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State House dismisses rigging accusations as baseless

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State House has dismissed allegations suggesting that government interfered in Zambia’s electoral process, describing the claims as unsubstantiated and urging critics to present verifiable evidence when raising concerns about elections.

The response comes through State House Chief Communications Specialist Clayson Hamasaka, who addresses accusations circulating within the political space. He says Zambia’s democratic institutions operate within established legal frameworks and warns that statements made without proof risk undermining public confidence.

Hamasaka explains that robust political debate is expected in a democratic environment, but stresses that claims of rigging carry serious implications and must be grounded in facts. According to the article, State House views the allegations as harmful to institutional credibility, particularly when they are presented without supporting evidence.

He notes that electoral administration in Zambia follows procedures defined by law and that institutions tasked with managing elections function independently within that framework. The presidency’s position, as reflected in the story, centres on maintaining trust in governance systems while encouraging political actors to use lawful channels when raising disputes.

The broader political atmosphere where election-related narratives continue to shape national discussion. Within that context, State House frames its response as a defence of institutional integrity, emphasising that responsible communication is essential when addressing issues that affect public confidence.

Hamasaka also cautions against rhetoric that could heighten tensions among citizens, stating that discussions about governance and elections should remain measured and factual. He reiterates that democratic competition should not erode trust in institutions responsible for national processes.

State House rejects the allegations and maintains that any concerns about electoral conduct should be pursued through established legal channels where they can be assessed under the law

Mundubile frames voters as real opposition force

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Brian Mundubile says the strength of Zambia’s opposition lies with citizens themselves, arguing that voters are shaping the political balance ahead of the August general election more than formal party alliances.

His remarks follow the Chawama parliamentary by-election, where the Forum for Democracy and Development defeated the UPND, a result he describes as evidence that unity can emerge from the electorate even when political parties remain separate.

Mundubile maintains that opposition players do not need to achieve complete organisational unity to work toward a common outcome. Instead, he emphasises cooperation built around shared objectives, suggesting that harmony among parties can be achieved through coordinated action rather than forced mergers.

The Chawama result has quickly become a reference point in political discussions, with several actors interpreting the outcome as a signal of shifting public sentiment. Mundubile views the by-election as proof that voters are prepared to rally behind a collective direction when they believe it reflects their interests.

He argues that citizens have increasingly become the decisive force shaping political momentum, pointing to grassroots mobilisation and public mood as key factors determining electoral outcomes. In his view, opposition unity is less about party structures and more about whether voters align around a common purpose at the ballot box.

Political competition ahead of the elections has intensified as parties position themselves for what is expected to be a closely watched contest. Calls for cooperation among opposition figures have grown louder, driven by concerns that fragmented support could weaken electoral prospects in competitive constituencies.

Mundubile’s position suggests a pragmatic approach: maintain individual party identities while working in harmony where objectives overlap. That approach reflects the reality of Zambia’s multiparty environment, where alliances are often fluid and strategic coordination can shift from one election cycle to another.

By framing citizens as the core of the opposition, Mundubile shifts attention toward public participation and voter sentiment. The emphasis moves away from leadership negotiations and toward the ground-level dynamics that shape how political messages are received in communities.

The coming months will test whether opposition actors can translate that message into a cohesive strategy. For now, the Chawama outcome stands as a reminder that electoral momentum can originate from the electorate itself, not only from agreements reached among political elites.

Gunmen Rob Mufulira Wanderers of K181,000 After League Match

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Unidentified armed men on Sunday stormed Shinde Stadium in Mufulira and robbed Super League side Mufulira Wanderers of more than K180,000 in gate takings shortly after their league match against Nchanga Rangers.

Wanderers had earlier suffered a 1–0 defeat to Rangers, coached by George Lwandamina, but the situation worsened about an hour later when armed robbers attacked club officials.

In a statement, club president George Katongo confirmed that the incident occurred around 18:00 hours.

“Armed robbers held members of staff at gunpoint and made away with cash amounting to K181,000, which had been realised from gate takings,” Katongo said.

He added that the assailants also hijacked a Toyota Harrier, registration number AIF 4314, belonging to the club’s Logistics Manager, Patrick Mwanza. The vehicle was reportedly meant to transport the cash to Mopani Security for safekeeping.

Katongo said the suspects fired gunshots to disperse people in the area before fleeing the scene.

Police were immediately notified and launched a manhunt. The hijacked vehicle was later recovered after being abandoned, but the suspects escaped with the stolen money.

Authorities are continuing investigations in an effort to apprehend those responsible.

Court Papers Served on UK-Based Blogger in Gilbert Phiri Defamation Case

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Court documents in the defamation case against United Kingdom–based blogger Lilian Mutambo have been successfully served through DHL and electronic mail.

Lawyers representing Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Gilbert Phiri confirmed to the court that the documents were served on February 2 and 4, 2026.

According to an affidavit filed by Misozi Phiri, a legal assistant at Messrs PNP Advocates, the defendant was served with the writ of summons, statement of claim and affidavit of service of a demand letter via DHL and email.

Other documents filed include a list of witnesses, the plaintiff’s list of documents, an affidavit in support of summons for an interim injunction, skeleton arguments supporting the application, and an inter parte summons seeking an interim injunction.

The matter is scheduled to be heard on February 12, 2026 at 14:00 hours (CAT) before Lusaka High Court Judge Mwila Kombe.

Mr Phiri last year sued the social media content creator in the Lusaka High Court, seeking damages for defamation after she allegedly accused him of deliberately reducing Maria Zaloumis’ murder charge to manslaughter.

In his claim, the DPP is seeking a declaration that Mutambo’s statements were defamatory. He is also asking the court to order her to issue a clear and unequivocal apology on the same platforms and to the same audience as the original statements.

Additionally, Mr Phiri is seeking interim and final injunctions restraining Mutambo from publishing further allegedly defamatory statements against him, along with damages for defamation of character, aggravated and exemplary damages, interest and legal costs.

Strong kwacha benefits local car buyers

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A local car dealing firm says the improvement of the performance of the kwacha against international major convertible currencies is benefitting the vehicle purchasing public.

ZVEC Cars says the firm is passing on benefits of the improved local currency to the public.

ZVEC Cars Manager, Lumuno Mukwali said from the time the kwacha started appreciating against international currencies such as the United States dollar, the firm effected a drop in the prices of their vehicles.

Mr Mukwali said the pricing structure of the firm’s vehicles was proportionately matching the percentage at which the kwacha has been appreciating.

He disclosed that the positive policies that have been implemented by the government have improved the business environment.

Mr Mukwali was speaking in an interview with ZANIS on the sidelines of the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between ZVEC Cars and financial institution, Entrepreneurs Financial Centre (EFC).

Meanwhile, Mr Mukwali said the MoU was a partnership that will give the public an option of accessing car loans via the financial institution.

“Whatever the government does affecting the economy, even us as ZVEC we transmit those benefits to the people down there. So we are equally very happy that the government has reduced duty for hybrid vehicles, the dollar is appreciating so those benefits are being taken down to the public,” he said.

And EFC Head of Personal Lending, Chikondi Phiri said the partnership was for the benefit of Small and Medium-sized Entrepreneurs.

Ms Phiri said the financial institution and the car dealing firm were both SME-centric, which provides an opportunity for entrepreneurs to access financing at competitive rates.

“Zambian typical SMEs are our DNA, that’s what we have been doing for thirty years plus. Every day we try as much as possible to find ways, create products and partnerships in this case that better the lives of SMEs. So this one for us is one of those where we have found a partner that is dealing in vehicles and then we can finance those vehicles,” she said

President Hichilema accords official funeral to the late Dr Bull

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President Hakainde Hichilema has accorded late former Cabinet Minister in the United National Independence Party (UNIP) Government, Mutumba Bull, who died on Friday, February 13, 2026, in Lusaka, at an official funeral.

This is in recognition of the invaluable public service contributions that late Dr Bull made to the Country when she served as Cabinet Minister from 1973 to 1983.

Government has also announced that the late former Cabinet Minister will be put to rest on Thursday, February 19th, 2026, at Leopards Hill Memorial Park, in Lusaka.

According to a statement Issued to ZANIS by Secretary to the Cabinet, Patrick Kangwa, President Hichilema has since declared Thursday, February 19, 2026 ,as a Day of National Mourning, in honour of late Dr Bull.

Mr Kangwa has disclosed that the official funeral programme for the late former Cabinet Minister will commence with a funeral church service at the Anglican Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Lusaka, at 10:00 hours.

He has advised members of the public to suspend all activities of entertainment nature on both radio and television during the period of national mourning which will be observed from 06 hours to 18 hours.

Mr Kangwa has also emphasised that flags must fly at half- mast, during the period of national mourning, in honour of late Dr Bull.

Zambia in Talks with Angola to Export Health Workers

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Government has revealed that it is in negotiations with Angola and other countries to facilitate the employment of Zambian health personnel abroad as part of efforts to reduce unemployment in the sector.

Minister of Health Elijah Muchima said while government remains committed to employing more health workers, it is not possible to absorb everyone due to limited national resources.

Dr Muchima disclosed that the Angolan government had requested health specialists from Zambia.

“We are still lobbying other countries to see how we can reduce the number of unemployed health personnel, including volunteers, as we review the offers from Angola,” he said.

He added that although President Hakainde Hichilema had previously engaged Angola on the matter, some issues required further clarification and discussions are still ongoing.

Dr Muchima stated that exporting excess manpower is not a problem if the country has more trained personnel than it can currently employ, noting that such arrangements could also generate income for Zambia.

The minister reiterated government’s commitment to creating employment opportunities for health workers and said efforts are being made to mobilise resources, including outside the national budget.

He further confirmed that the recruitment of 2,000 health workers will be finalised this year once all procedures are completed, adding that volunteers will be considered among those to be employed, given their important contribution to the health sector.

SA Police quizz Lungu family in poisoning investigation

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SOUTH AFRICAN Police have quizzed five members of Edgar Lungu’s family in an investigation that suggests that the former president may have been poisoned.
Lungu died on June 5 last year in a South African clinic, but his body remains stuck in a morgue that country, eight months on due to an ongoing repatriation-related legal battle between the Zambian government and the former president’s family.
However, the matter has now taken a dramatic twist as South African Police Service (SAPS) has formally summoned and recorded statements from five family members as part of a criminal probe into the alleged poisoning.
This is according to a letter seen by Kalemba, written by Mashele Attorneys Inc, the law firm representing the former first family.
In the letter, the lawyers confirm that they had complied with five summons issued in connection with the poisoning investigation.
The lawyers did not state who exactly from the Lungu had been brought in for questioning.
“Our office has complied with five subpoenas issued in connection with the criminal investigation concerning the alleged poisoning of the late former President Edgar Lungu,” reads the letter.
The lawyers said statements requested from their clients had been delivered in accordance with the criminal proceedings and that the family remains committed to cooperating with the investigation within the bounds of the law.
The family has since denied the poisoning allegations.
The lawyers stated that their clients maintain the allegations are unfounded and unsupported by credible evidence and that this position has already been placed on official record.
The letter also reveals that the police have issued a subpoena to Two Mountains Funeral Services where Lungu’s body lies, directing that the body of the late former president be released into police custody.
However, the family’s lawyers have objected to the move, arguing that two existing High Court orders clearly state that the body must remain with the funeral home pending the finalisation of the legal proceedings.
They further noted that leave to appeal has already been granted by the Supreme Court of Appeal.
“Your office is aware that two extant High Court orders expressly direct that possession and custody of the body remain with Two Mountains Funeral Services pending the finalisation of the legal proceedings. Those orders are binding and operative. In addition, leave to appeal has been granted by the Supreme Court of Appeal.”
“The appeal is therefore alive, and at this juncture the operative court orders remain in force and must be respected pending the outcome of the appellate process. In the absence of a judicial variation or further order authorising removal, no person or entity is legally permitted to act inconsistently with those directives,” reads the document.
The lawyers further said the family demand strict compliance with the existing court orders and that any action taken in contravention thereof would be unlawful and subject to appropriate legal action.
“We trust that this correspondence clarifies our clients’ position and look forward to continued co-operation within the confines of the law,” stated the lawyers.
An attempt by Kalemba to get more details on the matter met temporal road block as the phone of Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, the South African Police Service national spokesperson went unanswered multiple times.

Eastern province records three unnatural deaths

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 Police in Eastern province have recorded three (3) cases of unnatural deaths in the past four days.

Eastern province Police Commanding Officer Robertson Mweemba says the cases, all recorded in Petauke district, occured on 12th, 13th and the 14th of February, 2026, respectively.

And all the three now deceased were residents of Kalindawalo chiefdom, but from different villages.

The first incident occurred on the 12th of February, 2026 at around 18:00hrs, involving a 52-year-old, Lameck Sakala of Chimate Village, who was found lying along Chimate road, which is about 60 metres from his house.

Eastern Province Police Commissioner, Robertson Mweemba, explained that the deceased who used to stay alone in his house was an asthmatic patient and beer addict who had not been adhering to taking his medication.

Mr Mweemba, noted that the now deceased who used to repair shoes by going round the compound had complained to his cousin of having chest pains before his death the following day.

“Police officers visited the scene and the body was found to be wet due to some rains. A physical inspection was conducted and no physical injuries were observed. Officers also found some fritters and buns were found near the body,” Mr Mweemba noted.

He said the body was deposited into Petuake District hospital mortuary awaiting burial, as no foul play was recorded.

In the second incident that occurred on Friday, February 13, 2026, around 18:00hrs, male, Steven Banda, 45, of Pelete Village, was equally discovered lifeless in his house.

” Brief facts of the matter are that the now deceased who used to stay alone in his house near his brother’s house was last seen by his brother, Daniel Banda in the early hours of fateful day,” Mr Mweemba said.

According to Banda, his brother had earlier complained of stomach pains, as he had a problem of gastritis.

However, the following day around 06:00hrs, his brother visited him so as to check on him but surprisingly he found the deceased lying dead on the floor, in his bedroom.

The Police chief said police officers visited the scene and the body was inspected and found that it had no physical injuries but the family suspects foul play.

 “The body has since been deposited into Kalindawalo General Hospital mortuary awaiting postmortem examination results before burial takes place,” he noted.

And the third incident occurred on Saturday, February 14, 2026 between 17:00 and 18:00hrs at Nyankuwa Breweries in Patauke District.

The deceased was identified as 47 years old, Mayeso Banda, who died upon arrival at Petauke District Hospital.

Mr Mweemba highlighted that on the said day, around 12:00hrs the now deceased left home and went to order some beers at Nyankuwa Breweries.

He added that between 17:00hrs and 18:00hrs the deceased’s wife received a phone call from 46-year-old, Michael Phiri, the deceased’s co-worker who informed her that her husband, Phiri, had collapsed.

 Mr Mweemba said Phiri was later rushed to Petauke District Hospital where he was pronounced dead upon arrival.

“Police officers rushed to the hospital to inspect the body and no physical injuries were seen. No foul play suspected. The deceased body was deposited into petauke district hospital mortuary awaiting postmortem examination results and burial,” he said.

Case of “skeleton” ruling adjourned

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A Lusaka High Court Judge has postponed ruling for Sylvia Mutaba of Lusaka’s Garden-Luangwa Township, the woman linked to the skeleton case.

Lusaka High Court Judge Anna Ononuju who postponed judgement, said that ruling in the matter would be read on Wednesday, February 25th, 2026.

Ms Mutaba is charged with manslaughter of her late husband, George Kalaba whose skeleton remains were discovered in their house in Garden-Luangwa Township.

The defendant has since been ordered to remain in custody as she awaits judgement.

Ms Mutaba who initially denied the offence was jointly charged with her three daughters and a neighbour, Preteria Mbandama Musela, for failure to report Mr Kalaba’s death.

After pleading guilty to a charge of hiding a death, the four co-accused were sentenced to one month imprisonment with hard labour.

FAZ consoles Women under 20

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Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) Communications Manager Sydney Mungala has urged the Zambia Under-20 women’s national team technical bench to remain strong and rebuild, following their exit from the FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers after losing to Uganda.

Mr Mungala says that the Junior Copper Queens still have the COSAFA Under-20 Women’s Championship coming up later this year, and has urged the team to remain focused, motivated, and committed to performing well in the upcoming tournament.

He has said that a few players that are good enough still have the chance to compete for places in the senior women’s national team, bringing out the names of Mercy Chipasula and Margaret Gondwe.

The media reports Mr Mungala has also given credit to the Ugandans for their hard work and has also commended their coach for her expertise and qualifications.

Meanwhile, Soccer Analyst Puncherello Chama has expressed disappointment over the Junior Copper Queens failure to advance to the third round of the competition.

Mr Chama has said the Junior Copper Queens showed poor preparations during the qualifiers, noting that Uganda prepared better and there was a clear difference in the approach to the game from the two teams.

Mr Chama further said that the team still needs to better understand the tactics from the coach, noting that while Zambia has talented players, they lacked proper preparation compared to Uganda.

Regular checkups key to cancer survival-muchinga PS

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Muchinga Province Permanent Secretary Reverend Mathews Chilekwa says regular medical check-ups are essential to enable early detection of diseases such as cancer.

 Rev Chilekwa advised members of the public to normalise going for medical checkups in order to improve survival rates through early detection of serious diseases.

The PS made the remarks over the weekend when he addressed hundreds of mourners at Piyala Cemetery in Chinsali district in Muchinga Province who gathered to pay their last respect to George Nsofwa 30 and Mary Mukando 33 who both died on 10 February 2026 and were put to rest on the same day.

“Regular screening is very important as it helps to manage chronic conditions and prevent illnesses,” he said.

The two deceased youths both died from cancer related complications at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) in Lusaka.

Speaking earlier Chinsali Mayor Lucy Mukuka said that cancer cases were on the rise, saying some causes were not known yet.

Ms Mukuka assumed that giving infants foods or drinks that contain preservatives could be one of the causes.

The Mayor has since urged mothers to ensure that they exclusively breastfeed infants and avoid alternatives that could be harmful.

And family representatives of the two bereaved families gave the life history of their departed loved ones and further commended the government and other well-wishers for the support rendered before and during the mourning period.

The late George Nsofwa who died of kidney cancer was the son of the United Party for National Development (UPND) Muchinga Province Vice Chairperson Lovewell Nsofwa and is survived by a wife and two children while Mary Mukando who died of anemia as a result of cancer related complications was the granddaughter of Mr Joseph Mukando who once served as Chinsali Central Police Officer in-charge.

Mary Mukando has left behind five children.

Mongu man arrested over hammermill theft

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Police in Mongu District in western province have arrested a 35-year-old man suspected of stealing a hammer mill.

 Western Province Police Commissioner, Rae Hamoonga, revealed that Mooto Mwangala was apprehended following investigations into the alleged theft and unlawful sale of the equipment.

 Mr Hamoonga disclosed that Mooto Mwangala of Kako Village under Chief Mulobela in Mongu District, was apprehended by police following investigations into the alleged theft and unlawful sale of a hammer mill belonging to the Mbekise Youth Club Lwandui Community.

“The suspect, identified as male, Mooto Mwangala, aged 35 of lwandui area, Kako village in Mongu District was apprehended following investigations into the alleged theft and unlawful sale of a hammer mill belonging to Mbekise Youth Club of Lwandui community,” he said.

He noted that the matter was initially reported by Mikataxo Sikena of Lwandui village in Mongu District.

The Police Commissioner added that the suspect allegedly sold the community hammer mill, which is valued at K60,000, without authority.

Further investigations revealed that the hammer mill was sold for K33,000 to Njekwa Sinyinda of Shishelwa Imalyo village, within Mongu District.

Mr Hamoonga said that the police have since recovered the hammer mill from Imalyo village and have secured it at Nakanya Police Post.

He added that the suspect was also found in possession of K23,270 cash, believed to be part of the money received from the sale of the hammer mill, and has been seized as exhibit.

Mr Hamoonga commended members of the public for promptly reporting the matter to the police.

“The Zambia Police Service wishes to commend members of the community for promptly reporting the matter and urges the public to safeguard community property,” Mr Hamoonga stated.

The suspect remains in police custody and will appear in court soon.

Leaders Arrows gets 4-point cushion

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Super League leaders Red Arrows have emerged from the weekend action with a four-point gap at the top of the table.

After thumping Napsa Stars 2-0 at home in Lusaka on Sunday, Arrows extended their tally to 39 points, four ahead of second placed Power Dynamos, who have two unplayed games,

Airmen forward Albert Kangwanda was the hero of the match, scoring twice at Nkoloma Stadium.

Kangwanda registered second half goals in the 55th and 90th minutes respectively.

Kangwanda’s heroics in front handed Arrows their first win in three matches at the back of two straight draws.

Arrows coach Chisi Mbewe said the win will motivate the League leaders going to future assignments against title rivals Power Dynamos and Zesco United.

“We are happy the way we performed this afternoon. This was our game plan. I think in the past two games we have not been doing well, we have been missing chances. So, we wanted to double our efforts to get the points,” Mbewe said.

“It is a motivating result for us, going into other games ahead of us. We have got Power Dynamos, Nchanga Rangers and Zesco United,” he said.

Meanwhile, this result has left Napsa just one place above relegation as they remain winless in their last four matches.

“It is a disappointing result. Of course, looking at where we are in the league we can’t afford to continue losing matches,” said Napsa interim coach Tenant Chilumba.

Electoral Commission of Zambia Assures Public of Fair Delimitation Process

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The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has assured citizens that the ongoing delimitation of constituencies and the introduction of a proportional representation electoral system will be carried out fairly, transparently and in accordance with the Constitution.

Speaking during ZNBC TV’s Sunday Interview, ECZ Chairperson Mwangala Zaloumis said the Commission is conducting nationwide consultations across all 116 districts as part of the exercise, which is expected to result in the creation of 70 new constituencies.

Ms Zaloumis explained that the process is guided by legal provisions and will consider factors such as population size, geographical features, historical representation and equity. She emphasized that no region will be sidelined in favour of urban areas.

She also dismissed concerns that constituency boundaries could be altered to favour any political party or interest group.

According to Ms Zaloumis, the Commission has taken consultations to district and provincial levels to allow citizens and stakeholders to make submissions before final decisions are reached