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PF Lusaka province Youth chairman KennedyPatriotic Front Lusaka Province Youth Chairperson Kennedy Kamba has revealed that the United Party for National Development (UPND) plan to protest during Labour Day Celebrations is meant to cause anarchy and disturb public peace.
“There plan to participate in this year’s Africa Freedom Day Celebrations is aimed at causing confusion and as much as possible, they plan to embarrass His Excellency the President of Zambia Mr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu. We are asking the Zambia Police and other Security agencies to be on high alert and ensure public peace is preserved and the rightful honour and dignity is accorded to our fallen African heroes”, Kamba said.
The Provincial Youth Chairperson has further wondered when it is that UPND changed their position on attending National events which they have shunned since times immemorial. “They intent to play to the gallery, knowing too well that there is both international and local media in the Country. It does not matter who the perpetrator is, but anyone or any grouping that disturbs or intends to disturb public peace should be dealt with by the full force of law. It will be there fault should they be embarrassed before the same cameramen”, he has said.
Mr. Kamba has also called on Patriotic Front Youths to restrain themselves even under extreme provocation, insisting that it is the duty of the Police to maintain law and order. He says the burden or responsibility is on the men and women in uniform whom have done a commendable job in ensuring public peace. He has however warned that the Patriotic Front will not take lightly any schemes by anyone to insult the Party President who also doubles as Republican President.
Provided the petition by UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema which is before Lusaka High Court Judge Mwila Chitabo where he wants the court to determine whether his rights to be heard in the Presidential petition were violated is not summarily resolved, there cannot be any meaningful dialogue between PF and UPND leadership. To ensure speedy resolution of political tension in the country, we hold a strong view that Judge Chitabo should have simply recuses himself from handling this matter instead of shifting blame on to the lawyers. In the interest of State security and economy, as well as respect for Bangalore Principles on the Conduct of Judges, it is imperative that Judge Chitabo recused himself.
According to Bangalore Principles, a judge should disqualify himself or herself in a proceeding in which the judge’s impartiality might reasonably be questioned, including but not limited to instances in which the judge has a personal bias or prejudice concerning a party, or personal knowledge of disputed evidentiary facts concerning the proceeding. From the reaction of judge Chitabo when he decided to adjourn the matter indefinitely in December, 2016, his temperament was brought into question. On that account alone, he should have freely and willingly recused himself from handling the petition.
Bangalore Principles state that an appearance of impropriety occurs when reasonable minds, with knowledge of all the relevant circumstances disclosed by a reasonable inquiry, would conclude that the judge’s honesty, integrity, impartiality, temperament, or fitness to serve as a judge is impaired. A judge should be patient, dignified, respectful, and courteous to litigants, jurors, witnesses, lawyers, and others with whom the judge deals in an official capacity. Indefinite adjournment of the petition brought to question the Judge’s temperament, and for that reason alone, Hichilema has a point.
Further, since President Edgar Lungu has on several occasions stated he will not interfere with the judicial processes to guarantee judicial independence as provided for in the Constitution, we hold the view that even if Hichilema’s treason case is granted a speedy trial to ease the current political tensions which have serious deepened and undeniably divided the nation, there cannot be any meaningful dialogue to diffuse the political tensions whilst High Court petition is pending.
Yesterday, Judge Chitabo blasted UPND lawyers for what he termed as “mischaracterizing” his decision not to recuse himself from handling a matter in which Hichilema wants the court to determine whether his rights to be heard in the Presidential petition were violated. The Judge stayed the proceedings pending the determination of the appeal on recusal in by the Supreme Court. Failure to resolve the political tensions is not good for country politically, economically as well as in terms of State security. Therefore, the adamancy by the Judge is uncalled for.
THE Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) will take punitive action against the proprietor of Kapena Bus Services following the death of 19 passengers on board on one of its buses involved in a road accident at a time when it should not have been travelling.
Another 46 passengers were left injured.
RTSA observed that this was not the first time the buses owned by Kapena, abrogated the ban on night travel.
The accident happened between Luangwa Market and the Luangwa Bridge around 21:08 hours, minutes past the last hour by which public service operators must park their buses.
The ban came into effect following increased road traffic accidents involving public service buses which led to a ban on Mazhandu Family Bus Services after an accident on the Great North Road which killed 10 travelers, earlier this year.
In yesterday’s tragic accident, the driver of the Scania bus, registration number ABP 6303, lost control of the East-bound vehicle and overturned as he failed to negotiate a curve around Kacholola area, a bend considered tricky to negotiate even in daylight.
Frequent travellers of the route say it is not uncommon for some carriers to ask passengers to disembark while they negotiate the curve.
The injured people were receiving treatment at Mumpashya and Katondwe Mission hospitals.
Police spokesperson Esther Katongo confirmed the accident in a statement yesterday.
Ms Katongo said among the dead were three juveniles, six male adults and eight female adults.
The driver of the bus, identified by Ms Katongo, as Matomola Mubyana of SOS area in Lusaka, was among the injured.
“The bodies are being transported to the two mentioned hospital mortuaries,” she said.
Ms Katongo said all the bodies of the deceased had been transferred to Chongwe District hospital.
In another statement, RTSA head of public relations Fredrick Mubanga said action would be taken against Kapena Bus Services for failure to ensure the bus and fleet crew operated within the provisions of the law.
Mr Mubanga said Mr Mubyana and the operator defied the provisions of Statutory Instrument (SI) number 76 of 2016, which restricted the movement of Public Service Vehicles (PSV) at night.
“It has been established that Kapena Bus Services has on several occasions been operating outside the provisions of SI number 76 and the agency has on several instances warned and impounded the operator for violating the law,” Mr Mubanga said.
He urged travelers to report any violations of the SI to avoid road traffic accidents and that the people should refuse being commuted outside the approved driving hours under the law.
President Edgar Lungu at senior Chief Mukumbi in kalumbila District
PRESIDENT Lungu has pardoned 428 inmates countrywide on the occasion of Africa Freedom Day which is commemorated on this day every year.
Minister of Home Affairs Stephen Kampyongo said in a statement yesterday that President Lungu has further commuted long prison terms of 11 inmates to various shorter terms of imprisonment.
“President Lungu has exercised his prerogative of mercy in accordance with the powers vested in the President of the Republic of Zambia by Article 97 (1) of the Constitution of Zambia, which provides for presidential pardon and substitution of severe forms of punishment imposed on convicted persons,” Mr Kampyongo said.
He said the Ministry of Home Affairs is grateful to the President for exercising his prerogative of mercy because the correctional services are extremely congested.
“The President’s noble gesture is a step in the right direction as it is a very big contribution to the decongestion of correctional centres and the upholding of the rights of inmates,” the minister said.
Mr Kampyongo said the move will also ease the lives of inmates who are yet to serve their various prison terms.
“We are confident that the pardoned persons have been rehabilitated and are ready for reintegration in society. Successful reintegration of former inmates, however, largely depends on the support of members of the community.
“We therefore appeal to members of the public not to discriminate against former inmates but to embrace them and help them find their feet as law abiding citizens,” Mr Kampyongo said.
In 2016, Africa as a whole maintained its position as the world’s second-fastest growing economies behind South Asia, according to data released during the Financial Presentation at the African Development Bank Group’s Annual Meetings, which entered its third day on Wednesday in Ahmedabad, India.
The report analyzed the continent’s economic outlook, Bank operations, financial profile and capital market activities, noting that the continent recorded an average of 2.2% GDP growth in 2016 compared to 7.1 posted by South Asia powered India against a 2% average for the developed economies.
The report said African economies would improve further to average 3.4% growth in 2017 and 4.3% in 2018, driven largely by growing domestic demand and good performing countries.
“Although natural resources and primary commodities are still major drivers, their importance has declined while domestic factors including consumption demand play an increasing role,” AfDB Senior Vice-President Charles Boamah said during the presentation.
Other factors include improved supply conditions and good business environment, prudent macroeconomic management, favorable external financial flows, and high public spending, he said.
The report notes that, while natural resources and primary commodities remain major growth drivers, their importance has declined, while domestic factors including consumption demand now play a greater role.
Vast differences in country, sub-regional performances
East Africa emerged the best sub-regional performer with a 5.3% real GDP growth average driven by strong performance in Ethiopia, Tanzania and Djibouti.
North Africa followed with an average 3.3% growth driven by recoveries in Egypt (4.3%) and Algeria (3.5%), amidst persistent political uncertainties.
Southern Africa recorded a 1.1% average due to the poor performance of South Africa and Angola, two major commodity exporters in the sub-region hit by drought, persistent power outages and adverse terms-of-trade shocks, while Madagascar and Mozambique were rare bright spots, posted growth rates above 4%.
Central Africa followed with a 0.8% average due to low commodity prices while some countries lime Cameroun proved resilient. Central African Republic and São Tomé and Príncipe improved their economic performances.
West Africa was at the bottom, averaging a 0.4% growth rate despite good performances by Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal, which were cancelled out by recession and socio-political factors that bogged down the economy to 1.5% growth.
Nigeria and South Africa account for the largest share of Africa’s GDP with 29% and 19%, respectively.
Overall, external flows slowed
The report said Foreign Direct Investment increased slightly reaching US $56.5 billion in tune with growing urbanization and cities growing with consumer markets increasingly targeted by foreign investors. Official development assistance (ODA), which remains the most important source of public finance, declined by 1.7%.
Remittances mainly by the African diaspora represent a key source of capital for African countries totaling US $64.6 billion in 2016, the report says.
However, the facts on the ground suggest that these resources are insufficient to fully meet the continent’s development challenges.
An improved outlook
In this regard, the Bank estimates that its High 5 priorities – Light up and power Africa, Feed Africa, Industrialise Africa, Integrate Africa, and Improve the quality of life for the people of Africa – would spearhead Africa’s economic diversification and growth in broad-based economic opportunities that will shield the continent from future commodity shocks and enhance their resilience.
“Growth prospects would further be boosted by expected increases in commodity prices, strong domestic demand, better macroeconomic governance and an improved business environment,” co-presenter and Acting Vice-President for Finance, Hassatou N’Sele, said.
However, the report also cited rising debt, structural weaknesses, power outages, climate change, conflict, political instability and terrorism among some of the downside risks which should not be ignored.
Patriotic Front (PF) Director for Media Sunday Chanda has said the PF will not watch the South African Democratic Alliance (DA) party to turn Zambia into circus.
Chanda said in a statement that the PF is aware of the South Africa’s DA party an alliance comprising of the country’s Colonial Rulers which is planning to come in Zambia on a political theatrical expedition.
The PF Director of Media said DA leader Mmusi Maimane want to visit Zambia only for the political clowning to attract some kind of publicity desired by his pay masters and is alleged he will travel with a media contingent.
Chanda noted that while PF acknowledges that Maimane and Hichilema have a responsibility to impress their well-wishers and that his party will not allow the duo to turn Zambia into a circus.
He has since encouraged Maimane to adhere to the guidance provided to him by the Zambian High Commission in South Africa Emmanuel Mwamba.
Chanda further stated that it is common knowledge that there is an explicit court order detailing who can visit the incarcerated Opposition leader and it would be rather unfortunate for Maimane to violate the prescripts of this order which will find him in conflict with the Zambian laws.
He also noted that regarding Maimane’s media contingent, it would be imperative for Maimane to note that before any foreign media house can undertake any media related activity in Zambia, they must be accredited with Zambia National Information Services (ZANIS) under the Ministry of Information.
Chanda said he expects Maimane will comply with the requirements as failure to do so he will prompt the Patriotic Front to seek counsel from the Ministers of Information and Home Affairs respectively.
“It’s only yesterday that the architects of the DA championed and benefited from the notorious apartheid regime and today they have come back with a Black token to reverse the gains of Freedom in Post-Apartheid South Africa. Their bitterness and ideology however cannot be concealed and this was recently seen when DA Leader Helen Zille took to Twitter to remind the masses that “Colonialism wasn’t ONLY negative” – an appalling statement that we are yet to see Maimane take action against”
“While we acknowledge that they (Maimane and Hichilema) have a duty to their masters/funders, we wish to make crystal clear that they will not turn Zambia into a circus while doing so” Chanda said,
United Party for National Development (UPND) Vice President Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba has said that Zambia need urgent redemption politically.
In a statement unveiled to the Media yesterday, the UPND Vice President noted that what is going in Zambia currently requires sober introspection, honest questions, and honest answers.
He said if some citizens still think the current happenings in Zambia are only political and would simply vanish away in thin air, they will need to reconsider their position then.
Mwamba observed that Zambia under the current leadership is suddenly divided right at its core, the Church is also now divided, including the Judiciary is divided and the Legislature is divided at the moment, adding that even the once united civil society has deep cracks alongside the labour movement and the student movement has deep chasms.
He noted that the country is now divided under President Edgar Lungu where ethnicity is now a weapon of war of citizen against citizen and religion is now a sword to strike those who do not belong to the ruling party, affirming that Ministry of National Guidance and Religious Affairs was only created at great public cost to back up the ideology.
Mwamba added that now courts seem to be dragging their feet to dispense justice in a free, fair, and timely manner and the Police are being set to torture and harass the very people they are sworn to protect.
“What exactly is happening to a Country that the entire continent and the world, once boasted as an African beacon of peace tranquillity and democracy, all of a sudden, Zambia is sliding in an abyss of hopelessness and uncertainty”
“This is not a pessimistic view but a very sobering and frank observation, and unless the Zambians themselves arrest this disgraceful degeneration and chaotic descent, posterity will judge us harshly.”
“We demand the unconditional and immediate release of our President Hakainde, our comrade Obvious Mwaliteta and all political prisoners and prisoners of conscience incarcerated in jails across the Republic”
“We thank the European Union Parliament for passing a motion to investigate the ill treatment of Hakainde Hichilema from the time of the raid at his home until now in jail. We urge all progressive Governments and organizations around the globe to emulate the European Union’s resolve to save democracy in Zambia. God bless the people of Zambia and God bless the Republic” Mwamba said
President Edgar Lungu has expressed sadness and regret over the Tuesday’s Luangwa accident which occurred which claimed 19 lives and left 48 people injured.
The President is particularly disturbed that despite stringent measures Government is putting in place to avert such calamities, the country still faces such road carnage, describing this as retrogressive to efforts being made.
The President said efforts by Government to address this challenge can only yield positive results with the cooperation of various stakeholders and especially transporters who are expected to operate within the confines of traffic rules and regulations.
The President has bemoaned the continued loss of lives saying that the road carnage is unfortunate and disheartening especially that careless and defiant conduct exhibited by some drivers is contributing to such accidents.
“I am deeply saddened and regret last night’s Luangwa accident which claimed 19 lives and left 46 injured. It is disturbing that despite Government efforts to address road carnage, we still continue to face this challenge. We can not continue to lose lives owing to careless behaviour.”
The President appealed to the nation to remember in prayer, the bereaved families and those who have been injured.
“On behalf of Government and on my own behalf, l commiserate with bereaved families at such a great loss, and pray that Jehovah God will grant them fortitude and comfort, and a quick recovery to those who sustained injuries in the accident,” President Lungu said.
Party of National Unity (PNU) President Highvie Hamududu has stressed the need for systematic and serious reassessments regarding the reversal of LAP Green deal with ZAMTEL because the outright reversal by the Patriotic Front (PF) led Government was wrong.
The Zambian Government under the late President Michael Chilufya Sata in 2012, seized control of the country’s biggest telecoms company which was sold to a Libyan investor in 2010 by the Movement for Multi party Democracy (MMD)’s Rupiah Banda regime.
And that was after a Government inquiry which ruled that the sale of a 75 percent stake in Zamtel to LAP Green was fraudulent.
Zamtel is one of three mobile phone networks in Zambia alongside Airtel of India and MTN of South Africa and it is the only operator of landlines and also provides internet services across the country.
LAP Green had stated that it grew Zamtel’s subscriber base by over 600% in just over 18 months and created 1,700 jobs in Zambia.
PUN President affirmed that ZAMTEL could have been the largest mobile network in Zambia had Government maintained Lap Green.
Mr Hamududu state that the PF Administration only needed to renegotiate the terms than the arbitrary reversal when they came in power.
He reffirmed his statement made in parliament the during the reversal of the 75 percent sell to LAP Green that ZAMTEL only need to undergo a partial privatization for it to deliver effectively to the Zambians.
Hamududu said ZAMTEL as a 100 Percent Government owned parastatal is subject to abuse because of political interference and patronage in Zambia and insisted that a 50/50 joint venture was the best for Zamtel.
The opposition leader noted that what is required currently in Zambia is to overhaul the system of Governance which is failing the Zambian Government in the mining sector.
He further cited Kagem, the system which allowed selling the cream of Zambian emeralds at a cheap price, adding that it is now a mine which has the life span of over 200 years but it’s in the hands of foreigners.
Zanaco continued day for Zambian football on Wednesday when they slayed Wydad Casablanca of Morocco 1-0 in Lusaka on match day two of the 2017 CAF Champions League group stage.
The win at the National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka kept Zanaco in 2nd place in Group D and unbeaten from all their six games played since the start of their Champions League campaign in February.
Ernest Mbewe scored the game’s only goal in the 12th minute of what was no frills performance by Zanaco against the 1992 champions.
Zanaco have 4 points, tied with leaders Al Ahly of Egypt who beat Cotonsport 2-0 away in Cameroon On Tuesday.
Wydad drop from 1st to3rd after the loss on 3 points.
Zanaco host Cotonsport on June 3 with the latter on zero points after two rounds of Group D matches.
And Zanaco win comes on the heels of the Zambia Under-20s victory earlier in the day at the 2017 FIFA U20 World Cup in South Korea where they rallied to beat South Korea 4-2 in their penultimate Group C match to reach the last 16.
Mufulira Wanderers have posted their first win of the 2017 FAZ Super Division season after thumping Nkwazi 2-0 away in Lusaka on Wednesday.
Joseph Kanema and Guily Manziba scored second half goals as Wanderers ended a seven-match winless run.
Kanema put Wanderers in front after 61 minutes before Congolese Manziba doubled the lead 16 minutes later.
Despite the relieving win Wanderers are still rooted at the bottom of the 20-team league with four points from eight matches played.
In Kitwe, Power Dynamos have thumped Konkola Blades 5-0 to go top of the FAZ Super Division table after midweek games.
Midfielder Larry Bwalya hit a brace at Arthur Davies Stadium as Power moved to 14 points, the same points as leaders Zanaco who have a better goal difference.
Power took a 3-0 lead into the half time break thanks to goals from Bwalya, Jimmy Ndhlovu and Govenda Simwala.
Bwalya scored Power’s fourth and his second with a close range effort in the 57th minute before substitute Lyson Sikaonga scored deep in additional time.
Konkola were unlucky on the day as they even missed a 73rd minute penalty when Frank Chinyama sent his spot kick over.
Power have 16 points ,two more than Zanaco who were in CAF Champions League action on Wednesday.
Across the road, Nkana recorded only their third victory of the season after overcoming Lumwana Radiants 3-1 at Nkana Stadium in Wusakile, Kitwe.
Simon Bwalya and Ronald Kampamba scored for Nkana while Enock Chingwele headed in his own net.
Veteran Politician Vernon Mwaanga has said Africa as a continent has been through difficult and disappointing phases of failed states, military coups, one man dictatorships, wars and conflicts, downright economic mismanagement, corruption, abrogation of press and individual freedoms which have made it impossible for the African people to get out of their cycle of poverty.
He has observed that newly elected African leaders amass unexplained wealth together with their subordinates in the shortest possible times of being in power and build houses, flats and complexes which their normal incomes cannot reasonably justify.
Dr. Mwaanga further observed that in African there is an erosion of democracy and human rights, the arrest and imprisonment of their opponents on tramped up charges, adding that such developments are disturbing and retrogressive because they have also induced a culture of silence and fear among ordinary citizens for fear of imprisonment.
Here is the entire statement by Dr. Vernon Mwaanga below:
Statement by Dr. Vernon J Mwaanga on the Relevance of Africa Freedom Day.
Africa Freedom Day is an important day set aside by our founding fathers to mark the day when the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) -now known as the African Union – was founded on 25th May, 1963, in Adds Ababa, Ethiopia, to launch among many other objectives, the struggle against colonialism and apartheid on the African Continent.
It is a day for honouring the brave men and women on our continent who lost their lives, were maimed for life or made supreme sacrifices for our continent to be free from the humiliating yoke of colonialism, apartheid and oppression.
The founding fathers of our continent such as Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana, Modibo Keita of Mali, Gamal Nasser of Egypt, Jomo Kenyatta of Kenya, Ahmed Sekou Toure of Guinea, Patrice Lumumba of Congo, Ahmed Ben Bella of Algeria, Julius Nyerere of Tanzania and our own Kenneth Kaunda of Zambia, wanted to see a peaceful, prosperous and democratic Africa, which would be tolerant of divergent views.
Sadly, our continent has been through difficult and disappointing phases of failed states, military coups, one man dictatorships, wars and conflicts, downright economic mismanagement, corruption, abrogation of press and individual freedoms which have made it impossible for the African people to get out of their cycle of poverty.
We have seen newly elected leaders amass unexplained wealth together with their subordinates in the shortest possible times of being in power and build houses, flats and complexes which their normal incomes cannot reasonably justify.
We have also seen an erosion of democracy and human rights, the arrest and imprisonment of their opponents on tramped up charges. These are disturbing and retrogressive developments which have also induced a culture of silence and fear among ordinary citizens for fear of imprisonment.
Africa’s GDP growth has slowed down and unemployment particularly among young people has become a time bomb waiting to explode with all the attendant consequences.
What has gone wrong with the vision of our founding fathers? We obviously have a leadership crisis which requires to be scrutinised more seriously, if we are to arrest the present downward trend of these selfish leaders who are not afraid to tamper with oil procurements, fertiliser procurements and other public procurement contracts to enrich themselves and their minions at the expense of their people, who are struggling everyday just to put food on their dinner tables.
Yes, we should celebrate Africa Freedom Day, which was a commitment by our founding fathers to eradicate colonialism and apartheid, which has been achieved and also to honour those gallant sons and daughters of Africa who sacrificed so much for our political freedom.
Sadly, we should also remember that the struggle against bad governance, human rights abuses, dictatorship, poverty, and corruption, shrinking space for press as well as civil society space and intolerance remains on going.
The people of africa must stand up and defend their democratic rights and speak out against injustice, so that we can lay down a much firmer foundation for generations yet unborn. Africa is an important continent and we all have a duty to give it a better image, which all of us can feel justly proud.
Mrs Nalumango stresses a point during the meetingUnited Party for National Development (UPND) National Chairperson Mutale Nalumango revealed that the opposition UPND will tomorrow participate in Africa freedom day commemorations through matches and peaceful protests across the country.
In a statement made available to the media today, Nalumango said the UPND’s participation in Africa freedom day commemorations will be in form of protests against the violation of human rights in Zambia.
Nalumango noted that UPND membership and the general populace have for a long time now been living in fear of the oppressors hence the need to unshackle the country from political and social bondage.
She highlighted that the Africa freedom day is an important day as it symbolizes people’s resolve to retain their freedoms especially political and social freedoms.
Nalumango stressed need for the current generation to protect and defend the freedoms and rights such as rights to associate and assemble as demanded for by the continental founding fathers.
The UPND National Chairperson has since said that UPND will use the Africa freedom day to speak against repressive laws in Zambia like the public order act.
“We will tomorrow participate in Africa freedom day commemorations through matches and peaceful protests across the country” Nalumango
Mazabuka Member of Parliament (MP) Gary Nkombo says UPND has continuously pointed out the fact that the arrest of Hakainde Hichilema is nothing but absolute political persecution and hatred.
In a statement unveiled to the media today, Nkombo said an in-depth analysis of all the statements by President Edgar Chagwa Lungu and his sympathizers clearly indicates that this is not about Treason but all about recognizing Edgar Lungu as duly elected.
He noted that the alleged revelations given by National Guidance and Religious Affairs Minister Religious Reverend Godfridah Sumaili while on radio where she stated that what has caused all this is that refusal to acknowledge the election of President Edgar Lungu as duly elected.
Nkombo said that alone confirms what the UPND have suspected all along and this is in all degrees the true position, adding that the UPND has also seen an article making rounds on social media purported to have been written by President of the Islamic Supreme Council a Suzyo Zimba admonishing the UPND to just accept the elections and recognize Edgar Lungu if dialogue is to take place.
The Mazabuka MP has since stated that the UPND only have one condition to recognizing Mr. Lungu and the condition is just a call for the simple petition to be heard and the UPND will recognize Lungu because they are not stubborn people.
“All we ask is for the petition to be heard, that is all! As well-meaning Zambians, we must ask ourselves why the UPND request is so injurious to a supposedly duly elected Government. Why is it so offensive? Why go to such great lengths as incarcerating an innocent man just to push for recognition? Why sacrifice a country’s international reputation and national security all for recognition?”
“Zambians should be alive to the fact that the only crime Hakainde has committed is refusal to recognize Lungu – period!! We can only hope that the Lawyers representing Hakainde Hichilema picked up the statement from Rev. Sumaili to subpoena her in court. Zambia needs to be saved from further shame by this Government, we are therefore calling for the unconditional release of our President and all trumped up charges dropped, after which, our petition should be given audience” Gary Nkombo said
Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) Public Relations Officer Theresa Katongo has said the Commission through its Anti-Money Laundering Investigations Unit in Lusaka has arrested a Marketing Assistant at the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) for money laundering activities involving over K200 thousand.
She said Samuel Kaping’a, 27, a Marketing Assistant, of Zone A in Mufumbwe District has been arrested for theft by servant and money laundering contrary to the laws of Zambia.
Katongo said the particulars of the offence are that Samuel Kaping’a jointly and whilst acting together with other persons unknown, on dates unknown but between 1st January, 2016 and 30th March, 2017 in his capacity as Marketing Assistant at the FRA did steal 3,443 by 50kg bags of maize grains, the property of the Food Reserve Agency valued at K292, 655.00.
She noted that Samuel Kaping’a further laundered the said money by acquiring a House in Mufumbwe District, a motor vehicle (Audi A4) Registration number ATB, 2326 and an unregistered tractor and the said items have since been seized by the Commission as suspected proceeds of crime.
And in a separate incidence the DEC Public Relations Officer said the Anti-Money Laundering Investigations Unit in Western Province has arrested a Court Interpreter for obtaining money by false pretenses contrary to the laws of Zambia.
She said Davis Maswabi Mulonda, 44, a Court Interpreter at Senanga Magistrate Court jointly and whilst acting together with other persons unknown with intent to defraud did obtain money amounting to K2, 000.00 from Samayiwa Kushona, by purporting that the said money had been requested by a named Magistrate to facilitate the granting of bail for his relative appearing in court for unlawful possession of a government trophy when in fact not and the two suspects are on Police bond and will appear in court soon.
“Through ourAnti-Money Laundering Investigations Unit in Lusaka we have arrested a Marketing Assistant at the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) for money laundering activities involving over K200 thousand” Katongo said
