The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Gilbert Phiri, together with the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), has announced plans to appeal the acquittal of Livingstone Mayor Constance Muleabai on corruption-related charges.

Ms. Muleabai had been accused of soliciting K120,000 and corruptly receiving K180,000 as cash gratification from Mark Gabites. The alleged payments were said to be an inducement to facilitate a full remission of property rates owed by Zam Nuka Farm Limited to the Livingstone City Council, which had accumulated to more than K388,000.

In delivering judgment, Magistrate Trevor Kasanda stated that while solicitation had occurred, the prosecution did not meet the required burden of proof to demonstrate that the accused had solicited K120,000 from Mr. Gabites, who testified as a witness during the trial.

The court also found that the prosecution had proven that the accused corruptly obtained K180,000. However, it concluded that the evidence did not establish that the money was received from Mr. Gabites as outlined in the indictment. Instead, the court determined that the funds originated from Oliver Perry and were passed through another individual, Monde Sumbwa, before reaching the accused.

Following the ruling, the appellants filed six grounds of appeal. One of the grounds states that the court erred in law by failing to apply the provisions of Section 77(2) of the Anti-Corruption Act No. 3 of 2012 when it acquitted the accused, despite what they describe as prima facie evidence of an offence under Section 20(1).

The appellants further contend that the court erred in law by acknowledging that corrupt solicitation had occurred but still acquitting the accused on the basis that the prosecution failed to establish a direct connection between the accused and Mr. Gabites concerning the amounts specified in the charges.

Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security, Jack Mwiimbu says his ministry is awaiting for treasury authority to recruit 4,000 Police Officers.

The media reports that Mr Mwiimbu reiterated that the Government is transparent in its dealings.

Mr Mwiimbu said the public will be informed accordingly when authority to employ Police officers is granted.

Speaking in Parliament today, the Minister clarified that it was the Inspector General of Police, Graphel Musamba, who had requested the government to employ 4,000 Police officers.

He said Mr Musamba noted that the Zambia Police Service requires more officers in order to adequately re-enforce the security services ahead of the 2026 general elections.

Mr Mwiimbu however stated that the Government has not yet responded to that request.

“There is no treasury authority for us to employ, we need treasury authority. That authority has not been given to enable us to employ. However, we are a transparent Government,” he said.

He further explained that there is empirical evidence when people were told and the government employed over 40,000 teachers and health workers two years ago.

Mr Mwiimbu said there will be no exception if the Government is going to employ Police officers.

“There will be no exception if we are going to employ Police officers. When the opportunity arises, and we have the privilege of retiring or recruiting, we shall announce to the public, and the public will be informed accordingly,” he stated.

Minister of Education Douglas Siyakalima says the Government has placed education at the center of national development.

The media reports that Mr Siyakalima said the reintroduction of free education in Early Childhood to Secondary level is a testament of the importance the government attaches to the education sector.

Mr Siyakalima explained that the provision of free education has enabled thousands of families who would not have been able to access education.

The Minister indicated that the burden of school fees was a huge barrier in accessing education for many families and guardians.

He disclosed that with the advent of free education classrooms are full of vulnerable learners who would have been left behind.

Mr Siyakalima said the free education policy has rekindled belief in the power of free education.

The Minister said this in a speech read for him by Ministry of Education Director University Education, Brian Makufele during the launch of UNZA @ 60 anniversary and alumni reunion.

Meanwhile, Mr Siyakalima says the University of Zambia has continued to play an important role through research.

He said the research conducted by the university has helped to inform policy in health, education, agriculture and environment.

Mr Siyakalima stressed that UNZA has remained a trusted institution for knowledge production.

And speaking earlier, UNZA Vice Chancellor, Mundia Muya noted that the university has in the last six decades nurtured men and women who greatly contribute to the development of the country.

Prof Muya pointed out that UNZA has been a hub of research and innovation, generating knowledge that has shared policy, industry, and social progress.

He said the university has stood as a guardian of the nation’s values, ethical reflection and public responsibility.

Prof Muya said UNZA has been a home to generations of scholars who have shipped Zambia and influenced communities across the world.

“From Presidents to Cabinet Ministers, from Lawmakers to Judges, from Entrepreneurs to Researches, from public servants to global professionals,” stated Mr Muya.

He said UNZA alumni continue to make an indelible mark across continents.

Prof Muya has implored UNZA alumni to support the university as it celebrates its 60 years anniversary on the 11th of July 2026.

The Ministry of Energy has urged key stakeholders, consumer bodies, and experts to actively participate in the ongoing investigation into the rapid depletion of electricity units, amid rising concerns over increased ZESCO tariffs.

Ministry of Energy Principal Public Relations Officer, Bob Sianjalika, acknowledged the challenges faced by households and businesses, stressing that the Government is committed to protecting consumer interests.

“We are fully aware of the difficulties that our citizens are experiencing. This issue has arisen even as many Zambians believed the situation had improved, but isolated concerns require attention,” he said.

Mr Sianjalika emphasised the need for a collective effort, highlighting that Zambia’s energy sector has made significant strides, including the elimination of load shedding.

 “We trust the ERB and ZESCO experts to guide us through this process and ensure that the sector operates efficiently while safeguarding consumers,” he said.

And Small business owners and households in Lusaka district have raised concern over the increase in electricity tariffs, saying the move is putting pressure on their livelihoods and household budgets.

Barber shop owner, Joseph Bwalya said the higher tariffs have resulted in electricity units being depleted faster than before, forcing them to adjust service charges amid customer complaints making it difficult for businesses to operate normally.

“We buy units and before you notice they are finished. As a barber shop owner, electricity is very important, but now we have increased prices and customers are complaining,” he said.

Mr Bwalya added that some appliances have been damaged due to power fluctuations thereby worsening the situation.

He further disclosed that some barber shop owners have resorted to acquiring solar equipment through loans from companies such as Sun King in order to operate from morning to evening.

“We are getting loans just so that we can work, but we are still making losses because we have to repay the loans and at the same time buy electricity which does not even last two weeks,” he said.

Meanwhile, a Lusaka welder, Julius Sakala has also expressed concern that his machines consuming a lot of power and the increased tariffs are significantly raising operational costs.

Mr Bwalya further said the increased tariffs have affected their budgets and may force them to increase prices for their services.

“The machines we use require a lot of power. With the increase in electricity tariffs, we cannot continue charging the same prices because we will be making losses,” he said.

Martin Chirwa a resident of kalingalinga has equally bemoaned the impact of the tariff adjustment, saying electricity units that previously lasted a full month are now depleting within two weeks.

Mr Chirwa explained that the increase has compelled families to change how they use electricity at home.

“Before the increment, electricity units would last the whole month, but now it is a challenge. We may have to stop using appliances like electric stoves and consider alternatives such as solar panels,” he said.

The Ministry has since called on citizens and business owners to support efforts to strengthen the energy sector.

Copperbelt Province Permanent Secretary, Lawrence Mwanza has urged the Zambia Police Service to uphold professionalism as the country heads towards the 2026 General elections.

Mr Mwanza said this when Deputy Inspector General of Police, Charity Munganga called on him at the Provincial Administration Office.

He noted that the police service needs to be non-partisan in the execution of their duties during and after the elections.

Mr Mwanza revealed that Copperbelt Province was a political hot spot that requires Police officers that are accountable and professional to the citizens during election period.

The Permanent Secretary has also commended Copperbelt Commanding Officer, Mwala Yuyi for the professionalism that has been carried out during his leadership.

And, Ms Munganga says the Police Service is committed to protecting the citizens during the election period.

She added that the Police Service will ensure that the 2026 General elections are run smoothly according to the Electoral Commission of Zambia guidelines noting that police officers should also be protected.

The Deputy Police Chief is in the Province to among other things understand the safety of the Province ahead of the 2026 General Elections.

Copper Queens head coach Nora Häuptle has announced a 23-member squad for the 2026 COSAFA Women’s Championship, scheduled to take place in Polokwane, South Africa, from February 18 to March 1.

Zambia, who are the defending champions, have been drawn in Group B alongside Zimbabwe, Botswana and Eswatini. The tournament forms part of the team’s preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations to be hosted in Morocco.

The selected goalkeepers are Mufunte Chishala of Green Buffaloes, Catherine Musonda from Red Arrows and Hazel Nali of Zesco Ndola Girls.

In defence, the squad includes Margaret Belemu of Red Arrows, Margaret Gondwe, Agness Musesa, Rachael Nachula, Memory Nthala and Esther Siamfuko from Green Buffaloes. Also called up are Maluba Blessings of Nchanga Queens, Saliya Mwanza of Elite Ladies and Judith Soko of Zesco Ndola Girls.

The midfield department features Susan Banda, who plays for Cekmekoy BilgiDoga Spor in Turkey, alongside Rhodah Chileshe of Indeni Roses, Avell Chitundu of Zesco Ndola Girls, and Konkola Blades duo Sampa Chisanga and Natasha Witika.

The attacking lineup comprises Regina Chanda of Zanaco Ladies, Maweta Chilenga and Agness Phiri from Green Buffaloes, Mercy Chipasula of Kamfinsa Police, Kabanghe Mupopo of Henan WFC in China, and Eneless Phiri of Zesco Ndola Girls.

Some foreign-based players will miss part of the COSAFA training window due to club commitments but are expected to rejoin the squad during the final phase of preparations for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, which kicks off on March 17.

Police in Ndola have launched a manhunt for a man identified as David Zulu of Misundu Area, who is accused of killing his eight-month-old daughter, Nandi Zulu, in the early hours of Tuesday.

The incident reportedly occurred around 02:00 hours at the family home following a domestic dispute between Zulu and his wife. During the altercation, the suspect is alleged to have struck the infant on the head with a shovel, resulting in fatal injuries.

Neighbours rushed the child to Arthur Davison Hospital, where she was pronounced dead on arrival. Police later visited and processed the scene before transferring the body to Ndola Teaching Hospital Mortuary, where it is awaiting postmortem examination and burial.

Police Public Relations Officer Godfrey Chilabi confirmed the incident, stating that the motive has not yet been established and investigations are ongoing. He said the suspect fled the scene and remains at large, with efforts underway to locate and apprehend him.

The Zambia Police Service has appealed to members of the public to assist with information that could lead to the suspect’s arrest. Anyone with relevant details has been urged to come forward and support the ongoing investigation.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mulambo Haimbe and Special Envoy of the German Federal Foreign Minister, Saline Sparwasser, have held a bilateral meeting on the margins of the Executive Council meeting at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa today.

The two officials discussed bilateral issues between Germany and Zambia and how to continue strengthening their relations going forward.

Mr Haimbe told Zambian journalists after the meeting that the two also talked about the need to support each other’s candidatures when they or their individual nationals vie for various positions in multilateral institutions.

He said Zambia is very pleased with the strengthening of relations with Germany.

Meanwhile, Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa conferred in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Troika Ministerial Committee meeting where they discuss various matters relating to the region.

South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation led the delegation from his country while Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade from Zimbabwe, Amon Murwira represented his country.

Since the interim committee of the Troika main body was put in place, the ministers from the three countries have had no opportunity to meet, hence used their convergence at the Executive Council Ministers meeting to hold discussions on the sidelines.

The media reports that South Africa is the current chair of the Ministerial Committee of the Troika main body while Zambia is the incoming chair and Zimbabwe is the outgoing.

Zambia has concluded its participation at the 64th Session of the United Nations Commission for Social Development (CSocD64), reaffirming its commitment to inclusive social development and strengthened international cooperation.

Ministry of Community Development and Social Services Permanent Secretary for Administration, Angela Kawandami said on the sidelines of the session, Zambia held strategic bilateral engagements with the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence Against Children, Najat Maalla M’jid, aimed at strengthening cooperation and sharing best practices.

Dr Najat Maalla M’jid commended Zambia for its systems-based reforms, prevention-focused child protection strategies and efforts to strengthen the social service workforce.

Ms Kawandami added that a bilateral exchange with Jamaica provided valuable lessons on multidimensional poverty measurement, resilient social protection systems and care-economy-based employment models.

She further noted that the Commission adopted key resolutions by consensus, including a landmark resolution on promoting care and support systems for social development, reinforcing global commitments to dignity, gender equality and inclusive social policies.

Meanwhile, Ms Kawandami said during the main session, Zambia reiterated its resolve to translate international social development commitments into coordinated national action, guided by the principle of leaving no one behind.

She explained that the forum followed the adoption of the Doha Political Declaration and focused on practical, people-centred implementation strategies.

The Permanent Secretary delivered Zambia’s national statement, reaffirming Government’s commitment to poverty eradication, inclusive economic growth and social justice.

She highlighted progress made in expanding social protection programmes, promoting youth employment, advancing gender equality and strengthening the inclusion of persons with disabilities.

Ms Kawandami also emphasized the use of digital platforms to improve efficiency, transparency and access to social services.

She stressed that social development cannot be achieved in isolation and underscored the need for strengthened international cooperation and enhanced inter-ministerial coordination to promote inclusive and sustainable progress.

Ms Kawandami said Zambia also participated in high-level panel discussions where she shared the country’s experiences in programme-based budgeting, integrated financing approaches and digital payment systems aimed at improving service delivery.

The session was held from February 2 to 10, 2026, at the United Nations Headquarters in New York under the theme, “Advancing social development and social justice through coordinated, equitable, and inclusive policies.”