Government says all preparations are set for the burial of the late Paramount Chief Mpezeni of the Ngoni people tomorrow Tuesday, June 9^th, 2026.

The media reports that Local Government and Rural Development Permanent Secretary, Nicholas Phiri has confirmed the development to the media in Chipata.

Mr Phiri said all requirements for the burial of the late Paramount Chief in accordance with the dictates of both the customary norms and state funeral declared by President Hakainde Hichilema have been done.

The Permanent Secretary added that the government worked closely with the family and the traditional leadership in all preparations for the burial of the late Ngoni King.

He further announced that President Hichilema will join the family and the Zambian people in bidding farewell to the late traditional ruler.

Paramount Chief Mpezeni the fourth, whose real name is David Njengembaso Jere, of the Ngoni people in Zambia’s Eastern Province and Malawi, passed away on May 30, 2026, at the age of 75.

He served a historic 44-year reign, acting as a crucial traditional custodian, peace ambassador, and leader of the annual Nc’wala ceremony.

Government through Road Development Agency (RDA) says significant progress has been recorded on major roads and bridges being implemented across the country through the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangements.

Speaking in an interview with the media, RDA Chief and Communications Affairs Manager, Anthony Mulowa, says the Agency remains committed to improving the country’s road network in order to enhance connectivity, promote economic growth and facilitate trade.

Mr Mulowa disclosed that one of the flagship projects, the Lusaka – Ndola Dual Carriageway has reached 76 percent completion under the PPP financing model.

He added that the Ndola – Sakania – Mufulira Road project in Copperbelt Province has also made substantial progress and currently stands at 55 percent completion.

Mr Mulowa highlighted that the government is implementing a number of strategic road and bridge projects across the country and is encouraged by the progress being made on key projects, particularly those being undertaken through the Public-Private Partnership financing model.

He further noted that works on the Kasomeno-Mwenda Road and Bridge Project are advancing well, with bridge construction currently underway on the Luongo and Luapula rivers.

He explained that other PPP projects progressing steadily include the Mufulira-Mokambo Border Road, Solwezi-Kipushi Road, Lumwana-Kambimba Road, Mutanda-Kaoma Road via Kasempa and the Katete-Chanida Road.

Furthermore, Mr Mulowa highlighted that government funded projects are equally registering notable progress across various provinces.

He cited that the Monze-Niko Road project in Southern Province has been substantially completed, with only minor works remaining on the Bwengwa Bridge.

Mr Mulowa also disclosed that the Maamba-Batoka Road project has attained 46 percent completion, while rehabilitation works on the Lusaka-Mongu Road section from Tateyoyo to the Katunda/Lukulu Junction have reached over 36 percent completion.

“Our objective is to ensure that road infrastructure development continues to support economic activities, improve accessibility and enhance the movement of people and goods throughout the country,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mr Mulowa stressed that the Chipata-Chadiza Road project in Eastern Province has surpassed the 50 percent completion mark, with paving works nearing completion.

He adds that construction and rehabilitation works are also ongoing on Blue Lagoon Road in Central Province, Chikankata Road in Southern Province, the Nchelenge-Chienge Road in Luapula Province and the Samfya-Kasaba Road via Lubwe.

Mr Mulowa reaffirmed the government’s commitment to delivering quality road infrastructure and assured the public that the Agency will continue monitoring projects to ensure they are completed within the stipulated timeframes and according to the required standards.

The Food Reserve Agency (FRA) has targeted to purchase 13, 000 metric tons of white Maize during the 2026 crop marketing season in Chinsali District in Muchinga Province.

Acting Chinsali District Commissioner Brenda Silwembe says FRA will be buying non-genetically modified grade A white maize and Paddy Rice through satellite depots that will be set up.

Ms Silwembe made these remarks in a phone interview with the media today.

“As a district we have a purchase target of 13, 000 metric tons of maize and 47.62 metric tones of paddy rice,” she stated

Ms Silwembe indicated that the crop purchase exercise is an important national exercise that will ensure continuation of both household and national food security.

She added that the national strategic food reserves play a critical role in ensuring national food security especially now in the wake of climate change.

“This exercise acts as a buffer during critical times of national food emergencies such as drought,” she added.

Ms Silwembe further explained the prime function of a national strategic reserve is to provide a first line buffer and defense in the event of a food emergency such as drought or floods.

Muchinga Province Permanent Secretary Tuesday Bwalya has commended local contractors for delivering quality works on Constituency Development Fund (CDF) projects in Lavushimanda District.

Dr Bwalya encouraged contractors to maintain the standard of works across Muchinga Province and in Lavushimanda District.

The Permanent Secretary said this when he toured CDF projects in Lavushimanda district.

Among the projects inspected were a 1 by 2 Early Childhood Education facility, a community radio station, a maternity annex and a mortuary at Mpumba Mini Hospital.

Dr Bwalya stated that the infrastructure projects are of good quality.

“So, we just want to encourage the contractors to continue putting up quality works in Muchinga Province, also in our district here,” he said.

Dr Bwalya directed the Department of Engineering under Lavushimanda Town Council to continue supervising works on CDF projects to ensure contractors sustain quality works.

Dr Bwalya stressed the need to follow proper procurement procedures, adding that projects should be procured at the right price and delivered on time.

And Lavushimanda District Director Health Services Rodrigue Kamunga highlights that using CDF, the health sector has been impacted positively through construction of a number of Health facilities and maternity annexes.

Dr Kamunga said the district has recorded an increase in the number of mother’s delivering from health facilities unlike in the past where mothers opted to deliver from their homes due to lack of maternity annexes.

Lavushimanda resident Loster Mwinkwa and Mpumba Mini Hospital Mortuary Attendant Alexander Mupeta said residents previously faced hardships due to the lack of a mortuary at the facility.

Ms Mwinkwa said before the mortuary was built, some families with financial challenges were forced to keep bodies of their deceased loved ones at home.

“With the mortuary now in place, once someone dies the body is taken to the mortuary within our proximity, which lessens the burden of bereaved families,” she said.

She thanked Government for constructing the facility using CDF, noting that it has enhanced the dignity of the deceased through proper storage.

Mr Mupeta, who expressed gratitude for his employment at the facility, said bodies were previously taken to either Mpika or Chilonga, which proved costly for bereaved families.

The New Apostolic Church has embarked on a project to construct an early childhood education centre at Matenda primary school in Mansa district.

This project, which is being spearheaded by the New Apostolic Church Relief Organisation (NACRO), a development arm of the church, is expected to offer early childhood education to a number of children in Matenda area.

The New Apostolic Church Relief Organisation (NACRO) Country’s Programme Coordinator, Alfred Chushi, disclosed that a total of 700 thousand has been set aside for the project.

Mr Chushi indicated that the New Apostolic Church constructed the entire Matenda primary school which has a number of structures such as classroom blocks, computer laboratory, teachers houses and a staffroom.

He said that the church has continued to support the school from inception so as to give an opportunity to children in rural areas to access education

“We are here to supplement government efforts in the education sector and so far this school which we constructed is now offering education to over 150 learners at primary level,” he said.

Mr Chushi revealed that the school will further add another 1 by 3 classroom block so as to increase school spaces.

“Our overall goal is to make this school a boarding Secondary School considering that in this area there is no Secondary School hence learners are focused to cover long distances,” he noted.

And Mansa District Education Planner, Patson Chipili has commended the New Apostolic Church for deciding to put up an early childhood education centre at Matenda primary School.

Mr Chipili explained that government is promoting early childhood education in all government schools as it can be seen in the number of early childhood education teachers being employed whenever there is teacher recruitment.

He stated that Mansa district currently has early childhood education centres in 64 schools out of the 114 total schools in the district.

Mr Chipili pointed out that early childhood education offers a great opportunity for learners to advance their education as they would have been exposed to education at an early stage.

“The church is doing a very good job here and as education authorities we can just encourage them to continue shaping lives of children especially in rural areas like Matenda,” he said.

The New Apostolic Church has joined other partners such as the World Bank and UNICEF who are putting up early childhood education centres in Luapula.

Under the World Bank, 44 early childhood education centres are under construction while under UNICEF 19 are being put up.

A village headman in Chief Magodi’s area of Chasefu District has died after allegedly consuming pesticide tablets following a domestic dispute.

Zambia Police Service Eastern Province Commanding Officer, Robertson Mweemba, says, the deceased, Patrick Manda, 51, who was also Headman of Kada Village, allegedly consumed three maize pesticide tablets on Friday evening, June 5, 2026 and the matter was reported to Chasefu Police Post the following morning.

 Mr Mweemba said it is alleged that the deceased had a marital dispute with his wife whom he accused of infidelity.

“It is alleged that the deceased had been involved in a marital dispute with his wife, Veronica Nkhoma, 45, on June 3. The dispute reportedly arose after he accused her of infidelity,” he said.

Mr Mweemba disclosed that during the altercation, the woman was allegedly assaulted and later reported the matter to Police.

“A medical report form was issued and she sought treatment at Lundazi District Hospital,” he said.

Mr Mweemba further said two days later, at around 18:00 hours on June 5, the deceased reportedly informed family members that he had taken pesticide tablets.

He said relatives quickly rushed him to Kamzoole Health Post for medical attention but despite efforts by health personnel to save his life, he succumbed later that night and was pronounced dead at around 22:00 hours.

“The body has since been buried by family members and Officers have recorded the matter as a suspected suicide and investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident are ongoing,” he said.

Mr Mweemba has since urged members of the public facing emotional or personal challenges to seek assistance from family members, community leaders, healthcare providers or other available support services.

Zimbabwean Ambassador to Zambia, Charity Charamba, has described the late Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV as a humble leader and a true inspiration in preserving cultural heritage.

Ms Charamba praised the late Paramount Chief’s legacy of unity and love, which was evident through his actions and leadership.

The the Ambassador was speaking at Ephendukeni Palace in Chipata, after signing the book of condolence, in honour of the late traditional leader.

 The people of Zimbabwe received the news of the Passing Paramount Chief Mpezeni (IV) with deep shock and sorrow. I extended condolences on behalf of the people of Zimbabwe to the Ngoni Royal Establishment and the government of Zambia,” she said.

And Judicial Vicar of the Chipata Diocese, Evans Miti, has thanked the Government for working closely with the Royal Establishment during the mourning period of Paramount Chief Mpezeni.

Father Miti has expressed gratitude to President Hakainde Hichilema for, according to the late traditional leader, a dignified funeral.

“On behalf of the Bishop of the Chipata Diocese, Rt. Rev. George Lungu, convey our profound condolences to the royal family, the Government of Zambia, and the nation at large. The country has lost a great traditional leader,” Father Miti said.

Speaking during a mass service at the palace, Father Miti called on members of the public to mourn Paramount Chief Mpezeni in a respectful manner, describing him as a visionary leader who supplemented government’s efforts in education, health and agriculture among other sectors.

He stated that the late Paramount Chief left behind vast fields and unharvested crops, which should inspire the Ngoni people to embrace hard work and productivity.

Father Miti described Paramount Chief Mpezeni as a unifying figure whose 44-year reign strengthened unity among the Ngoni people across Zambia and beyond.

He urged mourners to continue remembering the late chief in prayer and encouraged his family to remain hopeful in God during this difficult period.

Police in Mbala District have recovered three suspected vulture chicks that were allegedly being kept illegally at a residence in Chila View Compound in Senior Chief Tafuna’s area.

 Northern Province Police Commanding Officer, Simunji Mulonda, says the recovery was made on June 5, 2026 at around 17:00 hours following a tip-off from a reliable informant that an unknown man was unlawfully keeping wild birds at his home.

Mr Mulonda said acting on the information, Police Officers conducted a search at the identified residence, and that during the operation, officers discovered three suspected vulture chicks concealed inside an empty 50-kilogramme sack in a grass-thatched kitchen structure.

He said the suspected owner of the birds was not around when officers arrived.

Mr Mulonda said the recovered birds were secured and handed over to the Department of National Parks and Wildlife for further management and investigations.

And the Department of Wildlife and National Parks has since engaged the Veterinary Department, to assess and document the birds ahead of their transfer to Lusaka, where they will receive specialised care.

He said Police have since opened investigations aimed at identifying and arresting the suspect, as well as determining how the protected wildlife species came into his possession.

Mr Mulonda has since reminded members of the public that the illegal possession, trafficking or keeping of protected wildlife species is a criminal offence under the Zambian law.

He has urged citizens to report any suspected wildlife crimes to the Police or relevant wildlife authorities to help protect the country’s biodiversity.

Mr Mulonda said further updates are expected as investigations in the matter continue.

Nakonde District Hospital management has completed emergency repair works on its mortuary unit and upgraded sanitary conditions across all wards.

The structural and hygienic turnaround was revealed during a follow-up inspection conducted by Muchinga Province Permanent Secretary, Tuesday Bwalya, who was accompanied by senior government officials to assess the completed repair works at the facility.

Dr Bwalya expressed satisfaction with the swift improvements, following a strict 14-day ultimatum he had previously issued to the hospital’s administration.

Prior to the repairs, the district’s largest referral health facility was facing severe infrastructure collapses, forcing patients to endure unhygienic conditions.

In mid-May, Dr Bwalya conducted an impromptu spot check at the hospital, during which he discovered that patients were forced to fetch water using buckets and drums due to internal plumbing failures which prevented water from reaching toilets and maternity wards.

During his last visit to the facility, the PS also discovered that the hospital mortuary had been completely non-functional for over three months, causing immense distress to local people

Dr Bwalya said some of the problems that the facility was experiencing can be dealt with by management without being pushed.

He expressed satisfaction with the works done and further commended the promptness and urgency taken on the repairs.

Speaking when he met administrative staff at the hospital, Dr Bwalya, emphasized that public institutions must maintain high operational standards independently.

“Management teams across the province must run these public facilities efficiently with minimum supervision from my office,” Dr Bwalya pointed out.

He stated that taxpayers deserve functioning infrastructure without provincial leaders always stepping in, on local collaboration and costs.

Dr Bwalya said the extensive rehabilitation process required close inter-institutional cooperation between medical staff and local engineering teams.

Nakonde District Director of Health Services, Philip Munkonge, said the rapid response which included the re-operationalisation of the mortuary was made possible through collaboration from the local authority and health department in the district.

Meanwhile, Provincial Health Director, David Silweya, disclosed that the ultimatum served as a positive catalyst, prompting management to look inward and proactively to resolve other hidden operational bottlenecks.

Dr Silweya also expressed gratitude to the government for maintaining stable healthcare support in the region, noting that the availability of essential drugs at the facility currently stands at a commendable rate of over 75 percent.

And Nakonde Town Council Secretary, Donald Mwanza, who oversees all devolved departments, assured that the local authority remains fully committed to intervening whenever structural or operational challenges arise.

“The local authority will continue to work hand-in-hand with the hospital, to ensure that all sanitary problems at the facility are resolved in a timely manner,” Mr Mwanza stated.

Mr Mwanza explained that both institutions will continue to source alternative funding through various council revenue ventures and the health department in a bid to safeguard the facility against future infrastructure decay.

He added that collaborative efforts further made it possible for the local authority to work on the access road that leads to the facility and mortuary area.

Before concluding his visit, Dr Bwalya toured the rehabilitated female, children and maternity wards, and spent time interacting with frontline healthcare workers to appreciate their improved environment.

Police in Eastern Province has arrested a 44-year-old woman of Chasefu District for allegedly setting her husband’s house on fire, resulting in his death.

Eastern Province Police Commanding Officer, Robertson Mweemba, confirmed the incident to the media, which occurred between midnight and 01:00 hours on June 5, 2026, in Mukanile Village of Nkhanga area in Chasefu District.

Mr Mweemba said the fire left the victim with severe burns all over his body and destroyed property valued at K4,550.

He said the matter was initially reported as a case of arson at Nkhanga Police Post under Lundazi Police Station by Agness Nyirenda, 49, that a grass-thatched house in which her brother-in-law, Jackson Nyirenda, 48, was sleeping had been set ablaze by unknown persons.

“Following the report, Police opened a docket of arson and issued a medical report form to facilitate treatment for the victim,” he said.

Mr Mweemba said Jackson later succumbed to his injuries at around 22:00 hours on the same day while receiving treatment at Lundazi District Hospital.

“The body has since been deposited in the hospital mortuary awaiting a post-mortem examination,” he said.

Mr Mweemba said investigations have since instituted saying the deceased and his wife, Mary Vuma, had earlier gone on a drinking spree before returning home around 20:00 hours.

He disclosed that the couple later had a misunderstanding over the issue of the deceased’s second wife and the sharing of their daughter’s lobola.

“The disagreement prompted Mr Nyirenda Jackson to leave the matrimonial house and sleep in a smaller house nearby that was intended to accommodate his second wife. It was then that the suspect allegedly set the house on fire while the victim was asleep before fleeing from the scene,” Mr Mweemba said.

He said the victim was later rescued by his 16-year-old son, after he noticed the house engulfed in flames, but he had already sustained serious burns.

Mr Mweemba said officers have since apprehended the suspect, who is currently in custody to help with investigations and is expected to be formally charged and appear in court soon.