Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) leader Antonio Mwanza has welcomed President Hakainde Hichilema’s decision to refer the proposed CCTV Bill back to Parliament, saying the move helps safeguard citizens’ privacy and provides an opportunity to address major concerns within the legislation.

President Hichilema recently declined to assent to the Bill, stating that in its current form it poses a significant risk of intruding into the private lives of citizens.

Mwanza praised the decision, noting that national security measures should protect the public rather than subject them to unnecessary monitoring.

“Security must protect citizens, not spy on them. By sending the Bill back to Parliament, the President has defended constitutional rights and created space to fix these serious flaws before any such law is imposed on the Zambian people,” he said.

He cautioned that the Bill, as currently drafted, grants broad authority to install and manage CCTV systems without clear limitations, which could expose citizens to widespread surveillance.

“This opens the door to mass and indiscriminate monitoring of ordinary citizens going about their daily lives,” Mwanza said.

He also raised concerns over data protection provisions, arguing that unclear guidelines on the storage, access, and sharing of surveillance footage could put personal information at risk.

“Without strict safeguards, citizens’ personal data can be misused, abused, leaked, or exploited. The proposed oversight structures lack real independence. There are no strong checks to prevent abuse by state agencies or private entities running surveillance systems,” he added.

Mwanza further criticised the absence of strong judicial oversight, emphasising that surveillance measures should require court authorisation to meet constitutional standards of necessity and proportionality.

Additionally, he noted that key stakeholders, including civil society organisations and digital rights experts, were not adequately consulted during the drafting process.

Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (KKIA) was filled with grief as the body of late Salvation Army Training Principal, Lieutenant Colonel Kennedy Mizinga, was officially handed over to Territorial Commander Colonel Alfred Banda.

Lt Col Mizinga died last Monday in 2026 following a short illness. His passing has been described as a significant loss to the Salvation Army, particularly in officer training and mentorship, where he made notable contributions.

Representing the Kenya Territory, a Salvation Army official delivered a brief but emotional message during the handover ceremony, bringing many mourners to tears.

“Territorial Commander, fellow mourners, we tried. But when we went to sleep, the enemy stole him away from us. We are sorry,” the representative said.

The statement reflected the sense of sorrow felt by Salvation Army officers and members in Kenya, where Lt Col Mizinga had been serving as Training Principal at the time of his death.

Colonel Alfred Banda expressed gratitude to the Kenya Territory for the care, support, and respect accorded to the late officer during his final days, adding that his dedication and service would be remembered.

Following the handover, the body was transported from the airport with prayers and military-style honours as family members and fellow officers paid tribute.

A church service is scheduled to take place today at the Salvation Army Libala Temple in Lusaka, with burial planned for tomorrow at the family farm in Chongwe.

Lieutenant Colonel Kennedy Mizinga is survived by his wife and two children.

Civil Society for Poverty Reduction (CSPR) in Northwestern Province has commended the government for putting up measures to reduce the price of essential commodities.

Northwestern Province Chairperson David Choongo says the government should ensure that the benefits trickle down to ordinary citizens.

Speaking in an interview with the media, Mr Choongo explained that the appreciation of the kwacha, reduction of inflation and reduction in the prices of fuel should translate into an improved standard of living for all.

“The economy has been performing well lately and we want the benefits to be felt by everyone through reduced prices”, Mr Choongo said.

He commended the government’s call for manufacturing companies to reduce the prices of commodities adding that it was the right thing to do as the production cost had reduced.

“Manufacturing companies should reduce the prices of products because they are also benefiting from the reduction in fuel prices and appreciate the kwacha,” Mr Choongo said.

He appealed to the government to find a mechanism on how to work with manufacturers to ensure a price Reduction each time there is a gain without reminding them.

“People are still living in poverty and each time there is a gain and a reduction in prices, it makes a big difference to them regardless of the amount,” Mr Choongo said.

He disclosed that distant places like Solwezi have not benefited from these gains in the past, due to manufacturers taking a long time to act.

Mr Choongo explained that poverty levels in the country still remain high and unimpressive but was hopeful that with the end of load shedding and reduction in fuel prices, the economy was heading in the right direction.

Minister of Commerce Trade and Industry, Chipoka Mulenga announced that sixty percent of manufacturers had reduced the prices of products between five to twenty percent.

Paramount Chief Mpezeni of the Ngoni people of Eastern Province has reiterated the traditional leadership’s commitment to working with the government.

Speaking during the Nc’wala traditional ceremony fundraising dinner hosted by the Petauke Ngoni Group, the traditional leader, who was represented by Chief Mnukwa said the traditional leadership works with the government to ensure development is realised.

“As the traditional leadership we work with the government, as we also believe these people exist to serve the citizens who put them in power,” he said.

The Paramount Chief also urged those surrounding the presidency to objectively update the Head of State on various matters that have real impact on the livelihood of the general citizenry.

Meanwhile, Ngoni Royal Establishment Nc’wala Main Committee Vice Chairperson, Moses Chimukule appreciated the Petauke Ngoni Group for the effort made towards the financing of this year’s Nc’wala traditional ceremony.

“Whatever you have contributed will be put to good use,” he assured.

“This year’s Nc’wala traditional ceremony activities will start in Nakonde on February 18, then proceed to Feira, in Luangwa district for the crossing, then proceed to the main event,” he added.

And gracing the event, Petauke District Commissioner Martha Mulenga indicated that President Hakainde Hichilema values tradition and culture, as it plays a pivotal role in the moral development of the country.

“Traditional ceremonies like Nc’wala also create an enabling environment for peace and unity,” she indicated.

This year, the Nc’wala traditional ceremony will be held on February, 28^th, 2026.

A 20-year-old University of Zambia (UNZA) Great East Road Campus student is nursing serious injuries after she was struck by a Toyota Mark X while crossing the road within campus.

The victim, identified as Zanele Sichoonga, was rushed to Levy Mwanawasa Teaching Hospital, where she remains admitted and is receiving medical treatment.

According to Zambia Police Public Relations Officer Godfrey Chilabi, the accident occurred on February 7, 2026, around 03:30 hours within the UNZA Great East Campus.

Mr Chilabi said preliminary investigations indicate that the student was crossing the road when she was hit by an oncoming motor vehicle. The driver of the Toyota Mark X, registration number CAG 1877, has been identified as 29-year-old Stephen Lombe of Chamba Valley.

Following the incident, a group of suspected students allegedly mobbed and assaulted the driver and damaged the vehicle. Police officers later arrived at the scene and rescued him. He sustained injuries and was taken to Levy Mwanawasa Teaching Hospital, where he was treated and later discharged.

Meanwhile, the Zambia Police Service has dismissed as false claims circulating on social media alleging that the driver is the son of Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security Jack Mwiimbu.

Mr Chilabi described the claims as malicious and misleading, stating that there is no relationship between the driver and the Minister. He urged members of the public to disregard the false information.

Police investigations into the matter are ongoing, and the driver is expected to face formal charges.

President Hakainde Hichilema says his participation in the 2026 Mining Indaba in Cape Town, South Africa, is part of Government’s ongoing efforts to attract more investment and create employment opportunities for Zambians.

The President has arrived in Cape Town, where he is scheduled to deliver a keynote address at Africa’s largest mining investment conference.

In a message shared on his Facebook page, Mr Hichilema said Government’s mission is clear—to secure increased investment that will generate jobs and drive economic growth. He also thanked citizens for their prayers and continued support.

State House Chief Communications Specialist Clayson Hamasaka said the President’s objective at the Indaba is to position Zambia as a preferred destination for responsible mining investment. He noted that the conference brings together key global investors and industry executives who make critical investment decisions.

Mr Hamasaka said increased mining investment creates employment not only within the mines but also in supporting sectors such as transport, supply chains, and local businesses, while boosting government revenues for essential services like education, healthcare, and infrastructure.

He added that since 2021, Government has implemented reforms aimed at strengthening Zambia’s investment climate. As a result, copper production reached 890,346 metric tonnes in 2025—an eight percent increase from the previous year and the highest output in recent years.

Mr Hamasaka highlighted major developments, including First Quantum Minerals’ US$1.25 billion S3 expansion at Kansanshi Mine, which has extended the mine’s lifespan by 20 years and safeguarded thousands of jobs. He also noted that mines previously facing closure and job losses, such as Mopani and Konkola Copper Mines, are now operational, investing, and employing workers.

He further stated that mining sector growth is driving infrastructure development, including the Western Corridor Project, a 371-kilometre road upgrade from Mutanda in North-Western Province to Kaoma in Western Province under a 25-year public-private partnership.

Government has set a target of reaching three million tonnes of annual copper production, a goal Mr Hamasaka said will create more jobs, increase tax revenue, and expand opportunities for local suppliers and entrepreneurs across the mining value chain.