Zambia’s national women’s football team, the Copper Queens, received a boost with the return of their first-choice goalkeeper, Hazel Nali, who arrived in the country from New Zealand. Nali underwent a successful knee surgery, and her return marks a positive step in her recovery journey.

The goalkeeper landed at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport at 15:40 hours, expressing her eagerness to return to the pitch. In a statement to ZNBC News, Nali shared that her doctors recommended continuing physiotherapy sessions in Zambia as part of her rehabilitation process.

“I cannot wait to get back on the pitch,” Nali exclaimed, expressing her gratitude to the Government, the Football Association of Zambia, and her fans for their unwavering support during her medical journey.

Highlighting the commitment to Nali’s well-being, Zambia’s High Commissioner to Australia and New Zealand, Elias Munshya, revealed that the government covered the cost of the surgery and arranged for some physiotherapy sessions. Munshya conveyed the government’s optimism about Nali’s swift and full recovery, expressing hope that she would soon rejoin the squad and contribute to Zambia’s football success.

Nali’s return is anticipated to boost the morale of the Copper Queens as they continue their preparations for upcoming competitions.

A joint team of law enforcement officers, comprising Zambia Police and Zambia National Services (ZNS), discovered a staggering 22,600 bags of mealie meal in Chililabombwe’s PP Zambia Compound. The large quantity of mealie meal, each weighing 25 kilograms, was confiscated in the early hours of Friday, raising concerns about potential smuggling activities to the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The seizure occurred as the officers conducted an operation in response to suspicions of illegal activities related to mealie meal distribution. The bags were found in various shops lacking proper supporting documents, suggesting a possible attempt at smuggling the essential commodity across the border.

Chililabombwe District Commissioner Precious Njekwa expressed her dismay at the situation and highlighted the negative impact of mealie meal smuggling on local food security. Njekwa urged citizens to resist the temptation of engaging in illegal activities, emphasizing that authorities remain vigilant in the border town.

Lamenting the lack of cooperation from some citizens, Njekwa stated, “It is sad to discover that there are some businessmen keeping bags of mealie-meal in some warehouses in PP-Zambia for purposes of selling it illegally, thereby negatively affecting mealie-meal prices.”

To address the issue, the seized mealie meal will be stored securely while security officers continue to collect from all remaining warehouses for further investigations. Njekwa urged the local business community in Chililabombwe to conduct their operations within the confines of the law, emphasizing the importance of adhering to legal practices for the well-being of everyone.

In a significant stride towards enhancing law enforcement capabilities, President Hakainde Hichilema handed over 156 police motor vehicles to constituencies across the country this afternoon. The vehicles, procured through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), mark a crucial step in addressing the logistical challenges faced by the police force.

Addressing the police officers during the handover, President Hichilema called upon them to respond effectively to security threats and concerns within their respective constituencies. He emphasized the importance of maintaining law and order, underscoring that individuals found breaking the law, whether through theft of private or public assets, would be dealt with within the confines of the law.

“There can never be development in an area where there is no law and order,” President Hichilema asserted, highlighting the pivotal role law enforcement plays in fostering a conducive environment for development.

Expressing gratitude to the police officers who tirelessly work around the clock to combat crimes in communities, President Hichilema extended his blessings and confidence in their dedication. He stressed the government’s commitment to supporting the police force and ensuring they have the necessary resources to carry out their duties effectively.

The handover of police vehicles aligns with the government’s broader efforts to strengthen security infrastructure and enhance the capacity of the police force, ultimately contributing to the overall well-being and progress of the nation.

In a bid to safeguard school furniture and ensure a conducive learning environment, the Northern Province Permanent Secretary, Bernard Mpundu, has issued a ban on the use of school desks for any public meetings within the province. Mpundu emphasized that these desks, procured by the government at considerable expense, are exclusively for the use of school children.

Addressing the community at Chinika Mpundu Primary School in Chilubi District, where he inaugurated a 1 by 2 classroom block constructed using the 2022 Constituency Development Fund (CDF), Mpundu expressed concerns about the misuse of school desks in outdoor public gatherings. He highlighted that the desks, which cost the government between K1000 and K1500 each, were at risk of damage when left unattended after such events.

“I have seen that we have gotten desks from classrooms, but if the rains were to come, no one would be bothered to take the desks back, thus exposing them to risks,” he remarked.

Mpundu urged education authorities to prevent the use of school desks at public gatherings, emphasizing the government’s commitment to providing a conducive learning environment for pupils. He also called on local authorities to ensure an adequate supply of desks to schools, especially those newly constructed.

The Permanent Secretary’s directive received support from Chilubi District Commissioner Risto Mushembe, who pledged to ensure its strict adherence across all schools in the district. Mushembe emphasized the government’s intention to provide desks for pupils, aiming not only to offer comfort but also to enhance their handwriting.

Chilubi Town Council Chairperson Rosemary Chimbini echoed the importance of supporting education and urged the public to rally behind the government’s efforts. She emphasized the role of the new classroom block in creating a conducive learning space for children and called for continued community support to facilitate further development initiatives.

The ban on using school desks in public gatherings aligns with the broader goal of preserving educational resources and ensuring that pupils have the necessary infrastructure for effective learning.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has called for a mandatory asset declaration for senior government officials as a crucial step in addressing the concerning trend of unjustified wealth. ACC Chairperson Musa Mwenye emphasized that it is imperative to compel Permanent Secretaries and other controlling officers to declare their assets, noting that the current lack of obligation raises concerns about accountability.

Speaking at the Law Development Commission’s Legal Seminar on the effectiveness of the Order on unjustified Wealth in Zambia held in Lusaka on Wednesday, Mwenye underscored the need for heightened efforts in the fight against corruption, aligning with the objectives outlined in the Eighth National Development Plan.

Mwenye also emphasized the urgency of recovering stolen government assets and national resources, highlighting the importance of robust measures to combat corruption effectively.

At the same seminar, Zambia Law Development Commission Chairperson Ruth Chibbabuka echoed the call for concerted efforts in the fight against corruption and money laundering. The joint emphasis from both ACC and the Law Development Commission reflects the shared commitment to strengthening legal frameworks and implementing measures to curb unjustified wealth and corruption in Zambia.

As discussions unfold around the effectiveness of the Order on unjustified Wealth, stakeholders are urged to actively engage in the collective efforts to address corruption and promote transparency within the government. The call for mandatory asset declaration serves as a significant step towards fostering accountability and integrity among senior government officials.