When Lungu Cries UPND, HH Sings PF: the Hard Truth of Gassing and Summary Executions
Politically motivated murders. Ritual murders. Then gassing and summary executions–we burn police posts and suspects alive. Meanwhile, the PF suspects the UPND, while UPND believes it is the PF. Come 2021, more and more blood on our streets, while politicians double their wealth!
The biblical book of Judges speaks today as it did then: “In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” We lack both religious and political leadership. We have self-serving politicians driven by lawless cadres. Our politics is blood-soaked; it remains a capital crime to self-identify as PF in UPND strongholds just it is to belong to UPND in PF strongholds. As for religious leaders, we see injustice as justice as long as politicians give blood-money to enhance our coffers.
Yet no sane person can celebrate the recent shameful events–they speak volumes of our moral decay. Our politicians live on human blood–power means forcing others to agree with you or face the wrath of cadres in repulsive attires. The police and courts enhance injustice–they are only answerable to the justice of the Corruptor in Chief. If you oppose them, they will kill you. If lucky, they will break your bones.
We have the Minister of religious affairs. She has never spoken against torture of suspects, which is a crime under international law. Under Rev. Sumaili’s ethical guidance, torture is a sacred police code. Whereas “innocent until proven guilty” is the frame of justice, in our Christian nation, “you are guilty until proven innocent,”–to borrow President Sata’s words on Kaunda’s arrest under Chiluba.
That police officers publicly brutalize and kill citizens is the reason for the assaults and killings of suspected gassing individuals. People see the police as corrupt and in bed with gassers and rightly so. We have no confidence in the Ministry of Home Affairs and the entire police force. Communities are thus employing citizen arrests with verdicts of summary executions; kill them before you are the next. If the police won’t act, then we will. And as Proverbs 22:8 says, “Whoever sows injustice will reap calamity!” Zambia, we are here.
The First Lady’s breakdown on the victims of gassing was called crocodile tears–I don’t think so. No mother can see the sufferings of victims of gassing, as well as the lifeless burnt bodies of suspects on our streets without shedding tears! We have lost the sacred norms of ubuntu. If burning rats or dogs alive is anathema and inhumane, how can we watch fellow human beings burn to death on our streets? O ubuntu, where art thou?
My discussion of policing with my brother and his neighbor comes to mind. He was robbed by armed robbers and they cut his hand and went away with everything. When I visited him, ZNBC aired the arrest of suspected maize thieves. They were physically tortured and forced to roll in stagnant waters on camera without clothes with guns pointed at them. I protested against such brutality, but my brother saw it as promoting “bad human rights.” When the neighbor entered, he asked her to comment on the treatment of suspects. “They are even lucky. If l caught them,” she said, “I would put burning tyres around their necks.” To my surprise, both are very committed Christians. They did not, however, see the injustice of summary executions.
But this culture did not come from nowhere–we tamed it. We saw it under the UNIP administration, then MMD cried foul. When they got power, police brutality increased. The PF promised to end it. Did they? Well the truth is, brutality has worsened. As a self-declared government in waiting, the opposition UPND has promised to end it. But telling by the violent gassing protests in its strongholds, we can only hope.
We are reaping the fruits of political brutality. Gassing knows no tribe or political party. The PF and UPND cadres are both perpetrators and victims of the same violence they tamed. But this crisis speaks to what is to come; we will turn against our neighbors and the police will be powerless unless we wake up–we are not immune to genocide–it always begin with dehumanizing the suspects. We are not far from it.
President Lungu distanced his party from gassing–no government can destroy its people to get at a political opponent. Under his watch, however, innocent people are beaten, students shot at and cadres killed, while PF criminals roam the streets with heads high. We cannot justify mob-justice, but it is a direct result of the cadre-driven policing promoted by the PF regime.
But Lungu is not alone. HH has called on his cadres to protect themselves. Today they see themselves as the police with the power to stage roadblocks and search every car to weed their communities of suspected gassers. As 2021 approaches, all it takes is calling your political opponent a gasser and the mob will its job. The time bomb of brutality is slowly exploding before our own eyes. The trending slogan of “if you kill HH you have to kill all UPND members” is pregnant with violence. No one wishes evil of another person, but the Rwanda genocide was ignited by the death of the President. What happens if Lungu dies in an accident, will PF cadres start a war against UPND or vice versa?
The ethical question is not who is behind it, but what led to this, and what can be done for people to regain their trust of the police and their leaders. We should not depend on arrested individuals to tell the whole story–after all most of the testimonies will come out of torture–that is the way it is.
We must accept that our toxic politics is behind this development and relearn the values of ubuntu. But we must also face the hard truth–we are a violent nation covered in fake Christian identity. Truth is an intrinsic and inherent good. It has power to inform and reform human values. Until we grow to see every person as a sacred image of God, and agree to disagree in love and patriotism, our future is covered in more blood! The FBI, Scotland Yard and prayers won’t stop the violence–we must choose the way of peace.
I believe in prayers but unlike Hon. Minister Rev. Sumaili, and Pastor Nevers Mumba, prayer is not the only answer. The people who are involved in these life-ending acts are Christians. Besides, pastor Mumba’s MMD is as violent as Rev. Sumaili’s government and HH’s UPND. Is it not time to have the hard national discourse on what constitutes ethical policing and human rights?
I pray we will take this Ash Wednesday and the sacred season of Lent to reflect on our role in creating this demonic environment.
“Remember you are dust, and to dust you shall return!”
May God help us heal.
Rev. Kapya Kaoma
We need an expedient ,impartial investigation into current acts of terrorism on our soil
By Anthony Bwalya – UPND Member
For close to 2 months now, the people of Zambia have come under attack by unknown forces, reigning terror, fear and death on innocent citizens.
Throughout this unprecedented period of nationwide torment and anguish, the public have been deprived of the much needed political leadership needed to hold the nation together, and ensure that Law Enforcement Agencies are fully equipped and prepared to restore the balance of peace and order in our country.
Instead, the incumbent government, led by President Edgar Lungu has championed a crusade of innuendo, accusations, blame and divisiveness against the opposition fraternity; and visibly engaging in a toxic warfare of dangerous propaganda aimed at arousing public hatred and anger towards a fanthom enemy in the opposition.
Our government and Law Enforcement Agencies have failed to decode basic information around the possible identity of the perpetrators, their weapons of war, as well as failing to provide reason as to the possible motivations of the assailants.
Further, the Zambian people have not been availed with information concerning the assessed security risk associated with the incidences of organized terror and criminality we are experiencing.
This information vacuum has been exploited, and will continue to the exploited by criminals, thereby increasing the risk around the unnecessary loss of life by our people.
Against this background, it is crucial, that while a thorough, robust and impartial investigation is needed into this matter; it is vitally important that we do not jeopardize the course of justice by ensuring that the police tasked to execute this mandate have the requisite skills and tools at their disposal to unravel the truth behind these crimes of war against our country.
And while our state police have and continues to enjoy the constitutional mandate to conduct criminal investigations, it is important that we make every help available to them to ensure that a credible investigation is delivered.
Countrymen and women must remember, that 2 high ranking police officers and one high ranking member of the ruling Patriotic Front (PF) have been questioned on allegations of involvement into gassing incidences, coupled by the failure by the police to bring back law and order nearly two months after the first incident was reported.
Additionally, we have lost lives from the use of live ammunition by the police over the course of this turbulent period.
We are also worried about the poisonous, overreaching arm of political interference into the operations of the place, especially when and where high ranking government officials have publicly indicated that they know the identity of those terrorising the country.
Therefore, it is only necessary that the police receive the right kind of technical support from competent investigative agencies. After all, we all want justice for our country; and thus we should all agree that we need the highest standard of an investigation into this matter to ensure that a repeat never occurs.
It will also be a monumental opportunity for our state police to tap into the skills of their highly trained and experienced colleagues, be it from the Scotland Yard or the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
After all, Zambia continues to enjoy such productive relationships with the United Kingdom and United States of America, and this could be another opportunity for us to collaborate and strengthen our friendship and partnerships.
K9,000 fine for killer driver of 12 people unfair –ZRST
The Zambia Road Safety Trust (ZRST), the nation’s leading NGO for Road Safety, says it’s unfair to the families and the victims to fine K9,000 for the driver who ended the lives of 12 innocent people through his dangerous driving.
Elias Sikwenda who leaped into Buseko Market last year and killed 12 people due to excessive speed was fined K9,000 or in default six months simple imprisonment by the Lusaka High Court judge Ruth Chibbabuka. He admitted the charge of 12 counts of causing death by dangerous driving when he plunged into a bar at Buseko Market, killing 12 people who were watching football.
ZRST Communications Advisor Miles Mwale Said:
“On average, five people die on our roads each day. We believe that sentences for those who endanger injure or kill should be much tougher, serving as a better warning to those who flagrantly flout the law. The government needs to quickly change the law for dangerous drivers to be fair to the victims.
“Serious injuries in road accidents must be taken seriously, with appropriate charges in place for causing them. For every death on the road there are more than ten times as many people seriously injured.
“More resources for the traffic police are also needed to take out dangerous drivers off our roads before the kill. /End
More arrested in connection with mob violence and gassing
Police have arrested 14 suspects in Kabwe and Kaoma Districts for murder following mob killings of victims who were suspected to be behind chemical spraying.
Police Spokesperson Esther Katongo says eight suspects have been arrested in Kaoma District of Western Province in connection with the murder of 54-year-old Clifford Nosiku who was killed by a mob on Friday after being suspected of being behind gassing incidents.
She says the suspects include Sitwala Namate nephew of the deceased who at the time the mob descended on the victim with sticks and stone, without knowing that it was his uncle involved.
Other suspects have been identified as Kazhila Mutondo Clearance, Kaingu Sikasiye, Mushiba Mushoke, John Mukamba, Felix Mwinga, Moris Mubiana Mukelebai, and Paul Misheki Katongo.
And Mrs. Katongo says police have arrested six suspects in Kabwe of Central Province in a murder as a result of mob killings which happened at Katondo Primary school in which the victim was suspected to be behind chemical spraying.
She says investigations in all cases have continued.
Meanwhile, police In Ndola on the Copperbelt Province have arrested eight females for Proposing Violence which occurred on Friday around 11:00 hours in Masala Township in which two Health Counsellors for USAID Discover Health were on duty following their client who had stopped taking HIV drugs.
Mrs. Katongo says the two were accused by a group of people supported by their client of being behind chemical spraying in the area were harassed and some shouted that they would be killed.
She says Police were informed and rushed to the scene and found the two Health Councillors at Masala clinic surrounded by a mob of women after which they were rescued and apprehended the culprits.
And Mrs. Katongo says Defence Officers on Patrol in Ndola have arrested two male persons in Chipulukusu area along Minsundu road who were found with suspected chemical substances.
She says the suspects who claimed that the chemical was left by a passenger sometime back have been detained in police custody and investigations have continued.
N’cwala will go ahead-Mpezeni
Paramount Chief Mpezeni of the Ngoni speaking people in Eastern Province has condemned Green Party Leader Peter Sinkamba for suggesting the postponement of the N’cwala traditional Ceremony in view of the gassing incidents in the country.
Last week, 33 people were gassed in Chipata District by unknown people with chemicals.
Paramount Chief Mpezeni has however insisted that the traditional ceremony will proceed as scheduled on the 29th February, this year.
Chief Mpezeni says Mr. Sinkamba should stick to politics and desist from meddling in traditional affairs.
The Paramount Chief says adequate security measures have been put in place to ensure that the ceremony takes place without any interruption.
Electoral Commission of Zambia targets to Register 9 million Voters
The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has said that it is targeting to register 9 million voters ahead of the 2021 general elections.
Speaking on ZNBC’s Sunday Interview, ECZ Chief Electoral Officer, Patrick Nshindano said that a new voter’ register will be used in the forthcoming general elections, adding that the Commission will start the countrywide registration of eligible voters in May this year.
Mr Nshindano further explained that from the estimated 18 million population, ECZ is targeting to register 9 million eligible voters and that ECZ has put in place a robust countrywide sensitization campaign program.
Mr Nshindano explained that ECZ will use three systems during the voter registration exercise which include mobile, online and stationary registration.
He said the Commission decided to come up with a new voter register following recommendations made during the post 2016 general elections review.
Mr Nshindano pointed out that the 2016 voter registration was contentious as stakeholders and political parties raised a number of concerns.
He said among the concerns raised was that the 2016 voter register contained names of foreigners.
Meanwhile, he clarified that the old voter’s cards should not be discarded as they remain valid until next year.
He indicated that the old cards can be used in an event of a by-election stating that the new voter register will only be effective in 2021.
Mob Killings Triggered by Regime Change Agenda Setters and Civil Unrest-Thirsty State Enemies-Sunday Chanda
The Ruling Patriotic Front (PF) party has alleged that the acts of mob injustice and gassing that the country has witnessed in the recent past are being orchestrated by an enemy of the state.
Speaking during the weekly Patriotic Front Interactive Forum in Lusaka on Monday, Party media director Sunday Chanda said the enemy of the state had a very clear agenda to instill fear and trigger anger in the masses for them to lose confidence in a democratically elected government.
“In the recent past clearly what we are observing is that the enemy of the state is at work , clearly the enemy of the state is at work , clearly the enemy of the state has a very clear agenda and that is number one; to instill fear in the masses of our people , secondly that agenda is to trigger anger in the masses of the people so that they can lose confidence in a democratically elected government ,“ Mr. Chanda said .
He added that the enemy of the state has been pushing for a regime change agenda, adding that the recent events cannot be withdrawn from the notion that there is an aggressive agenda to trigger regime change and instill fear in the masses.
“Thirdly we know that the enemy of the state has been pushing and continues to push for a regime change agenda and the events in the recent weeks cannot be far from the notion that we hold that there is an aggressive agender to trigger regime change number one: by inducing fear in the masses of our people. Number 2 by getting the masses of our people to rise against the government,” he added.
Mr. Chanda said that a number of very innocent have been sacrificed by people who have an agenda to cause civil unrest in the country.
“We pray that God will rest their souls, we know that a number of them are very innocent but they have been sacrificed by people who have an agenda to cause civil unrest in this country” he reaffirmed.
Mr. Chanda has since called on security agencies to arrest those involved irrespective of their standing in society.
“We pray that justice will be done and that those who have died as a result of this criminality will have rest and that their blood can continue to and people of Zambia are looking up to the security agencies to bring the perpetrators to book irrespective of who is involved and to ensure that our people go to sleep at night with peaceful minds,” the media director indicated.
Kuomboka likely to kick off this year
The Barotse Royal Establishment (BRE) in Western Province has said the water levels in the Barotse plains are so far favouring the hosting of the 2020 Kuomboka traditional ceremony of the Lozi people.
Induna Katema told ZANIS in an interview that in terms of flood levels, it is promising that the Kuomboka will take place this year.
He said the date will however be announced once the flood plains reach the peak of water levels and traditional rite are in place.
The BRE Representative further hinted that the date will probably be around mid-March or April.
Induna Katema added that the BRE has initiated the Sunday meetings, in order to strategise on fundraising ventures and other requirements.
Western Province last hosted the Kuomboka ceremony in 2018 and last year the BRE cancelled the 2019 Kuomboka traditional ceremony due to low water levels in the Barotse flood plains.
Creation of a buffer zone at Zambia-Tanzania complete
Creation of a buffer zone on the Zambian side of the Zambia-Tanzania border, in Nakonde District in Muchinga Province, has been successfully completed.
Muchinga Province Minister Malozo Sichone who inspected the cleared buffer zone at Chiyanga yesterday, described the exercise as a big success, following the 60 day grace period, given by government.
Mr Sichone who was flanked by Provincial Permanent Secretary Joyce Nsamba and the Provincial Joint Operation Committee (PJOC ) commended the office of the District Commissioner and the District Council for spearheading the exercise.
Mr Sichone also commended the affected settlers for cooperating with the authority towards ensuring that the exercise was successfully implemented.
The Provincial Minister noted that the three structures that had remained standing, where razed following a court demolition order.
The Zambian and Tanzanian governments commenced the joint exercise of creating a 50 metre buffer zone, on each side of the border, in November 2019.
This follows a 2015 Joint Permanent Commission meeting that recommended that a 50 metre buffer zone be created on each side of the Zambia-Tanzania border and areas affected include Maloni, Chiyanga, black market, and Nyondo.
The move is aimed promoting and improving security and revenue collection, for the two respective governments.
Ngabwe District Commissioner says District prepared for Coronavirus
Ngabwe District Commissioner, Melody Phiri, says the administration in the area is prepared for any possible outbreak of Coronavirus and other disease outbreaks.
Ngabwe District Commissioner, Melody Phiri, says Ngabwe has identified land that will be used to set up an isolation centre for any possible outbreak of the Coronavirus, Ebola virus and other deadly diseases that can affect the people of Ngabwe district.
Ms Phiri said the District Epidemic Preparedness Committee was currently in the process of putting together resources as part of the district’s preparedness for any disease outbreaks.
She noted that during an epidemic preparedness meeting held in Ngabwe recently, stakeholders agreed that there was need to put in extra efforts towards ensuring that any disease epidemics that might threaten the lives of the people in Ngabwe, are carefully taken care of.
She also noted that part of the Epidemic Preparedness strategy, was to carry out intensive surveillance in communities through multi sectorial approaches.
“Even if we do not have any reported cases of Coronavirus or Ebola as well as any other disease epidemics, the district wants to be ready for such eventualities” she said.
Speaking during the same meeting, District Medical Director Frederick Katongi said Ngabwe cannot rule out the possibility of Coronavirus which is a thousand miles away because the world is now a global village were people are always moving from one place to the other.
Dr Katongi added that securing an isolation centre will help in dealing with any outbreaks that might come in the future.
He said Ngabwe was a water logged area and should therefore also be ready for any waterborne disease epidemics like Cholera.
WEEKEND SCORECARD: Chipolopolo CHAN Group D Schedule in Full
Chipolopolo’s full Group D fixture list at the 2020 CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) tournament in Cameroon has been availed.
Cameroon is hosting CHAN, a second tier AFCON exclusively for home-based players, from April 4-25.
Chipolopolo are in Group D together with Guinea, Tanzania and Namibia.
Only their April 7 Group D opening match against Tanzania in Buea was revealed after the February 13 draws in Yaoundé.
Chipolopolo will face Guinea in their penultimate Group D match on April 11 at the same venue.
And for a second successive CHAN, Zambia will close their group campaign against Namibia on April 15 in Buea.
Namibia and Zambia drew 1-1 in their final group game at the 2018 CHAN in Morocco on their way to a quarterfinal exit.
Winner and runner-up from Group D will play runner-up and winner from Group C respectively on April 18.
Uganda, Togo, Rwanda and defending champions Morocco make up Group C.
WEEKEND SCORECARD
FAZ Super Division
WEEK 22
22/02/2020
Kansanshi Dynamos 0-Nkana 0
Kabwe Warriors 0-Forest Rangers 0
Mufulira Wanderers 0- Lusaka Dynamos 2(Baba Basile 71′ 77′)
Nakambala Leopards 1(Kennedy Lungu 14′)- KYSA 1(Bless Bakai 45′)
Power Dynamos 2(Lameck Kafwaya 44′,Larry Bwalya 90′)- Green Eagles 1 (Ronald Chibwe 76′)
Green Buffaloes 1(Chilimba Moonga 25′)- Red Arrows 2(James Chamanga 11′ 72′)
Zanaco 2(Moses Phiri 24′, Lassa Kiala 45′)- Buildcon 0
Lumwana Radiants 1(Kelvin Bingala 8′)-Nkwazi 1(Pride Mwansa 32′)
23/02/2020
Napsa Stars 2(Aaron Kabwe 40′,Collins Sikombe 52′)- Zesco United 1(John Makwatta 89′)
2019/2020 TOP SCORERS
LEAGUE
23/02/2020
James Chamanga(Red Arrows):14
Baba Basile(Lusaka Dynamos):13
Jesse Were (Zesco):11
Rodgers Kola (Zanaco):11
Adams Zikiru (Forest Rangers):10
Idris Mbombo(Nkana):10
Jimmy Ndhlovu(Kabwe Warriors):9
Kennedy Musonda (Green Eagles 5/Power 4):9
Friday Samu (Green Buffaloes):7
Winston Kalengo (Zesco):7
Collins Sikombe (Napsa Stars) :6
Moses Phiri (Buildcon 4/Zanaco 2) :6
Spencer Sautu(Green Eagles):6*
Bornwell Mwape (Napsa Stars):6
Daniel Chama (KYSA):6
Eric Choomba(Nkwazi):6
Larry Bwalya(Power Dynamos):5
Royd Alfonso (Kansanshi Dynamos):5
Chitiya Mususu(Zanaco):5
Emmanuel Manda(Lumwana Radiants):5
Elias Maguri(Nakambala Leopards):5
Ronald Chibwe(Green Eagles):4
Lassa Kiala(Zanaco):4
Chris Mugalu (Lusaka Dynamos):4
Fredrick Mulambia(Power Dynamos):4
Dave Daka (Power Dynamos):4
Webster Muzaza (Forest Rangers):4*
Jamal Jefaru (Mufulira Wanderers3/Buildcon 1):4
Kelvin Mubanga(Nkana):4
Martin Dzilah (Lumwana 3/Nkana 1):4
Chanda Mushili(Buildcon):4
Tapson Kaseba (Green Eagles/Napsa 1):4
Jeff Banda (Nkwazi):4*
John Makwatta (Zesco):3
Moonga Chilimba (Buffaloes):3
Stephen Mutama(Nkwazi) :3
Willy Stephanus(Lusaka Dynamos):3
Quadri Kola (Zesco 2/Forest 1):3
Ali Sadiki(Kabwe Warriors):3
Felix Bulaya (Nakambala):3
Doisy Soko (Napsa Stars):3
Chaniza Zulu(Lumwana):3
Akakulubelwa Mwachiyaba(Kabwe Warriors):3
Shadreck Mulungwe (Green Eagles):3
Laudit Mavugo (Napsa Stars) :3
Thabani Kamusoko(Zesco):3
Emmanuel Phiri (Kansanshi):3
Bruce Musakanya (Red Arrows):3
Amity Shamande (Green Eagles):2
Luka Chamanga (Power Dynamos):2
Erick Owusu(Buildcon):2
Dominic Changwa (Lumwana) :2
Eric Kabulo (Buildcon) :2*
Shadreck Musonda(Nkana):2
Lameck Silwaba(Forest Rangers):2
Wilford Sikanyika(Kansanshi):2
Luka Banda (Napsa):2
Aubrey Funga(Lusaka Dynamos):2
Simon Nkhata (Napsa Stars):2
Fred Tshimenga (NKana):2
Stephen Kabamba(Green Buffaloes):2
Moussa Souleymanou (Zanaco):2
Winston Mhango(Kabwe Warriors):2
Andrew Kwiliko (Green Eagles):2
Emmanuel Habasimbi(Lusaka Dynamos):2
Laurent Muma (Forest Rangers):2
Benjamin Nenkavu(Buildcon):2
Moro Ameru (KYSA):2
Moussa Lemisa(Lusaka Dynamos):2
Rahim Osumanu (Mufulira Wanderers) :2
Paul Simpemba (Green Buffaloes):2
Gozon Mutale(Green Eagles):2
Jack Chirwa (Green Buffaloes) :2
Anthony Akumu(Zesco United):2
Ronald Kampamba (Nkana):2
Danny Silavwe(Napsa Stars):2
Tafadzwa Rusike (Zanaco):2
Evans Musonda(Red Arrows):2
Patrick Ilongo(Forest Rangers):2
Junior Zulu(Nakambala):2
Charles Zulu (Zanaco):2
Alidor Kayembe(Buildcon):2
Biramahire Abeddy (Buildcon):2
Kwame Attrum (Mufulira Wanderers):2
Ian Sililo(KYSA):2
TIZ Welcomes Summoning of Health Minister by Anti-Corruption Commission on Corruption allegations
Transparency International Zambia has welcomed investigations by the Anti-Corruption Commission of the Minister of Health Dr. Chitalu Chilufya.
TIZ President Reuben Lifuka says there is nothing extra-ordinary about this case and the ACC are merely discharging their functions as provided for by the law.
Mr Lifuka has however called on the ACC to conduct the investigations expeditiously.
He has also reminded the ACC that this is not the first high profiled case that they have announced publicly that they are investigating and lack of progress and closure of previous investigations is a source of public concern.
“It is our fervent hope that the ACC will conduct it work professionally and independently”, he added.
Mr Lifuka in a statement has since called on Dr Chilufya to consider stepping aside during the course of these investigations.
“This we note that has been our standard call on our part, a standard practice where public servants that are being investigated have stepped aside to allow the ACC to carry out investigations independently and without any undue influence”, he said.
He has further called on the Zambian public to support the work of the ACC in so far as this case is concerned and expressed hope that the ACC not betray this public trust.
Last week the Anti-Corruption Commission ( ACC ) said that it summoned the Ministry of Health minister Chitalu Chilufya on THursday for an interview following allegations relating to possession of property reasonably suspected to be proceeds of crime.
ACC Acting Public Relations Officer Dorothy Mwanza confirmed in a statement that the summoning of the Dr Chilufya follows media inquiries on the matter.
“The Commission wishes to confirm that the Minister of Health Honourable Chitalu Chilufya was summoned and interviewed by the Commission on 20th February, 2020 in relation to allegations of being in possession of property reasonably suspected of being proceeds of crime, “ she said.
She added that investigations are still ongoing.
Increase Taxes Applicable to Tobacco and Nicotine Products-CTPD
The Centre for Trade Policy and Development has called on Government through relevant agencies to conduct a review of the current tobacco taxation framework with the aim of increasing taxes applicable to tobacco and nicotine products.
CTPD Researcher Legal Chileshe Mange says as a signatory to the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, Zambia has assented to implementing the guidelines without
reservation.
Ms Mange says these guidelines include developing harm reduction strategies to reduce access to and consumption of tobacco.
“In Zambia, the population highly at risk to Tobacco consumption is the youth, particularly adolescents. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and World Health Organisation
(WHO) have established that increasing the excise tax on tobacco products is an effective way of reducing tobacco consumption”, she said.
Ms Mange said this is evidenced by the reduced tobacco consumption among populations in countries such as Australia, Kenya and South Africa
that have systematically increased excise taxes on tobacco products.
She said the Australian government has raised taxes on tobacco by an incremental rate of12.5% annually from 2017-2020.
Ms Mange said currently, the average pack of cigarettes costs an equivalent of US$34.
She said the country is expected to raise approximately US$ 4.7 billion between 2017 and 2020 from tobacco taxes adding that the number of tobacco smokers and nicotine users has more than halved since 1995, when the government first implemented a more stringent tax regime.
Ms Mange said according to the UNDP, increased excise taxes on products such as tobacco can raise fiscal revenues, address market failures and replenish lost economic output from tobacco related death and disease as well as the externalization of avoidable health costs for society to treattobacco-related diseases.
She said governments therefore require sound tax policies and systems
that ensure that they achieve both fiscal and public health objectives in relation to tobacco.
Ms Mange added that the WHO also recommends that raising tobacco excise taxes to more than 70% of the retail price is among the most effective and cost-effective tobacco control interventions saying this is therefore the recommended global benchmark in relation to excise duties on tobacco and
tobacco products.
She said signatories to the WHO FCTC Zambia inclusive are therefore encouraged to take steps towards achieving this benchmark.
Ms Mange said the Tobacco Products and Nicotine Products Control Bill, 2018 (which is domestication of the WHO-FCTC) is scheduled to be tabled before Parliament in due course and CTPD
recommends that Government simultaneously review tax legislation in respect of tobacco products to ensure harmonization with the proposed legislation and the global recommended benchmark.
She said there is also need for policy and legal cohesion among the different sectors in order for tobacco control to be effective and has urged relevant Government agencies to work together and begin to table the appropriate tax legislation.
Lusambo insists gassing is politically motivated
Lusaka Province Minister Bowman Lusambo has reiterated that the gassing incidents currently happening in Zambia are politically motivated meant to dent the image of the PF government.
Mr Lusambo says the gassing is a scheme that started with the burning of markets and sabotaging of Zesco infrastructure to push for change of government.
He however said that Lusaka is not under threat as enough security personnel has been deployed to ensure the safety of residents.
Speaking at the PF Media Interactive Forum in Lusaka today, Mr Lusambo alleged that the lawlessness happening is being motivated by the UPND who are pushing for regime change in Zambia.
Mr Lusambo assured the Lusaka residents that government is on top of things and managing the affairs of the nation.
Meanwhile Mr Lusanbo said in the quest to bring culprits to book, the Police will arrest even media houses that are helping enemies of the state to carry out their criminal acts.
He said no one will be spared and government will ensure that such media houses are meant to account for their acts.
And Mr Lusambo has accused the UPND Members of Parliament of deliberately refusing to acknowledge the development currently taking place in Southern Province.
He cited the construction of a New bus terminus and Market in Livingstone as some of the Development projects which the UPND MPs have refused to acknowledge.
Mr Lusambo said President Edgar Lungu deserve compensation for ensuring that Southern Province equally benefit from the various developments happening in the nation.