Government has intensified the enforcement of the annual fishing ban in Isoka District of Muchinga Province following the seizure of illegal fish during routine patrols conducted by the Department of Fisheries and livestock .

Isoka District Fisheries and Livestock Coordinator, Motive Katema has confirmed the development in an interview with the Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS), saying on January 10, 2026, officers seized 10 kilogrammes of assorted dry fish from three individuals found trading of fish during the fishing ban period.

The media reports that Mr Katema said the fishing ban, which runs from December 1, 2025 to February 28, 2026, is aimed at allowing fish to breed effectively during the peak breeding period.

“This is the critical time when fish breed, and the ban is meant to protect the resource so that fishing remains sustainable for both the present and future generations,” Mr Katema said.

He noted that while fishing remains one of the major economic activities in the district, the level of resistance to the ban has so far been minimal.

“Fishing is a source of income for many households, so some challenges are expected, but so far we have recorded very little resistance from the community,” he said.

Mr Katema explained that the department has adopted a service-oriented approach to enforcement, focusing on sensitisation, training, advice and regular patrols, which are being conducted every three to four days.

“We are not using force. We are service providers. Our role is to sensitise, train and advise the community so that they understand that this ban is for their own benefit,” he stated.

He added that enforcement efforts are constrained by limited manpower, and appealed for increased support from other government departments to strengthen patrols.

Mr Katema further commended the Government for its continued support to the department of livestock and fisheries and emphasised the need for early sensitisation ahead of the fishing ban period.

“We need to be proactive and start sensitisation earlier. People must adhere to the fishing ban because if we fail to take care of our water bodies, we risk losing them completely,” he said.

The Agriculture Technical and Professional Staff Union of Zambia (ATPSUZ) has commended the government for its commitment to paying farmers who supplied maize to the Food Reserve Agency (FRA).

Union General Secretary, Stephen Maleki, says the payments show dedication by the government to support farmer’s livelihoods and agricultural sustainability.

Speaking  in an interview, Mr Maleki urged farmers to reinvest wisely, especially in inputs like pesticides to increase productivity without relying solely on government aid.

He further encouraged farmers to increase efforts in the production of staple food crops alongside cash crops such as soya beans for income.

Meanwhile, Mr Maleki has noted that while maize mainly ensures food security, cash crops meet other household needs.

He stated that the union is working closely with the government to keep members satisfied and supported.

United Party for National Development (UPND) North-western Provincial Youth Chairperson, Bruce Kanema, has backed government’s decision through the Ministry of Defence to clear illegal gold miners at Kikonge area in Mufumbwe District.

Mr Kanema says the move was long overdue, stressing that the illegal gold mining activities were not safe and was a breeding ground for criminal activities.

The media reports that Mr Kanema said this during a press briefing in Solwezi today.

He stated that the stance the government has taken to bring order and sanity to Kikonge Gold Mine area is commendable and must be supported by all well-meaning Zambians.

“As UPND youths in the province, we are in support of the action taken to clear illegal gold miners from Kikonge area. We are in support of the action because our President, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, has categorically indicated since coming into power that he is not going to allow illegal Mining to take place in any part of the country,” he said.

He noted that the move will also allow the right people who are the Zambian youths to benefit from the mineral wealth in the province.

Mr Kanema alleged that the illegal gold mining in Kikonge saw many foreigners who had evaded the area benefit more than the Zambians themselves.

He has further called for the same action to be replicated to other parts of the country where illegal mining activities are taking place.

The Kabwe Magistrate’s court has set February 10, 2026, as a date for ruling in which a 29-year-old teacher at Saint Pauls’ School in Kapiri Mposhi District is charged with defiling a 12 yearold girl of the same school.

Appearing before Resident Magistrate Catherine Mumba was Squirk Mwale of Saint Pauls’ School Compound in Kapiri Mposhi charged with one count of defilement of a child contrary to section 138 of Penal Code Chapter 87 as amended by Act number 15 of 2005 and Act number 2 of 2011 of the laws of Zambia.

Particulars of the offence are that, Mwale on the 28th March, 2025 in Kapiri Mposhi District of Central Province had unlawful canal knowledge of a girl child under the age of sixteen.

When the matter came up for continuation of trial before Resident Magistrate Mumba, the state called the last witness, the Doctor, who conducted the medical examination on the victim.

Taking the witness stand, Wisdom Banda, a doctor at Kabwe Central hospital told the court that he examined the victim and his findings where that hymen was broken.

The doctor explained findings were that the hymen was torn although he could not tell what caused the damage because he never conducted a DNA test to ascertain if it was due to penetration by the accused.

Dr. Banda’s testimony has marked the end of the prosecution trial, and the court has adjourned the matter to February 10, 2026 ruling when the court will determine if the accused will be found with a case to answer.

The matter is being prosecuted by Charity Munyonga from the National Prosecution Authority while Mwale is being represented by Makumba Mulele from GM Legal practitioners.

The Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) has described 2025 as a year of significant progress for Zambia’s broadcasting sector, following the enactment of the new IBA Act and expanded access to radio services across the country.

IBA Board Chairperson, Chikosola Chuula says the enactment of the Independent Broadcasting Authority Act No. 25 of 2025 marked a major milestone, aimed at modernising regulations, promoting innovation and attracting investment in the sector.

Speaking during the end of year press briefing in Lusaka, Mr Chuula explained that the new law will enhance transparency and efficiency, while improving the quality of broadcast content in line with Zambia’s evolving digital landscape.

He added that the IBA will now begin developing statutory instruments to operationalise the Act.

 Mr Chuula also disclosed that during 2025, the IBA issued nine new radio licences and approved nine expansion permits to extend broadcasting services to underserved rural communities.

He said the total number of licensed broadcasting stations in the country now stands at 263, comprising 202 radio stations and 61 television stations.

Mr Chuula said IBA also strengthened inspections and content monitoring, recording 14 compliance breaches involving nine stations, mainly linked to poor programme moderation, unverified information and content likely to disturb public order.

He added that seven stations were suspended for non-payment of annual operating fees, although three later complied and had their license reinstated.

Mr Chuula noted an overall improvement in compliance levels, including timely license renewals, better broadcasting infrastructure and improved adherence to content standards.

He warned broadcasters against airing misleading programmes, particularly those involving false claims by spiritual or traditional healers.

STATE House has raised concern over statements by some opposition leaders that appear to promote uncontrolled mining practices, warning that such calls pose a serious threat to Zambia’s peace, stability and national security.

Chief Communication Specialist Clayson Hamasaka said leaders promoting uncontrolled mining should clearly explain to Zambians whether illegal mining serves their own interests and whether they are prepared to risk the lawlessness, violence and environmental destruction that have ravaged other countries. In a statement, Mr Hamasaka said President Hakainde Hichilema’s commitment is clear: Zambia’s natural resources must be a blessing for both the present generation and those to come, managed openly, extracted responsibly and shared fairly. He said President Hichilema has both a moral and constitutional duty to uphold law and order across the country, including within key economic sectors.

Mr Hamasaka said the ongoing clampdown on illegal mining is a decisive measure aimed at ensuring that Zambia’s mineral wealth benefits all citizens, rather than a few individuals. “This initiative also provides vital protection against negative patterns seen in other regions, where criminal syndicates seize control of mining sites, terrorise communities and create persistent instability,” he said.

He added that illegal mining is far from harmless, as it fuels organised crime, undermines national security, destroys the environment and deprives citizens of their rightful share of Zambia’s resources. Mr Hamasaka said Government recognises the important role played by artisanal and small-scale miners in the economy, stressing that the clampdown is not directed at those who wish to mine legally and responsibly. “To advance this goal, the President has authorised expert teams to study international best practices, with particular focus on how some Middle Eastern countries, such as the United Arab Emirates, have successfully managed and regulated their natural assets,” he said.

Mr Hamasaka noted that in countries where resources such as oil have been responsibly managed, nations have achieved sustainable economic growth, improved infrastructure and enhanced quality of life for their citizens. He further said Government, through the Ministry of Mines, has already begun establishing a mechanism to legalise the trade in gold and other minerals in a way that benefits both the country and its people.

An illegal miner operating at Kinkonge Gold Mine in Mufumbwe District, North-Western Province, has confirmed the existence of makeshift markets allegedly trading in firearms, metal detectors, explosives, drugs and minerals, reportedly run by suspected foreign nationals.

Zambia Army Commander Lieutenant General Geoffrey Zyeele has previously stated that some foreigners involved in illegal gold mining activities at Kinkonge are in possession of high-calibre firearms, posing a threat to national security. The Army has since deployed troops to the area to curb the illegal activities.

In an exclusive interview, the miner, who requested anonymity for safety reasons, said there are about eight makeshift markets operating at each mining camp, all allegedly run by foreign nationals.

The miner said the foreigners control the sale of gold and supply various items to illegal miners in Mufumbwe, including metal detectors, firearms and explosives.

“These markets are controlled and run by the foreigners. They control the selling of gold and also supply metal detectors, guns and explosives. Miners also buy different types of drugs from them,” he said.

He added that the situation at the mine has become dangerous, as some miners, particularly foreigners, are armed with guns, knives and machetes.

“To be safe at the mine, a person must have a gun, knife, machete or taser because it is difficult to survive at the mine without some form of protection. People are often under the influence of drugs, and when gold is found, violence can easily occur,” the miner said.

President Hakainde Hichilema has reiterated his call for Zambians to uphold unity, peace and truthfulness as essential pillars for national development.

President Hichilema says it is regrettable that falsehoods have increasingly taken center stage in the country, citing among them misinformation that surrounded Bill 7, as well as other falsehoods that do not add value to the country’s growth.

speaking through the Presidential Advisor for Politics, Levy Ngoma, during a church service at Pentecostal Assemblies of God, PENIEL Church in Kasama, the President explained that contrary to what was being peddled, Bill 7 is about inclusivity, with progressive clauses designed to support women, youths, and persons with disabilities.

The Head of State further noted that challenges Members of Parliament face in serving vast rural constituencies, are real adding that the delimitation exercise arising from bill 7 will help improve representation and service delivery.

Mr Hichilema stressed that peace is cardinal for development and must be treasured at all times.

The President has also commended the peaceful atmosphere during ongoing political campaigns in Kasama, attributing it to the government’s political will to champion peace and ending violence.

“As a nation, if we want to be blessed, unity must come first. Let us live in unity and continue to pray for peace,” President Hichilema said.

He also reaffirmed that his government has upheld Zambia’s declaration as a Christian nation, and the National Day of Prayer and Fasting as a public holiday, underscoring the government’s commitment to faith and unity.

The President has since announced his support to the Pentecostal Assemblies of God, Peniel Church’s procurement of a streaming camera to enhance worship and communication.

And Pentecostal Assemblies of God, PENIEL Church Bishop, Peard Muzoka, acknowledged the President’s message, emphasising that peace is a cornerstone of national development.

Bishop Muzoka observed that the church is equally affected and deeply concerned whenever peace is disturbed in the country.

He pledged the church’s continued commitment to spearheading efforts that promote and safeguard peace.

Copperbelt Province Minister, Elisha Matambo, has urged the church to continue praying for President Hakainde Hichilema, as he continues to lead the nation.

The media reports that Mr Matambo said this during the groundbreaking and opening of doors for House of Grace Global Ministries Church in Kalulushi.

He stated that the church should also continue praying for the first lady, the cabinet and all government leaders of various portfolios regardless of their political affiliations for the nation to thrive.

Mr Matambo further commended the clergy in Kalulushi for their commitment to spreading the gospel and serving the community.

The Provincial Minister said the development is a clear demonstration of the power of faith in Christ Jesus, fulfilling that which God ordained and its impact to ministry and the people that walk through its doors.

Mr Matambo noted that the government remains cognisant of the critical role of the Christian heritage as a nation in preserving and upholding the moral fabric of the society.

“This is the reason the President upheld, and for as long as he remains President he will continue to uphold the Declaration of Zambia as a Christian Nation in unity and peace as “One Zambia, One Nation, One People,” said Mr Matambo.

He also thanked the church for the sound relationship with the government and called on the membership of the church to play their role in upholding the national values and principles as espoused in the constitution to safeguard love, peace and unity in diversity.

Mr Matambo also urged the Church to take advantage of the Constituency Development Fund which he said is for all Zambians to uplift the livelihoods of the members.

Meanwhile, House of Grace Global Ministries, Kennedy Milanzi, has urged all Zambians to love one another regardless of their political affiliations.

Prophet Milanzi noted that there is no relationship without love and that Christianity is all about love.