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.

Three escapee suspects have died in Nakonde District of Muchinga Province after they were hit by stray bullets, while trying to escape from lawful custody together with other suspects at Nakonde Police Station.

The incident happened yesterday Saturday, January 24th, 2026, when 10 suspects facing various offences such as murder and other felonies escaped from lawful custody through the main grill door leading to different cells.

Muchinga Province Police Commissioner, Denis Moola, who confirmed the development in a press statement issued to the the media in Chinsali this morning, said the three deceased suspects were hit by stray bullets when warning shots were fired to stop the fugitives who were running in different directions.

Mr Moola said brief facts are that on Saturday 24^th January, 2026 around 14:30hrs, Kapambwe Chongo and three other officers were on duty and whilst working during feeding time, the main grill door was opened to enable two suspects to get a pot of food which was prepared from outside the cells so that the other suspects in custody could feed.

Mr Moola alleged that as reported by Constable Chongo, two suspects were called during feeding time to collect a pot of food from the entrance and in the process other suspects came out from various cells and grabbed the officer, allowing others to escape and run into different directions.

The Provincial Police Commissioner stated that some warning shots were fired to stop the escapees from running away but they continued, and in an effort to stop them, unfortunately three of them were caught by stray bullets.

He said the three were immediately rushed to Nakonde District Hospital for treatment but later died due to injuries.

Mr Moola added that four others have been recaptured alive while three others are still at large, adding that Police has since launched a manhunt.

He has therefore appealed to community members to report any suspicious person to the police without delay as investigations on the case are in progress.

30 illegal Ethiopian immigrants were yesterday around 23:00 hours apprehended in an ambush in Nyimba District of Eastern Province for illegal entry into Zambia.

The immigrants were bundled in an Altaf Ambulance driven by a Chipata based driver, Boyd Phiri, aged 40.

Eastern Province Police Commanding Officer, Robertson Mweemba, has confirmed the development to the media, stating that the Altaf Ambulance Registration Number, BAT 3037, belongs to Altaf Private Hospital in Chipata District.

Mr Mweemba said it is believed that the driver, working together with his co-driver, Siyamukenge Chikema, 45, did pick up the Ethiopian nationals from various points.

He indicated that some of them were picked in Chanida, Katete, and others on the Mozambique Road.

Mr Mweemba further explained that as the police interviewed the Zambian drivers on the immigrants, the two disclosed that they received instructions from Kennedy Phiri of Katete District that there was a patient to be picked in Katete and needed an ambulance, but instead were given to ferry 30 Ethiopians upon arrival.

He has stated that currently the two Zambian drivers together with the 30 Ethiopians are in police custody, adding that the motor vehicle used has also been impounded.

Mr Mweemba stated that the arrest was made possible through teamwork, with Kacholola Checkpoint Security having informed Nyimba Police Station of the illegal immigrants.

Matero Member of Parliament Miles Sampa has described the detention cells at Lusaka Central Police Station as “hell on earth,” citing conditions he says are degrading, unsafe, and unfit for human beings.

Sampa made the remarks after spending two nights in police custody over a cyber-related matter. He said the environment inside the holding cells was characterised by filth, insect infestations, overcrowding, and the absence of basic privacy.

“At night, mosquitoes swarm above you, and cockroaches crawl across the walls, floor, and even on people. These cells are hell on earth,” Sampa said.

He stated that detainees are forced to use open pit latrines without partitions, leaving inmates exposed while using toilet facilities. According to him, the lack of separation between sanitation areas and sleeping spaces contributes to foul odours, health risks, and psychological distress.

“There is no privacy at all. Everything is open. Human dignity is completely ignored in those cells,” he said.

Sampa noted that Lusaka Central Police Station remains largely unchanged from its colonial-era structure, with aging infrastructure that has not kept pace with modern custodial standards. He said the facility’s outdated design makes it difficult to maintain hygiene, manage overcrowding, or prevent the spread of infections.

His account adds to broader national concerns over the state of police detention facilities, which have recently drawn attention following reports in the press about overcrowded cells, delayed court processing, and poor custodial conditions.

Recent court-related reporting has highlighted challenges within the criminal justice system, including congestion in holding facilities, prolonged detention of suspects, and the strain placed on police infrastructure by high arrest volumes in Lusaka and other urban centres.

Sampa warned that extended detention in such conditions could result in illness, exposure to disease, and long-term health complications, particularly for detainees with existing medical conditions.

“These are not animals. These are citizens. Even when someone is accused of an offence, they still deserve humane treatment,” he said.

He called for the immediate demolition of the existing detention block and the construction of a modern facility that meets acceptable health, safety, and human-rights standards. Sampa suggested that the Constituency Development Fund could be utilised to finance a new police station.

“Demolish this structure and rebuild it. By August next year, Lusaka Central should have a new facility. Resources can be found, including through CDF,” he said.

The remarks come at a time when public institutions across the country are under growing pressure to improve service delivery and infrastructure. Coverage in national newspapers has recently focused on government efforts to modernise public facilities, including roads, schools, health centres, and police posts in various districts.

Against that backdrop, Sampa’s comments have resonated with citizens who say similar conditions exist in other police stations around the country. Social media users and community voices have shared accounts of overcrowded cells, poor ventilation, and inadequate sanitation.

Police authorities had not issued a formal public response to Sampa’s claims at the time of publication. Attempts to obtain comment from senior officers at Lusaka Central Police Station were unsuccessful.

Sampa said he did not seek preferential treatment during his detention and instead chose to speak publicly to highlight the conditions faced by ordinary detainees who lack influence or political standing.

He maintained that custodial facilities, especially in the capital, must reflect basic standards of decency, safety, and respect for human life.

Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry, Chipoka Mulenga, has commended Patents and Companies Registration Agency (PACRA) for launching the next generation business and beneficial ownership register.

Mr Mulenga says the move taken by PACRA is a significant step in promoting transparency and accountability within the business community.

He notes that the use of a beneficial ownership register is going to enhance the rate of doing business in Zambia.

The media reports that Mr Mulenga said this in a speech read for him at the event last night by Minister of Tourism, Rodney Sikumba.

He stressed that conducting business in Zambia is improving everyday through the policies and initiatives that the government is implementing.

Mr Mulenga further saluted the agency for demonstrating strong leadership in implementing reforms aimed at bettering the business environment in the country.

Speaking earlier, Smart Zambia National Coordinator, Percy Chinyama, thanked GIZ Zambia for investing in the establishment of the next generation business and beneficial ownership register project.

Mr Chinyama said the financial support provided by GIZ Zambia towards the project is highly appreciated.

Meanwhile, PACRA Board Chairperson, Allan Mwaba, said the launch of the next generation business and beneficial ownership register project marks an important government milestone, one that reflects Zambia’s continued commitment to creating a modern business environment.

Mr Mwaba added that the launch of the business and beneficial ownership register is not an isolated initiative but a national reform.