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Two men have been sentenced to five years imprisonment with hard labour for unlawful possession of a lion’s skin.
Before Magistrate Brenda Chiganda were Davies Mwila, 46 of Masansa area in Kapiri Mposhi district and Stephen Ngosa, 66, of Twatasha compound in Kitwe district who stood charged with one count of unlawful possession of a prescribed trophy namely a lion’s skin.
This is contrary to sections 130(2) (a) and 86(1) of the Zambia Wild Life Act No. 14 of 2015 of the Laws of Zambia.
Particulars of the offence were that Mwila and Ngosa, on 11 March 2019 in Kapiri Mposhi jointly and whilst acting together did possess a prescribed trophy namely, a lion skin without lawful authority.
The duo readily pleaded guilty when the matter came up for plea last week.
According to facts read before court the duo whilst acting together was cornered and arrested at a named lodge in Kapiri Mposhi by Zambia Wildlife (ZAWA) officers as they attempted to sell the lion’s skin.
And in mitigation Ngosa pleaded for lenience because he was suffering from Tuberculosis (TB) saying that his health will deteriorate if he was sent to jail while Mwila asked the court to exercise lenience on him as he was the bread winner of the family.
But in passing judgment magistrate Chiganda observed that poaching of protected wildlife was a serious crime as it deprived the country of the needed income for the benefit of all.
She said perpetrators of poaching and those being found in contravention with the provision of the law should therefore be severely punished by way of custodial sentences in order to deter would be offenders.
President Edgar Lungu has appointed Kabwe Central Member of Parliament, Tutwa Ngulube as the new Deputy Chief Whip in the National Assembly.
Mr Ngulube replaces Chitambo MP, Remember Chanda Mutale.
In a statement made available to the media by State House, State House Spokesperson Amos Chanda said that the changes are with immediate effect
Below is the full statement
Kabwe Central Member of Parliament, Tutwa Ngulube Appointment letter
Transport and Communications Minister Dr Brian Mushimba speaking during the launch of the Zamtel 4G network on mobile in Lusaka Province
Transport and Communications Minister Brian Mushimba says government will upgrade all network towers across the country to 4G.
And ZAMTEL has launched its 4G on mobile network in Lusaka Province that will enhance internet speed.
Speaking when he officiated at the launch at the PHI Zamtel 4G site, Dr. Mushimba says every citizen regardless of which part of the country is entitled to 4G network, voice calls and internet.
He has assured government’s commitment to ensuring that there is universal access to mobile connectivity.
Dr. Mushimba has applauded ZAMTEL for providing the reliable 4G network, further encouraging the telecomm company to quickly rollout the 4G network to all parts of the country as internet speed is now a necessity.
He has also disclosed that currently, a total of 650 mobile network towers have been erected out of the 1,009 towers of which 350 are already providing mobile services to the citizens across the country.
Dr. Mushimba commended the Zamtel Board and management for following through their strategic plan of rolling out 4G mobile network in Lusaka.
He said the move was a welcome development as it will greatly improve the customers experience and allow for more access to electronic services over the ZAMTEL platform.
“The Government of his Excellency, President Edgar Chagwa Lungu, through the 7th National Development Plan has prioritized the development of policy, legal and ICT infrastructure in an effort to provide equitable access to these facilities and services for all”, Dr Mushimba said.
“As we may be aware Information and communication technologies (ICTs) have been identified as catalysts for the socio-economic development by promoting competitiveness as well as being an enabler of good governance in our country”, he continued.
“I am confident that once fully operationalized these interventions will result in a more enlightened citizenry and faster growth economy”, the minister said.
Dr Mushimba further urged Lusaka residents and those living in nearby areas to take advantage of the roll-out and experience the high internet speeds that come with the 4G technology.
And Zamtel Chief Executive Officer Sydney Mupeta announced that the 4G network will cover, Lusaka City, Chilanga, Kafue, Chongwe, and Rufunsa among others.
Mr Mupeta said the roll-out of the 4G network comes against a backdrop of customer complaints over the slow internet speeds being experienced on their current 3G network.
The roll-out of the 4G network has already been commissioned in more than 8 towns on the Copperbelt, including Kitwe, Kalulushi, Mufulira, Chililabombwe and Chingola.
The Zamtel CEO added that customers with high-end 4G mobile phones are able to experience 4G speeds in all major towns, including Kabwe, Kapiri, Manda, Solwezi and Chipata.
“Internet connectivity has become more of a necessity than a luxury. We are now in an era where mobile device users are constantly using their gadgets to connect to the internet and stay online for very long periods of time navigating different Apps,” Mr Mupeta said.
He said, “the high demand for data also calls for high speed internet. The 4G network we are commissioning today will address some of these demands because of the amazing speed that this technology provides”, he continued.
Mr Mupeta stressed that the 4G network provides Zamtel customers with improved browsing and online experiences; better performance of Multimedia apps and Enhanced HD Video quality.
He however explained that with the introduction of 4G on mobile, customers will experience fast depletion of data as a result of the high internet speeds.
Mr Mupeta further urged Lusaka and Copperbelt customers to invest in 4G enabled devices as this is the only way they will be able to access 4G services on mobile.
Zamtel Chief Executive Officer Sydney speaking during the launch of the Zamtel 4G on mobile in LusakaTransport and Communications Minister Dr Brian Mushimba chats with Zamtel officials during the launch of the Zamtel 4G network on mobile in Lusaka Province
Deputy Mayor Madam Chilando having a light moment with Miles Sampa shortly after being robbed and vested with Mayoral Chain of office during the Installation ceremony of His worship the Mayor of the City of Lusaka at Nakatindi Grounds
Lusaka Mayor, Miles Sampa, says he is impressed with the progress made by Sinoma Cement Company of Lusaka.
The company which was launched in 2015 has since set up a cement plant and producing 60,000 x 50kg bags of cement per day.
Mr Sampa said this when he toured the cement plant in Lusaka today.
“I am really impressed with the amount of development this company has attained since its launch in 2015,” he said.
Mr. Sampa was particularly happy that he was the one assigned to officiate at the launch of the company in 2015 when he served as Commerce Deputy Minister.
He said the company is likely to create more jobs for Zambian youths when it attains full production of 75,000 x 50kg bags of cement per day by engaging them as direct employees and also indirectly as distributors of cement.
“I am here to give solidarity, encourage and remind the company to grow even bigger and employ more of our youths,” he added.
The Mayor pledged to support any efforts aimed at creating jobs for youths in the city.
And company public relations manager, Wang Weiqi expressed gratitude over the Mayor’s visit and words of encouragements.
Mr. Weiqi said his company has received a warm welcome into Zambia in general and Lusaka in particular.
He said investing in Zambia will further improve the relationship which exists between Zambia and China.
This is according to a statement issued by LCC Public Relations Manager George Sichimba.
Government has released 100 metric tonnes of maize and other assortment of food stuffs to over 38,000 people in Lunga district whose houses and crop fields were submerged following a continuous heavy down pour.
The floods that have hit Lunga district are said to be the worst in the last 20 years, the previous being of 1998 which caused havoc on people’s houses, rice and cassava fields.
Minister in the Office of the Vice President Sylvia Chalikosa said government has a duty to attend to the needs of the people across the country.
Speaking when she flagged off the distribution of the relief food at Mpanta community harbour on the shores of Lake Bangweulu, Ms. Chalikosa said no person should be allowed to die of hunger.
Apart from the 100 metric tonnes of maize, government through the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit also released 500 by 25kgs of mealie meal, 100 by 50kgs of beans and 125 by 20kgs all valued at K241, 600.
“Going forward, government will engage the community of Lunga district and the Luapula Provincial leadership to find the lasting solution to this problem,” she said.
Luapula Province Minister, Nickson Chilangwa urged Lunga district leadership to distribute the relief food to the very vulnerable people.
“Do not look at people’s faces. Distribute to the vulnerable,” he said while appealing to Ms. Chalikosa through her office to send seed for the people to start winter cropping once the water levels subdue.
And Luapula constituency PF Member of Parliament Emerine Kabanshi, under whose area Lunga district falls, thanked government for the quick response.
Some government officials who were part of the entourage included the DMMU National Coordinator Chanda Kabwe, Housing and Infrastructure Development Permanent Secretary Charles Mushota, Cabinet Office Permanent Secretary Borniface Chimbwali, Bangweulu MP Anthony Kasandwe and Chifunabuli MP Ponde Mecha.
The worst hit area in Lunga district is Bwalyamponda Island, which is surrounded by Bangweulu swamps where rice and cassava fields have been swept away and houses destroyed by the heavy rains of March 14 to 16, 2019.
The Zambia National Farmers’ Union says it has received reports of Foot and Mouth Disease in Monze, Pemba and surrounding areas with shock.
This is because the development comes barely a few weeks after the outbreak of FMD in Chisamba east; which was effectively contained.
ZNFU President Jarvis Zimba says the Union feels there are some elements that have been negligent in the handling of animals and have casually ignored biosecurity measures when moving animals as stipulated by the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock’s Veterinary Department, resulting into the importation of FMD.
“We need not emphasise the risk that these perpetrators are putting our country’s animal population at, and more, the image that this portrays to countries that have been courting Zambia to export animals to, and the losses in monetary terms that come with the FMD”, he lamented.
Mr. Zimba said the Union shall not sit idly by and allow a few selfish and negligent elements and peddlers of FMD to bring down expensive positive strides farmers have made over the years to improve local breeds and grow their livestock sector.
He has since called on the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock to conduct a thorough forensic investigation into the matter, trace the perpetrators and bring them to book.
“As farmers we all have to be responsible for every action that we take. And as ZNFU, we shall pursue this matter to its conclusion, together with the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock and other Government authorities”, Mr. Zimba said.
He has however applauded Government for moving swiftly to acquire the vaccines, treatment and vaccination of animals in Monze, Pemba and the surrounding areas.
Mr. Zimba has also thanked the District Taskforce for the tireless job done over the past two weeks saying the ZNFU will continue to collaborate and work closely with Government to ensure real growth is achieved in agriculture.
In a tweet, Information and Broadcasting Service Minister and Chief Government Minister Dora Siliya disclosed that the long awaited Bill has been approved by Cabinet.
Ms Siliya has described the decision by Cabinet as a new beginning.
She states that the Access to Information Bill is aimed at proactive and organised dissemination of information to the Public.
The Access to Information Bill has been pending since 2002 when it was withdrawn from Parliament then known as the Freedom of Information Bill.
Government at the time withdrew the bill for what it said was to allow for further consultations.
Stakeholders have since then been pushing for the bill to be taken to Parliament for enactment into law.
Forest Rangers on Monday afternoon replaced Power Dynamos in second place in the Pool A log of the 2019 FAZ Super Division after beating their Kitwe guests 4-2 at home in Ndola.
The win at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola was Forests’ biggest of the season and Power’s heaviest defeat in 2019.
Power were hit by a four-goal blitz in the first 25 minutes of the first half when Adams Zikiru put Forest ahead in 6th minute to record his sixth league goal of the season.
Austin Muwowo added a brace in the 13th and 16th minutes before Patrick Ilongo made it four-nil in the 20th minute.
Midfielder Larry Bwalya and defender Jimmy Dzingai mitigated the gap with goals in the 73rd and 76th minutes respectively as Power returned to losing ways after a four-match honeymoon.
Power drop from second to fourth on 13 points,tied with third placed Green Eagles after the defeat while Forest jump from fifth to number two on 14 points, one less than leaders Nkwazi.
League action resumes on March 27 after the FIFA International Match Week that’s starts today.
The Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure Development has announced that K20 Million has been released to go towards ongoing construction of the Kazungula Bridge.
Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure Development Permanent Secretary Engineer Charles Mushota says the Ministry of Finance released the money on Friday 15th March, 2019.
Engineer Mushota has however explained that the contractor working on the Kazungula bridge has not yet received the money due to technical difficulties in money transfer.
“The Ministry of Finance has assured me that they released the money on Friday last week. However, due to technicalities regarding government money transfer, the money has delayed in hitting the National Road Fund Agency (NFRA) account for onwards disbursement to the contractor.” Engineer Mushota said.
The Permanent Secretary says he has been assured by the Ministry of Finance that the technicalities will be resolved and the contractor will be paid soon.
“There is no need to panic as we are all determined to ensure that the contractor is paid and work continues. The Kazungula bridge is a very important project government is undertaking and everyone is focused to ensure that there are no unnecessary delays in the construction process.” Eng. Mushota Explained.
The Korean multinational Daewoo Engineering and Construction which is constructing Kazungula Bridge today closed down the site due to a financial issues.
But Engineer Mushota has assured the contractor and all the workers that they should resume work as government is seriously and competently addressing their concerns.
This is according to a statement issued to the media by Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure Development Minister spokesperson Jeff Banda.
Patriotic Front Secretary General Davies Mwila has given Northern Province PF Executive Committee Chairperson Lazarus Chungu seven days to exculpate himself in writing over the party’s failure to file in nominations.
Mr. Mwila said the Party has noticed with dismay the action by the Committee’s failure to supervise and file-in the nominations for the Ward by-election in Mungwi District.
He said this action has been found not to be in line with the responsibilities of the Provincial Executive and further violates regulation 29 of the Party Constitution.
“Accordingly, you are given seven days in which to exculpate yourself in writing to my office. Also note that failure to give convincing reasons, I will have no choice but to dissolve your Committee”, the letter further read.
In another letter to the Provincial Chairman, Mr. Mwila has dissolved Mungwi District and Malole Constituency Committees with immediate effect.
“I write to inform you that Mungwi District and Malole Constituency Committees have been dissolved with immediate effect for failure to file-in nominations on 14th March, 2019 for the Mshinshe Ward by-election of Malole Constituency. In light of the above development, the Vice Council Chairperson, Mungwi District, Kelvin Chafilwa will act as District Chairman until when the interim Committee is put in place”, the letter read on part.
And PF Chairperson for Mines and Member of the Central Committee Christopher Yaluma, MP has been removed from the Central Committee.
In a letter to Mr. Yaluma, the Secretary General thanked him for the services rendered to the Party as Chairperson for Mines.
“I wish to inform you that the Central Committee meeting held on 9th March 2019 directed to remove you as a Member of the Central Committee and Mines Chairperson for failure to attend meetings for three (03) consecutive times. As you are aware, a Member of the Central Committee who misses three (03) consecutive meetings without notice automatically ceases to be a member of the Committee”, read the letter to Hon Yaluma.
Mr. Mwila has since warned Party structures across the Country to live up to the expectations of the general membership by continuously working for the growth and unity of the Party.
On 9th March 2019, PF candidate was unable to file in his nominations after he was sent back by Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) over his failure to produce all required documents and later got himself involved in a road traffic accident.
The Anti-Corruption Commission in Choma has arrested a Veterinary Surgeon for corrupt practices involving over K29 000.
Victor Chainda, aged 42, has been arrested and charged with 33 counts of Theft by Public Servant contrary to section 277 as read together with section 265 of the Penal Code, Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia.
Particulars of the offences are that, on dates unknown but between 1st January, 2015 and 1st December, 2015 in Choma, Victor Chainda being a Public Officer, namely a Sesheke District Veterinary Officer, did steal a total sum of K29, 220 property of the Livestock Department Trust which came into his possession by virtue of employment.
Victor Chainda has since been released on Bond and will appear in Court on 18th April, 2019.
In another development, the Commission in Choma has also arrested two judicial officers namely a Subordinate Magistrate and a Court Marshal for corrupt practices involving K30,000.
Jacob Matate Mbolela,60, a Subordinate Court Magistrate has been charged with one (1) count of Corrupt Acquisition of Public Property and Revenue contrary to Section 34 (1) (b) of the Anti-Corruption Act No. 3 of 2012.
Particulars of the offence are that on dates unknown but between 1stApril, 2014 and 1st April, 2015 in Choma, Jacob Matate Mbolela being a public officer namely a Subordinate Court Magistrate employed by the Judiciary in Choma, did unlawfully divert K10,000 property of the Government of the Republic of Zambia.
Further, Winter Lupani,34, a Court Marshal at Choma Subordinate Court has been arrested and charged with two (2) counts of Corrupt Acquisition of Public Property and Revenue contrary to Section 34 (1) (b) of the Anti-Corruption Act No. 3 of 2012.
Particulars of the offences are that on dates unknown but between 1st April, 2014 and 1st April, 2015 in Choma, Winter Lupani being a public officer namely Court Marshal employed by the Judiciary did unlawfully divert a total sum of K20,000 property of the Government of the Republic of Zambia.
The duo have since been released on Bond and will appear in Court on 16th April, 2019.
This is contained in a statement issued to the media by ACC Corporate Affairs Officer Christopher Chibanku.
Government Spokesperson, Dora Siliya, who is also Information and Broadcasting Minister, speaking when she featured on the local Breeze FM Radio station
Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services Dora Siliya says the Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) has challenges with monitoring content from Radio and TV stations in the country, hence the call for assistance from the GETC.
Ms Siliya pointed out that this development has led many radio and TV stations to flout IBA regulations, which government now wants them to comply.
The minister said this when Global Electronics Technology Corporation Vice President Wang Zheng who is leading a Seven man delegation paid a courtesy call on Ms Siliya at her office in Lusaka today.
Ms Siliya said Zambia has embraced Technology due to the many advantages and benefits it offers to the country and her people.
She said Zambia wants to tap in the long standing mutual and bilateral ties with China and develop the capacity of the country’s ICT sector.
The minister said government is looking for new ways of doing things and believes that Information, Communication and Technology is the way to go.
She said technology is playing a key role in health, agriculture and education among others, by providing enhanced services and benefits such as improved healthcare, food and e-learning services.
Ms Siliya urged GETC to assist set up technology economic zones in the country to support the transfer of technology and skills from Chinese investments, in order for Zambians to build local capacity in the ICT industry.
She said the economic zones and coding of schools can be a springboard for replicating the Zambia-China 2025 economic agenda of Global hi-tech dominance.
The minister implored the delegation to engage the Zambia Smart Centre and Ministry of Transport and Communications in order to exchange notes on how best to support Zambia’s crusade of integrating ICT in the economy.
And Mr Wang Zheng said his multi international corporation is in the country to explore business opportunities in the ICT industry, and also commence the implementation of contracts with Zambian businesses.
Mr Zheng said his company has a wealth of experience in ICT emanating from its long years of developing and supporting ICT projects, such as the e-governance project and other smart technology innovations and projects.
Human rights activist Brebner Changala
Civil rights activist Brebner Changala has added his voice in questioning the genuineness of President Edgar Lungu’s desire to end political violence in the Country.
Mr. Changala believes the President is only trying to hoodwink the Zambian people that he detests political violence when in fact not.
Mr. Changala tells Q-News that if indeed the President wants to curb the vice, he should have ordered the Zambia Police to deal with perpetrators as opposed to appealing to them.
He states that he therefore considers President Lungu’s call on the police to decisively deal with perpetrators of political violence as mere rhetoric.
Mr. Changala says it is common knowledge that political violence always works to the benefit of the ruling party each there are elections in the Country.
The Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR) has urged the government to closely monitor and regulate the amount of mealie meal being exported to avoid shortages and price hikes of the commodity in the long term.
In a statement released to Q-News, the JCTR notes that while the lifting of the mealie meal ban might contribute positively to Zambia’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and the Balance of Payments through increased foreign earnings from export revenues and contribute to maize farmers’ profitability and increase their incentives to produce maize, the ban may impact negatively on the poorest of the poor who solely rely on maize meal.
The JCTR says the current unpredictable weather patterns could have an effect on the production of maize which might affect the price of mealie meal.
The center adds that the lifting of the ban during a dry spell period may threaten food security and possibly cause an upward rise of the cost of mealie-meal locally.
It further notes that with the already high cost of living in Zambia, lifting of the ban could further increase the cost of living if not well managed as most households would now have to pay more for mealie meal due to increase in prices.
The JCTR says with the lifting of the ban, producers would most likely prefer the export market, where they would earn more, to the local one, thereby significantly reducing the availability of the commodity locally thereby causing an increase in the price locally.
The JCTR notes with worry that preferential option for the poor is being lost especially that their social concerns are not put first with regard to the lifting of the ban.
The center has since called on the government to legislate consistent policies on mealie meal exports to avoid the back and forth pronouncements of the export bans.
ZESCO United Football Club has been praised for its patriotism after the club’s victory over Ghana’s Asante Kotoko FC paved way for Nkana Football Club’s qualification to the quarter finals of the CAF champions league.
Soccer analyst Reuben Kamanga says ZESCO’s 2-1 victory over Asante allowed Nkana to finish as runners-up in the group despite being humiliated and thrashed 4-1 by Sudanese giant Al Hilal FC.
Kamanga said ZESCO’s heroics deserve commendation because the club has put the interest of national football before their own interest.
He said other clubs would have consigned themselves to lose the game which was a formality fixture as a win would not have qualified ZESCO to the next round.
Kamanga however said ZESCO showed character and patriotism when the team salvaged some pride in a come from behind win against Asante Kotoko.
And Zambia Sports Fans Association Patron Peter Makembo said Nkana’s qualification to the next round is a good development for Zambian soccer.
He said it’s good that ZESCO won, in order to enable Nkana progress to the next round, as Zambia’s representative.
Nkana looked set to bow out of Africa’s lucrative club competition after falling behind in Khartoum while ZESCO also trailed behind the Ghanaian club at Levy Stadium in Ndola.
However two quick goals from Jackson Were and Kondwani Mtonga completed ZESCO’s comeback win after substitute midfielder Nyarko had scored Asante Kotoko’s opener.
In Khartoum, Nkana were 2-0 down inside 20 minutes, despite Walter Bwalya scoring, to reduce the deficit.
Former Nkana marksman, Mbombo put the game and result beyond the Kitwe outfit’ when he scored Am Hilal’s fourth goal.
