderstanding over the issue of the deceased’s second wife and the sharing of their daughter’s lobola.

“The disagreement prompted Mr Nyirenda Jackson to leave the matrimonial house and sleep in a smaller house nearby that was intended to accommodate his second wife. It was then that the suspect allegedly set the house on fire while the victim was asleep before fleeing from the scene,” Mr Mweemba said.

He said the victim was later rescued by his 16-year-old son, after he noticed the house engulfed in flames, but he had already sustained serious burns.

Mr Mweemba said officers have since apprehended the suspect, who is currently in custody to help with investigations and is expected to be formally charged and appear in court soon.

Vice President Mutale Nalumango has reassured Zambians that government is treating the Ebola Virus Disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo(DRC) and Uganda with the seriousness it deserves, as national systems have been assessed and strengthened to prevent, detect and respond to any threat.

 Mrs Nalumango says although Zambia has not recorded any confirmed cases linked to the current outbreak, the country’s proximity to affected countries and high cross border movement demand vigilance.

Speaking during the National address on ZNBC TV this evening, Mrs Nalumango said Regional public health updates continue to report confirmed cases and deaths in DRC, with cases also reported in Uganda and as of 2nd June, 2026, DRC has reported 344 confirmed cases and 60 deaths, while Uganda has recorded 15 confirmed cases and 1 death.

Mrs Nalumango stated that despite the country not recording any confirmed cases linked to the outbreak, the geographical proximity to affected countries, the trade and travel links and the high level of cross-border movement require the country to remain vigilant, coordinated, and fully prepared.

The Vice President said government, through the Ministry of Health, Zambia National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI), provincial and district health offices, has conducted a national assessment of readiness covering surveillance, laboratory testing, infection prevention and control, case management, border health measures, emergency coordination, risk communication, logistics and essential supplies.

“This assessment has covered surveillance, laboratory testing, infection prevention and control, case management, border health measures, emergency coordination, risk communication, community engagement, logistics and the availability of essential supplies. It has also helped us to identify and address operational gaps so that resources are directed where they are most needed,” she said.

Mrs Nalumango said surveillance has been heightened countrywide, with health workers alerted to promptly identify and report suspected cases, case definitions and reporting protocols have been reinforced, while rapid response teams remain on standby.

“Laboratories are prepared to process samples safely, and referral pathways are being strengthened for isolation and safe transport of suspected cases, screening and health checks have also been reinforced at international airports, major border posts and strategic crossings and port health officers, immigration officials and security are working together to assess travellers while maintaining order and respect.

Mrs Nalumango said government is mobilising protective equipment, medical supplies and other commodities for national, provincial and district levels and training has been extended to frontline health workers, border officials, emergency responders, security personnel and community volunteers.

“We are also strengthening infection prevention and control measures in health facilities to protect patients, health workers and the wider public,” she said.

The Vice President stressed that community engagement remains central, urging citizens to rely on official information from the Ministry of Health and ZNPHI and to avoid misinformation and rumours.

“The fight against Ebola cannot be won by the government alone. We are working with traditional leaders, religious leaders, civil society, the media and community structures to ensure that accurate information reaches every household, this is particularly important because fear, misinformation and rumours can weaken public health responses and delay people from seeking timely care,” she said.

Mrs Nalumango noted that recent alerts of suspected viral hemorrhagic fever were promptly investigated and both tested negative for Ebola, saying this shows preparedness works when communities report early.

She has called on citizens to remain calm, alert and responsible stating that Ebola spreads through direct contact with blood or body fluids of a sick or deceased person, and urged anyone with symptoms such as fever, severe weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, unexplained bleeding, or symptoms after travel to affected areas to seek medical attention immediately.

“I further urge members of the public to practice good hygiene, cooperate with health workers at points of entry and in communities, avoid spreading unverified information, and promptly report suspected public health events,” she added.

Mrs Nalumango further emphasized that suspected public health events can be reported through the national toll-free hotline 7020 or to the nearest health facility and later assured the citizens that the government will continue monitoring regional developments, work with neighbors, international partners and keep the public informed as the situation evolves.

Ebola outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo virus was declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by the World Health Organisation on May 16, 2026.

Ministry of Information and Media Permanent Secretary, Thabo Kawana, says government and the Church share the mandate of ensuring that citizens are sensitised on their democratic participation, particularly the right to vote.

Mr Kawana emphasised that both the church and government have the responsibility to educate young people about the right path of life, teach them essential life skills, and foster good values.

He made the remarks during his visit to the Highlands District Congregations’ fundraising meeting held at Chitukuko Seventh Day Adventist Church in Mtendere East.

During the event, Mr Kawana donated K50,000 raised among some Permanent Secretaries towards the purchase of land intended for building a permanent campsite for the Church.

He also commended the Seventh-day Adventist Highlands District, which comprises 11 congregations, for setting a target to acquire land that will positively contribute to society.

And District Pastor, Joseph Kaboleka expressed gratitude to the government and Mr Kawawa for taking the time to attend the occasion.

Meanwhile, Chairperson of the District Planning Committee of SDA Lusaka District, John Kayesa, disclosed that the Church has set a target of K300,000 to purchase land which they have identified in the Chinyunyu area.

Elder Kayesa explained that the meeting was focused on raising funds to acquire the land in order to build a permanent campsite for the Church.

“We want to buy and develop this land as soon as possible,” he said.

UPND Deputy Secretary General Gertrude Imenda says the party is open to welcoming former Mazabuka Central Member of Parliament Garry Nkombo back into its ranks, provided he renounces what she described as rebellious conduct and recommits himself to the party’s principles and leadership.

Speaking to Phoenix News in an interview, Ms. Imenda said the UPND has previously welcomed back members who had defected, questioning why Mr. Nkombo should be treated differently.

She argued that Mr. Nkombo isolated himself from the party through his actions, noting that the UPND could have considered him for re-adoption as its candidate for Mazabuka Central had he sought adoption through established party processes.

Ms. Imenda said Mr. Nkombo’s decision to contest as an independent candidate denied him that opportunity.

She has further urged Mr. Nkombo and his supporters to avoid a sense of entitlement based on his contributions since joining the party in 2006, stating that many members have equally made sacrifices for the UPND over the years, with some even losing their lives in the struggle for the party’s success.

Two Zambian soldiers who died while serving under the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) have been honoured posthumously by the United Nations.

Staff Sergeant Alick Banda and Corporal Steve Muloke Sakachoma were recognised for their service and sacrifice during a memorial ceremony held at the UN Headquarters in New York yesterday.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres conferred the honours during an event dedicated to paying tribute to peacekeepers who have lost their lives while serving in conflict and post-conflict areas around the world.

Corporal Sakachoma died on June 20, 2025, after sustaining gunshot wounds during an attack while on duty in the Central African Republic.

Staff Sergeant Banda died on December 29, 2025, following an illness during his deployment with the peacekeeping mission.

The Zambia Army reports that the recognition by the UN is in honour of the soldiers’ contribution to international peace and security and their ultimate sacrifice while serving under the MINUSCA.

The ceremony, attended by diplomats, senior UN officials and representatives of member states, was held days after Zambia joined other countries in commemorating the 2026 International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers under the theme, “Invest in Peace”.

Zambia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Dr Chola Milambo, and Zambia’s Military Adviser to the Permanent Mission to the United Nations, Brigadier General Oliver Musonda, received the honours on behalf of the two deceased soldiers.

Seven people, including a baby, have died after suspected criminals attacked a village in Lukulu District, Western Province, and set five houses on fire.

According to Western Province Commanding Officer Rae Hamoonga, the attack occurred between 01:00 hours and 02:00 hours this morning at Kamboyi Village in the Imenda area, about 20 kilometres north of Lukulu Boma along the Lukulu-Watopa off-road.

The assailants, who were armed with offensive weapons, stormed the village and torched five houses together with household property.

Hamoonga said the houses were completely burnt to ashes.

“As a result of the attack, seven people tragically lost their lives. Six victims are believed to have died in the inferno while one infant was allegedly murdered using a hammer,” disclosed Hamoonga.

The deceased have been identified as Beatrice Kandanda, 60, Kamboye Kamboye Junior, 28, Chilemu Chingi, 70, Bisesa Susiku, 25, Simon Kapalu, nine, Mathews Mukimba, 28, and Miracle Muhona, aged one year and five months.

Police said Ruth Kamboyi, 29, sustained a swollen face and a cut on the head after being assaulted during the attack.

Three other victims, identified as Wana Kamboyi, 22, Eunice Mukimba, 45, and Mahongo Kamboyi, 16, suffered burns on various parts of their bodies.

Police further revealed that after carrying out the attack, the criminals reportedly stole 43 cattle comprising bulls, cows and oxen branded VR/68, valued at about K370,500, belonging to Kamboyi Kamboyi.

Hamoonga said intensive investigations have been launched into the case, which involves murder, aggravated robbery and arson.

He said no arrests had been made.