Former Mines and Minerals Development Minister Richard Musukwa has taken legal action against the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) over what he claims to be the illegal seizure of his properties in Chililabombwe on the Copperbelt and Lusaka’s State Lodge area. The DEC recently seized seven houses and several other assets belonging to Mr. Musukwa, citing reasonable grounds for believing that they were liable to seizure under section 15 of the Prohibition and Prevention of Money Laundering Act no.14 of 2001.

Mr. Musukwa, in his petition to the High Court, argues that the properties were acquired prior to his involvement in politics. Speaking at a media briefing in Lusaka, he condemned the actions of the commission, deeming them illegal and politically motivated persecution. According to Mr. Musukwa, all the properties under seizure were acquired legally during his years as a businessman and a public servant in various roles.

Richard Musukwa, a former Minister of Mines with a career spanning over 30 years as a teacher, trade unionist, miner, deputy minister, government chief whip, and minister, expressed his outrage at the law enforcement agencies for the unlawful seizure of his legitimately acquired property. He asserted that he was a successful businessman before entering politics in 2011 and accused the authorities of attempting to intimidate him through unwarranted harassment.

Questioning the intentions of the law enforcement agencies, Mr. Musukwa criticized their failure to follow proper legal procedures and allow suspects to present their side of the story. He filed a petition with the High Court to challenge the actions of the DEC, arguing that due process was not followed.

Mr. Musukwa also accused the government of using law enforcement agencies to project a narrative that the Patriotic Front (PF) party was run by criminals. He emphasized the need for common sense and the improvement of people’s livelihoods, rather than engaging in illegal activities.

Expressing his disappointment, Mr. Musukwa highlighted that the law enforcement agencies had even seized vehicles he obtained from parliament and those owned by his companies. He defended his ownership of the vehicles, stating that he had acquired them over time through his own efforts.

Furthermore, Mr. Musukwa cautioned the law enforcement agencies against mistreating his relatives and family members, emphasizing that he alone should be held accountable for his political activities.

Acting Minister of Health Mulambo Haimbe has said the status of essential medicines and medical supplies is at 42.2% for public health supply countrywide.

During a media briefing on the status of essential medicines and medical supplies in Lusaka on Friday, Mr. Haimbe said the Government through the Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA) has made headway in securing adequate essential health commodities.

He said this week Zambia received 50 Health Center Kits as first batch from the 42,000 Kits procured from Mission Pharma from India.

“Currently, the status of essential medicines and medical supplies is at 42.2%. The Government through the Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA) the institution mandated to procure, store and distribute medicines and medical supplies for all public health facilities in the Zambia has made tremendous headway in securing adequate essential health commodities aimed at ensuring easy and equitable access to quality healthcare services.On Monday 23rd May 2023 we witnessed the symbolic arrival of 50 Health Center Kits in the country, airlifted to set the pace for the arrival of the first batch from the 42,000 Kits procured from Mission Pharma from India. ZAMMSA is expected to receive 7000 kits June 2023-month end. Thereafter, the country will continue to receive 7000 kits every Two (2) months until all the 42,000 are received,” Mr. Haimbe said.

He said ZAMMSA has started procurements through the Unified Procurement Authority (UPA) of Egypt and the Untied Nations Agencies like United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to address the stock imbalances in the medicines and medical supplies in the country.

“ZAMMSA has put all required logistics in place to distribute these Health Centre Kits in a record time of two weeks across the country to addressed the current gaps in the supply chain of medicines and medical supplies in the health centres offering primary healthcare to our people.Health Center Kits are the backbone of the Public Health Supply Chain System and a game changer in our quest to improve the availability of essential medicines and medical supplies in our health facilities.A health center kit consists of 58 different products ranging from essential medicines such as various antibiotics, pain medication , antifungals to gloves to mention better a few. The broad range of products will ensure the treatment of about 80-90% of cases at primary health care such as diarrhoea in children, pneumonia, manage uncomplicated deliveries. Each Health centre kit has the capacity to treat over 900 patients and securing the kits will stabilize the drug situation in the country as primary health care accounts for 96% of public Health Facilities in Zambia,” Mr. Haimbe said.

He continued:”Further, ZAMMSA has initiated bulk procurements with short lead times through the Unified Procurement Authority (UPA) of Egypt and the Untied Nations Agencies like United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to address the stock imbalances in the medicines and medical supplies in the country. Through UNICEF the procurement is valued at $13.8 million, while the Nations Development Programme (UNDP) procurement is valued at $9.4 million to secure the reproductive health commodities, we are working with UNFPA to procure commodities valued at $2 million. The awarding of the procurement contracts to these agents will lead to shorter delivery lead times and not allow for supply chain disruptions.”

Mr. Haimbe said the Ministry of Health is seeking to improve the procurement cycle, including reviewing the Public Procurement Act 2020.

“ZAMMSA has also awarded contracts for Anesthetics medicines, Cancer Medicines, Dental Commodities, Orthopedic Trauma and Maxillofacial commodities to last over a year once delivered.Furthermore ZAMMSA has awarded running framework contracts to Local Manufactures of essential medicines this has led to increased manufacturing capacity which has since improved delivery of essential medicines from the Local Supplies. The government under the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema is committed to improve the availability of essential medicines and medical supplies by the end of second quarter 2023.”

“In the third quarter the World Health Organization (WHO) target of 70% stock availability will be achieved as the country will experience an improvement in the supply of essential health commodities. Ministry of Health is actively working with ZAMMSA to ensure commodity security for the public health supply chain. And I would like to assure the public that the country is well positioned to address the current stock imbalances in our public health facilities.Once the Health Center Kits and the bulk procurements come in, there will be significant improvement in commodity availability in our health facilities.My ministry is working round the clock to unlock all rigidities in the procurement cycle, including reviewing the Public Procurement Act 2020, to ensure it is aligned to support the specialized nature of medicines and medical suppliers for a health sector,” Mr. Haimbe concluded.

In a recent press briefing at State House, President Hakainde Hichilema’s use of graphs to depict the country’s economy has drawn criticism from the leader of the Socialist Party, Fred M’membe. M’membe agrees with Chawama Catholic Church Parish Priest Father Anthony Salangeta’s questioning of the graphs, arguing that they fail to provide a complete picture of Zambia’s economic situation.

Dr. M’membe expresses concern over the President’s focus on leadership as the main driver of changes in Zambia’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) levels since the 1970s. He emphasizes that prioritizing GDP growth does not necessarily guarantee the well-being of citizens. During his appearance on the “Let the People Talk” program on Phoenix FM, Dr. M’membe asserts that citizens are more interested in tangible improvements in their living conditions rather than complicated theories.

Dr. M’membe further states that it is unjust for the entire ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) system, including the President, to harshly criticize Father Salangeta for questioning the graphs. He believes that religious leaders have the right to participate in the country’s affairs and raise concerns that affect the people. Dr. M’membe also criticizes the double standard applied to religious and traditional leaders, where their support for politicians is accepted while their criticisms are dismissed as political.

Father Salangeta, who has come under attack for his remarks, is accused of misrepresenting President Hichilema during a mass service. The clergyman allegedly mocked the President’s use of graphs during a press briefing on May 19, 2023, claiming that “people will not eat graphs.” These sentiments have sparked anger among the clergy, who argue that Father Salangeta’s comments undermine the church’s integrity.

Reacting to Father Salangeta’s statements, Reverend William Njombo, the General Overseer of Christ Riches Church, expressed disappointment in the clergyman’s words, calling them misplaced and an indictment on the church. Rev. Njombo highlights the importance of the New Dawn administration’s efforts to provide free education and bursaries to empower vulnerable citizens and alleviate poverty.

Reverend William Njombo, the General Overseer of Christ Riches Church, expressed disappointment in Father Salangeta’s remarks, considering them misplaced and an indictment on the church. He believed that the clergy should focus on their primary role of offering spiritual guidance to political leaders rather than engaging in political opposition. Rev. Njombo highlighted the significance of the New Dawn administration’s efforts to provide free education and bursaries, emphasizing that these initiatives were empowering vulnerable citizens and addressing the issue of poverty.

Similarly, UPND Spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa voiced his disapproval of Father Salangeta’s comments. Mweetwa emphasized the importance of the values and principles of Zambia as a Christian nation, which rely on the guidance provided by men and women of God from the pulpit. He expressed concern over a clergyman using demeaning language towards the Head of State, suggesting that it was contrary to the role of religious leaders to lead and unify the country. Mweetwa highlighted that he did not want the nation to return to the days when the country had Christians supporting a specific President, indicating his desire for a more inclusive and unified approach.

Both Reverend Njombo and Mweetwa shared the view that clergymen should refrain from engaging in political opposition and focus on their spiritual duties. They believed that religious leaders had a responsibility to offer guidance and support to political leaders while unifying the nation. Their perspectives highlighted the potential tension between the role of clergy as spiritual advisors and their involvement in political discourse, particularly when it comes to criticizing or questioning political decisions or actions.