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Esther Katongo
Police in Lusaka have apprehended one criminal and are still looking for three others for robbing a Rwandese national of K4,000.00 at gunpoint at his shop in Lusaka ‘s Ngombe Compound .
Zambia Police Public Relations Officer Esther Mwaata Katongo said in a statement issued to ZANIS in Lusaka that the quartet staged an Aggravated Robbery on 29th December, 2017 at about 20 00 hours at a shop located on Zambezi road belonging to the Rwandese national.
Ms Katongo said the criminals who were armed with a pistol and driving a motor vehicle Toyota Corrolla white in colour attacked the Rwandese national while in his shop and stole money amounting to K4000.
The Police Spokesperson identified the apprehended suspect as Martin Simutowe of Chamba valley who was armed with a pistol while the other three criminals sped away to unknown destination.
Meanwhile, Ms Katongo has disclosed that a Rwandese national aged 29 years who was attacked by criminals armed with machetes and knives on 26th December, 2017 whilst at his shop in Kanyama Compound died yesterday, 29th December, 2017 at about 01 00 hours.
She said the victim identified as Jean Boston Bahati was admitted to UTH after sustaining deep cuts in the head.
Ms Katongo said the body is in UTH mortuary awaiting postmoterm and that investigations in the matter have continued.
“…the goodness of God leads you to repentance.”
(Romans 2:4, NKJV)
His Goodness Leads You to Him
In the natural, when we’ve wronged someone, sometimes it’s easier to avoid them than to face the discomfort or potential rejection.
Oftentimes, people have this same approach to God. Have you ever heard someone say, “If I walk into church, the roof will cave in?” They think they should keep their distance because of the wrong they’ve done. But nothing could be further from the truth! God’s not mad at you; He’s madly in love with you! He’s waiting for you with open arms. It doesn’t matter who you are or what you’ve done; know that His goodness is what’s drawing you to Him.
Today, don’t let condemnation keep you from going to God. Trust His kindness. He wants you to experience His goodness. He wants to show you His faithfulness. He’s promised He’ll never leave you nor forsake you. Turn to Him today and let Him pour His lovingkindness out on you and empower you to live the good life that He has planned for you!
A Prayer for Today
“Heavenly Father, thank You for loving me today. Thank You for Your kindness. I come to You and repent of any sin that would keep me from You. Give me strength to live in the blessing You have for me in Jesus’ name. Amen.”
Boxing sensation Alfred Muwowo has successfully defended his African Boxing Union Flyweight title on the first attempt with a 3rd round knockout win over Dalisizwe Komani of South Africa.
Muwowo barely broke any sweat after easily dropping Komani in each round of their ABU title fight at Government Complex in Lusaka on December 30.
Komani, who had not seen any action for over a year, was clearly rusty against his 20 year old opponent who was also 15 years his junior.
Muwowo is now unbeaten in his last eight fights with his last six wins all coming via knock-outs.
Meanwhile, ex-WBC Super Bantamweight champion Catherine Phiri returned to winning ways with a knockout victory over Rukia Nasirite of Kenya in her non-title bout.
However, there was a controversial home town decision in favour of Lolita Muzeya who was clearly out boxed by Ruth Chisale.
Government has dismissed allegations levelled against senior Government officers that they were involved in the illegal exportation of Mukula logs.
Defense Permanent Secretary Stard Mwale told a media briefing held at his office today that the allegation is false and malicious.
The PS however, said government officials found wanting in the illegal mukula logs would be dealt with accordingly.
Mr. Mwale disclosed that investigations have been instituted and warned members of the public that defense and security personnel are on high alert and would sternly deal with those involved in illegal exportation of Mukula tree.
“The nation may wish to know that allegations that senior government officials were involved in the illegal exportation of mukula logs is false. Government has mandated ZAFFICO to export the illegally harvested and confiscated mukula logs to China on its behalf,” the PS said.
He said the ban of the ‘government trophy’ is still enforce.
Meanwhile, the PS has disclosed that the Zambia Forest and Forestry industries (ZAFFICO) has been mandated by government to export the illegally harvested and confiscated precious mukula logs to China.
Mr. Mwale stated that ZAFFICO was transporting 21 containerized trucks from Lusaka to Chirundu and from Mporokoso to Chirundu when they were intercepted by suspected opposition UPND cadres in Shimabala area.
Mr. Mwale said ZAFFICO officials escorting the trucks were robbed off in the process.
He further disclosed that K30,000 was allegedly stolen in the fracas and security wings are investigating the matter to bring the culprits to book.
He said the trucks laden with mukula were later taken to Zambia National Service Kafue Camp and Chilanga Police Station for safety following alert defense officers who rushed at the scene.
The PS advised political party cadres to desist from taking the law into their own hands.
Mr. Mwale said cadres must report to the relevant defense and security wings if they suspect anything.
And Home affairs Minister Stephen Kampyongo has warned youths in the party against indiscipline. This is in view of what he terms unwarranted misuse of social media by young people.
Mr. Kampyongo said that youths who are in a habit of using the name of the party to engage in such activities will not be tolerated anymore.
Mr. Kampyongo said that as PF national youth chairperson he will ensure such youths are brought to book. Mr. Kampyongo, who is also Minister of Home Affairs, is not happy with some Party youths abusing social media to react to issues.
Mr. Kampyongo is disappointed with a named youth for challenging him to explain why he was interacting with an opposition Member of Parliament.
Mr. Kampyongo said this in Shiwang’andu district where he is on a tour of his constituency
Cholera Patients in a tentGreen Party President Peter Sinkamba is saddened by the reported death of 41 people in Lusaka due to cholera. He also regrets that others have been devastated by the disease in the last three months.
He said there is no justification for a life to be lost in Zambia from cholera and any other sanitation-related disease after 53 years of independence, and that doing so is sheer disgrace.
He has attributed the continued recurrence of cholera in Lusaka and elsewhere in the country to poor implementation of sanitation policies, especially the National Solid Waste Management Strategy of 2004.
“It is extremely saddening that 41 lives have been lost so far since October. It is also regrettable that over 1,500 people have contracted the disease during this period.
“You know, cholera is spread mostly by poor sanitary conditions such as unsafe water and unsafe food that has been contaminated with human feces containing the bacteria. Undercooked food is another common source.
“Put simply, what I am saying here is that there is no justification whatsoever to lose a single life in Zambia due to poor sanitary conditions. Not after 53 years of independence. That is sheer disgrace!
“Cholera is like polio. You can eliminate it if there is political-will. For example, there haven’t been any cases of cholera originating in England and Wales for over 100 years. This record has been made possible due to political-will.
“You see, I was one of the architects of the National Solid Waste Management Strategy which we developed from 2001 to 2004 under the auspices of the Environmental Council of Zambia, now called Zambia Environmental Management Agency.
“We developed the strategy to ensure that Zambia establishes a coordinated approach to sound solid waste management in the whole country and thereby lead to improvements in the management of waste encompassing all waste streams.
“The main objective of the strategy was to eliminate perennial outbreak of diseases such as cholera, dysentery as well as to control pollution of water resources, air, soil or land contamination, including the proliferation of pests and vermin.
“However, 14 years after the strategy was developed, it is disgraceful that there is still so much domestic and industrial waste which lies uncollected especially in the major urban and peri-urban areas.
“It is shameful that is still limited financial capacity and lack of trained manpower, which in turn makes it almost impossible for the local authorities to fulfill their obligations concerning solid waste management.
“Worse still, 14 years after the strategy was developed, there is no implementation plan for the strategy has been put in place.
“This is extremely disgusting. It is like all efforts and resources marshaled to develop the strategy have been poured down the waste-water drain.
“And the consequence is loss of waste of 41 lives and devastation of thousands more by cholera. If this is not disgusting and shameful, then what is it!” he exclaimed.
He said lack of political-will to finance environmental programmes is a serious cancer which will continue wasting and devastating lives provided voters fail to take environmental issues seriously during elections.
“Unfortunately, this cancer will continue wasting and devastating lives unnecessarily provided the voters remain indifferent to the green agenda,” he said.
And Sinkamba has commended President Edgar Lungu for deploying defence services and the Police to compliments efforts of the Ministries of Health and Local Government. However, he has blamed President Lungu for moving in too late.
“Ideally, the army and police should be part and parcel of the cholera preparedness committees we set up in the 1990s.
“Immediately a case of cholera or dysentery is reported in a particular locality, naturally, the army and police must immediately be deployed to compliment efforts of other government agencies.
“Now, in this instance, the reaction time has been slow. The Commander-in-Chief did not need wait for 41 people to die and devastation of thousands others to deploy the defence and police personnel. That is bad commandership,” he said.
President Edgar Lungu has congratulated Liberia’s President-elect George Weah for emerging victorious in that country’s Presidential runoff election held on 26th December , 2017.
President Lungu said in a statement issued to ZANIS in Lusaka by his spokesperson Amos Chanda that Mr Weah’s electoral victory represents the triumph of democracy and renewed hope for Liberia to cement its democratic dispensation and credentials.
The Head of State said the development in Liberia is a proud moment for Africa as it demonstrates the strides the continent is making in cementing its democratic dispensation.
“Liberia is a transformed nation that has demonstrated that the will of the people is supreme. Your victory also represents the affirmation that it’s possible to have a smooth power transfer from one party to another,” said President Lungu.
Mr Weah is an iconic football legend who is the only African to date to win the World Football Player of the Year in 1995 and Ballon d’Or, while plying his trade at Italian Soccer giants AC Milan.
The ex-soccer star defeated incumbent Vice President Joseph Boakai after polling 61.5 % of ballots counted compared to 38.5 % for Mr Boakai.
Mr Weah had ran for office in 2005 and won the first round before losing the second round to Africa’s first female President, Nobel Peace Prize winner Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, who is stepping down after two terms.
President Lungu has since wished Mr Weah and the people of Liberia a prosperous 2018.
Patriotic Front cadres who yesterday impounded nine trucks loaded with Mukula logs pose for a victory Picture
State House says investigations have been completed into the incident where truckloads of Mukula logs were intercepted yesterday in Kafue District by some individuals.
Special Assistant to the President for Press and Public Relations Amos Chanda disclosed to ZANIS in a statement that the Joint Operations Committee (JOC) immediately instituted investigations into the matter last night.
Mr Chanda said President Edgar Lungu was made aware of the incident in which some members of the public in Kafue District intercepted trucks laden with Mukula logs on Kafue Road.
He said the Committee which comprises various security wings tasked to control the illegal trafficking of Mukula logs in the country will soon issue a comprehensive statement regarding the Mukula logs incident.
Yesterday, Patriotic Front youths impounded nine trucks loaded with Mukula logs which they say were being allegedly being illegally exported.
The PF youths also alleged that a named State House official, who was driving a Land Cruiser Reg No ALG 3464, was escorting the trucks to ensure smooth passage at check points.
The cadres, who filmed themselves after impounding the trucks, complained that senior members of the party were benefiting from the illegal export of Mukula whilst disadvantaging others.
“Right now, no one is trading in Mukula, but right behind me with Elijah and Mumba, there are nine 40 foot trucks loaded with Mukula which was prohibited. So tell us, is it only ZAFICO which has a license to trade in Mukula? We need to know because us as PF youths countrywide, we are youths of action. They told us that there is no trading of Mukula so there are illegal traders,” a woman said in one of the videos.
“As PF youths who mean well for the President of Zambia, we want to protect President Edgar Chagwa Lungu, anyone who is transporting is illegally doing so these trucks are not going anywhere. As PF youths, we will not sit down and allow people looting money outside the country when we can actually do this within ourselves within our country. So we won’t let go of these trucks. We will die from right here. They impounded two trucks of Mukula from me but others are exporting.”
The trucks are currently parked at Chilanga Police station and the cadres have vowed that they will not be released until they get answers.
FQM engineers work on the Chingola-Solwezi Road.The Mine Workers Union of Zambia (MUZ) has applauded the Patriotic Front Government over the speedy works on Solwezi – Chingola road and the dual carriageway on the Independence Avenue.
MUZ Kansanshi mine branch Chairperson Mr. Happy Messiah stated that the works done so far shows that the Patriotic Front Government under the leadership of H.E President Edgar Chagwa Lungu does not segregate in terms of taking development to all parts of the country. “We really appreciate the PF Government’s work done so far on the Solwezi – Chingola road and the dual carriageway, we are very happy as a union, ” Mr. Messiah said.
Mr. Messiah speaking during the end of year meeting where Patriotic Front Provincial chairperson Mr. Jackson Kungo was guest of honor. Mr Messiah stated that his Union will support the Government of the day because as a union they had an obligation to. He also praised the Provincial Chairman for his continuous engagement with stakeholders in the Province.
He however appealed to Mr. Kungo to appeal to the office of the Provincial Minister, Permanent Secretary and District Commissioners to open their doors to the union. He further appealed to Government through the ruling party’s Provincial Chairperson to expedite the works on the township roads.
And Mr Kungo said the PF Government under the leadership of H.E President Edgar Chagwa Lungu is committed to deliver development to all parts of the country including North Western Province as evidenced with the expansion of the Independence Avenue and the soon to be completed Solwezi Chingola road.
He said president Lungu has a passion for North Western Province and wants to see the province develop just like any other place.
He encouraged the union leadership to continue saving the people wholeheartedly. “In the same vain, continue to engage the party and it’s leadership because this will cement our relationship, ” Mr Kungo said.
On the township roads, the Provincial Chairperson assured the union leadership and the general public that the roads will be worked on soon. “The same contractor that is working on the dual carriageway is the same contractor that is going to work on township roads,” he said.
THE Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) has given a grace period of 14 days within which motorists should acquire motor vehicle and trailer licences (road tax) and road service licences for the year 2018.
All motorists and Public Service Vehicle Operators have been given an extension of up to the 14th January, 2018 to pay for the required licenses.
Therefore, there will be no enforcement of the validity of the said documents until the stated grace period has expired. Thus law enforcement agencies are being informed accordingly. The grace period is effective 1st January, 2018.
The Agency is providing this grace period to accommodate the licensing needs of all motorists.
However, the extension does not include the certificate of fitness and the test certificates as the two relate to the road-worthiness and the safety of the vehicle.
The RTSA hopes that the public will utilise the extension to comply with the law and pay for all road licences.
The Agency further wish to urge motorists to renew and pay for motor vehicle and trailer licences for the year 2018 in accordance with the provisions of the Road Traffic Act No. 11 of 2002.
The RTSA wishes all Zambia’s an accident free festive period and urge all motorist to follow traffic rules and regulations in a bid to prevent road accidents.
Water and Energy Ministry Permanent Secretary Bishop Edward Chomba
Government has taken to task Lusaka Water and Sewerage Company (LWSC) over its lack of pro-activeness in the management and supply of clean and safe drinking water that is cardinal in arresting the spiraling cholera situation in Lusaka.
ZANIS reports that Water Development Permanent Secretary Edward Chomba, was hugely unimpressed and disturbed to find water point infrastructure in Bauleni Compound not operating efficiently with leakages unattended to.
Bishop Chomba who was accompanied by officials from his ministry and LWSC, said there is need for the water utility company to improve its operations and ensure that it provides adequate, clean and safe drinking water to residents in the Cholera ravaged capital city.
The permanent secretary was not amused that LWSC which is campaigning against water leakages is in fact a major culprit which was not servicing and maintaining its infrastructure.
Bishop Chomba learnt that Bauleni compound which has five water points has only two operational water points serving over 44,000 people.
The permanent secretary also visited several houses and marketeers and engaged them on the need to practice and maintain high standards of hygiene and desist from selling fly infested foods.
Bishop Chomba was perturbed that marketeers were trading right next to heaps of garbage removed from blocked drainages and sewer lines.
He directed the LWSC to address the water rationing and improve supply in the area if concerted efforts to address the cholera situation in Lusaka are to be achieved.
He further urged the water utility firm to ensure that Schools and health facilities in Bauleni and the capital city are provided with adequate water supply.
He pointed out that Cholera cases have hit over 1,500 cases in Lusaka and bemoaned the negative public behavior and response to government led cholera remedial measures.
The permanent secretary said people need to change their mindsets and attitude over hygiene in order to address cholera which he said if left unchecked can claim more people.
And LWSC Managing Director Jonathan Kampata has commended government for coming to its aid to help improve the water network in Lusaka.
He said improving the water system will help arrest the ravaging cholera pandemic in the capital city.
Mr. Kampata said expanding the water supply call for a huge investment and pledged that his firm will work round the clock to repair its infrastructure and improve water supply to residents in Lusaka.
Recently President Edgar Lungu declared Lusaka a cholera emergency area and called for concerted efforts to halt the pandemic.
I have read many comments, including the reaction of Mulusa on his firing and I take notable ones, like the one coming from my sister Pamela Chisanga.
Pamela said, “Mulusa was exceptional, because let’s face it, we are at a point in our nation’s history where integrity is in short supply, where one’s belly is more important than the next person’s, where one must be totally and blindly loyal to those in power to survive.”
I beg to differ with Pamela, firstly, Mulusa is not “exceptional”, he is just as compromised as many other PF ministers. From my privileged position I know he is not innocent. He pushed for certain people, with interest, to be awarded Govt contracts.
Chingola- Solwezi road is one of the examples where Mulusa for some reasons influenced the awarding of contracts, especially to Buildcom and swift contractors who have not performed well on that road.
China Geo have at least done their part but these two companies are struggling after being helped by this Mulusa you are celebrating. If I come in Govt and we decide to follow people who have enriched themselves, Mulusa would not be spared.
I know what he has been doing, such that at one point I had to call him and he asked to meet me but I ignored him because I knew I would not get anywhere since at that time his relationship with President Lungu was as sweet as honey.
I find it paradoxical that Mulusa, says, he is happy to have been fired, alleging that the PF Govt is corrupt (I am not saying they are not), when he had to wait to be fired.
Mulusa is feasting on the nativity of some Zambians who are celebrating him, just like they are doing on Kambwili who defending all the bad things of PF only to turn into a hero after being fired.
I also find his comments on the fire tenders and ZESCO, hypocritical and treacherous to President Edgar Lungu because, when we were grappling with the issue of electricity Mulusa was quiet from his privileged position, so how does he come around to talk about children dying in hospitals out of loadshedding.
Mulusa also disclosed that, he worked closely with President Lungu and if that is the case, why not talk to the President directly about the issues he is now devouring in public when he was part of Cabinet.
I think it is not out of honor and patriotism that Mulusa was talking carelessly in the public, the man must have known his time was near to go out. I suspect he must have been cut from some deals and he was not happy, so he became frustrated.
President Lungu has this tendency of killing people silently, whereby he just ignores you and make sure nothing comes your way, like he did to Mulenga Sata, Kambwili and others.
Mulusa could not handle being ignored, so he become careless to draw the attention of President Lungu, counting on the insurance policy of RB, but he touch the political artery of President Lungu which risked his prospects for 2021.
The problem is that President Lungu does not seem to care on the performance of his ministers, no matter how much we complain unless they attack him personally. As long as you are in good boots with President Lungu, you can get away with murder like Joyce Nonde is doing right now, because she has neglected Zambian workers to be abused by employers.
YALI Advisor Isaac MwanzaThe Patriotic Front (PF) has condemned attacks by the United Party for National Development (UPND) on the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) governance advisor Isaac Mwanza.
PF media director Sunday Chanda said that attacks by the UPND cadres must be condemned by all well meaning Zambians.
Mr. Chanda said that YALI has every right to hold any view and none of their members should be victimized by anyone, including the UPND.
He said that YALI, like other civil society groups, does not owe any political party any duty to represent any particular view in a manner that one or more political parties find acceptable.
Mr. Chanda has since called on the UPND leadership to condemn the attack perpetrated by their cadres against Mr. Mwanza.
He has further demanded that UPND assures YALI’s officials safety otherwise they should take responsibility should anything happen to anyone of them.
Mr Chanda said that Patriotic Front is determined to lead by example in terms of tolerance and co-existence and build on the gains of ‘One Zambia, One Nation’.
This Week, Suspected UPND cadres attacked Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) Governance Advisor Isaac Mwanza shortly after coming out from a live programme on Radio Phoenix in Lusaka.
About three UPND cadres were waiting for Mr. Mwanza outside the studios and one cadre held him in his shirt and asked him to warn YALI President Andrew Nthewewe that they are watching how they criticize UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema.
And Mr. Nthewewe said that that his organization will not be intimidated as it continues to offer checks and balances on both the ruling and opposition political parties.
Mr. Nthewewe said that the UPND should be bold and avoid such kind of intimidation on stakeholders who are merely doing their work.
He says he is not moved with the attack on his Governance Advisor because they have faced such threats before even from government officials.
Concerned over the lack of accessibility by the less privileged to land owing to restrictive conditions such as land premiums, Kitwe City Council, has passed a resolution for the creation of low cost plots for the poor under what is being proposed to be known as Presidential Land Empowerment Project.
Considering the Town Clerk’s report during the full council meeting yesterday in the Council Chamber, Mayor Christopher Kang’ombe stated that the development would be a fitting legacy project for His Excellency the President Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu for being passionate about equitable land distribution.
“His Excellency the Republican President Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu is on record emphasising equitable land distribution
that takes care of the less privileged in society. Therefore the Presidential Land Empowerment initiative will be a fitting legacy for President Lungu,” the Mayor explained.
According to the resolution, the Council intends to engage the Ministry of Lands for excision of 2000 hectares of Mwekera forest reserve land for the project. Further Planing Department has been mandated to also search for any other alternative land to accommodate as many less privileged people.
Administrative works for the project are expected to last 12 months subject to the availability of land and financial support while plots allocation process is projected to commence in 2019 subject to the degazeting of land.
Government, in collaboration with the Global Fund, has procured three vehicles and 20 motorbikes for the Ministry of Health in Chienge district in Luapula province.
District Director of Health, Lwara Musa said the three Toyota Land Cruiser vehicles and the 20 Motorbikes were bought at a cost of K3 million.
Dr. Musa said the motorbikes and the vehicles will be delivered to the area early next year
He said this in Chienge when he presented a report during a management meeting for all ministries whose functions have been devolved to the local government.
He has since paid tribute to government and the Global Fund for the gesture, adding that the move will greatly improve his department’s efforts of delivering quality health services to people in the area.
Dr. Musa said the motorbikes will be distributed to all the health centres in the district to boost their curative and preventive health services.
