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Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa at the SADC Summit
President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s win in last month’s polls has been upheld by Zimbabwe’s Constitutional Court. The opposition MDC Alliance had brought the legal challenge saying the vote was marred by “mammoth theft and fraud”, but this was rejected by the court.
Delivering the verdict, Chief Justice Luke Malaba called allegations of tampering bold and unsubstantiated.
The application was dismissed with costs.
Chamisa’s lawyers accused the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) of inflating Mnangagwa’s vote tally by 69,000 to avoid a runoff, and that the ZEC’s revision of the results was sufficient evidence that fraud occurred. However, the court ruled that they presented no proof of irregularities.
Mnangagwa, is now most likely be inaugurated on Sunday.
Lusaka Water and Sewerage Company (LWSC) says the Lusaka Sanitation Program (LSP) aimed at improving sanitation in the city is expected to benefit 500,000 Lusaka residents.
LWSC Managing Director Jonathan Kampata said the five year programme seeks to protect the ground water, while improving the quality of sanitation in Lusaka.Mr. Kampata added that under the programme, 12,000 affordable and durable toilets, with 100 public facilities in schools, markets and
health centres, will be constructed as a preventive measure towards cholera outbreak.
He said the council is taking proactive measures towards tackling waterborne diseases such as cholera, in preserving public places.
ZANIS reports that Mr. Kampata said this in Lusaka last evening during the official launch of a campaign dubbed “I promise campaign”.
And Mr Kampata revealed that the authority will use part of the US$15 million donor funding to improve sanitation in places that are prone to cholera on an annual basis.
He disclosed that the LWSC working closely with the Lusaka City Council, Ministry of Water Development, Sanitation and Environmental Protection as well as the Ministry of Health, is committed to keep Lusaka cholera free.
And Ministry of Water Development, Sanitation and Environmental Protection Permanent Secretary Ed Chomba who was represented by the Director for Planning and Information Tobias Musonda, said access to
good sanitation is a major challenge in the country.
Dr. Chomba challenged residents, and the water utility firm to maintain good hygiene practices, in order to avert the spread of cholera.
The PS in launching the “I promise campaign” said government has devised a strategy in the Seventh National Development Plan to guide the nation on good hygiene and sanitation practices.
And Lusaka Mayor Miles Sampa noted that there is need to stop the spread of cholera in Lusaka through concerted efforts.Mr. Sampa further commended President Edgar Lungu for re-launching the
keep Zambia clean, green and healthy campaign early this year.
President Edgar Lungu and Lusaka Mayoral Candidate Miles Sampa in Bauleni
Lusaka Mayor Miles Sampa says he has 100 percent unflinching loyalty to President Edgar Lungu.
Reacting to reports that he is being lined up to mount a challenge to President Lungu for the PF presidency ahead of the 2016 elections, Mr Sampa said he has no intentions of challenging President Lungu.
“Having come out of the Mayoral election, I realise that some of those that lost both during the nomination process and some from the opposition that lost the inter party elections have now resorted to malicious propaganda meant to plant disunity for the Mayor vis-a-vis Ministers, PF top leadership and His Excellency the Republican President Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu.
For the umpteenth time but not the last, I Miles Bwalya Sampa wish to categorically state and affirm my unflinching loyalty and undivided support for our Party and The Republican President Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu now and beyond 2021,” Mr Sampa said.
“Any person or group stating or hinting the opposite, are simply expressing from their figment of wild imagination,” he said.
“I do not have interest in contesting for Presidency, Iam very content and grateful for what my party PF and the President have given me as Lusaka Mayor.”
He said through this position, he wants to contribute towards the development of the greater city of Lusaka.
To those that have dared to read the PF constitution, they will realise that I don’t even qualify to stand as a presidential candidate at the next PF convention. So Mwaloba Ilyauma in your cheap scheme simply because you have no support Pa Ground in the upcoming intraparty elections and wish to abuse my name hoping to redeem your dried up fortunes.”
“I have a job to do as Mayor and that’s to support the Vision of the President and that I shall successfully do without fear or favour, with or without propaganda from apostles of hatred.”
Kenneth Kaunda International (KKIA) Communication and Brand Manager Mweembe Sikaulu showing Lusaka based Journalists the 82% New Passenger Terminal at Kenneth Kaunda International (KKIA) during the tour of the facility costing $360 million
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Looks of the 82% New Passenger Terminal at Kenneth Kaunda International (KKIA) the facility costing $360 million
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Looks of the 82% New Passenger Terminal at Kenneth Kaunda International (KKIA) the facility costing $360 million
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Looks of the 82% New Passenger Terminal at Kenneth Kaunda International (KKIA) the facility costing $360 million
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Looks of the 82% New Passenger Terminal at Kenneth Kaunda International (KKIA) the facility costing $360 million
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Looks of the 82% New Passenger Terminal at Kenneth Kaunda International (KKIA) the facility costing $360 million
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Looks of the 82% New Passenger Terminal at Kenneth Kaunda International (KKIA) the facility costing $360 million
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Kenneth Kaunda International (KKIA) Communication and Brand Manager Mweembe Sikaulu showing Lusaka based Journalists the 82% New Passenger Terminal at Kenneth Kaunda International (KKIA) during the tour of the facility costing $360 million
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Looks of the 82% New Passenger Terminal at Kenneth Kaunda International (KKIA) the facility costing $360 million
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Looks of the 82% New Passenger Terminal at Kenneth Kaunda International (KKIA) the facility costing $360 million
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New Passenger Terminal at Kenneth Kaunda International (KKIA) the facility costing $360 million
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China Jiangxi workers; working on the final touches on the 82% New Passenger Terminal at Kenneth Kaunda International (KKIA) the facility costing $360 million
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China Jiangxi workers; working on the final touches on the 82% New Passenger Terminal at Kenneth Kaunda International (KKIA) the facility costing $360 million
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Airport Administration block 73% done at Kenneth Kaunda International (KKIA) one of the facility costing $360 million
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Airport Administration block 73% done at Kenneth Kaunda International (KKIA) one of the facility costing $360 million
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China Jiangxi workers; working on the final touches on the 82% New Passenger Terminal at Kenneth Kaunda International (KKIA) the facility costing $360 million
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Airport Shopping mall 70% done at Kenneth Kaunda International (KKIA) one of the facility costing $360 million
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Airport Shopping mall 70% done at Kenneth Kaunda International (KKIA) one of the facility costing $360 million
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Kenneth Kaunda International (KKIA) Communication and Brand Manager Mweembe Sikaulu showing Lusaka based Journalists the 82% New Passenger Terminal at Kenneth Kaunda International (KKIA) during the tour of the facility costing $360 million
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Lusaka based Journalists touring the 82% New Passenger Terminal at Kenneth Kaunda International (KKIA) during the tour of the facility costing $360 million
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Lusaka based Journalists touring the 82% New Passenger Terminal at Kenneth Kaunda International (KKIA) during the tour of the facility costing $360 million
Zambia’s Ambassador Extra-ordinary and Plenipotentiary to Estonia, Her Excellency Rose Salukatula signs the Credentials Book soon after presenting her Letters of Credence to Estonian President Her Excellency Kersti Kaljulaid in Tallin. Looking on is President Kaljulaid.
ESTONIA has hailed the warm political relations with Zambia which are reinforced by the two countries’ shared values in peace and security.
Estonia’s President, Her Excellency Kersti Kaljulaid has observed that Estonia and Zambia enjoyed good political relations that could be attributed to the shared values in which both countries believed that security was an important element of development.
Her Excellency Kaljulaid has noted that both countries had contributed to creating peace and security outside their borders with Estonia, through the United Nations (UN) and the African Union (AU), having had participated in peace keeping missions in the Central African Republic and currently working with the French troops in Mali.
Meanwhile, the two countries have, however, bemoaned the lukewarm economic cooperation between them and pledged to work towards establishing stronger ties that will economically benefit the two countries.
The observation on the lukewarm economic relations came to light during meetings with senior Estonian Government officials soon after Zambia’s Ambassador to Estonia, Her Excellency Ms. Rose Salukatula presented her credentials to President Kaljulaid. Ambassador Salukatula represents Zambia in Estonia on non-residential basis.
President Kaljulaid informed Ambassador Salukatula that Estonia had launched its campaign for the non-permanent seat at the UN Security Council and were relying on support from “friendly countries like Zambia.”
In response, the Ambassador pointed out that Zambia had remained a beacon of peace and stability and continued being one of the best examples of a democratic nation on the African Continent.
She said Zambia has been a safe haven for refugees and other foreigners from its neighbours and other countries on the continent and beyond.
The Ambassador also informed the President that Zambia has taken up the Chair of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation which she said would help the country carry on with its values of pursuing peace and stability in the region.
The envoy has also invited the Estonian business community to explore Zambia’s investment opportunities. She said Zambia offered a stable and predictable business environment with a fiscal regime that conformed to international best practices.
The Ambassador encouraged the Estonian business community to explore business opportunities in Zambia, especially in e-solutions.
She said Zambia had achieved a lot in the information and communications technology sector over the past decade but still faced challenges arising from high costs, inadequate infrastructure and lack of local skills in order to grow more.
Ambassador Salukatula pointed out that Zambia admired the achievements that Estonia had made with its e-solutions and that cooperation between the two countries in this sector would benefit the people of Zambia as they would be able to openly communicate, create new employment possibilities, and support government’s institutions, especially with the Smart Zambia initiative.
The Ambassador further said that Zambia had taken note of Estonia’s campaign for the UN Security Council Non-Permanent seat and hoped that the east European country would get the required vote.
And during a subsequent meeting with Ambassador Salukatula, Estonia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Sven Mikser noted that despite the small population, his country has managed to register itself as a net exporter of various e-solution platforms to the world.
Mr. Mikser has invited the Ambassador and other Zambian IT experts to Estonia’s Annual e-Conference in May next year to share in the country’s advanced information technology.
Estonia has been identified as one of the world’s advanced digital societies which has built an efficient, secure and transparent system that saves time and money.
Ambassador Salukatula noted that while political cooperation was relatively good, there had been no economic activity between the two countries. The Ambassador reiterated her call for more economic collaboration.
In a separate meeting, Special Diplomatic Representative of the President of Estonia UN Security Council Task Force, Ambassador Daniel Erik Schaer, said Estonia believed that all UN members should have the opportunity to participate in creating stability and security through Security Council membership.
Ambassador Schaer said Estonia’s ambition as a small country, was “to bring a small state perspective” and act as an advocate for common interests in the activities of the Security Council.
The two diplomats discussed opportunities for improving bilateral relations and possible areas of cooperation with Ambassador Salukatula emphasising on Zambia’s keenness to learn digital development from the Estonian experience of e-governance and e-solutions.
The Zambian envoy welcomed Estonia’s UN Security Council candidature noting that this would benefit a lot of member states.
Ambassador Schaer had visited Zambia in May this year with the message of Estonia’s candidature for the UN Security Council Non-permanent seat for the period of 2020 – 2021.
Ambassador Salukatula also had meetings with Mr. Mart Nutt, Estonia’s longest serving Member of Parliament; Head of European Union and International Development in the Ministry of Education and Research, Mrs. Kristen Lahtein, and Counsellor for Zambia under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Jaanus Varu.
Mr. Nutt has served in all the seven parliaments since Estonia regained its independence in 1992.
The meeting with Mrs. Lahtein, focused on the education systems in the two countries during which the Zambian envoy learnt that Estonian education system had performed at a consistently high level on the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) tests since 2006 and ranked third to Finland and Singapore. Mrs. Lahtein extended an invitation to the Ambassador for an opportunity to visit their education facilities and see the Estonian experience.
Ambassador Salukatula pointed out that Zambia still faced challenges with information technology in the education system because of lack of infrastructure and facilities and that the country could benefit through cooperation with Estonia.
Apart from discussing possible opportunities for co-operation in the sphere of e-governance and digital solutions, Mr. Varu informed the Ambassador that Estonia had a long tradition in producing milk and meat products. The Ambassador expressed Zambia’s desire that economic co-operation between the two countries be extended into other sectors, especially the agricultural sector.
She said Zambia was diversifying from mining and that the country could benefit from Estonia which had the skills and experience in agriculture in order to convert subsistence farmers into commercial farmers.
She also informed Mr. Varu that the Embassy in Stockholm was organising an investment seminar in October and extended an invitation to Mr. Varu and the Estonian business community.
This statement was released to the media by Nicky Shabolyo, the Counsellor at the ZAMBIAN EMBASSY IN SWEDEN
Zambia’s Ambassador Extra-ordinary and Plenipotentiary to Estonia, Her Excellency Rose Salukatula presents her Letters of Credence to Estonian President Her Excellency Kersti Kaljulaid in Tallin.
FILE: Special Assistant for Press and Public Relations to the President Amos Chanda speaking to journalists on the conduct of the Cuban Ambassador to Zambia Nelson Pages Vilas at the media briefing at Pamodzi Hotel
Special Assistant to the President for Press and Public Relations Amos Chanda has said that he regrets the manner in which he responded to unwarranted attacks from Luanshay Member of Parliament and NDC leader Chishimba Kambwili.
In a statement issued in his personal capacity, Thursday, Chanda said that insulting Kambwili was a lapse in judgement.
“In an unguarded moment, I responded harshly to incessant unprovoked and malicious personal attacks from Mr. Chishimba Kambwili who repeatedly abused me publicly, but has also been invading my private space as he did in a recent phone call he made to me using a third party phone line,” Chanda stated.
“Upon reflection, I regret that I should not have responded in the manner I did, despite the deep personal injury that his unwarranted attacks have caused both in my private and public capacities. My harsh response was definitely a moment of lapse in judgement in the face of relentless malice from a person with whom I have no personal offense whatsoever.”
He stated that he would no longer respond to the rebel Roan PF member of parliament but wait for the legal process to run its full course.
“Given that six months ago, Mr. Kambwili took me to court, and I counter-demanded against him in the same case over many of the false allegations he has made. I will no longer respond any of his provocations whatsoever. Instead, I will let the legal process to run its full course,” stated Chanda.
An artistic impression of an ultra-modern multi-billion dollar mixed development complex that will house a five star hotel, offices and a shopping center at Longacres lodgePublic Service Pension Fund Manager-Project (PSPF) Francis Nyirenda says the Longacres mall currently under construction in Lusaka province, will help boost the country’s economy once operationalized.
Mr Nyirenda said the shopping mall, once operationalized will open various business ventures at both local and international level, thereby promoting growth on the country’s economy.
Mr Nyirenda said that his organisation will further continue to identify the most attractive investments for the new facility in order to ensure that the institution becomes more responsive to the demand of the people.
Mr. Nyirenda was speaking when he addressed journalists at a media briefing in Lusaka yesterday.
He added that the infrastructure development will also see the expansion of Alick Nkhata road to a dual carriage way, which is aimed at improving the flow of traffic in the area.
Mr. Nyirenda noted that upgrading of the road will be done where the mall is situated adding that the infrastructure will bring a face lift to the city.
Meanwhile RADISSON Blu Hotel Group Manager for Business Development Simone Kuhn says she is impressed with the progress of works at the Longacres mall.
Ms. Kuhn noted that Radisson Hotel group values the partnership with Public Service Pension Fund (PSPF), adding that the hotel management plans on developing similar structures in different parts of the country.
She revealed that the facility will have a shopping centre, business offices, and a significant parking space, among other structures. Ms. Kuhn added that she was happy to see that the majority of construction works on the new Radisson Blu Hotel at the named mall, is being done by the locals.
She said the construction works have created over 500 jobs and is expected to create more than 1000 jobs once the hotel is complete.
The Young African Leaders Initiative has said that the circus unfolding regarding the national dialogue should come to an end forthwith so as to ensure that the dialogue process comes into actualisation before the 2021 general election.
YALI President Andrew Ntewewe said that the country is not in a crisis hence insinuations that there is need for a restoration of the rule of law or order in the country was unrealistic.
Speaking when he featured on Prime TV’s breakfast show Ntewewe said the country can not be on standstill because of some imagined crisis and that if stakeholders continue with the circus then government should continue with reforms through parliament.
Mr Ntewewe said that his organisation was hopeful that stakeholders would be magnanimous enough and accept their roles in the much talked about dialogue process.
“For us it is our prayer that magnanimity can prevail, it is our prayer people should not have hidden agendas, not any single stakeholder must try and hijack the process, the national dialogue must be a wholly Zambian owned process, must be a process that all of us say this is how we proceed but if for instance the circus continues let me not mince my words, we call on government that if the circus continues let us proceed, let’s take these constitutional amendments to parliament, let’s take the electoral reforms to parliament, let’s take the Public Order Act to parliament” he said.
He wondered how the dialogue process outcomes would be implemented without the involvement of the politicians whom he said would have a last say as what ever reforms which would be agreed on would have to go to parliament.
“Why are we creating an impression as if there is a crisis in the country, as if the country is at war. Is the country at war? No! The country is not at war. What we have is a normal business which must be to dialogue on. What are we suppose to dialogue on? We are suppose to dialogue on issues of constitutional reforms, issues of electoral reforms, we are suppose to dialogue on the Public Order Act. Those are the issues we are suppose to dialogue on but most importantly this dialogue is beyond UPND and PF, this dialogue is beyond President Edgar Lungu and Hakainde Hichilema, it is about this country, it is about this nation.
“We don’t want in 2021 to have problems of no this one is not happy with this or that no! We want everybody to be happy with a proper constitution were everybody is agreed on, that is what the dialogue is about. It’s not restoring law and order, it’s about restoring fundamental human rights because each and everyone of us is living in peace,” he said.
He also urged losers in the last elections to accept the outcome of the elections as opposed to trying to get into government through a back door.
He said elections results reflect the will of the people hence one shouldn’t force himself on the people by way of negotiating a government of national unity.
Ntewewe was commenting on the recent events regarding the dialogue process which has stalled due to the refusal by the church mother bodies to work with ZCID. President Lungu on Monday said ZCID should be at the centre of the process with the involvement of the Church while the UPND has set engagement rules insisting on the Church Mothers Bodies to be at the centre of the process.
Former World 400m hurdles champion Samuel Matete and ZAAA President Elias Mpondela have reconciled and agreed to work together in developing athletics in the country.
Matete said he realised that fighting in courts of law will not bring medals for Zambia.
“I have decided to put our differences and reconcile with Mpondela to see how best we can continue to develop athletics in the country,” Matete said.
He admitted that in the last five years, the Mpondela administration had improved its perfomances and worked hard to raise resources for athletes.
Matete believed his return to ZAAA would add more value as he desired to see Zambia win medals at the 2020 Olympics.
Mpondela said, “I am excited, its wonderful news for ZAAA, and we warmly welcome him to the athletic family.”
He said Matete had always belonged to ZAAA family and that it was just unfortunate that the two engaged into what he called unproductive fights.
The ZAAA President conformed that he has he an official letter from Matete’s lawyers requesting to drop the court cases.
Matete and Mpondela reconciling
Meanwhile, Samuel Matete has advised the Zambia Amateur Athletics Association (ZAAA) to engage highly qualified coaches in the organisation in order to produce high caliber athletes who will effectively compete at International level.
Matete told ZANIS in an interview that ZAAA needs to employ qualified coaches, who will be able to train athletes to full capacity, if the country if to perform well at both local and International level.
He said athletes need to be closely monitored and continuously tested to ensure they are physically fit.
Matete’s concern follows speculations from sections of society, suggesting that the performance of Zambian athletes has gone down due to unqualified coaches being employed by the association.
Matete, who is a former 400 meters world champion holds an IAAF certified level 3 and 4 in sprints and hurdles, has also coached at the High Performance Training Centre (HPTC) in Mauritius.
The former athlete has since pledged to work with ZAAA in developing athletics in the country.
Here are some briefs from the post-weekend action of selected Chipolopolo players in action abroad.
FRANCE
Defender Stopilla Sunzu played the full 90 minutes for Ligue 2 leaders Metz on Monday in their 3-1 home win over Ajaccio to collect maximum 12 points from four games.
SWEDEN
Midfielder Edward Chilufya on Wednesday scored Djurgadens’ third goal on the hour mark in their 4-0 away win over Sylvia in the Swedish Cup.
SOUTH AFRICA
Mamelodi Sundowns drew 0-0 at home with promoted Highlands Park on Wednesday.
However, goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene was not selected for the match.
AUSTRIA
Midfielder Enock Mwepu was on the bench while striker Patson Daka came on in the 79th minute of RB Salzburg’s 0-0 away draw against Red Star Belgrade on Tuesday in their 2018/2019 UEFA Champions League pre-group stage first leg playoff away in the Serbian capital.
Chikondi Trust Foundation Founder Bishop John Mambo
Chikondi Trust Foundation Founder Bishop John Mambo has pleaded guilty to two counts of contempt of court. It is alleged in the matter that Bishop Mambo accused Judges of corruption regarding the way they handled the Stanbic and Savenda case.
But when the matter came up, Bishop Mambo apologized saying he has no evidence to prove that the Judges who handed the matter are corrupt.
Asked to whether he read the judgements from the High Court, Appeals and Supreme courts, the Bishop said he has never read them but accused the judges of corruption based on media reports.
Bishop Mambo told a full bench of the supreme court judges led by Justice Marvin Mwanamwambwa that his action was regrettable.
And while apologizing Bishop Mambo also quoted the Bible saying when a mistake is made the offender should be forgiven.
The Bishop was however taken to task by Justice Nigel Mutuna who wondered why a man of Bishop Mambo’s status in society can issue allegations based on media reports.
Justice Mutuna also wanted Bishop Mambo’s lawyer Chifumu Banda, to comment on the growing culture of people spreading falsehood against innocent people.
Bishop Mambo apologized saying it is true that he has followers who may believe whatever he says .
He further told the court that as a way of showing remorse he has withdrawn the letters that he wrote to the Chief justice alleging corruption against judicial officers.
The court has reserved sentencing to a date to be communicated to the parties.
President Edgar Lungu has said that he is deeply committed to fighting corruption by building institutional capacity of investigative agencies. President Lungu said that institutional approach is better than a witch-hunt type of fighting corruption.
Speaking when US Ambassador Daniel Foote paid a courtesy call on him at State House, where the two discussed several issues of bilateral
cooperation, President Lungu said his administration is committed to boosting the capacity of investigative agencies such as the Police and Anti-Corruption Commission. The Head of State also said that his focus is to eliminate corruption.
President Lungu also requested the United States of America (USA) and other bilateral donors to help finance capacities in investigative wings as well as the Ant -Corruption Commission (ACC).
President Lungu also assured Mr. Foote, that he is ready to dialogue with all political stakeholders in the country.
The Head of State told the American Envoy that as Chairman for the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) Organ on Politics, Defense and Security, he will be more consultative, and focus on an inclusive electoral process in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
“We want to minimize the possibilities of differences in the DRC, resulting in an influx of refugees in the region and Lesotho is also on the agenda,” he said.
“We are also hoping that the ruling of the Zimbabwean courts is accepted by all political stakeholders and the people of Zimbabwe for peace to reign in the SADC region” President Lungu stated.
And Mr. Foote has assured Zambia of more financial assistance, to enable Zambia implement various projects.
“I am optimistic that I will succeed in persuading the authority in Washington to aid Zambia financially so that the country can implement its programmes, particularly the protection of elephants in the Kafue national park against poaching among other projects of national importance,” Mr. Foote said.
EASTERN Province Permanent Secretary, Chanda Kasolo, gives his address during the National Day of Prayer, Fasting and Reconciliation held at David Kaunda Stadium in Chipata.
Eastern Province Permanent Secretary (PS), Chanda Kasolo has called for more sensitization on the dangers of drug abuse during traditional ceremonies because of their unifying factor.
Mr. Kasolo said knowledge about the dangers of the vice is power to the people in communities and hence, it should also be distributed when people from all walks of life come together such as during traditional ceremonies.
The Permanent Secretary said this when the Assistant Secretary Royd Tembo received on his behalf, a truck to enhance sensitization on the dangers of drug abuse in Eastern Province, which was delivered by the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) National Coordinator Education and Counselling Department Isaac Masiye yesterday.
Mr. Kasolo urged the DEC to also extended its sensitization programs to all traditional ceremonies in the province apart from the Kulamba Traditional Ceremony of the Chewa’s which is set to reach its climax this Saturday.
He also called on the Commission to target the campaign at small scale farmers as they play an important role in the cultivation of prohibited substances such as Marijuana.
And in delivering the sensitization truck, DEC National Coordinator Education and Counselling Department, Isaac Masiye said the truck is also part of the commission’s drug modernisation initiative intended to reach drug prone areas such as villages and rural compounds.
Ndola Magistrate Court has acquitted suspended former Copperbelt Police Commissioner, Mary Tembo on two counts of abuse of office.
Delivering judgment this morning, Magistrate Paul Chisha stated that the prosecution had failed to prove the case beyond reasonable doubt that the accused person was guilty of the offence of abuse of office.
Ms. Tembo was facing two counts of abuse of office and authority.
It is alleged that between May 1 and June 30, 2013 in Ndola, Tembo abused her office as Commissioner of Police for the Copperbelt Province by obtaining a Toyota Corolla registration number AAX 5716 from Grizzly Mining Limited, which she registered in her name thereby, obtaining benefits for herself.
In the second count, it is alleged that Tembo, on dates unknown but between November 1 and December 31, 2012 in Ndola, abused her authority of office as Commissioner of Police by asking Grizzly Mining Limited, a private company, to fix her personal Toyota Cressida.
Magistrate Chisha stated that having taken into account the evidence before the court in count one, the prosecution failed to establish that Tembo obtained and registered the said motor vehicle for her benefit.
He said he is convinced that the transfer of ownership of the motor vehicle was done with consent of Grizzly Mining through the accused to assist the police command with transport.
While in the second count, Magistrate Chisha stated that, the court failed to find the accused person guilty because the investigation officer in the matter failed to furnish the court with records of phone conversation between prosecution witness, Abdu Bar Chief Executive Officer of Grizzly Mining and Tembo where she issued instructions asking the company to repair her personal vehicle.
The court has since given the prosecution team a 14 day period in which to appeal against the judgement if it is dissatisfied.
Meanwhile, reacting to the judgement delivered, Tembo’s lawyer Milner Katolo expressed happiness that his client was satisfied that justice has prevailed.
