Government has reaffirmed its commitment to disability inclusion through the launch of three National Disability Reports aimed at addressing key challenges faced by persons living with disabilities.

Speaking during the launch in Lusaka , Ministry of Community Development and Social Services Permanent Secretary, Angela Kawandami, said the reports mark a major step forward in translating disability policies into tangible actions.

“It is a reaffirmation of government’s resolve to ensure that disability inclusion is not only a matter of policy pronouncement but is translated into tangible actions that positively transform lives. Today’s launch, therefore, signifies more than the presentation of research outputs,” said Ms Kawandami.

The reports launched include the Study on Albinism and Rights in Zambia, the Country Report on the Situation Analysis of Persons with Disabilities, and the Assistive Technology Assessment Report.

Ms Kawandami explained that the study on albinism draws attention to the unique vulnerabilities of persons with albinism, particularly the discrimination, stigma, and safety risks they face.

“It highlights the importance of strengthening legal and policy measures, as well as community-level awareness and protection mechanisms,” she said.

She further noted that the situation analysis report offers a comprehensive overview of the state of disability rights in Zambia, while identifying gaps in access to services, participation in development, and human rights realisation.

The third report, on assistive technology, sheds light on the urgent need to expand access to assistive devices.

“Without such tools, many persons with disabilities remain excluded from education, employment, healthcare, and other economic opportunities,” she added.

The Permanent Secretary stated that the findings of these reports would inform government programming, especially under the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP), which prioritises equity and human development.

“We are particularly committed to strengthening policy frameworks, enhancing service delivery, promoting assistive technologies, and ensuring the meaningful participation of persons with disabilities,” she said.

Ms Kawandami emphasised that disability inclusion is not a matter of charity but of rights, dignity, and social justice.

“Persons with disabilities are equal citizens whose voices, skills and potential must be fully recognised in our national development,” she said.

Meanwhile, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Zambia, Beatrice Mutali, in a speech read on her behalf by UNICEF Country Representative, Nejimudin Bilal, said there is urgent need to protect persons with disabilities, especially those with albinism.

“We need to promote greater awareness of their rights through education, community engagement, and empowerment. The lives of persons with albinism matter. The lives and organisations that fight for their rights should not be left behind.” said Mr Bilal.

And Association for Blind Women Empowering and Nurturing Zambia Initiatives representative, Carol Kapungwe, called on the government to improve healthcare services.

“We need assistance devices such as sunscreen for persons with albinism and better healthcare access for all persons with disabilities,” she said.

The launch of the reports marks a critical step towards building a more inclusive and equitable society.

The Zambia Police Service has launched a full-scale manhunt for Constable Emmanuel Tembo, an officer of the Protective Unit Headquarters, who allegedly stole K622,483 from a bank on September 15, 2025, while on duty.

According to Police Public Relations Officer Rae Hamoonga, Tembo was armed with an AK47 rifle loaded with 30 rounds of ammunition when he reportedly entered the bank under the pretext of performing his official duties. After the bank had closed and staff were preparing cash-in-transit collections, Tembo allegedly accessed the bulk room, took a sealed bag containing the cash, and fled the premises.

“Attempts by bank staff and security officers to apprehend him proved futile as he fled in an unknown direction,” Mr. Hamoonga said.

The officer later abandoned his uniform, firearm, and ammunition, which were recovered after he reportedly surrendered them through a taxi driver in Shimabala. As of now, neither Tembo nor the stolen cash has been recovered, and investigations have been intensified.

“The Zambia Police Service strongly condemns such grave misconduct and betrayal of public trust by an officer entrusted with safeguarding life and property,” Mr. Hamoonga stated.

He added, “We wish to make it categorically clear that this act of criminality will not go unpunished. Constable Emmanuel Tembo is now a fugitive, and the Zambia Police will relentlessly pursue him to ensure he answers for this crime.”

Authorities have appealed to the public to provide any information that may lead to Tembo’s arrest, urging citizens to report credible tips to the nearest police station.

“The Zambia Police Service remains steadfast in upholding discipline, accountability, and the rule of law, even within its own ranks. No one is above the law,” Mr. Hamoonga emphasized.

The Higher Education Loans and Scholarships Board (HELSB) has awarded student loans to 492 first year students at Chalimbana University for the 2025/2026 academic year.

According to a press statement released by HELSB Corporate Affairs Manager, Chiselwa Kawanda, the board received a total of 1,687 applications for loans and after screening, 1,469 applicants, representing 87 percent were considered eligible, while 218 applicants, accounting for 13 percent, were found ineligible.

Ms Kawanda explained that despite 1,469 applicants being considered eligible, only 492 were awarded student loans.

She stated that of those awarded, 833 are male, representing 57 percent, while 636 are female, translating to 43 percent.

She explained that the bulk of the successful applicants come from rural areas with 1,203 candidates, or 82 percent compared to 266 applicants, representing 18 percent from urban areas.

She explained that HELSB also confirmed that all five (5) students with disabilities who applied were successfully awarded loans.

Ms Kawanda further highlighted that some applicants were declared ineligible due to reasons such as completing Grade 12 before 2020, submitting incomplete or incorrect documentation, or exceeding the maximum age limit of 26 years.

The Lusaka Magistrates Court has sentenced two witch doctors to 24 months in prison for attempting to bewitch President Hakainde Hichilema.

Magistrate Fine Mayambu sentenced Jasten Mabulesse Candunde, 42, a Mozambican national, and Leonard Phiri, 43, a Zambian from Sinda district in Eastern Province, to 24 months’ imprisonment for the first count of professing knowledge of witchcraft, and a further six months for the second count of unlawful possession of charms.

The sentences will run concurrently.

In delivering the sentence, Magistrate Mayambu acknowledged that the two were first-time offenders, which ordinarily warrants leniency.

He also noted that the law under which they were charged allows for the imposition of a fine, and that there were no aggravating circumstances, particularly in light of President Hakainde Hichilema’s public statement dismissing belief in witchcraft.

Additionally, both men had already spent time in custody since December 2024.

However, the magistrate emphasised that the seriousness of their intent could not be overlooked, ultimately justifying the custodial sentence.

“Evidence before this court shows that the duo’s goal was not merely to instil fear, but to take the life of the President, they travelled all the way from Mozambique and Chipata with determination to carry out this mission. Such intent cannot be trivialised,” Magistrates Mayambu said.

He added that although President Hichilema has publicly stated that he does not believe in witchcraft, the seriousness of the offence lies in the potential consequences had the act been successful.

He said if the mission was successful, the President could have died within five days as the court heard during trial.

Magistrates Mayambu said the offence in issue may not be prevalent but the motive was to kill the President.

“Anything to do with the President was of public interest and therefore the convicts were not only enemies of the President but of the entire country,” Magistrate Mayambu said.

“The death of a President carries significant national implications, both economically and politically as evidenced from the past when this country lost its presidents,” he said.

The court heard that the duo was arrested in December 2024 after they were found with various items believed to be used for witchcraft, including a live chameleon.

Their actions, according to the prosecution, were part of a plot to use supernatural means to kill the Head of State.

The two were charged under the Witchcraft Act, Chapter 90 of the laws of Zambia.

In count one, they were found guilty of professing knowledge of witchcraft, contrary to Section 5 of the Act.

Particulars of the offence were that between November 22 and 24, 2024, the pair professed to possess supernatural powers with the intention of causing fear.

In count two, they were convicted for unlawful possession of charms, contrary to Section 11(2) of the same Act.

Items recovered from them included various charms and a live chameleon, believed to be part of their ritualistic plot.

The Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) has stepped up efforts to safeguard vulnerable households in hard-to-reach areas from food shortages during the rainy season.

DMMU National Coordinator Norman Chipakupaku announced that government has allocated 10,181 metric tonnes of relief food, with 3,117 metric tonnes already prepositioned in strategic locations nationwide.

He explained that the move is critical as some areas become inaccessible once the rains set in, making timely delivery of aid difficult.

Food Allocations Across Districts

Mr. Chipakupaku revealed that 13.5 metric tonnes of rice will be distributed to both Mansa and Chipata, while 280 metric tonnes of maize has been positioned for Nabwalya in Mpika. In addition, 140 metric tonnes of mixed food will go to Sioma and Shang’ombo districts.

He added that Chibombo, Kabwe, and Mkushi will each receive 2.5 metric tonnes of beans, while Lusaka has already received 22.5 metric tonnes. To support education, 2,500 metric tonnes of maize have been allocated to the School Feeding Programme under the Ministry of Education.

Airlifting Relief Supplies

Mr. Chipakupaku also disclosed that about 450 metric tonnes of food are being airlifted to Western and Southern provinces under the Blue Lugwasho exercise, conducted in partnership with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Air Force relief simulations.

He reaffirmed DMMU’s commitment to ensuring no household is left vulnerable during the rainy season, stressing that preparedness remains a cornerstone of disaster management.