Seven pupils aged between 14 and 16 years from Kisasa area in Kalumbila District have appeared in the Solwezi Magistrate Court for Riot.

The media reports that the seven appeared before Solwezi Principal Resident Magistrate, Mambwe Mukonde and denied the offense.

Particulars of the offence are that, the seven on March 20th 2026 in Kalumbila district jointly and whilst acting together with others unknown, being unlawfully assembled did begun to execute a common purpose by breach of peace and to the terror of the public.

The seven who are being represented by Pamela Longwe and Juliet Chishimba from Messrs Legal Aid Board applied for bail pending trial after taking plea to which the state did not object.

The court granted bail in the sum of K40, 000 in each of the child’s own recognisance and two working sureties bound in the sum of K50,000 each.

“The two working sureties should be of fixed abode with well-known addresses either residents in Kalumbila or Solwezi. One of the sureties must be a government employee,” Ms. Mukonde said.

Ms Mukonde cautioned the children in conflict with the law together with their parents and guardians not to interfere with the state witnesses once they are released.

” Let me caution you not to go and threaten the state witnesses either you or any of your relatives, if the court hears of such actions the bail will be revoked and you will be coming from custody until the matter is concluded,” Ms Mukonde said.

The matter was adjourned to May 27th 2026 for mention and June 15th 2026 for trial and the children in conflict with the law will remain in custody until the bail conditions are met.

North-Western Province Permanent Secretary Colonel Grandson Katambi retired has commended President Hakainde Hichilema for fostering national unity through the promotion of traditional ceremonies across the country.

Speaking during a fundraising dinner yesterday for the Lwaanza Traditional Ceremony in Solwezi, Col. Katambi said the event demonstrated the growing sense of togetherness among Zambians from different regions and cultural backgrounds.

He noted that, for the first time, the Lundwe-speaking people under Chief Hamusonde of Bweengwa District in Bweengwa were able to host a fundraising dinner in Solwezi something he described as unprecedented.

“President Hakainde Hichilema has worked hard to unite this country. It is for the first time that a fundraising event for a ceremony from another province is being held here,” Col. Katambi said.

He added that the occasion was a clear indication of how interconnected and united Zambia has become under the national motto, One Zambia, One Nation.

“Traditional ceremonies remind us where we are coming from, who we are, and the values that bind us together as a people. They promote unity, teach respect, and pass on important lessons from one generation to another,” he said.

Meanwhile, Chief Hamusonde, speaking through his representative, Princess Hamusonde, said the dinner created an opportunity for people from diverse cultural backgrounds to interact and learn from one another.

“This dinner provides an opportunity for interaction and for sharing our cultural pride and the values attached to it,” she said.

The traditional leader also invited the people of North-Western Province to attend this year’s Lwaanza Traditional Ceremony, where they will have an opportunity to witness the Tonga people’s cattle-rearing traditions and participate in the auction sale of livestock.

And Organising Committee representative Mike Munkombwe said the successful hosting of the event was further proof of the national unity that President Hichilema has consistently advocated.

The death toll linked to suspected alcohol intoxication from illicit beer commonly known as Gwala, Kachasu and Chijabbo in Choma District has risen to 16.

According to a press release issued to the media by District Commissioner Funds Mubele, the district has so far recorded a cumulative total of 29 suspected alcohol intoxication cases as of May 17, 2026.

Mr Mubele said out of the 29 recorded cases, 27 were males while two were females, with all victims being above 20 years of age.

He stated that 13 patients were currently admitted to Choma General Hospital where they are receiving medical care and close monitoring.

Meanwhile, Choma District Administration, in collaboration with the Zambia Police Service, Drug Enforcement Commission, local authority, environmental health officers and other stakeholders, has intensified surveillance, investigations and community sensitisation activities aimed at controlling the situation.

Authorities are currently investigating suspected brewing and selling points while enforcement measures against illegal brewing and distribution of illicit alcohol have also been strengthened.

Mr Mubele has appealed to residents to avoid consuming unregulated alcohol, report illegal brewing activities and seek early medical attention whenever symptoms arise.

Government says it remains committed to working closely with the church, noting that the church continues to promote peace, unity and national development.

Speaking during the launch of Wewaluba Album by voice of peace Kabwata Seventh Day Adventist church (SDA) Ministry of information and Media Permanent Secretary Thabo Kawana in a speech read on his behalf by Ministry of Information and media Director Planning and information Medrine Mbuta says the church continues to be the foundation upon which national development is built.

Mr Kawana explained that the launch of a gospel album is an artistic achievement that carried messages of unity, hope and peace.

He also highlighted the importance of righteousness, compassion and peaceful coexistence ahead of the 13 August general elections.

Mr Kawana also encouraged the church to continue being a voice of peace and reason during the important period we were in.

” Let us reject violence, hate speech and division, instead we must embrace harmony and mutual respect”, he said.

He has since urged the Church to continue supporting government programmes aimed at improving the lives of people because through partnership and collective effort that when we can create a better future for our nation.

He has also applauded the Voice of peace Choir for using their talent to spread positive messages that will uplift many people across communities.

Former Archbishop of Lusaka Telesphore Mpundu has died at the age of 79, the Catholic Church in Zambia has announced.

In a statement issued to ZANIS, Lusaka Archbishop Alick Banda described Archbishop Mpundu as a devoted servant of the Church who dedicated his life to the spiritual growth of the faithful and the promotion of justice and good governance in Zambia.

Archbishop Banda said the late Archbishop Mpundu was born on May 21, 1947, at Kapatu Mission and was ordained to the priesthood in 1972.

He was later installed as Bishop in 1987, serving as Bishop of Mbala, now Mpika, for 19 years before being appointed Coadjutor Archbishop of Lusaka in 2004 and subsequently succeeding as Archbishop in 2006, a position he held until his retirement in 2018.

Archbishop Banda said the late cleric will be remembered for his courageous voice on national issues and his compassionate leadership within the Church.

He noted that during his episcopal ministry, Archbishop Mpundu served multiple terms as President of the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB), earning respect for his strong advocacy on governance, social justice, and national affairs, as well as his courageous stand on truth and justice while guiding the faithful with compassion and wisdom.

Archbishop Banda has since called on all parishes and religious communities in the Archdiocese of Lusaka to offer Masses of Suffrage for the repose of the late Archbishop’s soul.

He further announced that funeral arrangements will be communicated in due course.

 A shunt train carrying coal ran out of control and derailed near Ndola this afternoon, with two people feared trapped under overturned wagons, Zambia Railways Limited said.

The accident occurred at about 15:00 hours on Thursday, involving locomotive number 4346 and 11 wagons loaded with coal.

This is according to a press statement released to the media by Zambia Railways Public Relations Manager Sombe Ng’onga.

Ms Ng’onga said the train experienced a runaway movement toward Ndola before derailing and overturning between Bwana Mkubwa and Ndola Railway Station, near Itawa Bridge.

She added that preliminary reports indicate that two individuals walking within the railway reserve strip may have been trapped beneath the overturned wagons and rescue and recovery operations were underway as of Thursday evening.

“It is with deep concern and sadness that we confirm a serious train accident which occurred today, our thoughts are with the affected individuals and their families during this extremely difficult time, she said.

Ms Ng’onga said the possibility of loss of life made the incident particularly tragic, and that every effort was being made to locate and assist those involved as quickly and safely as possible.

She noted that an investigation has been launched to establish what caused the runaway movement and to determine the full circumstances surrounding the accident.

“Zambia Railways is treating the matter with the utmost seriousness and would cooperate fully with relevant authorities throughout the rescue, recovery, and investigation process,” she added.

“Further updates are expected to be issued periodically,” she said.