The Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) has taken action against various products falling under Compulsory Standards in the Copperbelt, North-Western, and Luapula Provinces, resulting in the quarantine of items valued at approximately K490,000. These products were supplied to the market without proper authorization from the Agency, as mandated by the Compulsory Standards Act No.3 of 2017.

During market surveillance inspections last week, the ZCSA identified a range of products, including fruit-flavored drinks, opaque beer, potable spirits, mealie meal, and bottled drinking water, among others, valued at K489,050.62. The quarantine measures were implemented to ensure ongoing compliance with the Compulsory Standards regulations.

In Ndola, the ZCSA seized 9,984 bottles of bottled drinking water, 1,751 bottles of potable spirits, 146 bottles of fruit-flavored drinks, and 267 crates of opaque beer from various locations.

In Solwezi, the Agency quarantined 2,285 bottles of potable spirits, which included Gilberts Gin, Kremlin Vodka, Vintage Gold Superior, Three Growns, and Sundowner.

In Kitwe, 556 bags of mealie meal were quarantined, while in Mansa, 105 bottles of Gilberts Gin, Kremlin Vodka, Vintage Gold Superior, Three Growns, and Sundowner were seized.

In addition to the above actions, the ZCSA also encountered a separate incident in Lusaka Province on July 19, 2023. During their routine inspections in Makeni and Chawama Townships, ZCSA officers discovered a light truck offloading bales of used textile products. Upon inspection, six out of 13 bales were found to contain used undergarments, which are prohibited under the Compulsory Standard Zambian Standard (ZS) 559. This standard restricts the importation and sale of used textile products containing items such as pyjamas, nightgowns, pants, brassieres, camisoles, and vests, due to potential health hazards.

The ZCSA warned importers and traders against supplying products within the scope of compulsory standards without proper authorization, as doing so poses risks to consumers’ health and safety. The Agency encourages the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious products on the market.

As a statutory body under the Ministry of Commerce, Trade, and Industry (MCTI), the Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency is committed to ensuring public safety, health, consumer protection, and environmental preservation through the enforcement and education of compulsory standards across the country.

39 junkies aged between 17 and 40 years, have been arrested in an operation conducted in Kanyama west, Makeni villa, Kanono Ligoms, Petroda area, and part of watchtower area in Lusaka.

Zambia Police Service Spokesperson, Rae Hamoonga,  confirmed the development and said that Kanyama Police conducted the operation starting from last evening around 19:00 hours  and ended in the morning of Sunday July 23, 2023  in a routine junkies operation.

He said that the operation was mainly conducted by use of motorized and foot patrols with the support of the Zambia Police Reserve wing and members of the crime prevention unit in the area.

He said 39 junkies and idlers were apprehended during the operation.

Mr Hamoonga said the operation was  intelligence information led covering Kanyama west, Makeni villa, Kanono Ligoms, Petroda area and part of the watchtower area leading to the apprehension of 35 males and four females aged between  17 and  40.

Mr. Hamoonga added that those arrested have been charged with different offences which include Robbery, Assault as well as idle and disorderly.

“Amongst the suspects, six males are already facing charges of robbery and assault,” he said.

Mr Hamoonga said all the suspects have been remanded in custody as further screening and charging for various offences in readiness for court proceedings.

Police in Vubwi District of Eastern Province have arrested a 24-year-old man for allegedly raping his 18-year old pregnant sister in-law.

Lukas Joakim, 24-year old a Malawian, was arrested after allegedly raping his sister in-law, who is 2 months pregnant, near Mthunzi village in Chief pembamoyo’s area.

Eastern Province police Commanding Officer Limpo Liwyalii confirmed the incident  and explained that It is alleged that days before the incident on Thursday last week, the victim, who is Mozambican, escorted her sister in-law to Malawi where there was a family feud.

Mr Liwyali said that on Thursday, July 20 upon bidding farewell to the family in Malawi, the victim was offered an escort by the perpetrator despite her having secured a motorcycle to take her back to Mozambique.

He said on their way, in the morning, the motorcycle on which the two men and the victim were riding sustained a flat tire four kilometers away from Mthunzi village in Chithumba area of Vubwi district.

He explained further that while the rider proceeded to fix the tyre in the neighboring Mthunzi village, the accused seized the opportunity to force himself on his pregnant sister in-law seeing that they were unaccompanied.

He added that while the accused was in the act of having unlawful carnal knowledge with the victim, community members heard screams of distress coming from the bush and managed to rescue the victim.

The accused remains in police custody after medical examinations at Vubwi District hospital on the victim proved conclusive with the unlawful act.

Police have since charged Lukas Joakim with the offense of rape, contrary to section 132 and 133 of the penal code, chapter 87 of the laws of Zambia.

Barbara Banda, the captain of Zambia’s national women’s football team, the Copper Queens, has expressed her team’s determination to move forward after a tough 5-0 defeat against Japan in the ongoing World Cup in New Zealand. Despite the setback, Banda remains hopeful and believes the team has a fighting chance to redeem themselves in their upcoming match against Spain.

In a recent interview, Banda acknowledged the disappointment of the loss against Japan but made it clear that the team is resilient and will learn from their mistakes. The Copper Queens are determined to put the past behind them and focus on their next challenge against Spain.

“We have put the 5-0 loss against Japan behind us,” Banda said, displaying her leadership and optimism. “We know we made some mistakes during that game, and we are working hard to rectify them.”

The Zambia women’s team captain highlighted the areas of concern that need improvement. “We will be focusing on strengthening our defence, midfield, and attacking force,” Banda stated. The team recognizes that a balanced performance across all aspects of the game will be crucial for success in the upcoming match.

The Copper Queens are set to face Spain in their next fixture on Wednesday, and Banda emphasized the importance of approaching the game with a strong mentality. The team aims to secure maximum points against Spain and is eager to showcase their potential on the global stage.

Banda’s leadership and determination have been vital in rallying her team amidst the challenges faced during the World Cup campaign. The Copper Queens, as the representatives of Zambia on the international stage, are determined to make their nation proud.

As the football community eagerly awaits the encounter between Zambia and Spain, fans and supporters have rallied behind Barbara Banda and the Copper Queens, expressing confidence in their ability to bounce back from the previous defeat.

The upcoming match against Spain presents an opportunity for the Copper Queens to showcase their skills, determination, and fighting spirit. With the team’s captain leading by example, Zambia’s national women’s football team is ready to face the challenges that lie ahead.

Zambian football enthusiasts and supporters worldwide are eagerly anticipating a thrilling encounter between the Copper Queens and Spain, hoping for a remarkable performance that will bring pride to their nation.

As the team gears up for their next match, the nation stands united in support of Barbara Banda and the Copper Queens, cheering them on to victory and a memorable World Cup journey.

May the Copper Queens play with passion and determination, carrying the hopes and dreams of Zambia with them on the field.

Zambia’s media community and the Ministry of Information and Media are mourning the loss of Mr. Malama, a respected journalist and former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information. Mr. Malama passed away yesterday in Lusaka after battling an illness, leaving behind a legacy of excellence and dedication to journalism.

Kennedy Kalunga, the current Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Media, expressed heartfelt condolences to the Malama family during this time of immense loss. Speaking of Mr. Malama’s impact on the ministry and the media landscape, Kalunga highlighted his vast experience and dedication to the profession.

“Mr. Malama was not only a highly respected figure within the Ministry of Information but also one of the most experienced journalists in Zambia,” Mr. Kalunga remarked. “His illustrious career in journalism began in the early 1970s when he served as a reporter at the Zambia Daily Mail Newspaper.”

Over the years, Mr. Malama’s dedication and passion for journalism propelled him through the ranks, and he eventually became the Deputy Managing Director at the Zambia Daily Mail. His journey in the media industry continued as he joined the Times of Zambia, where he served with great distinction as the Managing Director, leaving an indelible mark on the media landscape.

As Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Services from 2015 to 2018, Mr. Malama exhibited exceptional leadership and vision. He made significant contributions to the journalism profession, both at the practical and policy levels. Understanding the pivotal role of the media in fostering a well-informed society, Mr. Malama consistently championed the principles of press freedom and independence.

“Mr. Malama’s legacy in the field of journalism shall be remembered, and his commitment to truth, accuracy, and impartiality will serve as an inspiration for generations of journalists to come,” Mr. Kalunga said in a statement to ZNBC News.

His exemplary service and dedication to the Ministry of Information and Media have left a profound impact on the sector and will be cherished by all who had the privilege to work with him. As the news of his passing spreads, the Ministry stands in solidarity with the Malama family, offering thoughts and prayers during this time of bereavement.

Mr. Kalunga further emphasized that the Ministry of Information and Media is forever indebted to Mr. Malama’s contributions to the growth and development of journalism in Zambia. His commitment to promoting ethical journalism and ensuring access to accurate information has helped shape the media landscape in the country.