Namweemba Magande, daughter of late former Minister of Finance and National Planning Ng’andu Magande, has asked the Lusaka High Court to order the exhumation of her father’s remains to facilitate a DNA test aimed at confirming her paternity claim.

In court documents filed in a 2025 matter, the 38-year-old plaintiff submitted that DNA samples collected from the late Magande’s remains would help determine whether he was indeed her biological father.

“The plaintiff will aver that there be an order to exhume the remains of the late for purposes of collecting samples to carry out a DNA test with the plaintiff’s DNA samples,” the court documents state in part.

Namweemba, who says she was born out of wedlock, has sued three administrators of her father’s estate, seeking a fair distribution of the properties. She contends that she has not been provided with a full inventory of the estate’s assets.

She is asking the court to compel the administrators to render a complete account of the estate and to distribute the assets to all rightful beneficiaries, including herself.

The defendants in the matter are Simwaale Magande, an administrator of the estate, along with co-administrators Joyce Mudenda and Nakanjoli Magande.

However, the defendants have questioned Namweemba’s paternity and her eligibility to benefit from the estate.

In response, Namweemba has indicated her willingness to undergo a DNA test, provided that samples are obtained from the remains of the deceased.

“The plaintiff will aver that she is ready to undergo a DNA test provided the same is done with samples of DNA collected from the remains of the deceased,” the documents further state.

Her witness, Sakubita Singongolo, submitted before the court that Namweemba is the daughter of his late sister and that Dr Magande was her father.

“In 2012, my late sister intimated to me that the father of Namweemba was the late Ng’andu Magande. She further informed me that the late Magande was charged for getting her pregnant and that the money was paid to her mother,” Mr Singongolo submitted.

According to the witness, Namweemba was raised in Livingstone by her mother, Ruth Sitali, and never visited her alleged father’s home, as the deceased was reportedly uncertain how she would be received by his wife and children.

The matter remains before the Lusaka High Court for determination.

Farmers in Zimba District, Southern Province, have increasingly embraced fish farming, a strategy aimed at boosting household incomes and enhancing food security.

 Zimba District Fisheries and Livestock Coordinator, Mebelo Wamulume, has welcomed the development, urging farmers to approach fish farming seriously as a sustainable and profitable business venture.

Mr Wamulume disclosed that four groups have since procured more than 3,000 fingerlings to restock their fish ponds with the expectations to stimulate local economic activity.

‎Mr Wamulume said the initiative showed that farmers were beginning to appreciate the economic potential of aquaculture.

‎“We have four groups of farmers who have since bought over 3,000 fingerlings and the department we are offering technical support, this demonstrates commitment and growing interest in fish farming.” Mr. Wamulume said.

‎Mr Wamulume told the Zambia News and Information Services in an interview that the department was providing technical support to ensure the success of the venture.

He noted that although the district’s water table was generally low, fish farming remained viable with proper water management practices.

‎He further observed that the recent good rainfall received in the district, coupled with the installation of water points through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF),  was  expected to boost aquaculture activities.

‎“As a department, we are offering technical guidance in areas such as pond construction, stocking, feeding and general pond management so that farmers can maximize production.

‎Even though our water table is low, there is still potential for fish farming. Farmers just need to adopt appropriate technologies and ensure proper water harvesting methods.” Mr. Wamulume explained.

‎He also added that fish farming has the potential to improve household nutrition and provide an alternative source of income.

‎The Department of Fisheries has since reaffirmed its commitment to supporting farmers in scaling up aquaculture production in the district.

Zambia’s Ambassador to Japan, Tobias Mulimbika, has reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment to strengthening bilateral trade and economic relations with the Republic of Namibia.

Dr Mulimbika made the remarks in Tokyo during a courtesy call by Namibia’s Ambassador-Designate to Japan, Ms Rosina Hoabes, held at the Zambian Mission.

The Ambassador noted that Zambia and Namibia continue to enjoy long-standing bilateral relations anchored on historical solidarity, particularly Zambia’s support during Namibia’s liberation struggle.

He said the two countries are now focused on deepening strategic cooperation in economic partnerships, infrastructure development, trade facilitation and regional security.

Dr Mulimbika emphasised that the presence of both diplomatic missions in Japan provides an opportunity to jointly promote investment in projects of mutual interest.

He cited the development of the Walvis Bay, Ndola, Lubumbashi Corridor and the Katima Mulilo One-Stop Border Post as critical infrastructure initiatives aimed at enhancing regional trade and the transit of goods and services.

Dr Mulimbika further underscored the importance of collaboration among Southern African diplomatic missions in Tokyo, including engagement with the Democratic Republic of Congo, to attract investment into strategic regional corridors and promote deeper economic integration within the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

“I also call for increased trade and exports between Zambia and Namibia, noting the significant potential for both countries to leverage their strategic geographic positions and infrastructure to attract investment and stimulate regional growth,” he added.

In her remarks, Ambassador-Designate of Namibia Rosina Hoabes expressed appreciation for the warm reception and reaffirmed Namibia’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Zambia.

Ms Hoabes conveyed gratitude for Zambia’s historic role during Namibia’s liberation struggle and expressed optimism for enhanced cooperation in trade, investment and other areas of mutual interest.

The meeting reaffirmed the strong and cordial relations between the two countries and underscored their shared commitment to advancing economic diplomacy and regional development.

This is according to a statement issued to the media by the Embassy of the Republic of Zambia to Japan First Secretary Press and Public Relations, Faith Chilube.

 Lusaka Provincial Health Director, Simulyamana Choonga has reaffirmed government’s commitment to partnering with private health facilities to strengthen service delivery and health outcomes.

Dr Choonga said the Ministry of Health cannot operate in isolation, stressing that public – private collaboration was essential to safeguard lives.

Speaking during an integrated private health facilities meeting in Lusaka, Dr Choonga commended private health institutions for achieving 100 percent reporting compliance, describing it as a significant milestone for accountability and coordination.

“We have seen improved reporting at 100 percent. The only challenge we are facing is the timing of submissions. Reporting has been done well so far, and we appreciate your efforts,” he stated.

Dr Choonga also addressed concerns over the circulation of health-related footage on social media and emphasised that while members of the public had the right to raise complaints, they must do so responsibly.

“The public has the right to complain, but it must be done rightfully. Every patient has the right to privacy, and this must be respected at all times,” he said.

Dr Choonga also highlighted the need to strengthen referral systems between public and private facilities to avoid unnecessary delays for patients seeking diagnostic service.

He further warned against the illegal transfer or sale of government-supplied medicines to private facilities.

“Drugs and equipment meant for public facilities must remain there. If someone takes drugs from a public facility and sells them to a private institution, that is a criminal offense,” he stressed.

Zambia Association of private facilities president, Collin West pledged continued partnership for quality service over competition.

Copperbelt Province Police Commissioner Mwala Yuyi has confirmed the assault of a Traffic Police Officer by a Clinical Officer from Ndola Teaching Hospital.

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‎The media reports that Mr Yuyi noted that the incident occurred in the early hours of today around 10:15 hours along the Ndola–Kitwe dual carriageway.

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‎He identified the assaulted victim as Constable George Ilyamupu, aged 31 of Peter Singongo Police Camp and the suspect as Emmanuel Njovu, aged 32.

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‎Mr Yuyi explained that the officer had stopped a Toyota Ractis registration number BCG 4472 for allegedly failing to obey traffic signs.

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‎He indicated that however, when the officer attempted to enforce the traffic regulations, the driver reportedly became violent and allegedly assaulted the officer with fists and kicks.

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‎Mr Yuyi further explained that the officer sustained general body pains and was later rescued by members of the public.

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‎The Police Commissioner stated that the suspect has been arrested, and the vehicle has been impounded.

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‎Mr Yuyi has since urged members of the public to respect law enforcement officers as they will continue conducting traffic management duties with or without roadblocks.

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‎He warned that any form of assault on police officers will not be condoned and advised the public to avoid taking the law into their own hands.

The Ministry of Green Economy and Environment has called on charcoal traders and producers to transition to the gas business, describing it as a cheaper, cleaner and safer alternative that can help reduce deforestation and lower household energy costs.

Charcoal trading remains a major economic activity in Zambia, reportedly contributing over three percent to the country’s GDP, according to the Center for International Forestry (CIFOR) Research. The sector provides employment to thousands of people and supplies more than 80 percent of household cooking energy demand.

In an interview with the media, Ministry Permanent Secretary John Chibamba said government is rolling out a community-based gas distribution model aimed at making liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) more accessible and affordable, particularly for low-income households.

Under the initiative, consumers will be able to purchase gas in small, flexible quantities — similar to how charcoal is sold.

“If you have a 10kg cylinder but only need gas worth K50, you’ll get exactly that. The idea is to make gas accessible to everyone, regardless of income,” Chibamba said.

The programme is being implemented in partnership with Linde Group and Afrox Zambia. It will establish community gas filling points within walking distance of residential areas, allowing households to refill cylinders conveniently, even outside standard business hours.

Chibamba said the decentralised approach is designed to reduce dependence on charcoal, which is a key driver of deforestation, particularly in rural areas supplying urban markets.

“If we kill the demand for charcoal in urban areas, rural producers will have no incentive to cut down trees,” he said.

On safety concerns, Chibamba assured the public that all users will undergo mandatory training on proper handling of gas cylinders and stoves before accessing the service.

“It’s safe, and measures are in place to make sure every user knows how to handle it,” he said.

The Permanent Secretary added that the ministry is also exploring solar energy solutions as alternative cooking and power options under the broader green economy strategy.

Responding to claims that gas is more expensive than charcoal, Chibamba dismissed the assertion.

“No, actually gas is cheaper than charcoal,” he said.

Authorities on the Copperbelt have raised concern over the growing number of unregistered motorcycles operating across towns in the province, warning that the trend poses serious security and public safety risks.

Copperbelt Police Commanding Officer Mwala Yuyi told the media  that many of the motorcycles are being brought in from outside the country and are operating without proper documentation.

Yuyi said while motorcycles provide livelihood opportunities for many people, their unregulated growth has created compliance and safety challenges.

“Sneaking in or operating with an illegal vehicle or motorcycle is a serious offence,” Yuyi warned.

He explained that once law enforcement officers impound an unregistered motorcycle, the owner is taken to court and given up to 90 days to produce the required documents. Failure to do so results in the motorcycle being disposed of in accordance with the law.

The police chief added that authorities have continued to encourage motorcycle operators to register their bikes to make it easier to handle matters such as accidents and ownership disputes.

Yuyi noted that it becomes difficult to investigate accidents when motorcycles are not registered in anyone’s name, making it challenging to establish responsibility.

He further pointed out that compensating accident victims also becomes complicated under such circumstances, describing the situation as unfortunate.

The commanding officer urged individuals engaged in the motorcycle transport business to comply with the law to avoid facing legal consequences.

 Junior Chamber International (JCI) Zambia has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the National Council of Students Unions (NACOSU), aimed at equipping students with entrepreneurial and leadership skills to enable them contribute meaningfully to national development.

JCI Zambia National President, Sydney Ng’andu, says the partnership will focus on supporting students with viable business ideas and strengthening leadership development.

The media reports that speaking at the signing ceremony in Lusaka, Mr Ng’andu said the collaboration offers a valuable opportunity to nurture entrepreneurship and leadership among students.

He added that JCI prioritises individual development and business skills to help young people, especially students to make a positive impact in their communities after school.

Mr Ng’andu noted that while Zambia has immense potential among youths, progress can only be achieved through deliberate collaboration and investment in them.

He further stated that the MoU will also support innovation emerging from universities, guided by transparency, accountability and measurable outcomes.

HMr Ng’andu also emphasised that Zambia’s greatest asset is its human capital, particularly the energy, creativity and resilience of young people which, if well nurtured, can drive national transformation.

Meanwhile, NACOSU Chairman, Michelo Chizombe, described the partnership as a blueprint for meaningful youth inclusion in national affairs.

Mr Chizombe said students nationwide will benefit from the agreement, including participation in JCI’s international programmes such as cultural exchanges.

He added that the collaboration will support entrepreneurship initiatives that have a direct impact on students’ lives.

Mr Chizombe further noted that the partnership marks the beginning of a journey where young people actively participate in national matters and drive positive change, rather than remaining mere spectators.

JCI is a leading global youth organisation with a presence in many countries worldwide.