In a significant development, former Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) provisional liquidator, Milingo Lungu, has forfeited a staggering $24 million to the Zambian state. The funds, deemed to be proceeds of crime under section 71 of the Forfeiture of the Proceeds of Crime Act No. 19 of 2010, were surrendered following a consent judgment reached between Lungu and the state.

The forfeiture of the substantial sum follows an application for non-conviction forfeiture filed by the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Gilbert Phiri. The Economic and Financial Crimes Court, High Court division, received the application, wherein it was asserted that various amounts held in different accounts of Lungu’s law firm were tainted property obtained from illegal transactions.

Specifically, the seized amounts include over $7 million held at FNB, over $7 million held at Stanbic Bank, and $10 million held at ABSA Bank. This forfeiture marks a significant victory for the State in its pursuit of justice against financial malfeasance.

In response to the development, voices from various quarters have weighed in on the implications and significance of Lungu’s forfeiture. United Party for National Development (UPND) MP Romeo Kangombe issued a statement, decrying the forfeiture as evidence of the “Patriotic Front being a criminal syndicate.” They questioned the motives behind the KCM liquidation, alleging widespread looting.

“For those of you who were still doubting about the Patriotic Front being a criminal syndicate, the forfeiture of $24 million dollars to the state by former KCM Liquidator Milingo Lungu, is your answer.If a single individual tasked to liquidate KCM could defraud the country to a tune of $24 million, how much do you think his appointing authority got away with?” he asked

“Citizens of this country were deceived into believing that the liquidation of KCM was in national interest but the forfeiture of $24 million dollars has exposed the real reason behind the liquidation. Looting! When suppliers and workers were languishing in poverty, Lungu and his junkies were busy enriching themselves. Surely, how greedy can one be? With all the hefty salaries and allowances of the Presidency, he chose to also steal from the poor people of Chingola and other areas where KCM operated from. All criminals must be brought to book regardless of their status in society. Forfeiture is actually an admission of guilty and Milingo Lungu has admitted to defrauding the people and therefore must face the full wrath of the law,”Mr.Kangombe said.

Similarly, social commentator Laura Miti expressed disbelief at the magnitude of the forfeiture, suggesting that the recovered amount might only be a fraction of what was unlawfully acquired. She raised concerns about the wider implications of such corruption on Zambia’s economy and society.

“How an individual, in a small economy like Zambia’s, can have 24 million USD that he criminally acquired, to give back to the state so that he stays out of jail, just fries the mind.

Without question, that amount is not all he took. Chances are, a good stash is offshore right now.

To think that this is one person only! He was not the President nor Vice President. He was simply the President’s lackey.
Just how much was then taken out of our economy by the whole PF regime?

Bigger question – what was the plan? To turn us into Haiti? Some runaway gangland? Point is, sooner or later, money to line pockets from top to bottom was going to run out, but the appetite for astronomical wealth would have remained. Then dog eat dog would have hit.

US$24 million USD! The number of indigent Zambians that kind of money could place on social cash transfer, the amount of the forever in-short-supply cancer drugs purchase – simply the lives saved”, Laura Miti exclaimed.

Hon. Imanga Wamunyima Jr., Member of Parliament for Nalolo, condemned the criminal enterprise surrounding the KCM liquidation, emphasizing the enormity of Lungu’s forfeiture. He highlighted the disparity between Lungu’s ill-gotten gains and the hardships faced by unpaid workers and suppliers.

“Milingo Lungu, do you feel any shame? What about you President Lungu?? ” Hon Wamunyima asked

“US$$24 million forfeiture is not childs play! The liquidation of KCM was a criminal enterprise. While we understand the issues that led to the state taking over, a single individual surrendering $24 million is not Childs Play. Mr Milingo Lungu was capable of funding 20 constituencies with the enhanced CDF from his bank account. While numerous suppliers remained owed and workers remained unpaid we had such theft with impunity.

By the way mines which include KCM have been declaring losses for many years yet an individual accrued this much from its liquidation. While this recovery should have really ended up in a conviction and not consent judgement, the recovery is commendable.A crop of such leaders have no moral right to ever want to rule this country ever again!,Hon Wamunyima said.

The National Prosecutions Authority (NPA) further announced a series of successful forfeitures totaling over $30.9 million from various high-profile cases in the past month. The recovery of such substantial sums signals a concerted effort by Zambian authorities to combat financial crimes and hold perpetrators accountable.

Charcoal production has been targeted as a critical factor in addressing the escalating climate crisis, as the government issues a ban on charcoal production permits in three districts.

In a decisive move to address the escalating climate crisis, the government has issued a ban on charcoal production permits in three districts. This directive, issued by the Green Economy and Environment Minister, Collins Nzovu, aims to curb deforestation and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

The affected districts— Itezhi-tezhi, Mumbwa, and Shibuyunji—have been identified as hotspots for illegal tree cutting, contributing to widespread land degradation and deforestation. The ban comes amidst record-high temperatures, reaching 40 degrees Celsius in February and March, exacerbating the severity of the drought gripping the country.

President Hakainde Hichilema declared the drought a national disaster earlier this year, acknowledging its devastating effects on agriculture, water supply, and energy generation. The resulting power cuts, lasting up to eight hours a day, have heightened reliance on charcoal as a cooking fuel, further exacerbating deforestation.

Minister Nzovu emphasized the critical role of trees in mitigating climate change, highlighting their ability to absorb and store carbon emissions. Preserving forests has become increasingly urgent as Zambia grapples with the dual challenges of climate change and environmental degradation.

Effective immediately, the ban prohibits the issuance of Cord Wood Permits for charcoal production in the designated districts. Individuals currently holding valid permits have until May 1st, 2024, to conclude their charcoal production activities. Stricter enforcement measures, including enhanced patrols and penalties for non-compliance, will be implemented to ensure adherence to the directive.

Below is the Full Press Statement

Zambia is currently experiencing a climate crisis of unprecedented proportions, characterised by record high temperatures,reaching 40 degrees during the months of February and March 2024.These extreme temperatures were particularly severe in areas that were concurrently experiencing record low rainfall levels.The massive cutting down of trees over the years has contributed to the severe drought being experienced in the country.Therefore, in order for us to reduce the impacts of these severe droughts,it is extremely important for all the relevant stakeholders including the traditional leadership,church,non-governmental organizations (NGOs) – to join hands with my ministry to conserve the remaining trees across the country and prevent more severe droughts in future.

Inadequate rainfall has devastating consequences on many sectors such as agriculture,water and energy supply,jeopardizing the national food and energy security and the livelihoods of millions of our people.The current load shedding that we a re experiencing today is a result of climate change with he massive cutting down of trees across the country over the years greatly contributing to this climate disaster.

Trees play a vital role in ensuring that the ecological functions of various ecosystems are safeguarded.Trees are without a doubt the best carbon capture technology in the world,also called carbon sinks.And yet,the trees estates in our country continue to be subjected to a lot of pressure from a number of factors,among which is the numerous requests for degazzettion of forest reserves,high encroachment levels and high levels of illegal logging for charcoal production.this has had massive negative impact in the fight against climate change.

My Ministry has recorded increased levels of deforestation and land degradation due to illegal and massive cutting down of trees for charcoal production,especially in districts such as Itezhi-tezhi,Mumbwa and Shibuyunji.As the stock density of the trees in the said districts is insufficient to support the current levels of charcoal production,it has become evidently clear that there is a need to make drastic changes to enhance the fight against climate change more so that the country is experiencing a severe drought.

It is in light of the above that I direct the Director Forestry to immediately stop the issuance of Cord Wood Permits for the production of charcoal in Itezhi-Tezhi,Mumbwa and Shibuyungi districts pursuant to Section 5(3) of the Forests Act,2015.Persons currently in possession of valid Cord Wood Permits have only up to 1st May,2024 in within which to finalise their charcoal production.Please note that this is just the beginning as more districts will be added as the Forestry Department continues assessing tree stock levels across the country.

I wish to sternly caution that,any person that will be found manufacturing wood into charcoal or offer for sale or removes charcoal in any form from State Land or Customary land IN ANY PART OF THE COUNTRY without a permit commts an offense and will be liable to a fine or imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or both.I further direct that patrols be enhanced to ensure compliance with this directive and persons found wanting must be prosecuted accordingly.

Issued By

Hon.Eng Collins Nzovu ,MP
Minister Green Economy AND ENVIRONMENT

President Hakainde Hichilema has commissioned Chifubu Level One Hospital in Ndola District of the Copperbelt Province.
President Hichilema stated that his administration is working hard to ensure that service delivery across the country is enhanced.

According to ZANIS the President assured the residents of Chifubu Constituency of government commitment to maximise the usage of limited resources to improve people’s welfare.

President Hichilema disclosed that the government has also concluded the negotiation on the Lusaka-Ndola road at a cost of 600 million United States Dollars from the initial deal of US$1.3 billion under the previous administration.

“This is not the last commissioning, we are undertaking here, your government will continue working for everyone day and night and we will be back for more work,” President Hichilema said.

The Head of State thanked the people of Chifubu Constituency for having confidence in his administration whose results are being seen through such development as improved health service provision, construction of roads among other developmental milestones.

President Hichilema further called for every citizen to play their role in economic development through hard work among people.
And the President ended his address by echoing a message of love, unity and peace among citizens for the betterment of the country.

Speaking at the same function, Minister of Health Sylvia Masebo disclosed that Chifubu Level One Hospital has been equipped with state-of-the-art equipment.

Ms Masebo added that from the initial 133 health workers at the new hospital, the number of human resources has now been increased to 300 health providers.

She stated that about 44 volunteers at the first level hospital will be given permanent jobs while the rest will be employed in other health facilities.

Ms Masebo added that the government is committed to improving health delivery through various interventions including increased drug levels.

She urged the people of Chifubu Constituency to guard the facility jealously for their own health benefits.

Earlier, Minister of Transport and Logistics Frank Tayali said the commissioning of the hospital is evident enough of the government ‘s commitment to develop the country.

Minister of Youth Sports and Arts Elvis Nkandu said that youths will benefit from all the development being undertaken in the Copperbelt Province.

Meanwhile, Copperbelt Minister Elisha Matambo said that the Province is earmarked for development in various sectors of the economy.

And Chifubu Member of Parliament Lloyd Lubozha hailed the president for commissioning the hospital that will enhance health service delivery.

Mr Lubozha said the constituency only had three clinics but after increasing the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) to 3.6 million Kwacha, the area boasts of seven health facilities including the newly commissioned Chifubu Level One Hospital.

Rainford Kalaba, the former Zambia National Team captain has been left in a critical condition after a tragic accident on Saturday April 13,2024 along the Great North Road at Kafue S Corners near Kafue Quarry.

According to Police Public Relations Officer,Rae Hamoonga, the incident involved a Howo truck horse with registration number AIC 805 and trailer number BAC 9540 and an unregistered Mercedes Benz car.

Mr. Muyunda Isaac, aged 32 years, of Kamwala South, was driving the Howo truck whilst a woman identified as Charlene Mkandawire was driving a Mercedes Benz car, unregistered, from south to north direction.Tragically, she succumbed to her injuries at the scene of the accident.The passenger Rainford Kalaba, aged 38 years, of Mufurira, Copperbelt Province, was onboard the Mercedes Benz vehicle. He sustained suspected internal injuries and was promptly transported to UTH for urgent medical attention.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the accident occurred as a result of improper overtaking by the Benz car, leading to a collision with the oncoming truck.

Following the accident, Reuben Kamanga, Vice President and General Secretary of the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ), rushed from Choma to the UTH in Lusaka to visit Rainford Kalaba. Kalaba, a former Chipolopolo captain and 2012 Africa Cup of Nations winner, is currently admitted to the Intensive Care Unit at UTH in critical condition.

Kamanga appealed to the football community to pray for Kalaba’s recovery. Earlier, FAZ youth development officer Clifford Mulenga, alongside former national team players and technical staff, also visited Kalaba at the hospital.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety and the devastating consequences of reckless driving. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident as families and the football community await updates on Kalaba’s condition.