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HIV/AIDS activist allegedly defiles a minor in Chipata

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HIV/AIDS activist allegedly defiles a minor in Chipata

Police in Chipata have nabbed a 23-year-old HIV/AIDS Activist for defiling a 13-year-old girl of Mchini township in Chipata District of Eastern Province.

And a Children’s Rights Activist Ruth Phiri is saddened by the alleged defilement case committed by Kaoma noting that his action was contrary to what he stood for as an activist.

Eastern Province Police Deputy Commissioner Stephen Mayoko confirmed the arrest of Emmanuel Kaoma in an interview in Chipata.

“Police recorded a case of defilement of a child aged 13 which was reported on March 21, 2023 at Chipata Central police. She was defiled by a male, Emmanuel Kaoma, of Mchini compound,” Mr. Mayoko revealed.

Mr. Mayako said Kaoma who had reportedly been on the run after committing the crime earlier this year, was eventually arrested during a flag-off of this year’s World Aids Day match past.

“The suspect who has been on the run from March 2023 was finally apprehended on December 1, 2023 and has since been charged for defilement and will appear in court soon,” the Deputy Commanding Officer said.

The suspect recently disclosed his HIV/AIDS status since December 2018 during the International Candlelight Memorial Service held in Chipata.

Meanwhile, a Children’s Rights Activist Ruth Phiri is saddened by the alleged defilement case committed by Kaoma noting that his action was contrary to what he stood for as an activist.
“It is quite unfortunate witnessing the person who happens to be an HIV activist, in this case, defiling a girl who was hoping that somebody in that position should have been in the forefront to set a good example by protecting our girl child,” she said.

Ms. Phiri added that the action by Kaoma had the potential to dent the image of activists whose advocacy profession could be subjected to scrutiny by the public and had the potential of exposing the child to HIV/AIDS.

She further bemoaned the escalating cases of defilements in the province, calling on relevant stakeholders who are involved in the provision of counselling services to come on board and help the girl in question.

More than 175 girls were reportedly defiled in Eastern Province in the first and second quarters of 2022 raising concerns among various stakeholders.

High Court Referral Denied: Magistrate Upholds Dismissal of Complaint Against Miles Sampa

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High Court Referral Denied: Magistrate Upholds Dismissal of Complaint Against Miles Sampa

Lusaka Magistrate Keegan Litiya has upheld his decision that the complaint against PF President Miles Sampa, filed by Raphael Nakacinda, is a non-starter. Nakacinda had sought the High Court’s intervention to determine whether Sampa’s relationship with the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) would impact the fairness of the trial.

Nakacinda has persistently attempted to have Sampa and PF Secretary General Morgan Ng’ona prosecuted on charges of forgery, attempted commission of an offense, and perjury. However, the Director of Public Prosecutions, Gilbert Phiri, declined to authorize the prosecution, citing his acquaintance with Sampa.

Magistrate Litiya, while maintaining his stance, reiterated that no law permits a court to review its decision in a criminal matter. This decision came despite dissatisfaction from Nakacinda’s lawyer, Jonas Zimba, who sought a review of the court’s dismissal of the complaint.

Zimba argued that the case should be referred to the High Court to address the constitutional question of whether Nakacinda would receive a fair trial, considering the DPP’s refusal to grant consent and his acknowledged friendship with Sampa.

“The question being a constitutional question is brought pursuant to Article 28(2) of the constitution,” Zimba stated. “The DPP wrote a letter declining to grant consent in a matter involving private prosecution; we contended that the procedure is alien and not known at law. We have brought it to your attention that Miles Confirms that the DPP is his personal friend.”

In response, Magistrate Litiya maintained, “I do not have authority to pronounce myself on it again. I still stand on my earlier decision; the matter still stands dismissed, and the only recourse is by way of appeal.”

This ruling further solidifies the court’s position that the case against Miles Sampa lacks legal standing. Despite Nakacinda’s persistent efforts, the legal proceedings against the PF President and Secretary General remain halted, with the court emphasizing the need for any further action to be pursued through the appellate process.

President Hichilema Advocates for 24-Hour Economy to Boost Productivity and Jobs

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President Hichilema Advocates for 24-Hour Economy to Boost Productivity and Jobs

President Hakainde Hichilema has emphasized the need for Zambia to learn from developed nations on how to operate a 24-hour economy, stating that this transformation would significantly contribute to increased job opportunities and productivity in the country. The President made these remarks during a meeting with the Zambia Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) Board at State House.

Addressing the board, President Hichilema highlighted that current productivity levels in the country are suboptimal, emphasizing the importance of considering a shift towards a 24-hour economy. He believes that embracing such a model will not only enhance productivity but also create more employment opportunities for Zambians.

“We need to learn from developed countries how to operate a 24-hour economy. Transforming the country into a 24-hour economy will increase the number of jobs and productivity,” President Hichilema stated during the meeting.

President Hichilema acknowledged the role of labor as a critical factor in production and assured the ZCTU of the government’s commitment to addressing labor-related issues. He encouraged the ZCTU and its members to be highly productive, suggesting a venture into agriculture as part of the broader strategy to boost economic activity.

In response, ZCTU President Blake Mulala commended President Hichilema for his dedication to promoting the rule of law in Zambia. He noted the positive atmosphere in the country, where citizens and political players can freely express their views without fear of unforeseen injustices.

Mr. Mulala expressed the ZCTU’s commitment to ensuring industrial harmony, pledging to work collaboratively with the government to address labor-related concerns. The President of the ZCTU assured that their members would strive for high productivity, aligning with President Hichilema’s vision for a more robust and efficient economy.

In a statement released after the meeting, President Hichilema conveyed his appreciation for the ZCTU’s engagement on various labor matters, including debt restructuring, job creation, and the business environment. He reiterated his commitment to an open-door policy and welcomed continued dialogue with stakeholders.

“Labour is a critical factor of production, and we take their issues seriously. We thanked the ZCTU for coming to engage us on various labour matters,” President Hichilema stated in the official statement.

Bowman earned close to K6 million as Minister-State witnesses

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Bowman earned close to K6 million as Minister-State witnesses

Two state witnesses have told the Lusaka Magistrate Court that Former Provincial Minister Bowman Lusambo earned over K5.8 million from 2016 to 2021 when he served as Minister.

Testifying in the matter in which Mr Lusambo and his wife Nancy have been charged with the Offence of Possession of Property suspected to be proceeds of crime, the witnesses told Magistrate Faides Hamaundu that Mr. Lusambo earned the funds through his salaries.

The ACC is prosecuting Mr. Lusambo and his wife for allegedly buying three houses in Silverest valued around US$ 150,000

Morgan Mwanza, aged 44 and a Senior Accountant at the Ministry of Finance said Mr. Lusambo’s pay slips from 2016 to 2021 showed that he received K5,52,318.99 as Gross Salary with another K1 million as travel benefit allowance.

Mr. Mwanza said Mr. Lusambo further earned another K1.2 million as Household Loan and K170,000 as Settling In Allowance.

He said the total Net Earnings during the said period is around K3.8 million.

Gross salary-5 million, 52,000, 318.99
Net-2 million, 546, 359.64

And another Senior Accountant from the National Assembly told the Court that Mr. Lusambo was paid over K2 million as a salary over the same period as a Member of Parliament.

But when pressed further by a Defence lawyer, the two witnesses admitted that their payment schedule brought before court was not comprehensive.

The witness from National Assembly admitted that her testimony did not include payments made between September-December 2021 when he served as MP for Kabushi.

The matter has since been adjourned to 12th January 2024 and 12th February 2024 for mention and 20th and 24th February 2024 for continuation of trial.

Chinese team arrives in Tanzania to review TAZARA before takeover

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Chinese team arrives in Tanzania to review TAZARA before takeover

A task force from the state-run China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) has arrived in Dar es Salaam to conduct a comprehensive business and technical inspection of the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) before China’s proposed takeover of the railway line.

The CCECC is negotiating a concession deal with the governments of Tanzania and Zambia to operate TAZARA, as geopolitical tensions rise over control of trading routes for critical minerals in Africa.

The Chinese task force will carry out the inspection from Dar es Salaam to Kapiri-Mposhi to assess TAZARA’s operational and business model, setting the stage for the submission by CCECC of a revitalisation proposal for TAZARA to the shareholders of the railway line — the governments of Tanzania and Zambia.

CCECC, a subsidiary of the China Railway Construction Corporation, is expected to negotiate a public-private partnership (PPP) concession under the build-operate-transfer model with the two governments to operate TAZARA.

The Chinese company wants to upgrade the 1,160km cross-border railway by investing an estimated $1 billion.

“CCECC’s task force team will engage in substantive discussions covering critical aspects, including the operational and management model of TAZARA, the proposed financing plan facilitated by the China Development Bank, local taxation policies, and related matters,” TAZARA’s spokesman, Conrad Simuchile, said in a statement.

The 11-member Chinese due diligence team is led by Peng Danyang, Managing Director of the Ethiopia-Djibouti railway line.

Denyang’s role in the inspection team suggests that China could model the TAZARA concession on the Ethiopia-Djibouti railway line, which operates under a PPP model, involving the governments of Ethiopia and Djibouti and a subsidiary of CCECC.

The governments of Tanzania and Zambia and CCECC have set April 2024 as the target for conclusion of negotiations for takeover of the railway line by China.

The concession is expected to give a much-needed lifeline to the almost 50-year-old Chinese-built line, which is grossly underperforming.

Observers say China’s keen interest in taking over TAZARA is linked to its desire to use the railway line for strategic mining exports from Zambia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

China owns substantial copper and cobalt mines in Zambia and the DRC.

YES…..it was godamn hell under PF!

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YES…..it was godamn hell under PF!

When Economic Front leader, Wynter Kabimba says it was hell under the brutal regime of the Patriotic Front, he has definitely struck the bull’s eye!

We are not saying this simply because we’ve seen unruly PF cadres on TV, inebriated with the highly potent ‘utujilijili,’ singing songs laced with insults and the most vulgar language in which they are mocking Chishimba Kambwili and describing how he’s going to have his precious private parts for a relish or stripping a helpless woman naked in front of the entire president and indeed the diabolical act of knocking off a scribe’s teeth to urinate in his mouth, we’ve been victims of PF’s brutality before!

At times we even wonder where Edgar Lungu is drawing his courage to insist he’s come back to politics. To come and do what imwe batata? To come and turn our State House into a den of sins where cutting deals with the Mafias and hosting concubines from Eswatini will be the norm? To come and gorge-out our eyes, maim our limbs and dismember our bowels? To come and restore caderism in the markets and at InterCity bus terminus? To come and strip students of bursaries and unleash ‘paras’ on them when they take their complaints to the streets? To come and further divide an already polarised nation by denying certain regions of development and restricting appointments of individuals to cabinet to one particular region? To come and gas us in our sleep? To come and shut down the Independent media so that we should be condemned to watching boring ZNBC? To come and plunder our Mukula and other national resources so that he can build mansions and shopping malls in foreign countries? Aikona man…..ichemeni!

Let me now share a personal experience of how I got clobbered by PF thugs in full view of the police! Some time in 2019, I supplied Rosewood to a PF Councillor for Fisenge ward, Luanshya district, Nepol Chiyasa with assurances that he’d settle the payment within a week. Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy…….a week turned into weeks, and weeks into months. Fed up of his Cock and Bull stories, I decided to report the matter to the police in Zambezi who of course sought the assistance of their colleagues in Luanshya.Typical of PF members at the time, the chap kept eluding the cops…..churning out one excuse after another!

One day, I decided to make another follow up with the police in Luanshya. After contacting him by phone, he claimed he was in Mpongwe attending a rally addressed by President Lungu. I was asked to report back in the afternoon.

As I was crossing the road from central police station trying to find a place to get a snack, I spotted Chiyasa in the company of the then Luanshya Member of Parliament, Steven Chungu and of course a retinue of hoodlums.

I decided to confront him there and then and challenged him on his lies. It was like I had just strayed into a Lion’s den. The idiots beat the hell out of me as the cops watched from a distance while the MP seemed to mind his own business. I walked back to the police station where they issued a medical report and opened a docket.

The suspects were detained and released the next day. When I made a follow up with the CIO, he resorted to castigating me instead of sympathising with me. I assured him I’ll see them after the elections. Ba Luanshya police, I am your guest any time soon. Tell those goons I still have the medical report. I won’t rest until justice prevails.

Prince Bill M. Kaping’a
Political/Social Analyst

Parliament Passes Access to Information (ATI) Bill in Landmark Move Towards Transparency

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Parliament Passes Access to Information (ATI) Bill in Landmark Move Towards Transparency

In a historic development, Parliament has successfully passed the Access to Information (ATI) Bill, marking a crucial stride towards transparency and accountability in the nation. The bill, a fulfillment of President Hakainde Hichilema’s campaign promise, now awaits the President’s assent to officially become law.

The ATI Bill, which went through its third reading in Parliament this afternoon, seeks to empower the public by providing wider access to information held by government officials. Information and Media Minister and Chief Government Spokesperson Hon. Cornelius Mweetwa, MP, underscored the government’s commitment to fostering public access to information during a press briefing.

Minister Mweetwa highlighted that the legislation is designed to ensure that public resources genuinely benefit citizens. He emphasized that the new law would compel public officers to share information widely, moving away from previous practices of limited disclosure.

“The law will compel public officers to give public information to the broadest audience possible. For example, instead of an officer who is employing staff or procuring goods for a public body only disclosing the information to personal contacts, he or she will be required by law to publicize the information beyond friends and relatives,” explained Minister Mweetwa.

During the parliamentary proceedings, Minister of Justice Mulambo Haimbe stressed that the ATI Bill reflects the government’s commitment to Constitutionalism and the rule of law. He further noted that exemptions, such as information deemed sensitive to national security, were justified in the interest of safeguarding the country’s well-being.

Minister Mweetwa acknowledged the challenges faced in the past regarding the enactment of such legislation, citing concerns over government procedures, privacy invasion, and exposure of corrupt practices by public officials. However, he reassured the public that the new administration had revived the process with enhanced stakeholder consultation and benchmarking against international best practices.

“The New Dawn Government is committed to transparency and accountability as premised among the hallmarks of good governance. And in keeping with the electoral commitment made during the campaigns, we have brought this law to the House just as desired by the people of Zambia,” affirmed Minister Mweetwa.

Following successful debates and considerations, the ATI Bill underwent the second reading and committee stages without amendments before being read for the third time. Once President Hakainde Hichilema assents to the bill, Zambia will join the ranks of other African nations, including Kenya, Malawi, South Africa, Tanzania, Angola, and Zimbabwe, where ATI laws are already in place. This landmark legislation is anticipated to strengthen democratic practices and empower Zambian citizens with valuable information for active participation in governance.

Three escape death in accident involving newly bought Zambia Police vehicle

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Three escape death in accident involving newly bought Zambia Police vehicle

Three people are reportedly battling for their lives in Mambwe District Hospital following a road traffic accident involving a recently procured Zambia Police Service Toyota Land cruiser vehicle under the Constituency Development Fund.

In an interview with ZANIS, Eastern Province Minister Peter Phiri who confirmed the development described the incidence the third in a row as unfortunate.

Mr. Phiri who is also Malambo Constituency law maker, said it was unfortunate that the district has continued to record road carnages with loss of lives in some cases.

“Three vehicles including road maintenance equipment have been involved in road traffic accidents in Mambwe so far which were procured at a huge cost under the Constituency Development Fund (CDF),” he said.

Mr. Phiri also lamented that lives were being lost due to road traffic accidents and called for the need intensity road patrols by police in order to curb accidents in the district.

“I honestly do not understand what is happening. Barely a month ago, a truck meant for road works procured through the CDF was involved in an accident and an employee of Mambwe Town Council lost his life.

“The grader was also involved in an accident that killed a cyclist, and now the land cruiser meant for the Zambia Police has been involved in an accident,” he said.

Government recently procured 156 Zambia Police Service vehicles under CDF and where handed over to the respective constituencies by President Hakainde Hichilema.

Safety Concerns at Sensele Mine: Rescue Operation Complicated, Officials Say

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Safety Concerns at Sensele Mine: Rescue Operation Complicated, Officials Say

Mines Minister Paul Kabuswe has raised concerns about the integrity of certain tunnels at Chingola’s Sensele mine, deeming them unsafe. The safety of the tunnels has complicated the ongoing rescue operation for miners who remain trapped underground. Mr. Kabuswe revealed that the rescue team has adjusted its strategy, opting for mechanized operations to navigate the challenging conditions.

In a media briefing, Mines Minister Paul Kabuswe expressed the challenges faced by the rescue team, stating, “The rescue operation for the remaining trapped miners has become complicated, forcing the team to change the strategy by adopting mechanized operations.” He emphasized that the government seeks additional support from various stakeholders to conclude the search successfully.

Copperbelt Minister Elisha Matambo, speaking during the briefing, provided an update on the rescue efforts, stating that no bodies have been retrieved in the last 24 hours. Despite the challenges faced, Mr. Matambo reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to continuing the rescue operation until all miners are accounted for.

Colonel Chisala Mulenga, Zambia National Service -ZNS- in-Charge of Mines, shed light on the ongoing operation, expressing optimism that the mission could be concluded soon. The collaborative efforts of the rescue team, supported by the adjustment in strategy, are aimed at overcoming the difficulties posed by the unsafe tunnels.

In a display of solidarity and support for the rescue mission, Grizzly Mining Company of Lufwanyama District stepped forward to contribute to the cause. The company donated assorted food items and 210 liters of fuel to aid the rescue operations. Grizzly Mining Limited General Manager, Caroline Sampa, affirmed the company’s commitment to assisting in the search for the missing miners, stating, “The company will endeavor to support the search for the missing miners.”

President Hakainde Hichilema Highlights Key Initiatives and Urges Collaboration at PPDF

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President Hakainde Hichilema Highlights Key Initiatives and Urges Collaboration at PPDF

President Hakainde Hichilema addressed delegates at the second Public Private Dialogue Forum (PPDF) during the Private Sector Day held at Ciela Resort in Chongwe. The President emphasized the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors for the economic development of Zambia and outlined key highlights and initiatives.

President Hichilema commended the PPDF as the primary avenue for public and private dialogue, fostering an efficient economy. He urged all sectors to support local businesses, particularly those in manufacturing, emphasizing that this is crucial for job creation and retention within Zambia. The President encouraged the exchange of ideas between established and emerging businesses, emphasizing that the knowledge of longstanding enterprises is invaluable to newer ventures.

Addressing the issue of the exchange rate, President Hichilema stressed the importance of Zambia becoming a net exporter. He shared that producing for both local consumption and export markets is essential for achieving a stable exchange rate. The President called on Zambians to contribute to this vision by producing for both local and international markets.

In a significant announcement, President Hichilema shared details of the country’s debt restructuring efforts. Before restructuring, Zambia was projected to pay US$7.5 billion over ten years. Following restructuring, this amount has been revised to US$750 million over the same period. The President also highlighted the commitment of the French President, Emmanuel Macron, to co-chair Zambian debt restructuring alongside China.

The President outlined several initiatives aimed at revitalizing various sectors of the economy. He expressed the government’s commitment to redirecting funds from wasteful expenditure to the Agriculture Credit Window, which will be managed by the private sector. Adequate financing will be created for agriculture and other sectors to stimulate growth.

President Hichilema encouraged collaboration between old and new businesses, both local and foreign. He highlighted the need for professionals from the private sector to be involved in government transactions and projects, emphasizing that foreign specialists should not be feared but engaged to contribute to the country’s development.

The President emphasized the importance of PPDF in addressing challenges and creating a conducive business environment. He assured that the government is finding lasting solutions to issues such as theft without damaging businesses post the removal of roadblocks. President Hichilema also touched upon the significance of PPDF in promoting domestic transactions, reducing foreign exchange pressure, and eliminating illegal imports that distort the Zambian economy.

The President concluded his address by directing efforts towards producing for export and implementing measures to boost foreign exchange earnings. He assured that the government will practice positive discrimination by buying local products, including Compound D fertilizer, as long as quality and pricing are satisfactory. The President also emphasized the need for all pharmaceutical procurement to be done locally henceforth.

Barbara Banda Graciously Acknowledges CAF FIFPRO Team of the Year Recognition

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Barbara Banda Graciously Acknowledges CAF FIFPRO Team of the Year Recognition

Zambia’s Copper Queens captain, Barbara Banda, expressed her delight at being named to the CAF FIFPRO Team of the Year, hailing it as a significant honor in her football career. The talented striker took to social media to share her excitement, stating, “Happy to have made it to the CAF FIFPRO team of the year, a great honor.”

Banda also extended heartfelt congratulations to her fellow footballer, the phenomenal Asisat Oshoala of Nigeria, who clinched the coveted title of the 2023 CAF Women’s African Player of the Year. In a gracious display of sportsmanship, Banda acknowledged Oshoala’s achievement, saying, “Congratulations to the amazing @asisat_oshoala for winning the player of the year.”

Despite narrowly missing out on the top spot, Barbara Banda expressed her gratitude for making it to the top three and considered it as motivation to continue pushing herself in her football endeavors. In her social media post, she noted, “Happy to have made the top 3 and motivation for me to keep working hard and pushing myself.”

The Copper Queens captain also took a moment to recognize all the winners across various categories at the CAF awards ceremony held in Morocco. In a show of humility and camaraderie, she extended her commiserations to those who did not emerge victorious, emphasizing that making it to the final three is a victory in itself.

Barbara Banda’s positive and gracious response to the CAF awards reflects the true spirit of sportsmanship, as she not only celebrates her own accomplishments but also acknowledges and congratulates her peers. The awards ceremony, held in Morocco, was undoubtedly a momentous occasion for the football community, recognizing outstanding talent and contributions in women’s football across the African continent.

South African Afro-Pop Sensation Zahara Passes Away at 36

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South African Afro-Pop Sensation Zahara Passes Away at 36

South Africa is mourning the loss of its beloved Afro-pop singer Bulelwa Mkutukana, widely known as Zahara, as announced by the country’s Culture Minister, Zizi Kodwa. The award-winning artist passed away on Monday night in a Johannesburg hospital, where she had been receiving medical attention for reported liver complications.

Zahara rose to fame in 2011 with her critically acclaimed album “Loliwe,” which resonated not only in South Africa but across the African continent. The singer’s distinctive voice and musical prowess earned her numerous accolades, both locally and internationally. In 2020, she was honored by being named in the prestigious BBC’s 100 Women list.

Culture Minister Zizi Kodwa expressed his condolences on X (formerly Twitter), acknowledging Zahara’s significant impact on South African music. “Zahara and her guitar made an incredible and lasting impact in South African music,” he posted, reflecting the sentiments of many grieving fans.

The late singer’s battle with alcohol addiction became public in 2019, shedding light on her personal struggles. Despite facing challenges, Zahara continued to share her musical gifts with the world, releasing a total of five albums throughout her career.

Last month, Zahara’s family confirmed her hospitalization, requesting South Africans to keep the talented musician in their prayers. Her passing has left a void in the hearts of fans who have taken to social media to express their grief and share fond memories.

In a statement posted on Zahara’s Instagram account, her family described her as “a pure light, and an even purer heart, in this world. A beacon of hope, a gift, and a blessing to us and countless people around the world.”

Beyond her musical achievements, Zahara used her platform to advocate against violence towards women in South Africa, sharing her own experiences. In a poignant interview with a local radio station last year, she emphasized that her music was not just for recognition but aimed to bring comfort to broken souls in need of healing.

Tanzanian Authorities Investigate Spread of False Information about Vice-President Philip Mpango’s Health

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Tanzanian Authorities Investigate Spread of False Information about Vice-President Philip Mpango’s Health

Tanzanian authorities have launched an investigation into social media users who are accused of spreading false information regarding the health of Vice-President Philip Mpango. Mr. Mpango, who had been absent from public view for over a month, re-emerged on Sunday, putting an end to widespread rumors that he had passed away.

Information Minister Nape Nnauye has ordered investigations into individuals responsible for spreading the unfounded speculation. Mr. Mpango expressed his distress at the false rumors circulating on social media, emphasizing that he was hurt by the misinformation.

The Vice-President’s public absence had triggered concerns and various speculations, with some criticizing the government for not providing clear information about his whereabouts. Mr. Mpango was last seen in public on October 31, representing President Samia Suluhu Hassan during a virtual meeting of leaders from the Southern African Development Community.

Mixed reactions have followed the Vice-President’s return, with debates emerging on the government’s handling of the situation. Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa had previously cautioned citizens against engaging in speculation.

Mr. Mpango, appearing unannounced at a Sunday service in the capital, Dodoma, assured the public that he was in good health and had not lost any weight. Addressing the false reports, he said, “There have been photos circulating alongside a candle, and claims that I have passed away. It’s too early – I haven’t completed the job God sent me to do.”

He went on to reveal that he had been abroad on “special duties” but did not provide further details.

In response to Mr. Mpango’s plea for responsible social media use, Information Minister Nape Nnauye directed relevant state agencies to take action against those responsible for spreading rumors about the Vice-President’s whereabouts. Mr. Nnauye emphasized that any freedom that infringes on the freedom of another person amounts to disobedience of the law, stating, “We cannot have a society that views that as normal.” However, he did not specify which laws might have potentially been violated.

Tanzania enacted stringent laws against the spread of “fake news” in 2018, a move criticized by some as an attempt to curtail freedom of expression.

This incident is not the first time false rumors have circulated about Vice-President Philip Mpango’s health. In a meeting on Sunday at Chamwino State House, Mr. Mpango revealed that his sister had fainted in 2021 after receiving false reports about his death. President Samia advised the Vice-President to acknowledge that, as a public figure, he should be prepared for such speculation.

Fire burns Kasumbalesa bound trucks

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Fire burns Kasumbalesa bound trucks
FIRE on Tuesday night swept through a truck park at the Kasumbalesa border post in Chililabombwe district on the Copperbelt burning three trucks with assorted goods that were destined for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The Government through the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) says it will come up with a robust  mechanism that can help avert such eventualities occurring in the district.
Both Chililabombwe District Commissioner (DC) Precious Njekwa and Mayor Lucky Sichone confirmed the development in separate interviews.
Ms Njekwa said the three trucks which included one from Zambia and the other two of  foreign origin caught fire around 20:00 hours at a truck park at  the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) facility.
She said two of the trucks were carrying Sulphur while the other one had 36 drums of extraction regents, both materials were being transported to the mines.
“Three trucks on Tuesday night caught fire at the Kasumbalesa border post leaving the assorted goods they were carrying to the DRC burnt during the incident, “she said.
Ms Njekwa said a team of fire fighters from the DRC, Chililabombwe Municipal Council (CMC),Chingola Municipal Council(CMC), Lubambe Copper Mines (LCM) and Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) team were dispatched to the scene of the incident to quench the fire.
She said the team managed to quench the fire around 24:00 hours  adding that the delay was as a result of failure to have a stationed fire engine and officers at the border.
Ms Njekwa also explained  that the cause  of fire was not yet known and investigations have since been instituted.
She said her office was yet to make an official appeal to relevant authorities, especially through the central government to enable the area to have its own fire response team and equipment stationed at the border to help respond to emergencies.
“The fire was quenched quite late because we do not have an available fire tender and officers stationed at the border to respond to such emergencies and this is why we need to have such facilities here so that response is quickened,my office is yet to lobby through central government on this matter,”she said.
Mr Sichone described the situation as unfortunate and also reiterated the need to have equipment and officers stationed at the border.
Meanwhile DMMU national coordinator Gabriel Pollen who visited the scene of the incident said he was saddened with the loss incurred by the three trucks hence the need to ensure that a solution was found to minimize loss of goods , property as well as lives.
Dr Pollen said the unit was in talks with the ministry of local government, the council and other stakeholders at the border to come up with a robust comprehensive mechanism that could help avert such eventualities occurring in the district.
He said such incidents had the potential to frustrate the economic activities of the country.
“My office will ensure that we come up with a robust comprehensive mechanism in terms of standards of operating procedures when we have such emergencies because as you know such incidents have the potential to frustrate economic activities of the country, “he  said.
SADC truck drivers association of Zambia secretary general Jackson Banda cautioned truck drivers against the tendency of cooking near truck parks.
Mr Banda said there was a need to ban cooking under or near trucks.

Husband fined for wounding man who slept with his wife

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Husband fined for wounding man who slept with his wife

In a Chadiza Magistrate Court ruling, a 22-year-old husband, Thamison Phiri of Lavu village, has been fined K7,000 or faces 30 months of simple imprisonment for unlawfully wounding 18-year-old Azion Tembo. The incident occurred when Phiri discovered Tembo committing adultery with Phiri’s wife in the shrubs.

Magistrate Fred Munsaka presided over the case, and Phiri admitted to unlawfully wounding Tembo after catching him red-handed with his wife on November 22, 2023, around 20 hours.

Phiri, who had been married to his wife for eight months, expressed his deep distress upon witnessing the act. He resorted to assaulting Tembo with a knife in a fit of anger, leading to injuries on Tembo’s forehead, left ear, and left arm.

During the court proceedings, Phiri explained, “The sight of the boy and my wife having sex in the bush was heart-breaking. Up to now, I am still broken.”

Magistrate Munsaka, in delivering the judgment, emphasized the need for Phiri to manage his anger. He considered Phiri’s use of a knife against an unarmed Tembo as excessive force and dangerous.

As a deterrent to potential offenders, Magistrate Munsaka imposed a K7,000 fine on Phiri, with an alternative of 30 months of simple imprisonment in default. The court ruled that K6,000 would be awarded to Tembo, the complainant, who sustained injuries, and K1,000 would go to the state.

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