Wednesday, July 2, 2025
Advertisement Banner
Home Blog Page 2320

Henry Kapoko appeals to the High Court against his conviction and the jail sentence

9
Jubilant kapoko celebrating freedom with family member
Henry Kapoko

FORMER Ministry of Health acting chief human resource development officer Henry Kapoko has appealed to the High Court against his conviction and the jail sentence slapped on him by the Lusaka Magistrate’s Court after it found him guilty of corruption.

Lusaka High Court deputy registrar Aridah Chulu, sitting as magistrate, found Kapoko guilty in all the six charges he was facing.

She sentenced Kapoko to two-year jail terms in each of the six counts which will run concurrently, meaning that he will be in incarceration for two years.

Meanwhile, Transparency International Zambia (TIZ) has welcomed the conviction of former Ministry of Health chief human resources development officer Henry Kapoko.

In a statement today, TIZ Executive Director Wesley Chibamba is however not amused with the sentence of two years that has been slapped on Mr. Kapoko.

Mr. Chibamba said for public servant theft of that magnitude (about K 20 million), 2 years is a slap on the wrist.

Mr. Chibamba said when public servants pilfer public resources, they are supposed to be punished in a manner that serves as a warning and a deterrent to other would be offenders.

“TIZ has always lamented on the way the justice system treats the corrupt and thieving public servants with kid’s gloves. When it comes to sentencing, they are given small jail terms and they walk out to continue living like kings on stolen public resources. Mr. Kapoko’s sentence was supposed to be so stiff as to send a warning to other civil servants who might be tempted to dip their fingers in public coffers”

“The public resources he stole were meant for the Ministry of Health, the institution directly in charge of saving human lives. Transparency International Zambia would like to see that this case doesn’t just end in a conviction and the accompanying cheap sentence, we would like to see the stolen public resources recovered and given back to government” Chibamba said

Mr. Chibamba has urged the Anticorruption Commission (ACC) to move in and apply for seizure of all of Mr. Kapoko’s assets pending forfeiture to the state.

He said TIZ has always emphasized on recovery of stolen resources so they can be rechanneled towards the intended purposes and so that criminals do not continue enjoying stolen wealth.

“Some of these criminals are becoming wrong role models in society since they are idolized and revered in their communities. Society should be abhorrent of stealing public resources and all those that do so should be demonized to the letter. Asset recovery should be a priority for the government. Transparency International Zambia is also very concerned at the longevity this case has taken”

“The case has dragged on for 9 years when it should have been disposed of in a shorter period. The evidence with which the conviction has been arrived at is the same evidence that has always been there. During the 9 year period, the culprits could have taken care to hide their stolen assets in offshore accounts or change ownership and basically put this stolen wealth where it is out arms reach for government. TIZ has always advocated for quick disposal of corruption related cases because dragging them has got a bearing on the case itself and on asset recovery if the culprit is convicted” Chibamba said

And the TIZ Executive Director has also urged Government through the judiciary and law enforcement agencies to punish corrupt people appropriately such that they can no longer enjoy stolen wealth.

“This calls for stiffer sentences and seizure of assets. We believe this can go a long way to deter others from committing the same crimes to the Zambian people” Mr. Chibamba said

Green Party has taken a different approach to deal with the acquisition of 42 Fire Engine Trucks- Sinkamba

14

The 42 Fire Trucks
The 42 Fire Trucks costing $1million a piece
Green Party President Peter Sinkamba says his party has taken a different approach to deal with the controversial acquisition of the 42 Fire Engine Trucks by the Zambian Government at an amount of 42 million US Dollars by engaging the European Partners against Corruption and the European Contact-Point Network against Corruption (EPAC/EACN).

In an interview today, Sinkamba said stakeholder organizations condemning the Green Party’s step of seeking assistance from EPAC/EACN to establish whether or not active or passive corruption took place in the transaction involving an EU domiciled supplier in Spain and a third party Lusaka based procurement firm Grand View International Limited are not at the same level with the Greens.

“Those condemning the Green Party’s step of seeking assistance from EPAC/EACN to establish whether or not active or passive corruption took place in the transaction involving an EU domiciled supplier in Spain and a third party Lusaka based procurement firm Grand View International Limited are not at the same level with the Greens” Sinkamba

In a related development, the Green Party is investigating the issue of the Guptas family’s presence in Zambia who are an international cartel of corruption.

Green Party President Peter Sinkamba told Pan African Radio News today that the Guptas should not be entertained in Zambia because they are involved in State Capture Corruption.

“We are investigating the issue of the Guptas family’s presence in Zambia who are an international cartel of corruption” Sinkamba said

It has been reported in some section of the media that the Gupta family which has robbed South Africa of its resources has relocated to Zambia and is grabbing all government contracts under the rebranded name of ‘Yousufs’.

Bankers Association of Zambia encouraging Zambians to embrace a culture of saving money

7

Bankers Association of Zambia (BAZ) Executive Officer Leonard Mwanza is encouraging Zambians to embrace a culture of saving money as it is a pathway to a bright future for both individuals and households.

Speaking during a media briefing at the Financial Sector Deepening Zambia (FSDZ) offices ahead of the World Savings Day that falls on October 31, Mwanza stressed the need for citizens to take keen interest in saving their incomes as it is a prerequisite for financial stability, domestic resource mobilization and economic growth.

The World Savings Day is an annual event that aims at fostering a saving culture towards preparing for and being able to meet the financial obligations associated with key life events such as education, employment, accommodation, emergencies.

“Zambians should embrace a culture of saving money as it is a pathway to a bright future for both individuals and households” Mwanza said

And Non- Bankers Association acting Director Musapenda Phiri says the Association will conduct a nationwide awareness exercise between 6 and 10 October 2017 aimed at motivating and explaining to people the benefits of saving money.

Mr. Musapenda added that the benefit of saving and planning early is to accord individuals a free mind at a point of retreat from work.

“The Association will conduct a nationwide awareness exercise between 6 and 10 October 2017 aimed at motivating and explaining to people the benefits of saving money” Musapenda said

City Market on fire again

61
City Market

Lusaka’s biggest market City Market has again caught fire.

The fire has affected the remaining section of the market after the last fire incident which hit the market on 4th July 2017.

This time around, the entire market was engulfed destroying merchandise worth millions of Kwacha.

Eyewitnesses said the fire started around 23:30 Hours on Friday night from the southern part of the market.

Fire fighters only managed to put out the flames around 02 Hours on Saturday morning.

Authorities have not yet confirmed the cause of the fire.

Government has not yet started reconstructing the market almost five months after the initial fire incident.

Zebras end Shepolopolo’s FIFA U17 Womens World Cup dreams

11

Zambia have been eliminated from the 2018 FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup qualifying campaign by Botswana at the preliminary stage.

Botswana on Friday afternoon thumped Zambia 4-0 in Gaborone to advance 6-5 on aggregate.

The Young Shepolopolo failed to hold on to the 5-2 home win recorded from the first leg match of the preliminary round played in Lusaka a fortnight ago.

The Tswana’s took a 2-0 lead into the half time break before scoring two more goals in the last half to shock Zambia in this return match.

Botswana will now face South Africa in December in the next round.

Zambia were seeking a second appearance at the U-17 Women’s World Cup having made their debut at the 2014 tournament in Cost Rica.

Zambia Police raid UPND secretariat

38
UPND cadres at the party's secretariat
UPND cadres at the party’s secretariat

Armed police officers in Lusaka have raided opposition UPND secretariat to look for alleged hidden weapons.

The police surrounded the party’s secretariat and went straight into the premises where they demanded to search the area without first disclosing what it is they were looking for.

The staff then insisted that the search be conducted in the presence of the lawyers, who were immediately called to attend to the situation.

Shortly afterwards, lawyers Chad Muleza, Nathaniel Inambao and Marshall Muchende arrived at the office.

Mr Muleza told Journalists that police are searching for concealed weapons in the secretariat.

Wynter Kabimba pays tribute to the late President Michael Sata

13

FILE: President Sata with SG Wynter Kabimba Flying To Mansa on Airforce one
The Rainbow Party has joined the Sata Family and the Patriotic Front (PF) in paying tribute to late Republican President Michael Chilufya Sata who died in King Edward VII Hospital near Regent’s Park in London on 28th October 2014 after an illness.

In a statement, Rainbow Party General Secretary Wynter Kabimba has described late President Sata as an icon in Zambian politics who will always be remembered for his leadership values of forgiveness and humility in public office.

Kabimba, the First Patriotic Front (PF) Secretary General and Justice Minister, said late Sata has continued although in silence to lecture those who worked closely with him to uphold the values which are vital for building a just society more especially for the poor people.

Tomorrow October 28 2017 marks the third memorial of the death of President Michael Chilufya Sata who dedicated his political career which spanned a period of 40 years to the poor people of Zambia.

“The late President Sata was an icon in Zambian politics who will always be remembered for his leadership values of forgiveness and humility in public office” Kabimba said

Zambia intends to sale 17.3 percent of its shares in ZCCM-IH on the Lusaka Stock Exchange-Mutati

13

Felix Mutati
Felix Mutati
Finance Minister Felix Mutati has disclosed that government intends to sale 17.3 percent of its shares in ZCCM-IH on the Lusaka Stock Exchange (LuSE).

Mr. Mutati has told Parliament in a Ministerial Statement that the proceeds from the sale of the shares will be prudently used for development of more assets such as financing of the Infrastructure Development Fund.

He says the proposed sale will still leave the government as a majority share holder of 60.3 percent of shares with NAPSA holding 15 percent shares.

Meanwhile, Mr Mutati says the government is yet to pay LAP Green of Libya the US$380 million as a result of the repossession of Zamtel.

He says at the time Zamtel was PRIVATIZED; government received a total of US$257 million for the asset, but will have to pay US$380 million after repossessing the company.

Vice President Inonge Wina calls for review of outsourcing laws

1

Vice President Mrs Inonge Wina addressing a meeting at Legatum Institute in London.
Vice President Mrs Inonge Wina
Republican Vice President Inonge Wina has noted the need to review the laws surrounding the outsourcing of labour more especially in the mining sector.

Responding to a question during the vice president’s question time by Mkushi South Member of Parliament Davies Chisopa who wanted to know what the position of government on outsourcing of labour in view of Konkola Copper Mines’ outsourcing, Ms. Wina says the laws of Zambia allow the outsourcing of labour.

She however, stated that this is disadvantaging to local workers.

Ms. Wina says outsourcing should be done in stages and that the first step is that management has to meet labour unions and negotiate on outsourcing labour.
She says this is one of the legal statutes that should be revisited.

Meanwhile, the Vice President says government has allocated about K400 million for the implementation of the Farmers Input Support Programme (FISP) and e-voucher program for the 2017/2017 farming season.

Ms. Wina has since appealed to farmers across the country not panic as the government is on course in the distribution of farming inputs.

President Edgar Lungu promises to expand the army presence throughout Zambia

48
President Edgar Lungu Commander in Chief at parade in Arakan Baracks
President Edgar Lungu Commander in Chief at parade in Arakan Baracks

President Edgar Lungu has promised to expand the army to desired levels of operational capacity through regular recruitment to enable the defence forces have a formidable presence throughout the country.

President Lungu said that it was for this reason that he authorized the construction of barracks in Choma, Solwezi, and Muchinga province.

He added that that his government will continue with the rehabilitation of existing roads and other infrastructure within military cantonments across the country.

Speaking when he commissioned the trooping and consecration of colors parade for the first and second infantry battalions, and the third mechanized infantry battalion, president Lungu commended military personnel for their contribution to the maintenance of peace and security in the country.

the President said that men in uniforms played an important role in the preservation of the territorial integrity during the 2016 general election as well as the African union and United Nations peace keeping operations.

And the Zambia army commander lieutenant general Paul Mihova said that the colors linked the past, present and future members of the battalions and served as a source of honor, unity, strength and a symbol of authority.

Lt General Mihova said that the battalions are a great pride not just for the Zambia army, but the nation at large.

Lt General Mihova said that the old colors of the battalion had over the years played important roles in the exploits of the units, and shared some of the battle honors achieved.

Meanwhile President Lungu has encouraged all defence and security wings to emulate what the Zambia Army has done by having decent places of worship for its officers within their confines.

And National Guidance and Religious Minister Reverend Minister Godfridah Sumaili has hailed the Zambia Army for constructing a chapel in Arakan Barracks.

President Edgar Lungu Commander in Chief at parade in Arakan Baracks
President Edgar Lungu Commander in Chief at parade in Arakan Baracks

Michael Chilufya Sata – The Inspiration for the Present and Future Patriotic Front

13
Sata with Lungu
Late President MIchael Sata with then Defence Minister Edgar Lungu and Justice Minister Wynter Kabimba

By Hon Davies Mwila, Patriotic Front Secretary General
27th October 2017

Tomorrow, 28th October, 2017, Patriotic Front will join millions of Zambians in celebrating the life of our late founder and President Mr. Michael Chilufya Sata.

Founders of nations, movements and organizations often serve as a source of inspiration to their heirs and succeeding generations long after they are gone. While these founders do not transform from “human into deity” their values, service and passion offer constant lessons, courage and guidance to future generations.

Zambia for instance, often looks to all its founders for lessons in self – sacrifice and service. Moreover to no other than 1st President Kenneth David Kaunda the nation has looked for the abiding lesson of unity in diversity expressed in the maxim “One Zambia, One Nation”.

Our neighbour, South Africa, has its icon in Nelson Mandela for the creation of a viable “Rainbow Nation” in which all races live together in harmony despite age – old wounds that were wrought by Apartheid.

Similarly, enduring companies such as Apple still draw inspiration for great design and innovation from the genius of their co – founder Steve Jobs. In like measure, though long gone Reverend Martin Luther King Jr still inspires issues surrounding Civil Rights in America. He was an inspiration for President Barack Obama too.

The abiding power of founders is thus an inspiration and as well as an anchor through the different times and marked changes that a nation, organization or movement can go through. For certain; change is constant. Without these icons, it is possible to drift off the path.

28th October, 2017 marks 3 years since the fateful passing of the founder of the Patriotic Front – President Michael Chilufya Sata. For the PF, it is a compelling remembrance of Zambia’s only opposition leader who founded a party, turned it into a mass movement owned by the “people” and defeated a seating Government.

Victory at the polls is however not Michael Chilufya Sata’s chief legacy which holds and inspires the Patriotic Front to date. The Sata legacy is ultimately about patriotism and service to the nation with a passionate commitment to the plight of the poor. He formed the Patriotic Front as a movement for the ordinary person. There was no elitism. The PF was, is and will be a pro – poor party formed to bring development to the lives of many.

It was therefore, the “every day person” or regular “man” on the street that he had created the Party for who in turn exercised their “ownership rights” over the Party to choose Mr Sata’s successor. In droves, the masses successfully defended Mr Sata’s apparent successor by installing Edgar Chagwa Lungu as the Party’s president and 6th Republican President.

Michael Chilufya Sata
Michael Chilufya Sata

While he is his own man and born in a different generation, President Lungu is unequivocal in carrying out President Sata’s vision and agenda through the changing times. As a given, economic policies will always be subject to adaptation and re – alignment in line with the Fiscal and Monetary imperatives of the day.

However, the underlying values of the Patriotic Front such as patriotism, pragmatism, service and yes – forgiveness – are however still rooted in its founder Michael Sata. President Sata demonstrated that he could reconcile and work with political opponents. Late Willie Nsanda who insulted and attempted to beat him at Radio Ichengelo became his Campaign Manager and close disciple.

As a pragmatist he also entered into political alliances with both Anderson Mazoka and Hakainde Hichilema. He only abandoned the UPND pact when it yielded no fruit. In view of the infantile acrimony over whether a fragmented PF following Sata’s death should have entered into a pact with MMD in 2015 towards the presidential by – election, it is quite obvious that Michael Sata’s alliance building record would have supported the alliance. Having entered into a pact and MMD delivering crucial votes in Eastern Province and Mambwe – land in Northern Province, a “team of rivals” was inevitable.

President Chilufya-Dr Christine dance
President Chilufya-Dr Christine dance

The most enduring strength of PF therefore is in its DNA and pundits as well as politicians will usually overlook it because this strength lies beneath the surface. PF is not owned by its leaders. If it were, the then Acting President Guy Scott would have imposed a successor. It is not owned by the Sata family otherwise an heir would have emerged from them. It is not owned by a particular tribe, otherwise a successor could have come from there too.

PF belongs to the people – regular people. As a people’s movement is owned by the grassroots, the masses. President Lungu is both the expression and embodiment of the will of the owners. PF survived the ill -health and painful passing of its founding father. It will survive more storms in future. In large part, this necessity of facilitating the organic existence and strategic continuity is the duty of its current leadership.

It can be asserted with some level of humble confidence that as the leaders of the Patriotic Front come and go as succession wrangles ebb and flow, the Boat may be rocked and sometimes drift hither and thither. The Boat however has millions of determined paddlers spread across all the parts of Zambia. They are still inspired by the builder of the Boat and will support the Captain of the day.

For the present and future, one Michael Chilufya Sata remains the inspiration of the Patriotic Front.

We join millions of Zambians in honouring the memory of President Michael Chilufya Sata.

President Michael Sata with Home affairs minister Edgar Lungu (c) and PF Mkaika constituency parliamentary candidate David Phiri after a rally to drum up support for Phiri in Katete on Sept 2,2013 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
President Michael Sata with Home affairs minister Edgar Lungu (c) and PF Mkaika constituency parliamentary candidate David Phiri after a rally to drum up support for Phiri in Katete on Sept 2,2013 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA

The author is Secretary General of the ruling Patriotic Front in Zambia, former Deputy Minister of Defence in President Michael Sata’s administration and former Minister of Home Affairs under President Edgar Lungu.

Makwaza eyes Zanaco kill in Barclays final

0

Napsa Stars seek another giant-kill in the Barclays Cup on Saturday when they face their Lusaka rivals Zanaco in this year’s final at National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka on Saturday,

Napsa have already eliminated 2015 champions Green Buffaloes in the quarterfinals and dumped the defending champions and record five -time winners, Zesco United, at the semifinal stage.

“Going into this game, very interesting, there is a team that is going into the final hoping to rewrite history and one that wants to write history,” Napsa coach Linos Makwaza said.

“For our team, it has been a long journey in the quarterfinals we played Buffaloes; in the semifinals we played Zesco.”

Napsa head into the final in search of for their second Barclays Cup title.

They won their first in 2012 in what was also their first season back in the FAZ Super Division since 2000.

Should they win, they will join Power Dynamos on two Barclays Cup titles.

Zanaco on the other hand, have never won the Barclays Cup despite being the record participants in the competition after qualifying for each tournament since its inception in 2007.

Mwinilunga man convicted for lying of driving a truck owned by Police I.G Kanganja

10
The Kasama Magistrates Court has  convicted and fined a 33 year old man  of Mwinilunga in North Western Province  who was charged with the offence of giving false information to a Public Officer contrary to section 125 of Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia.
On 19th October 2017 at Nkole Mfumu checkpoint on Kasama-Mpika road, Graig Malambo was found driving a light truck Hino Ranger registration number BAF 2031 which had on the door writings “Insp Gen  Kakoma Kanganja, Mwinilunga family.”
Traffic Officers manning the checkpoint became suspicious, stopped the motor vehicle and  queried the driver about the the writings on the vehicle and in response Malambo said the truck was a property of the Police Inspector General, Mr Kakoma Kanganja which information was not true.
He was then arrested and charged with Giving false information to a Public Officer which is contrary to section 125 of Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia.
Malambo appeared in court yesterday where he pleaded guilty and  was fined k1,500 in default face six months simple imprisonment.
This is according to a statement issued by Police Spokesperson Esther Kakoma.

Rufunsa Girls Technical School in critical water shortage

3

Rufunsa Girls TechnicalSchool in Rufunsa District is facing a critical water shortage as a result of the cost of running the pump and also that the surrounding villages
depend on the school’s water supply.

Rufunsa Girls Technical School Head Teacher, Harriet Mutale told
council Chairman, Bartholomew Kalambalala who was accompanied by
District Administrative Officer, Lunkuntwe Musonda and District
Education Board Secretary, Stephen Katuta when they visited the school
to check on how the grade nine examinations were going on
that the school was facing a critical shortage  of water.

Ms. Mutale said the cost of pumping water was too high as they were
using 420 liters of diesel to fill 20, 000 liters tank per day which
does not last because the surrounding communities with their domestic
animals were also dependent on the same water supply.

She said it has become difficult to run the school because of the
inadequate water and appealed to Government and other stakeholders to
come to the aid of the school by sinking boreholes in the
surrounding communities and also putting a solar powered borehole at
the school to reduce on fuel costs.

Meanwhile, Rufunsa Town Council Chairman, Bartholomew Kalambalala has
commended the DEBS office and schools in the District for having non
mal practice grade nine examinations since the examinations started.

Mr. Kalambalala urged the DEBS office and School administrations to
ensure that they were no examination malpractices in the District so
that the District can produce pupils with quality results.

And District Education Board Secretary, Stephen Katuta said he was
happy with the way the grade nine examinations were being conducted in
the District despite his office facing challenges of transport to
monitor the examinations.

Mr. Katuta said his office had no transport and officers were forced
to use personal vehicles and from the council to monitor the
examinations.

He also added that  because of the vastness of the District his office has
recommended for the up grading of more community schools to primary
school level so as to reduce on the distance of learners to schools.

Proposed COMESA 2018 Annual Budget Drops

3

File:Delegates at the COMESA Council of Ministers conference in Lusaka
File:Delegates at the COMESA Council of Ministers conference in Lusaka
The proposed 2018 annual budget for the COMESA Secretariat and its agencies has declined by US$10 million dollars as several cooperating partners grants come to an end. This was revealed during the opening of the 37th meeting of the Committee on Administration and Budgetary matters.

“The annual budget will decrease from USD42 million in 2017 to USD32 million for 2018. This translates into a 30% reduction,” Mr. Ngwenya said. Member States are expected to contribute $16.7 million while cooperating partners are expected to provide $15.6 million

He told the delegates that funding from cooperating partners may however increase for 2018 if the programming processes of the 11th European Development Fund (EDF) funds are completed early and grant agreements are signed.

Among the COMESA agencies that will be affected are the Regional Investment Agency (RIA) the Federation of Women in Business (FEMCOM) and the COMESA Competition Commission.

In his official address, the Secretary General urged Member States to put up deliberate measures to increase the proportion of their financial contribution to the budget.

He noted: “At some point, our cooperating partners will naturally expect COMESA Member States to assume a greater share of funding of the COMESA work programme.”

To ensure the desired levels of integration and cooperation is achieved, the Secretary General called for the speedy implementation of agreed COMESA instruments by member states. He noted that the current levels of production and infrastructure development were affecting job creation and intra-COMESA trade.

“COMESA may not achieve the desired development milestones in 2020 at this low implementation level of COMESA instruments,” he said.

The Administrative and Budgetary Committee supports and guides the Secretariat in administrative, financial, human resources and audit matters.

During the three-day meeting, the Committee will consider matters relating to the management of human resources, review the current (2017) and previous (2016) performance and the 2018 work programme and budget for the COMESA Secretariat, institutions and agencies.

Delegates will examine the consolidated internal audit report which highlights areas that the secretariat is working on to enhance corporate governance and institutional systems

They will also review the internal financial controls ranging from strengthening of financial reporting, external audit, report on internal controls findings and new policy instruments.

Participants comprise technical officers from governments of the 19 COMESA member states. Their report will be presented to the 37th meeting of the COMESA Intergovernmental Committee and eventually to the Council of Ministers meeting next week for decision making.