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High Court Rules Espionage Trial in Gold Scam Case to Be Conducted In Camera

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High Court Rules Espionage Trial in Gold Scam Case to Be Conducted In Camera

The Lusaka High Court has issued a ruling declaring that the trial of businessman Shadrick Kasanda and four other individuals, linked to an alleged Gold Scam at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport, will be conducted in camera. The decision follows an application filed by the state last week and was delivered by the High Court Judges Ruth Chibbabuka, Charles Zulu, and Situmbeko Chocho.

The ruling, based on Section 15 of the State Security Act, upholds the state’s argument that an open-court trial of Mr. Kasanda’s espionage case could be prejudicial to the country’s interests. The judges emphasized that only the accused persons, defense lawyers, prosecution lawyers, and witnesses will be permitted to attend the trial.

Furthermore, Judge Chibbabuka ruled that, aside from judges, only court reporters and marshals would be allowed in the proceedings, highlighting the sensitive nature of the case. The decision to hold the trial in camera is rooted in national security concerns and is intended to safeguard sensitive information related to the allegations.

Shadrick Kasanda and his co-accused, including Lusaka businessman Jim Belemu, Kenneth Kaunda International Airport Police Commanding Officer Robson Moonga, State Security Officer Francis Mateyo, and Commercial Pilot Patrick Kawanu, have all pleaded not guilty to the charge of espionage.

The espionage case has drawn significant attention due to its connection to an alleged Gold Scam at the airport, and the decision to conduct the trial in camera underscores the gravity and sensitivity of the charges involved.

The court ruling specifies that only essential personnel, directly involved in the legal proceedings, will be present during the trial, highlighting the exceptional circumstances surrounding the case.

Zambia and IMF Conclude Second Review, Clearing the Way for Critical Funding Disbursement

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Zambia and IMF Conclude Second Review, Clearing the Way for Critical Funding Disbursement

Zambia has successfully concluded the second review mission under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) Programme with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The collaborative effort resulted in a Staff-Level Agreement (SLA) on economic and financial policies that will guide program implementation for the next 12 months, pending approval by the IMF Management and the Executive Board.
This is according to a statement issued by the Office of the Secretary to the Treasury,Ministry of finance and National Planning.

The agreement, once approved by the IMF Executive Board, is set to trigger the release of approximately $184 million, marking a significant milestone in Zambia’s ongoing economic reform journey. IMF staff praised Zambia for the substantial progress made in restoring macroeconomic and debt sustainability, as well as the effective implementation of the national economic reform agenda.

Zambia’s commitment to ambitious structural reforms has notably improved domestic revenues, strengthened public finance and debt management, and enhanced transparency. The government’s ability to allocate resources to essential sectors like healthcare and education while supporting the vulnerable population has been acknowledged as a positive outcome of the reform initiatives.

The IMF Programme serves as vital support for the Zambian government’s objectives, focusing on achieving fiscal and debt sustainability, reducing poverty, and establishing a solid foundation for inclusive and sustainable growth. The SLA achieved during the second review is a crucial step in Zambia’s collaboration with the IMF and its ongoing efforts toward economic recovery.

Commenting on the development, Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane, Minister of Finance and National Planning, expressed satisfaction with the achievement of the SLA. He emphasized Zambia’s dedication to restoring macro and debt sustainability and continuing efforts to align the debt restructuring agreement with the IMF program parameters.

“The achievement of the SLA reflects Zambia’s commitment to restore macro and debt sustainability and to continue efforts to reach an agreement in the debt restructuring that is consistent with the IMF program parameters. We are pleased to see that the IMF continues to recognize the ongoing work we are doing to reinvigorate Zambia’s economy and attain sustainable growth,” stated Minister Musokotwane.

Zambia remains engaged in close consultations with its creditors to expedite the debt restructuring process, aligning it with the broader objectives of the IMF program.

The IMF approved an ECF program for Zambia in August 2022. The program involves scheduled regular reviews to assess performance in areas such as restoring fiscal and debt sustainability, improving debt management and transparency, strengthening governance and financial stability, and reducing corruption vulnerabilities. The successful completion of the second review follows the approval of the first review in April 2023, unlocking the second disbursement of approximately US$188 million to Zambia.

23 year old takes her life over a K 10 note in Mwinilunga

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23 year old takes her life over a K 10 note in Mwinilunga
A 23 years old grade eleven female pupil at Sailunga day secondary school in Mwinilunga district in Northwestern province has committed suicide.
This was after picking up a quarrel with her biological mother over a missing K10 note.
Northwestern province Police commissioner Dennis Moola has confirmed the matter in  an interview and identified the deceased as Queen Kavungu.
Mr. Moola explained that the incident occurred between 20:00 hours on November 18th, 2023 and 14:00 hours on November 19th, 2023 in Makangu area of senior Chief Sailunga’s chiefdom.
“This occurred between 18, November, 2023 around 20:00 hours and 19, November 2023 around 14:00 hours at Makangu area Mwinilunga District and acting on the report Police rushed to the scene and found the body of the deceased hanging on a tree” he said.
Th Uncle reported that his niece on November 18th, 2023 around 20:00 hours picked up a quarrel with her mother Fridah Kavungu, 44 of the same abode over her mother’s K10 she had gotten without her permission.
It was after the quarrel that the deceased suddenly fled from her home prompting her mother  and other family members to launch a man hunt for her but to no avail.
To their shock and astonishment the following day, Queen’s body was found lifeless hanging to a tree in a nearby bush about 500 metres away from her home.
“The mother of the deceased and other family members tried to look for her but could not find her.
” Unfortunately, today on 19 November, 2023 around 14:00 hours the body of the deceased female Queen Kavungu was discovered by some family members hanging on a tree using a chitenge wrapper material at a nearby bush about 500 meters away from her home” he said.
Upon receipt of the report, police in the area rushed to the scene where a physical inspection of the body was conducted for suspected foul play which was not dictated.
Police have since advised the bereaved family to proceed with burial arrangements.

Fertilizer scam unearthed in Northern

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Fertilizer scam unearthed in Northern

A scam has  been unearthed in Northern where some cooperatives  are getting farming inputs on behalf of farmers are under declaring the number of packs to their groups.

Northern Province Permanent Secretary, Bernard Mpundu says government has received reports that the cooperatives are stealing inputs from farmers.

He said this has resulted in cases of farmers sharing the small packs of inputs among themselves.

 Mr Mpundu has since directed District Commissioners in the province to go on the ground and verify the packs that all cooperatives have received during this year’s farming season against what has been declared.

He said government will not spare any cooperative leader who would be found to have stolen inputs meant for farmers.

Mr Mpundu said this when he addressed the community in Chilubi district.

Meanwhile, Mr Mpundu has expressed worry about the slow rate at which farmers in Chilubi are redeeming farming inputs.

He explained that as of last week, only nine percent of farmers in the district had redeemed their inputs.

Mr Mpundu has since urged farmers to quickly redeem their inputs so that they can start planting.

He has also warned farmers against selling their inputs saying anyone who will be found doing so would be blacklisted from the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP).

And Chilubi District Commissioner, Risto Mushembe emphasized the need for farming inputs to be given to the right people.

Mr Mushembe said government has not reduced the number of packs that are given to farmers but it was unscrupulous people who were declaring fewer packs to their members.

Lusambo appears in court for mention

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Lusambo appears in court for mention
Former Lusaka Province Minister, Bowman Lusambo, was back in court today for mention.
This was before Lusaka Chief Magistrate, Davies Chibwili.
This is in a matter in which Mr. Lusambo is charged with  two counts of being in possession of property deemed to be proceeds of crime.
The details of the matter are that in the first count, Mr. Lusambo, between May 01, 2015 and December 31,2021, allegedly possessed property comprising a single storey four bedroomed house, guest wing, a gazebo and a car shed, all suspected to be proceeds of crime.
 
In the second count, on unknown dates but between May 01, 2015 and December 31,2021 jointly with other persons unknown, Mr. Lusambo possessed six flats in Lusaka’s Chamba Valley also deemed to be proceeds of crime.
 
Magistrate Chibwili has since adjourned the matter to December 20,2023 for another  mention and January 17 2024 for continuation of trial.
 
Mr. Lusambo was arrested in March 2023 and is currently on bail.

President Hichilema dates Italy for a state visit

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President Hichilema dates Italy for a state visit

President Hakainde Hichilema is  tomorrow expected in Rome, Italy for a state visit from the  21st to 22nd November, 2023, at the  invitation of the President of Italy Sergio Mattarella.

President Hichilema’s visit to Italy is aimed at reinforcing strategic bilateral and economic relations between Zambia and Italy, premised on shared values and mutual respect.

This is according to a statement released by Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Stanley Kakubo.

Mr. Hichilema is scheduled to hold talks in Rome with President Mattarella, and Prime Minister of Italy Giorgia Meloni, on pertinent issues at bilateral and multilateral levels.

Mr. Hichilema will also meet the heads of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) to discuss ways of strengthening collaboration and support in food security, rural development and poverty reduction.

The President is also scheduled to grace the Zambia-Italy Business Forum which will provide a platform to showcase Zambia’s investment potential and opportunities for joint venture collaborations.

He added that other engagements include a tour of Maccaresa Farm, a modern technologically advanced integrated farm whose model could be replicated in Zambia for the benefit of the people.

“President Hichilema’s visit to Italy is underpinned by the Administration’s ongoing efforts to transform the country’s economy and create equitable opportunities for the people in key sectors.  In this regard, this crucial engagement by President Hichilema will consolidate the strong existing ties and enhanced cooperation between Zambia and Italy,” he said.

The President is expected to return to Zambia immediately after his engagements in Italy.

PF constitutional amendments allegations baseless-Mweetwa

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PF constitutional amendments allegations baseless-Mweetwa

The Minister of Information and Media, Cornelius Mweetwa, has refuted allegations that the government is planning to carry out constitutional amendments.

Mr Mweetwa said this in response to recent claims made by a wing of the Patriotic Front (PF) led by Emmanuel Mwamba that the government was planning to make amendments to the current constitution.
Mr Mweetwa has emphasized that the assertions regarding changes to the constitution, particularly concerning the 50% plus 1 provision, the Presidential term extension from 5 to 7 years, and the repeal of the article related to the running mate, are baseless and lack any substantiating evidence.

Speaking in a live broadcast from Ethiopia, Mr Mweetwa acknowledged ongoing discussions about constitutional amendments, initiated by citizens and Members of Parliament.

He highlighted the defects in the 2016 constitution, which was imposed without consensus and resulted in provisions that led to various contradictions.

“One example was the inclusion of a requirement for parliamentary candidates to possess grade 12 certificates, catching some members of the PF off guard, as they were unaware of this provision during the voting process,”said Mr Mweetwa
He said the subsequent exclusion of MPs from participating in local authorities and councils, along with challenges related to the size of constituencies, has prompted calls for constitutional reforms since 2016.

Mr Mweetwa who is also Chief Government Spokesperson stated that MPs have expressed regret over the limitations imposed by the 2016 constitution, particularly regarding their exclusion from local decision-making processes and the administration of Constituency Development Fund (CDF).

“The demand for constitutional amendments has been driven by a desire to address these issues and allow MPs to actively participate in local governance,” said Mr Mweetwa.

He underscored that these discussions reflect the broader sentiment among citizens and members of parliament who have long advocated for constitutional reforms to rectify the perceived defects and limitations of the current constitution.

Miles Sampa Denounces UPND Alliance Claims, Pledges Opposition Vigilance

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Miles Sampa Denounces UPND Alliance Claims, Pledges Opposition Vigilance

Miles Bwalya Sampa has vehemently dismissed recent claims suggesting a potential alliance between PF and the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND). Addressing concerns raised by some propagandists through social media and private messages, Sampa clarified that such assertions were baseless and part of a deliberate misinformation campaign orchestrated by individuals with expired political relevance.

Sampa, in a detailed statement, expressed concern over the persistence of false narratives propagated by former PF leaders whose influence waned after the 2021 elections. He accused them of attempting to sustain a presence in the Zambian political landscape by disseminating lies, alleging that their real motive is to divert attention from their dubious activities, including alleged embezzlement of public funds.

“It’s all lies as it’s them that were about to sell PF to a smaller party for their personal gain. Evidence is in the public domain,” stated Sampa.

The PF President emphasized that his allegiance lies with the principles established by PF founder President Michael Sata. He refuted any claims of discussions aimed at diluting PF, asserting that the party’s ultimate goal is to regain governmental power for the benefit of the Zambian people.

Sampa underscored the importance of PF’s role in opposition, emphasizing its role in providing checks and balances on the ruling UPND. He stated unequivocally that an alliance with UPND, especially during his tenure as PF President, is impossible.

“We have an emotional and inescapable duty to one day get the PF back into government where Michael Sata left the boat and hijackers carelessly got it removed from power. This happened purely due to their greed, corruption, and sponsorship of violent cadres into public domains like markets and bus stations,” Sampa affirmed.

The PF President urged genuine party members to disregard the propaganda and remain focused on the party’s objectives. He assured them that PF in opposition serves a crucial role in safeguarding the interests of Zambians.

The statement concluded by acknowledging the possibility that if it is not in the current leadership’s destiny to return PF to power, a future PF leader will eventually achieve that goal. The commitment to the party’s principles and its founder’s vision remains unwavering.

Tribalism & Regionalism; How governments have ignored or tackled it….

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Tribalism & Regionalism; How governments have ignored or tackled it….

Excerpts from my book:

Most of us have often echoed the “One Zambia, One Nation” mantra, with much aplomb, in meetings, at political rallies or during school assemblies, well at least this was a must immediately after our country gained Independence from British colonial rule, without bothering to interrogate what prompted our fore fathers, first Republican President Dr. Kenneth Kaunda and his colleagues, to craft such a progressive and unifying slogan.

Our country boasts of a total of 73 tribal or ethnic groupings each with a diverse cultural and traditional orientation. This would obviously present immediate challenges to the new government after independence. The ethnic tentions which had been building up for months prior to independence would fast rear up its ugly head thus threatening to tear apart the new nation. This would boil to a climax as the heroes of the liberation struggle, the United Nation Independence Party (UNIP) gathered in Chilenje, Lusaka for its national council early February, 1968.

The atmosphere was quite tense and highly charged as delegates sat according to their ethnic and regional orientation. During the next few days of the conference, delegates quarreled and traded insults openly. A stunned Kaunda sat on the podium and watched quietly as these unfortunate events unfolded, dramatically. When it was finally his turn to speak, Kaunda could not hide his utter disgust and consternation at the shameful tribalism he had just witnessed!

“I am left with no choice, but to resign immediately!” he announced and stormed out of the gathering.

The conference delegates were shocked! According to former freedom fighter, Sikota Wina, in his book, “A Night without a President,” it had to take a combined effort of top military commanders, top religious leaders and closest family friends to prevail upon Kaunda to rescind his decision.
In the days that lay ahead, Kaunda faced a Herculean task of fostering national unity to appease expectant citizens eager to see the benefits of freedom. This prompted Kaunda and his colleagues to craft the “One Zambia; One Nation” motto as a way of fostering national unity and setting up the stage of a more prosperous nation.

Prince Bill M. Kaping’a
Political/Social Analyst

President Hichilema Engages German Chancellor in Bilateral Talks at G20 Summit

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President Hichilema Engages German Chancellor in Bilateral Talks at G20 Summit

President Hakainde Hichilema, attending the 5th G20 Compact with Africa (CwA) Summit in Berlin, held bilateral talks with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to explore avenues for strengthened cooperation between Zambia and Germany. The discussions, held on the margins of the summit, delved into potential German participation in infrastructure projects and the encouragement of German businesses to invest in value addition within Zambia’s agriculture sector.

Chancellor Scholz expressed Germany’s readiness to engage in infrastructure initiatives, aligning with Zambia’s efforts to bolster its economic development. President Hichilema, in turn, urged German investors to explore opportunities in enhancing the value chain of Zambia’s agricultural sector.

The leaders also emphasized the historical bilateral relations shared by the two nations and expressed their commitment to further deepening cooperation across various domains. The discussions aimed at creating mutual partnerships for the benefit of the people of Zambia.

President Hichilema’s visit to Germany aligns with his economic diplomacy agenda, seeking trade and investment opportunities for Zambia. The G20 Compact with Africa Conference is a crucial platform for attracting private investment by improving conditions for sustainable business growth and infrastructure development in African countries.

The conference, initiated under Germany’s G20 presidency in 2017, focuses on partnership approaches to implement reforms and enhance macroeconomic, business, and financing environments. Zambia’s participation in the G20 Compact with Africa initiative marks its first involvement, underscoring the country’s recent economic transformation agenda.

State House Chief Communications Specialist Clayson Hamasaka highlighted the significance of Zambia’s participation, emphasizing the country’s natural resources, youthful population, and stable political climate as attractive factors for private investment. The conference provides an opportunity for Zambia to showcase its potential to the international community, attracting investments in various sectors, including infrastructure.

President Hichilema’s economic policy reform agenda is to steer Zambia toward increased participation in global economic forums, fostering partnerships, and unlocking opportunities for sustainable development.

Grant Hails Chipolopolo’s Winning Start

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Zambia Coach Avram Grant has hailed Chipolopolo’s winning start to the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.

Chipolopolo last night thrashed Congo Brazzaville 4-2 in their opening Group E home match at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.

In a post-match comment, Grant said Zambia performed well and deserved to beat Congo.

The Israeli coach added that Zambia were mentally stronger as they managed to recover from a 2-1 deficit to win 4-2.

“I saw a lot of good mentality, a lot of good football especially in the second half. We started the game well, we were leading 1-0 but we slept a little bit and they scored two fantastic goals and they are a good team Congo,” Grant said.

“In the second half, we dominated the game completely and this is a game that could have ended even in more goals. We missed good chances and they also missed two good chances but we deserve the win,” he said.

Congo coach Isaacs Ngata said his players had fatigue after arriving in Zambia 14 hours before kickoff.

Ngata demanded improvement from his team.

“It is true we came late and it was difficult for the players to adapt in this situation,” he said.

Meanwhile, Zambia is preparing to face Niger in their next Group E match in three days

Fresh Fish on the Grill

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Fresh Fish on the Grill

Today’s Scripture

When they got there, they found breakfast waiting for them—fish cooking over a charcoal fire, and some bread.
John 21:9, NLT

Fresh Fish on the Grill

Friend, in John 21, Peter and some of the other disciples had fished all night and caught nothing. The next morning, they did not recognize Jesus on the beach when He shouted, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat.” When they did, they caught so many fish that they couldn’t pull in the net. Peter then realized it was Jesus, and when he got to the shore, he found Jesus was grilling fish. What Peter couldn’t catch all night, now he not only had a boatload of fish, but Jesus had already prepared breakfast for him.

When nothing is working for you and you’re tempted to wonder where God is, can I tell you that He’s cooking your fish? If you keep doing the right thing, God is not only going to give you an abundance, but you will come into some prepared blessings. Can you smell the freshly grilled fish? Promotion is waiting for you, the right people, the business, the healing. You’re about to see what God is cooking up for you.

A Prayer for Today

“Father, thank You that You are not only the God of abundance but that You cook breakfast for us. Thank You for Your promise that as I keep doing the right thing, blessings are headed my way, tracking me down and overtaking me. I believe that I am coming into some prepared blessings. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

[Joel Osteen]

IDC CEO Urges State-Owned Companies to Boost Efficiency and Profitability

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IDC CEO Urges State-Owned Companies to Boost Efficiency and Profitability

The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) is calling on state-owned enterprises to prioritize efficiency, reliability, and profitability to become pillars of national pride. During a visit to the ZAFFICO Pole Treatment Plant in Kalulushi on Saturday, IDC Chief Executive Officer Cornwell Muleya emphasized the need for government-owned firms to actively invest in initiatives that enhance their financial performance.

With over 30 state-owned companies falling under the IDC portfolio, Muleya stressed the importance of these entities becoming flagbearers for Zambia’s economic development. He applauded the operations of ZAFFICO, highlighting the company’s significant contribution to the Zambian economy since its establishment in 1962.

“I am very impressed with the operations of ZAFFICO. Having learned about its long history since 1962, they have been around, producing material for the economy of Zambia since that time,” said Mr. Muleya. “We want all state-owned enterprises to be the pride of our country.”

ZAFFICO Managing Director Mundia Mundia echoed the commitment to value addition in timber production, revealing an investment of over $3 million to establish a kiln aimed at expediting the drying process for poles.

“We have invested in excess of $3 million to set up the kiln that would help us dry our poles as quickly as possible,” Mr. Mundia explained.

Alleged Fraudulent Land Scheme Targeting Archbishop Millingo Foiled

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Alleged Fraudulent Land Scheme Targeting Archbishop Millingo Foiled

In a startling revelation, Patriotic Front (PF) President Miles Bwalya Sampa has brought to light an audacious attempt to defraud Archbishop Emmanuel Millingo of his farmland, a gift bestowed by Zambia’s founding father, Kenneth Kaunda (KK), in the 1970s.

Sampa, who visited the revered Archbishop yesterday, expressed his dismay over the discovery that unscrupulous individuals had allegedly faked Millingo’s National Registration Card (NRC) and proceeded to apply for a replacement title deed for the valuable farmland.

The Ministry of Lands, responsible for overseeing land-related matters, unwittingly fell victim to the purported fraud, removing the caveat on Millingo’s land and initiating the process of issuing a new title deed. If successful, the next step in the scheme could have led to the unauthorized sale of the Archbishop’s property, potentially resulting in his eviction.

Sampa condemned the heartlessness of those behind the attempted fraud, questioning how such a malicious act could be orchestrated against someone as esteemed as Archbishop Millingo. He pledged to investigate the Ministry of Lands, seeking answers on how the fraudulent activity nearly materialized.

Expressing concern for the broader implications, Sampa highlighted the vulnerability of ordinary citizens who may face similar threats to their land ownership. He criticized the Ministry of Lands, suggesting that not only is reform required but also a spiritual cleansing to rid the institution of deep-rooted corruption.

Sampa vowed to protect Archbishop Millingo from any harm, declaring that such nefarious activities would not be tolerated. He called for a comprehensive inquiry into the alleged fraud, stressing the need to safeguard the rights and properties of both prominent figures and ordinary citizens alike.

The revelation has sparked concerns about the security of land tenure in Zambia, prompting calls for heightened scrutiny and measures to ensure the integrity of land transactions and property rights.

ZESCO Unveils $89 Million Solar Project and Explores Alternative Energy Sources

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ZESCO Unveils $89 Million Solar Project and Explores Alternative Energy Sources

Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation (ZESCO) has announced a bold initiative to invest in alternative energy sources, with an $89 million Solar Project taking center stage. Victor Mapani, the Managing Director of ZESCO, revealed the utility firm’s ambitious plans to diversify its energy generation portfolio, considering solar, nuclear, and geo-thermal options.

Addressing the media in Lusaka, Mapani outlined that the investment in alternative energy aligns with ZESCO’s Strategic Plan for the period 2023 to 2032. The Solar Project, costing $89 million, represents a significant step in embracing sustainable and eco-friendly energy solutions.

In addition to solar, ZESCO is actively exploring nuclear and geo-thermal sources as part of its long-term energy strategy. Mapani emphasized the importance of seeking diverse and environmentally conscious alternatives to meet the growing energy demands of the nation.

Furthermore, Mapani highlighted ZESCO’s commitment to unlocking the potential of the Northern Circuit for hydropower generation. The region’s abundant rainfall pattern positions it as a promising area for harnessing hydropower resources, contributing to the country’s energy self-sufficiency.

On the financial front, Mapani provided an update on ZESCO’s efforts to settle outstanding debts, revealing that the corporation has paid $600 million of the $1.7 billion owed to private power generators as of December 2021. This financial commitment underscores ZESCO’s dedication to honoring its obligations and fostering sustainable relationships within the energy sector.

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