Kabwe residents have called on the government to consider upgrading Mulungushi road to bituminous standard, in order to eradicate the problem of dust emission from trucks carrying mineral slugs.

The residents say the upgrading of the road to a tarmac is the only permanent way to curb the dust pollution, which is also suspected to contain lead which poses a threat to human lives.

Ireen Namonje, a marketeer at Mulungushi market, told ZANIS in an interview that tarring the road will help address the problem of dust emission.

Ms Namonje says residents in Waya Compound have for a long time been exposed to diseases associated with lead pollution, because of the dust.

Mulemwa Libumbu, another resident of Waya Compound, says dust suppression through the use of water bowsers has been costly and unsustainable over time.

Philemon Maambo, another Kabwe resident, says tarring the road is the only solution to the pollution affecting the people of Waya Compound and surrounding areas.

Mr Mambo commended the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) for mobilising over 10 mineral processing companies to undertake dust suppression on Mulungushi road as a short-term measure.

 Some parliamentary candidates participating in the forthcoming general elections in Lumezi North have pledged to undertake violence-free campaigns.

Speaking to the media, United Party for National Development (UPND) candidate Anderson Banda said he will focus on issue-based campaigns as aspired by President Hakainde Hichilema.

Mr Banda said the people of Lumezi want to see development and not violence.

“I want to assure the people of Lumezi of issue-based politics by highlighting how I will advocate for policies that will better the lives of our men, women and young people,” he said.

He added that he is cognisant of President Hakainde Hichilema’s development agenda and stands ready to carry forward the development of Lumezi.

“We want to ensure that young people utilise empowerment opportunities and benefit from the expanded Constituency Development Fund (CDF) to achieve inclusive development,” he said.

Meanwhile, National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity Candidate Clement Mwale also assured violence-free campaigns, pledging to focus on development matters.

Mr Mwale said that having previously served as Council Chairperson in Lumezi, he is capable of making better use of the expanded Constituency Development Fund (CDF).

“If we had only 1.6 million Kwacha as Constituency Development Fund (CDF) and were able to build this facility, what about now with the expanded CDF,” he said.

He expressed confidence in effectively spearheading the development of Lumezi.

Only three candidates will contest the Lumezi North seat ahead of the August 13 polls.

These include Anderson Banda of the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND), Nebby Manda of the opposition Leadership Movement, and Clement Mwale from the National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity.

The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has urged District Conflict Management Committees (DCMCs) in Chibombo, Chisamba, and Kabwe districts, to be impartial as they mediate minor electoral disputes to ensure a fair and credible electoral process.

Kabwe District Electoral Officer, Jovax Ngoma has emphasised that integrity and impartiality are essential, noting that the approach aims to foster peaceful participation and mutual resolution ahead of the August 13 general elections.

Mr Ngoma said this during the official opening of a five-day training workshop for Conflict Management Committees (CMC) in Chibombo, Chisamba, and Kabwe, being held in Kabwe.

“We must give hope and confidence to the people that we are impartial,” Mr Ngoma said.

He warned that escalating political disputes could undermine the electoral process.

During a presentation, Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) facilitator Gloria Musambachime noted that the CMC’s role is to mediate minor disputes and escalating cases beyond its capacity to the National Conflict Management Committee (NCMC) or law enforcement agencies.

“Our mandate is just to resolve the minor disputes through mediation. Then the other mandate is to take preventive initiatives such as training, sensitisation and so on. We are preventing the conflict from escalating,” Ms Musambachime said.

Meanwhile, ECZ facilitator Enock Kamkwamba urged committee members to cascade the workshop’s lessons to the grassroots, aiming to promote nationwide peace and unity.

“Bashimapepo (the clergy), use this opportunity to educate our people, politicians to desist from activities which easily incite the people to go and fight. Law enforcement officers, it is incumbent upon you to tell the citizens and political parties that we don’t want violence,” Mr. Kamkwamba said.

Mr Kamkwamba urged law enforcement officers to maintain transparency and standard protocols when reviewing notifications for political rallies, ensuring equal and unbiased treatment of all political parties, and further stressed that security deployments must rely exclusively on agreed-upon, official campaign timetables to avoid any clashes.

A 15 -year -old girl of Katete, has been abducted by a male individual identified as Saimani Mwanza.

The accused is believed to have worked with another male accomplice.

It is believed that the girl was abducted after a ride offer from Mbinga Village to Kangwerema farms in Kawaza Chiefdom of Katete District in Eastern Province.

Eastern Province Polica Commanding Officer Robertson Mweemba has confirmed the incident.

“Brief information on the matter is that on 24th May 2026, the abducted female juvenile was with her 14-year female juvenile friend who had gone to visit their relatives in Mbinga village. On their way back to Kangwerema farms, they were offered a lift by the accused, who was with the other person who remains unidentified,” Mr Mweemba said.

After getting on the bike, and riding for a while, the accused requested his friend to stop the motorbike.

Upon stopping, the accused got hold of the 15-year-old juvenile and took her to a nearby bush leaving the rider with another female juvenile.

“After a while, the other man followed Mwanza in the bush.

This act allowed the female juvenile to escape and immediately went to tell the parents of the 15 year-old juvenile,” Mr Mweemba said.

The parents immediately mobilised each other and went to the scene but could not find anyone.

After the search, the parents decided to alert the police for assistance.

Mr Mweemba told the Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS) that a docket has been opened as the search continues.

He said that investigations and a manhunt have been launched to bring to book the abductors.

A 35-year-old man of Chama District has died on the spot after two motorcycles collided head-on.

The victim, Peter Phiri, who was riding one of the motorcycles, sustained multiple injuries and died on the spot.

The media reports that the fatal accident happened yesterday, near Chama Town.

This has been confirmed by Eastern Province Police Commanding Officer Robertson Mweemba, who revealed that the accident happened around 09:20 hours in the Kaozi village area, about five kilometers north of Chama Town.

“The accident involved a GT motorcycle registration number ARC 8332 riden by Peter Phiri, 35, of Kasangani Village in Chief Kambombo’s area, and an unregistered Kinglion motorcycle ridden by Elias Ngulube, 29, of Lukomboziozi Compound in Chief Kambombo’s area,” he said.

Mr Mweemba said the now deceased sustained a fractured right forearm, fractured right thigh, broken jaw, cuts on the left cheek, and bleeding from the nose and mouth.

His passenger, Grace Thole, 27, of Dungulungu village, sustained a fractured right knee, bruises on the right foot, and complained of general body pains.

Meanwhile, the other rider sustained injuries to the middle and forefinger and also complained of general body pains.

Two passengers on his motorcycle, identified as 17-year-old Mary Mucheleng’anga of Makeni B Compound and 11-year-old juvenile Whynet Mkandawire of Dungulungu Village, sustained minor injuries.

All the injured victims were rushed to Chama District Hospital, where they are admitted, while the body of the deceased was deposited into the hospital mortuary.

Police investigations indicate that the accident happened when Peter Phiri allegedly lost control of the motorcycle due to excessive speed before colliding head-on with the oncoming motorcycle ridden by Elias Ngulube.

The Department of Immigration has apprehended 25 undocumented Ethiopian nationals in Lusaka’s Matero Township during an operation conducted at Given Guest House.

Department of Immigration Chief Public Relations Officer Namati Nshinka said the operation was carried out on May 23, 2026.

Nshinka said officers also arrested two Zambian nationals, identified as Floyd Mulenga, 27, and King Lingwabo, 35.

According to the Department, the two suspects were intercepted while attempting to leave the guest house in a white Toyota Vellfire, registration number ADE 5266, carrying 17 Ethiopian nationals.

Nshinka said preliminary interrogations led officers to a room within the same premises where eight additional Ethiopian nationals were discovered, bringing the total number apprehended to 25.

The Ethiopian nationals, aged between 12 and 50 years, together with the two Zambian suspects, remain in custody as investigations continue.

In a statement, Nshinka said the Department of Immigration will continue conducting operations across the country aimed at combating illegal immigration and related offences.

Independent Chikankata parliamentary candidate Anderson Ng’andu, who died in a road accident shortly after filing his nomination papers, has been laid to rest.

Hundreds of residents from across Chikankata Constituency gathered in Malala Ward on Monday to pay their final respects to Ng’andu, popularly known as “Chibulo Chilema.”

The funeral attracted family members, friends, community leaders, church members, youths and supporters, many of whom described the late aspiring lawmaker as a dedicated and people-centred leader committed to improving the lives of residents in the constituency.

Emotional scenes were witnessed as mourners gathered for the burial, with many struggling to contain their grief as the body arrived at the burial site. Residents braved the heat to attend the ceremony and honour the late politician.

Ng’andu died shortly after successfully filing his nomination papers as an independent candidate for the Chikankata parliamentary seat ahead of the forthcoming elections. His death came as a shock to many residents who had supported his candidature.

Speaking during the funeral, the deceased’s uncle, Grey Ng’andu, said Anderson sustained serious injuries after falling from a vehicle while negotiating a sharp corner.

He explained that despite efforts to rush him to hospital, he succumbed to his injuries on the way.

Grey Ng’andu described his nephew as a hardworking and ambitious young man who was passionate about serving the people of Chikankata and improving the welfare of vulnerable members of society.

“He was passionate about helping people regardless of their background. Anderson believed leadership was about service to the people and not personal gain,” he said.

Several residents who spoke during the funeral described the late Ng’andu as humble, courageous and committed to advocating for the interests of ordinary citizens.

Others said he strongly believed in promoting the welfare of the poor and marginalised communities and was dedicated to ensuring equal opportunities for all.

Youths in the constituency described his death as a significant loss, saying he had inspired many young people to take an active role in leadership and community development.

Residents said his passing had left a gap in the constituency, particularly among young people who viewed him as a symbol of hope and change.

Ng’andu’s death comes as political campaigns and activities continue to gain momentum ahead of the elections in Chikankata Constituency.

His burial marked the end of a political journey that many supporters believed held promise for the future of the constituency. Residents said his legacy and contribution to the community would continue to be remembered.

A total of 13, 686 students across the country accessed Technical Education, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Training (TEVET) bursaries in the first quarter of 2026.

This is against a target of 1,500 students under the initiative, designed to support vulnerable but deserving students to pursue skills training in various sectors.

Co-Chairperson of Cluster Advisory Group two under the National Development Coordinating Committee, Brian Mwiinga disclosed this in an interview with the media in Lusaka.

Mr Mwiinga revealed that in an effort to enhance skills development in the country, a total of 40 Science, Technology, and Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) lecturers were recruited past the targeted 12, for the first quarter of 2026.

He added that a total of 496 public and private institutions benefited from the TEVET fund financing against a target of 6, in the same period.

He commended government for the achievement, noting that skills are critical in driving the development agenda complemented by the increased Constituency Development Fund (CDF) allocation.

Mr Mwiinga, who is also Social Policy Lead for the Civil Society for Poverty Reduction, noted that such initiatives will contribute to reducing poverty levels in the country.

“Overall when you look at the benefits of achieving these targets, firstly, they are within the framework of the Eighth National Development Plan and then when you look at it critically, we are talking about education. You cannot have meaningful development without investing in the education sector. So such investments give us comfort that we are going in the right direction,” he emphasized.

And in separate interviews, beneficiaries of the TEVET bursary, expressed gratitude to the government for the support.

Hope Sakala, a youth studying Electrical Technology at Lusaka Vocational and Training College (LVTC), explained that she had stayed home for five years due to lack of funds for her tertiary education.

Ms Sakala stated that the bursary has brought hope for a bright future not only for herself but her family as she intends to set up a business after acquiring the skill and employ her younger siblings as well as other youths.

“I really appreciate government because it was really hard for me. Maybe if they didn’t give me this bursary, I would have been out there, struggling, trying to raise some money,” she said.

Aaron Mushota, who is studying plumbing and pipe fitting at the same institution indicated that the bursary has provided financial relief to him, adding that he is now able to focus on his studies.

“The message I have for government is that I really appreciate this thing you are doing because it is helping many students, not just me but others who are also facing the same challenges that I faced,” he said.