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The Lusaka High Court has today sentenced Precious Longwe to death by hanging until pronounced dead for murdering her husband Akakanda Litebele.
High Court Judge Sharon Newa convicted the 30 year old after concluding that that she intentionally killed the husband.
This is in a case in which Longwe of an unknown house number off Buluwe Road in Woodlands Extension is charged with the murder of Mr Litebele.
On May 25, last year, in Lusaka longwe killed Mr Litebele by shooting him five times.
Happier Times-Mr and Mrs Litebele
The 30 year old banker maintained that she accidentally killed her husband by shooting him five times during a fight.
” It is clear that the accused shot the deceased because he had informed the accused persons parent’s about his non influence on her as seen from the messages exchanged between the two ” she said
Justice Newa condemned Precious for her behaviour decribing the killing as cold bloodied.
She said the court cannot release her saying doing so will be sending a wrong message to society that one can kill when provoked.
Justice Newa dismissed the defence that the accused that said she was drunk when she shot her husband and that she does not remember what transpired.
She also dismissed her defence that she was provoked by the deceased.
” No witness showed how drunk the accused was, no evidence to show that the accused was drunk or that she was in a state to show she was drunk as she booked the tax for her maid, noticed where her brother in laws vehicle was parked and checked on her baby, ” said Justice Newa.
Judge Newa also dismissed the defence that she acted in self defense when she shot the husband stating that as much as issues of Gender Based Violence are considered, the evidence was insufficient to show that the deceased had intention of killing her.
“It is clear that the two led a life of partying and drinking, and it is clear that the accused did not fear disobeying the deceased. It is therefore my finding that the deceased person was not an imment danger and that he wanted to shoot her,” she said.
Justice Newa said by firing the gun three times, it was also clear that Precious had the intentions of shooting the deceased stating that she shot the deceased because he had informed her parents that he was going to declare his non influence on her as seen from the text messages exchanged that night.
“The intention to kill has been established and I therefore find you guilty of murder and convict you accordingly.”
Charles KakomaUnited Party for National Development (UPND) Information and Publicity Chairperson Charles Kakoma has expressed anxiety over the Police’s decision not to allow anyone to visit Mr. Hichilema at Lilayi today.
Speaking immediately after the media briefing addressed by the party Vice President Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba today, Kakoma said it is worrisome that Mr. Hichilema’s lawyers, elected UPND MPs and his close associates including family members and friends are not allowed to see him today.
Kakoma who explained with anxiety that yesterday lawyers were allowed to visit their client and it is worrying now that the same people who went yesterday are not allowed to see him today and that raises more questions than answers especially that Zambia police is no longer a service but a force now in Zambia.
He noted that the law is very clear that lawyers should have full access to their clients as part of the judicial processes, adding that even the worst condemned prisoner in Zambia are allowed to meet and confer with their clients as well as meeting close associates such as family members.
Kakoma emphasized that the current behavior of the Zambia Police is very strange as they are urging Mr. Hichilema’s lawyers to get permission from the Inspector General of Police at Force Headquarters.
“We are worried about the Police’s decision not to allow anyone to visit Mr. Hichilema at Lilayi today because we don’t know what they have now done to him” Kakoma said
Home Affairs Minister Stephen KampyongoHome Affairs Minister Steven Kampyongo has warned that Police will not entertain any kind of lawlessness in the country following the arrest of UPND Leader Hakainde Hichilema.
Mr. Kampyongo has told journalists in Lusaka that now that the Police have done their part, it now remains up to the courts.
He says during this period, government will not tolerate any lawlessness from any member of the public.
Mr. Kampyongo states that government is also aware of some online media publications inciting people to riot, warning that the long arm of the law will catch up with them.
The Home Affairs Minister says men and women in uniform are on alert, urging people to must remain calm and peaceful.
REPUBLICAN President Edgar Chagwa Lungu has urged Zambians not to lose any sleep or be distracted from their way of life.
Speaking on arrival at Kasama Airport on a three day working visit to Northern Province, President Lungu said all those making calls for him to intervene in the criminal prosecution of individuals should stop because he knew the responsibilities around his Office too well and they did not include interfering with the judicial process in criminal matters.
He said Zambia as a country has the Police to investigate matters, to determine charges and to fully prosecute any criminality taken before the Courts of law.
The President said it is also up to the Judges in the Courts of law to adjudicate and preside over cases brought before them without any interference. He stated that he knew his powers too well and there is no President world over whose work include cancellation of cases before the Courts of law.
“Allow the Police to do their job. No one is above or below the law – not even myself as Republican President. When a criminal offence has been committed, it is not within the job of the President to override the due process of the law. If you commit and offence, expect the law to take its full course,” said President Lungu.
On his visit to the region, President Lungu said he was in Northern Province to physically inspect developmental projects and to listen and attend to the people’s concerns.
The Head of State warned party and government officials against overstepping their work and boundary.
“If you are a Mayor, stick to your responsibilities. The DCs should do the same. I do not want to hear that you are working chipantepante. We have development to deliver and this is the time to work not in 2021,” he said.
President Lungu Press Briefing at City airport in LusakaPresident Lungu Press Briefing at City airport in LusakaPresident Lungu Greets Inspector General of Police Mr Kanganja at City airport in LusakaPresident Lungu Greets ZF Commander Gen Chimese at City airport in LusakaPresident Lungu arrive at ZAF City airportPresident Lungu Leaves for Northern Province
American Embassy in LusakaThe U.S. Embassy has said that it remains concerned over heightened political tension in Zambia, specifically noting the April 10 police raid of opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema’s Lusaka residence and his subsequent arrest for treason.
In a statemenet released to the media, the embassy said that recent events underscore the need for peaceful dialogue between the opposition and ruling party on matters of national concern.
“The U.S. government urges all actors to exercise restraint in addressing differences, to respect the rule of law and electoral proceedings, and to follow the due process Zambians expect from a country with a reputation for political pluralism and peaceful conflict resolution, ” the statement concluded.
Meanwhile, President Edgar Lungu has said that he will not interfere in the operations of the police.
The President said that the Police and courts of law know their job and should therefore be given space.
In an apparent reference to the incarceration of UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema who has been charged with treason, President Lungu said that some people are calling on him to intervene in the operations of the police, but that he will not do.
The President explained that there are defined roles in the Republican Constitution for the Executive, the Judiciary and the National Assembly, and therefore he does not have powers to control all the three arms of government.
President Lungu was speaking to journalists at City Airport shortly before leaving for Northern Province a for a three day working visit.
In August 2015, ZESCO made an application to the Energy Regulation Board (ERB) for an average tariff hike of 187% which was approved but later suspended in January 2016. Following various consultations, ZESCO has again made an application to ERB announced on 26th March 2017 of a reduced percentage of 75%. This is in an effort to ensure cost reflective tariffs that attract the required revenue for adequate service provision as well as investment in the energy sector. The effects of this proposed increment is twofold; with benefits and disadvantages.
Reflecting on its March 2017 Basic Needs Basket, the JCTR notes that for an average family of five living in Lusaka, the cost of living remains high for most households. The JCTR Basic Needs Basket has increased from K4, 918.76 in February 2017 to K5, 017.09 in March 2017 for a family of five in Lusaka. This increase has been mainly due to rise in cost of food and essential non-food items like charcoal which has increased from K131.67 to K171.67, Kapenta has also increased from K179.5 to K181.05 and beans has increased from K33.5 to K40.1. With the high cost of basic needs in mind, an increase in tariffs on electricity is worrisome because of its potential to further push up these costs.
From the consumers end, the worry has been mainly focused on the direct impact of the hike i.e. what they will now pay for electricity in their homes. On this, JCTR would like to acknowledge ZESCO for increasing the life line tariff band from 100 kWh to 300 kWh (R1) with constant energy charge at K0.15 per kWh. This in effect means that the poor and low income earners using less electricity will be cushioned from the direct impact of the hike. However, the poor will still be indirectly affected as tariffs on commercial and social services will increase, thus affecting prices of commodities as the cost of production will be increased.
Products that have a high likelihood to be affected include those that require processing; products such a mealie meal, sugar, milk and cooking oil which all fall under JCTR’s Basic Needs Basket. Further, water utilities, which require electricity to pump water, will most likely follow suit in the near future by requesting NWASCO to increase their tariffs thus affecting access to clean and safe water for the poor who are by and large unable to pay.
ZESCO’s migration to cost reflective tariffs will unarguably cut down Government electricity subsidies and reduce Zambia’s budget deficit. It is estimated by the World Bank that the electricity subsidy costs Zambia on average US$26 million a month since September 2015. This a huge burden on government coffers. However, JCTR cautions that an increase within the 6 month period as currently being proposed may strain the poor indirectly as well as make Zambia’s business environment unfavourable by raising the cost of doing business. JCTR proposes that initial increment be reduced from 50% to at most 40% and that the tariff hike period be stretched to a period of 1 to 2 years to smoothen the impact and allow both the businesses and citizenry to adjust accordingly.
In addition, JCTR asks that issues previously raised on ZESCO’s operational inefficiencies such as the huge wage bill as compared to that of actual service delivery and large electricity subsidies to employees, be addressed to remove these costs from the real cost of providing electricity.
Esther KatongoPolice Public Relations Officer Esther Mwaata Katongo has said the Police have received a report of some suspected UPND cadres that had staged a protest between Petroda Filling station and Engene filling station on Mumbwa road today around 09:30 hours.
The Police spokesperson said the unruly cadres dashed to the road where they burnt some tyres and by the time the Police officers rushed to the scene they found suspected UPND cadres had ran away.
She said the situation is now calm and Police officers have already cleared the Mumbwa.
Ms. Katongo has since called upon Zambians with information leading to the arrest of the people involved in the mischievous act to unveil the information to the Police officers so that perpetrators can be brought to book as soon as possible.
She took advantage to give a warning that the police shall not tolerate anyone who would want to cause confusion in Zambia for whatever reason.
Ms. Katongo also revealed that officers are on the ground ensuring that lives and property of innocent and law abiding citizens are preserved and protected, adding that Police will not bear with anyone destabilizing the country’s security because Zambia is known as an oasis of peace to the international communities.
We are mandated by law to use minimum force in bringing about sanity in any hostile situation therefore, do not blame us if you are caught up in the web. We want to remind people that democracy does not support lawlessness but propagates for observance of the rule of law.
“we have have received a report of some suspected UPND cadres that had staged a protest between Petroda Filling station and Engene filling station on Mumbwa road today around 09:30 hours” Ms. Katongo said
President Edgar Lungu held meeting with An International Monetary Fund (IMF) team led by Tsidi Tsikata who is division chief African department in Washingston and Mr Tobis Nybo Rasmussen IMF Resident Representative in Lusaka at State house. Picture By Eddie Mwanaleza/State house.20-11-2015.
The memories are fresh for those who are old enough like the author, to have lived through the nightmare of the IMF aid programme coined as Structural Adjustment programme(SAP) in the 1980s and 1990s. Zambia was one of the guinea pigs country that IMF used, intentionally or unintentionally to experiment with the structural adjustment programme in Africa in co-hoots with corrupt MMD politicians.
The country underwent one of the most unheard of privatization programme in the world which destroyed the country’s industrial base which had been built over 30 years which merely required restructuring, capitalisation and modernization and changing shareholding structure. The SAP also mutilated the agricultural sector resulting in a fertile and well endowed country like Zambia failing to feed itself and importing yellow maize meant for livestock. The IMF program led to the destruction of the country’s domestic productivity capacity and local demand, aggravating poverty and income inequality. In Zambia, the IMF program has been associated with death, poverty and human rights violations with regard the right to decent jobs, education, health care and housing.
The programme resulted in towns like Livingstone, Luanshya, Kabwe, Ndola and others being turned into ghost towns. Companies like Zambia Airways, United Bus Company of Zambia, Zambia Consolidated Copper mines and others were wipe out from the face of the earth resulting in hundreds of thousands of Zambians losing jobs and being consigned to meeting early deaths through depression, curable an avoidable illness etc.
The question most enlightened Zambians like the author ask is: why is it that the Fund insists on some conditionalities that destroy the country’s agriculture sector by removing production subsidies as well as conditionalities? Why that IMF is does not want Zambia to protect infant industries but rather open them up to unfair foreign competition? On the other hand the European Union has common agriculture policy in Europe to protect farmers to an extent that there is a history of destroying produce and throwing it in the sea to protect the market. Why that President Barack Obama is spent billions to protect the auto industry and save millions of American jobs in 2009 during the financial crisis? Why is it that President Trump won elections on an agenda of safeguarding American jobs and fighting for fair trade? It is the hypocrisy of the IMF conditionalities whose main shareholders are western countries who, ironically at the same state of development as Zambia is, did not use similar policies a century ago. But they would want countries like Zambia to remove production subsidies from farmers and thereby endanger the countries’ food security! Isn’t what is good for the Goose also good for the Gander?
The IMF programmes of the 1980s and 90s especially the unfeterred privatisation is responsible for the evils in Zambia like corruption, illiteracy, prostitution due to unemployment, crime, street kids and has generally brought about immorality which was never there when this writer had immigrated over 25 years ago but it is now is the new normal in Zambia on his return.
There is no doubt that in Zambia, the IMF made economic and social conditions worse than improving them. It is on the basis of this background that the Zambian population will always be skeptical of IMF programmes and need convincing as to what has changed. The IMF and government needs a communication strategy and explain to the public why the programme is necessary and is different from the 1980s and 90s. The justification for the current IMF programme by government half hearted at best and absent worst at the moment possibly because they, themselves do not want it for reasons outlined in early in the article.
Why IMF deal is a necessary evil and how it will create jobs
According Dr. Situmbeko Musokwane, the former finance Minister in the MMD government, Zambia “graduated” from the IMF programs in 2010 and she was able to do with her own money and a few development institutions and the economy became so strong that the country could even borrow from the international capital markets which the PF abused on taking over power and has resulted in the current problems.
“ When a country , “runs” to the IMF for assistance that may sometimes, though not always, reflect failure to manage its own financial affairs,” He said in an analytical paper he posted on social media on November 24,2015 where he advised government that it needed to accept an IMF aid package.
It is important for those managing our economy and their political masters to acknowledge that the best institution that addresses the multiplicity of economic problems that Zambia has, which i have coined our five diseases “5Ds” which are debt, deficit, depression, depreciation (kwacha fragility) and discipline is the IMF. It is not a question of borrowing from another institution and the problem will go be solved and go away. This is being simplistic and entails lack of understanding of the depth of Zambia’s economic problems.
The Minister of Finance made this point very clear when he addressed Parliament last year on the “Zambia Plus” Economic Recovery programme”.
“ Honourable Members, I wish to mention from the onset that the efficacy of the IMF programmes is beyond getting financing, but inducing the confidence and cooperation of external benefactors such as the investor community and cooperating partners regarding the credibility of our economic programmes. The credibility of the IMF as an independent appraiser cannot therefore be emphasized,” Mutati pleaded with the Members of Parliament.
It is also important for people to know that the Zambian economy is not out of the woods yet, the minor improvements outlined earlier in the article not withstanding. The researchers of the Zambia Institute for Analysis and Research(ZIPAR) correctly observed the same.
“ The Zambian economy is in a precarious position more than most people realize. For a small, open economy like Zambia, a decline in real terms of growth domestic product growth from the long term average of 7% to 2.9 % in 2015 is dangerously low and close to full blow recession,” the Institute observed in the Daily mail of March 22,2017 in support of the IMF aid package.
The majority of experts both in government and private sector including this writer agree that going for the IMF package as quickly as possible is the lesser of the two evils for the Zambian economy as it stands now. There are compelling reasons for this and the first and top among them is the maintenance and increasing of investor’s confidence by the assurance that the IMF will monitor government compliance to agreed upon targets in the 2017 budget. Investors will not have confidence in the home grown economic recovery programme – the Zambia plus – like Ghana found out at its own peril – in the absence of IMF aid package.
The second reason as to why an IMF aid programme is necessary is its positive impact on Zambia’s foreign exchange status- technically referred to as balance of payment support. In his October,2016 speech Finance minister stated foreign exchange reserves had declined to $2.9billion from$3.9billion in 2015 due to foreign exchange outflow. An IMF programme will not only help stem the foreign exchange outflow due to improved investor confidence but encourage inflows. In addition, by facilitating the payment of EURO bonds interests estimated at $241million per quarter it will help with stabilization of the kwacha exchange rate as more foreign reserves will be built up.
Thirdly, Zambia’s major single and urgent economic problem that affects the majority of Zambians is the lack of jobs due to low economic activity and put simply- “ people and businesses have no money in their pockets to spend” and this has been caused by the liquidity crunch of the past three years or so. The government has allocated a substantial amount money for external debt servicing which is estimated at $241million per quarter. The government has also been contracting for goods and services on credit well knowing that it has no money and with no intention to pay in the foreseeable future, thereby accumulating the so called arrears in billions – financial indiscipline as Finance Felix Mutati will put it, “ spending the money they do not have”. If government obtains the IMF loan, for two years or so, these loans will be paid from the IMF proceeds and in the process, funds for education, health, social cash transfers and payment of arrears to suppliers of government goods and services will be released and thereby injecting cashflow in the economy. The multiplier effects of payment of suppliers are the injection of capital in these businesses which help them overcome the current liquidity crunch (cash shortage by businesses and households) which has been a major job killer. Businesses will be revitalized and more jobs will be created in the very short space of time- within months!
Fourthly, the IMF loan will instill financial discipline and ensure that government expenditure will be reduced and the much sang about song by Finance Minster of not spending what the government does not have, will definitely be implemented under the IMF thereby drastically reducing government borrowing from the domestic market which will in turn lead to the reduction of interests rates. Commercial banks will be stuck with billions of kwacha and they will have no choice but lend to private sector at low rates. It is not rocket science, economic activity will increase and jobs will be created and the recovery will have been attained.
CONCLUSION
The government is advised to conclude an IMF programme as quickly as possible so that the current positive investor sentiment does not disappear. We all agree that they should negotiate a good deal and ensure that the IMF does not kill our agriculture sector again which is the key to our economic diversification. The IMF owes the Zambian people a good deal that ensures that social services are protected and the agriculture sector is improved and corruption is minimized. The institution did more harm than good in the past and it would be nice for them to use Zambia as a case study of the” new IMF” that they talk about by superintending on a successful recovery programme. The ingredients and objective conditions for the recovery of the Zambian economy are there and the Zambian government needs to move fast and implement the programme as it will be good for the economy and it is smart politics.
It is vitally important that the benefits of the program is sold to the skeptical Zambian public by a well thought out communication strategy. It is so amazing that Zambian economists both in the opposition and the ruling Party have not simplified their messages for their bosses to communicate to the lay people in Zambia on how they intend to improve their economy by using the language they understand. The so called experts have failed to communicate to the public like the late great communicator, the late Michael Chilufya Sata used to do simplifying complex economic messages into phrases like “ More money in your packet”.
Here is some free advice from a mere retired Chartered Accountant who is not an Economist to the government on how they should pitch the Economic Recovery Programme under the IMF to the Zambian population as part of the communication strategy and branding of PF as good economic managers. The messaging should avoid word like: growth Domestic product(GDP), growth, liquidity, arrears, inflation, depreciation, deficit, fiscal consolidation, balance of payments, sentiment, interest rates and other technical jargon etc and place emphasis on jobs, prices, strong kwacha, cost of borrowing etc.
The following is how they should explain how the Economic Recovery Programme under the IMF will benefit ordinary Zambians; villager, worker, street vender, unemployed youth and entrepreneur:
It will enable Government will pay all suppliers and thereby create jobs
It will enable government pay civil servants salaries on time and thereby enable them buy stuff from shops and venders
It will reduce the cost of borrowing and enable businesses access loans from banks
The kwacha will become strong as more money will be coming in
It will enable more money to be injected in the economy and solve the current problem of people not having money
It will enable businesses produce more goods and services and thereby employ more people
It will enable prices of prices of goods and services to be stable and avoid continuous price increases
There is no doubt that the Economic Recovery programme under IMF will be supported if the public see the benefits and understand that it is in fact in their best interests. This is where one misses KK, Chiluba and Sata in terms of their communication and giving hope and confidence to the population in terms of the direction that the country is taking.. It also pays to have experienced and mature spin doctors and advisors. The issues like Economic Recovery Programme are not meant to be delegated. It is the President who should take ownership and inspire the nation.
The writer is a Chartered Accountant by profession and a financial management expert. He is an independent and non partisan commentator.
Director of Public Prosecution Fulata Lillian Shawa SiyuniZambia Society for Public Administration (ZSPA) President Kelvin Esiasa has expressed sadness that the Zambia Police an Institution that is charged with the responsibility to maintain law and order has misdirected itself by placing charges that would not stand even in the layman’s language.
Esiasa said charging the Opposition leader with serious charges as stated by the Zambia Police and reported by the media is very saddening.
He has since appealed to Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Lillian Siyuni not to entertain such charges as the charges do not hold any water.
Esiasa urged the DPP not support the charges on the opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema and his aides because the encumbrances are just an academic exercise aimed at politicising the judicial system in Zambia.
He further stated that the charges on the opposition leader are just exposing weakness in the police service and their inability to stomach political pressure in Zambia.
The ZSPA President however noted that the treason Charge on Hakainde Hichilema should be considered as a governance ‘hoax’ whose motive is to divert public attention from Police failure and blaming the opposition.
He explained that the incidence that happened in Mongu is the clear indication of Police failure in their duties, adding that the high command should have been charged in this regard instead of victimizing the opposition over their slumber on duty.
Esiasa has echoed sentiments by some section of society calling for the dismissal of the Inspector General of Police to pave way for thoroughly investigation.
He further appealed to President Edgar Lungu not be blackmailed by the State Police and those in charge of protecting his life because such blackmailing will just cost the President’s image in the international community.
“we appeal to President Edgar Lungu not be blackmailed by the State Police and those in charge of protecting his life because such blackmailing will just cost the President’s image in the international community”
“The charges on the opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema and his aides are just an academic exercise aimed at politicising the judicial system in Zambia and the charges are just exposing the weakness in Zambia Police Service and their inability to stomach political pressure in Zambia and Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Lillian Siyuni not to entertain ” Esiasa said
The Zambia Music Awards are poised to enter an exciting new phase with the entertainment industry driving the future of the event in the coming year.
Zambian Breweries, which has sponsored the event for the last four years through its Mosi lager brand, has announced it will now focus on the Mosi Day of Thunder, allowing the National Arts Council (NAC) and the Zambia Association of Musicians (ZAM) to take the Zambia Music Awards event to the next level.
The company will instead concentrate its resources on a single event, the Mosi Day of Thunder music festival in Livingstone on April 29. This will bring together fans and artists from different genres across the country to celebrate the nation’s art and culture at the home of the country’s most famous landmark, Mosi-o-Tunya, something never done before.
Artists already confirmed for this year’s festival include Danny Kaya, Urban Hype, James Sakala, Jay Rox, Chef 187, Slap Dee, Marimba Band from Avani, DJ Psycho Tash and Bittersweet poets.
Now in its second year, the musical extravaganza promises to be even bigger and better than last years, which attracted more than 7,500 partygoers from all walks to life across the country and beyond.
In 2016 the Zambia Music Awards in Lusaka was run in parallel with the Mosi Day of Thunder music festival in Livingstone. For 2017 the two events will be separated, with the awards run by the music industry and the Mosi Day of Thunder continuing to be staged by Zambian Breweries.
“Zambian Breweries has been a proud sponsor of the Zambia Music Awards for a number of years and we continue to be committed to supporting Zambian arts and culture in all forms, especially music,” said Zambian Breweries Head of Brand Marketing Nomonde Donsa, who explained that the company had decided to focus more of its marketing resources on the Mosi Day of Thunder festival, which will be held in Livingstone in April 29, 2017.
“Zambia’s musicians are all winners, hence the Zambia Music Awards will no longer be a key element of our musical support, said Ms Donsa, who added that the company may still look at sponsoring an individual category of the ceremony.
“The Mosi Day of Thunder encapsulates Mosi lager’s aim to unite Zambians to unleash thunderous potential,” she added.
Tickets are K50 and available from Computicket in Shoprite stores nationwide.
The Mosi Day of Thunder is not open to under-18s.
Flashback to Mosi Day of Thunder 2016.Flashback to Mosi Day of Thunder 2016.
Collins Mbesuma has returned to action on Wednesday after a four-month injury hiatus.
The veteran Zambia striker came on as a second half substitute in Highlands Park’s 1-0 away defeat at Ajax Cape Town.
Mbesuma came on in the 78th minute for the match that left Highlands still rooted at the bottom of the log.
His compatriot and midfielder Roderick Kabwe played the opening 78 minutes for Ajax and came off just as his Zambia team mate was making his long-awaited return for the ailing South African PSL club.
Mbesuma has been out of action since early December following knee surgery.
United Party for National Development (UPND) Vice President Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba has said he is ready to face arrest over the Mongu motorcade incidence.
Speaking to Journalists in Lusaka , Mwamba dared the Police to arrest him if he and other UPND members committed a crime in Western Province during the Kuomboka ceremony.
Mwamba popularly known as GBM said even if he is jailed for a long period he will still come out and continue with normal life.
The UPND vice President has since described the police’s move to invade Hichilema residence as unfortunate.
Mwamba also insisted that Patriotic Front (PF) led Government is using the Police to fight their political opponents.
“I dare them to arrest me if we committed a crime in Western Province during the Kuomboka ceremony” Mwamba said
Zambia’s wonder-man JK Jordan Katembula & his talented colleague Wile have arrived in London in readiness for the Manchester & London Easter shows, organized by Big 4 Rocks.
Disclosing this to Lusaka Times, Big 4 Rocks Limited Events Coordinator & Founder Chela Katwishi said that the two music gurus are in high spirits and are promising spectacular shows for both events.
Katwishi, who was on hand with one of his Big 4 teammates Stan Sikwese to meet the musicians on arrival, stated that the musicians have promised to ‘burn the stage alive’ with their unique talented acts and dance moves.
He revealed that Zambians in the UK and friends of Zambia should come out in large numbers to attend both the Manchester show to be held at the Indulge Banquet Hall on Good Friday 14th April and the London show to be held at the Royal Regency Banquet in East London on Easter Sunday 16th April.
Katwishi advised those who have not yet purchased their tickets to hurry as tickets are running out and limited.
He also said that the shows will be graced by VIPs as well as the much talked about Women Empowerment ladies, who Big 4 has paid tribute to, saying there is need to continue empowering Zambian women because ladies play a major role in families and deserve to be respected.
Katwishi stated that Big 4 will continue to support the under-privileged in both Zambia and the UK in their continued quest to donate books, toys and clothes, using part of the proceeds raised from musical shows.
He reiterated that the shows will be curtain raised by Musical Gospel Upstart Blessed Hildah (Reverend Hildah Chipili), while award winning DJ Blair will be on decks to keep the guests on their feet.
During this Easter period, JK and Wile will also pay a courtesy call on the Zambia’s High Commissioner to the UK, H.E. Muyeba Chikonde and his embassy staff.
Big 4 Rocks, who have been consistent in hosting shows in the UK, comprises Former Valentinos DJ & businessman Eddie Musonda, former professional footballer Stan Sikwese and Broadcast – Journalist Chela Katwishi.
PF Deputy Secretary General Mumbi PhiriPF deputy secretary-general Mumbi Phiri said she is not afraid of the death threats from suspected UPND sympathisers because her life is in God’s hands.
Ms Phiri said as a devout Christian, she will surrender all those threatening her life to God.
She said this yesterday when over 100 PF youths held a solidary march to her house to console her over the death threats.
“I proclaim the blood of Jesus and I will not die until God says it is over,” Ms Phiri said and thanked the youths for their support.
Lusaka Province PF youth chairman Kennedy Kamba said political parties, especially the UPND, must take a leaf from President Lungu whose style of politics is to uphold the rule of law.
Mr Kamba said in an interview that late President Michael Sata lost elections more than twice but he never incited Zambians to rise against anyone.
“Zambians cannot be swayed anymore, they are politically enlightened and know what is best for this nation. No amount of politicking can sway them from knowing what is right for the nation,” Mr Kamba said.
And PF deputy spokesperson Frank Bwalya said Zambians must take time to listen and watch the actions of UPND cadres.
He said politics is about mobilisation and not causing mayhem and threatening the peace of the nation.
“President Lungu has demonstrated to all of us what politics is all about. It is about improving people’s lives, bringing development and being a servant of the people,” he said.
On Tuesday, special assistant to the President for press and public relations Amos Chanda revealed that he and Ms Phiri, Inspector-General of Police Kakoma Kanganja and special assistant to the President for politics Kaiza Zulu received death threats.
The matter has since been reported to police.
Meanwhile, SACCORD executive director Boniface Cheembe says the United Party for National Development (UPND) must not use threats against people they feel aggrieved with but must engage in dialogue.
Mr Cheembe said there is need for both the opposition and the State to co-exist in the interest of peace, unity and love.
He was responding to questions yesterday in Lusaka after presenting the civil society organisations’ stance on whether Zambia should remain or cease to be a member of the ICC. They submitted that Zambia should remain a member of the ICC.
“We appeal to the UPND to hold on to their threats and instead engage in constructive dialogue with the State on this matter of treason,” he said.
Mr Cheembe said there is need for mutual respect between the State and the opposition.
