Central Province Permanent Secretary Milner Mwanakampwe has warned that public service workers who sought adoption for elective positions but failed to resign by the stipulated May 15 deadline risk dismissal from the civil service.

Dr Mwanakampwe says government issued clear guidelines requiring civil servants with political ambitions to resign before participating in partisan politics.

Speaking to journalists in Kabwe, he disclosed that only two District Commissioners in the province formally resigned before the deadline in compliance with the directive.

The Permanent Secretary identified the former District Commissioners for Serenje and Chitambo districts as the only public officers who officially declared their intentions to participate in partisan politics.

“Apart from the two, there is no other civil servant who declared to my office that they wanted to be adopted by political parties because they intended to contest as Members of Parliament. However, should we discover that there are others, whether from the ruling party or the opposition, they will be ejected from the public service,” he said.

Dr Mwanakampwe emphasized that there will be no exceptions in enforcing the directive.

Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick Kangwa had earlier directed civil servants intending to contest in the August 13 General Elections to resign by May 15, 2026.

Meanwhile, Dr Mwanakampwe has urged political parties and the media to avoid sensationalising incidents of political violence, saying reports should be factual and verified.

He noted that some reports of political violence have been exaggerated, creating unnecessary tension ahead of the elections.

The Permanent Secretary called on all political parties to adhere to the Electoral Code of Conduct and promote peaceful campaigns.

He further urged the police to handle cases of political violence professionally and impartially, stressing that the law must be applied equally regardless of political affiliation.

President Hakainde Hichilema has described the late Inkosi Ya Makosi Ngwenyama Mpezeni IV as a great son of Zambia and a traditional leader who served the nation with distinction and wisdom for over 40 years.

The President said the late Ngwenyama served Zambia, not just the Ngoni people or Eastern Province.

He said the late chief carried the authority of a king but possessed the heart of a servant.

“Today we give farewell to a great son of Zambia, our traditional leader, our paramount chief Nkosi Ya Makosi Ngwenyama. He served the Ngoni people with distinction and wisdom for over 40 years. He served with six presidents before me,” President Hichilema said.

“Nkosi Ya Makosi was a true patriot who championed unity in our country. He worked with and served this country not just for the Ngoni people or Eastern Province but the country at large,” he said.

President Hichilema said the late traditional leader attended traditional ceremonies across the country without fail and respected all chiefs regardless of status.

“He did not look at the status of a chiefs, he looked at the status of the people. He understood that there are different traditional leaders that the country has been endowed with. He understood that other chiefs’ matters,” he said.

The President noted that Ngwenyama Mphezeni greatly promoted the Ncwala Ceremony, turning it into the major cultural event it is today.

“We shared this understanding: God created us not to be lazy but to work hard. Ngwenyama produced food for his family and encouraged Ngoni communities to produce food for themselves through hard work and dedication,” President Hichilema said.

He added that the late king advocated for agriculture, food security, and improving people’s quality of life.

He also partnered with government to advance education, especially after the reintroduction of free education.

Meanwhile, Paramount Chief Mphezeni of the Ngoni people of Eastern Province has been put to rest with hundreds of mourners from walks of life turning to witness his burial at the resting place near his Ependukeni palace.

President Hakainde Hichilema attended his burial alongside other government dignitaries and Ngoni chiefs from Malawi, Tanzania, Eswatini and South Africa.

Police in Chilubi District in Northern Province have opened investigations following the discovery of a human skeleton in Laki Village in Chief Chiwanangala’s chiedom in Northern Province.

Northern Province Police Commanding Officer Simunji Mulonda confirmed that skeletal remains were discovered by Botta Ngosa 62 in his groundnuts fields.

 Mr Mulonda revealed that Ngosa reported the matter to Matipa Police Post who recorded the report on Saturday, June 6, 2026.

He disclosed that preliminary investigations revealed that the body was in an advanced state of decomposition.

The Police Commanding Officer added that the deceased was later identified as Chewe Lunkonto, aged 45, of Bulilo village through clothing recognition by a close relative.

Mr Mulonda further revealed that it was established that the deceased had been missing since May 19, 2026, although no missing person’s report had been filed with the police.

He explained that the remains have since been buried at a local cemetery, with the grave marked for possible future exhumation should need arise.

Mr Mulonda said an inquiry file has since been opened, and investigations are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the death.

The Division Commanding Officer has urged members of the public to promptly report missing persons and any suspicious occurrences to the nearest police station.

Independent candidates in Kasempa District have expressed concerns with the decision by the Electoral Commission of Zambia’s (ECZ) to withdraw the candle symbol after nominations saying the move has disrupted their campaigns and resulted in financial losses.

The affected candidates disclosed that they had already printed campaign materials, produced campaign songs and informed voters about their symbols before being directed to select alternative symbols.

This was in an interview with Zambia News and Information Services ZANIS in Kasempa today.

Mpungu Ward independent candidate Parcent Chabinga described the decision as unfair and said candidates should have been informed before nominations.

“We were supposed to be communicated to before doing our nominations and now after doing our nominations we are being told to come and change the symbol. We are not happy,” Mr Chabinga said.

He added the change had rendered campaign materials obsolete and created confusion among voters who had already been mobilised using the candle symbol.

Similarly, Kamusongolwa Ward candidate Ngalwile Mika said the symbol had initially been assigned by ECZ, making the sudden change difficult for candidates and voters alike.

“We have been going through the fields telling people about the same symbol. Now it will be a challenge for us to get back into the community and start telling people about changing the symbol,” she said.

Meanwhile, Blessing Susu Masumba’s representative said the decision had caused frustration among candidates who had already invested significant resources into their campaigns.

“The materials we have printed, the songs we have paid for and the campaigns we have conducted have all been affected. We are very much disappointed because we were guided and given the candle as a symbol during nominations,” Mr Susu added.

The candidates have appealed to ECZ to consider the challenges the decision has created and provide guidance on how affected candidates can effectively communicate the changes to voters.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Court sitting in Kalabo District has sentenced Kalabo District Health Director, Neto Mbwayu, to nine months imprisonment for one count of corruption-related offence.

Dr Mbwayu, 42, of Winela area in Kalabo District, was charged by the Anti-Corruption Commission in October 2025 with two counts of willful failure to comply with procurement guidelines and one count of making payment from public revenue for services not adequately rendered, contrary to the Anti-Corruption Act No. 3 of 2012.

Particulars of the offences are that between 1st January 2021 and 31st December 2022, while serving as District Health Director at Kalabo District Health Office, Dr Mbwayu approved a payment of K39,000 for the purchase of two HP Pavilion laptops, an amount above his K30,000 approval threshold and without a written request from the user department.

He also authorized a K4,000 payment for upholstery of a motor vehicle seat, a service which was not adequately rendered.

In mitigation, Dr Mbwayu who was represented by a lawyer, appealed to the court to exercise leniency as he was a father saying his wife had just delivered a baby three weeks ago adding that his services as a Doctor will be missed by the community of Kalabo.

When delivering judgement in the matter, Principal Resident Magistrate, Preston Chiluba convicted Dr Mbwayu on one count of willful failure to comply with procurement guidelines and sentenced him to nine (9) months’ imprisonment with effect from 8th June, 2026.

Meanwhile, Dr Mbwayu was acquitted on one count of willful failure to comply with procurement guidelines and one (1) count of making payment from public revenue for services not adequately rendered, contrary to the Anti-Corruption Act No. 3 of 2012.

Dr Mbwayu was arrested and released on bond in October 2025 pending court proceedings.

Government has released K48 million to settle outstanding retirement benefits owed to former employees of the Zambia Postal Services Corporation.

ZAMPOST Postmaster General,  Lydia Simakando has commended the Government for the release of Forty-Eight Million Kwacha to facilitate payment of terminal benefits.

Ms Simakando notes that this is a significant milestone that restores dignity and hope to former employees who have patiently waited for their benefits.

The Postmaster noted that the intervention demonstrates the Government’s commitment to improving the welfare of Zambians and addressing long standing obligations affecting retired workers.

“The payment is in line with the vision of President Hakainde Hichilema, which is to strengthen governance, restore dignity to citizens and improve livelihoods, “she said

Mrs Simakando commended the Ministry of Finance and National Planning for prioritising the release and the Ministry of Technology and Science for their support in facilitating the process.

She added that the payment forms part of the third phase of efforts to settle outstanding retirement obligations.

“Disbursements will be made on a first-retired, first-paid basis to ensure fairness, transparency and accountability throughout the process,” she explained.

The Postmaster thanked retirees for their years of service and patience as efforts to resolve the obligations and reaffirmed its commitment to work closely with Government and stakeholders to ensure smooth and transparent disbursement.

“ZAMPOST will continue to provide updates as the payment process progresses and additional disbursements are made,” Mrs Simakando said.

This was contained in a statement issued to ZANIS by ZAMPOST Public Relations Officer, Ruth Mwanza.

The Chess Federation of Zambia (CFZ) has entered into a long term partnership with Mobile City, a collaboration aimed at strengthening the growth and sustainability of chess in the country.

Speaking during a press briefing in Lusaka, Chess Federation of Zambia President, Leslie Chikusa, announced the launch of the inaugural Chief Mukuni International Chess Championship, which will be held in Livingstone from July 4 to 6, 2026.

Chikusa said the tournament, named in honour of His Royal Highness Chief Mukuni, marks the first major project under the new partnership.

The Chess Federation of Zambia President said the championship will help promote sports tourism by attracting players from approximately eight countries.

Chikusa emphasised the importance of partnerships between sports federations, traditional leaders and the corporate sector in fostering peace, unity and fair competition.

“A relationship with a corporate entity and a relationship with a chief guarantees peace, tranquility and an atmosphere that encourages fair competition, love and unity,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mobile City Marketing Manager, Musambo Minamu, said the company’s decision to sponsor chess was motivated by the values the sport promotes among young people.

He reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the development of chess in Zambia, citing the sport’s discipline, intellectual appeal and potential to nurture future

“This partnership came straight from our hearts as Mobile City’s board and management and looked at the sport and saw that it is disciplined, organised and attracts intellectual minds,” he said.

He urged the Ministry of Education and the Chess Federation of Zambia to strengthen chess programmes in schools and revive chess clubs to encourage greater participation among learners.

Vice President Mutale Nalumango has reiterated governments commitment to supporting the water and sanitation sector as a key enabler of national development.

Mrs Nalumango notes that this commitment is reflected in the government’s continued investment in water and sanitation infrastructure across the country.

She explained that Zambia has zero-rated tax on water treatment chemicals, which has reduced costs for utilities and ensured more affordable access to safe drinking water.

“We are reviewing legislation such as the water supply and sanitation act, so as to strengthen governance and the regulatory frameworks aimed at improving efficiency as well as ensuring equitable service delivery,” she added.

Mrs Nalumango was speaking today during the official opening of the 14th Zambia Water Forum Exhibition (ZAWAFE), held under the theme: “From Commitment to Action: Accelerating Integrated Resilience Solutions for Vision 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)” in Lusaka.

She highlighted that the government is equally providing support for commercial water utilities to expand coverage and improve service quality, as well as promoting Public-Private Partnerships to mobilise resources and accelerate innovation.

Mrs Nalumango however stressed that despite efforts made, Zambia continues to face challenges caused by climate variability, droughts, floods, rapid urbanisation and rising demand for water and sanitation services.

“In response, my office through the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit has worked closely with cooperating partners and has supported service providers to rehabilitate damaged water supply and sanitation infrastructure,” she added.

She implored the gathering to commit to embracing emerging technologies and scientific research, strengthening partnerships as well as mobilising resources for integrated and climate resilient infrastructure.

Mrs Nalumango also said the theme is both timely and urgent as it challenges government and stakeholders to move beyond pledges and declarations towards focusing on implementing concrete, measurable solutions that strengthen resilience in communities, ecosystems and institutions.

Speaking at the same event, ZAWAFE Organising Committee Chairperson, Imasiku Nyambe said ZAWAFE provides a platform to share experiences on water challenges and try to provide solutions.

Prof Nyambe also seized the moment to caution the gathering on the impending El Nino.

“We are likely to experience the El Nino. Starting October, 2026 to January 2027, which will pose a risk to agriculture and energy. Let us not sell all our maize. Let us wait for the rains,” added Prof Nyambe.

And Finish Ambassador to Zambia, Saana Halinen, called for urgent structured and cooperative governance regarding transboundary water bodies so as to provide for peaceful, equitable and sustainable transboundary water cooperation.

Ms Halinen pointed out that Finland aims to elevate the implementation of international law and support a transparent, inclusive and science based preparatory process.

Speaking at the same event, German Head of Development Cooperation in Zambia, Andreas Pletziger, observed that there are increased challenges threatening water security like climate change and pollution, as well as damaged ecosystems due to unsustainable practices and thus putting water security in danger.

Mr Pletziger reiterated Germans commitment to working with government and stakeholders in achieving progress in Zambia’s water sector and in realising Vision 20230.

Meanwhile, UNICEF Country representative, Saja Farook Abdullah, in a speech read on her behalf by UNICEF Deputy Country Representative, Tinkhani Msonda, stated that water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) are foundations to human capital development.

He noted that when WASH systems fail, the consequences are immediate and far reaching, affecting every aspect of a child’s life, adding that WASH remains the most critical driver of child mortality.

The trial of a Zambia Air Force (ZAF) Flight Sergeant, who is accused of incest has concluded in court, with a final testimony from a forensic expert in the Forensic Department at the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Forensic Analyst, Innocent Makasa, 50, told the court that DNA results confirmed the accused could not be excluded as the father of the victim, but he was excluded as the biological father of the child.

Mr Makasa explained that while DNA can establish biological relationships, it cannot determine whether carnal knowledge occurred, as not all intercourse results in pregnancy.

The 41-year-old ZAF Flight Sergeant Officer is charged with defiling and impregnating his 14-year-old biological daughter between August 1^st and 31^st, 2024, to which he pleaded not guilty.

During the trial, the accused had applied for a DNA test to establish whether he is the father of the baby boy born to the victim in May 2025.

Magistrate Kawama Mwamfuli has since set July 8, 2026 as the date of judgment.

The Ministry of Community Development and Social Services has called for strengthened collaboration with the media in fostering positive media coverage on social protection programmes.

Ministry of Community Development and Social Services Principal Planner, Mpande Mutandwa, says once government and media organizations join forces in the publicising social protection Programmes, it will boost outreach.

Mr Mutandwa has observed that collaborative efforts aimed at increasing public awareness on critical social services are key in ensuring that life-changing assistance reaches vulnerable populations.

He this when he addressed journalists from Muchinga and Northern Provinces during a media engagement workshop in Mpika District.

Mr Mutandwa stated that the Ministry’s collaboration with the media, is a major push to bridging the information gap surrounding social welfare.

He disclosed that the Ministry recently launched a strategic initiative to deepen collaboration with the media and digital content creators to support diverse media action.

“The Ministry wants to ensure that it generates content related to social protection with specific focus on the recently launched National Social Protection Policy, this is why you see us gather here today to empower journalists with knowledge,” he said.

Mr Mutandwa indicated that the collaboration will help to transform traditional reporting and online platforms into active conduits for social change.

He said the ministry is equipping journalists and digital influencers with accurate and accessible data on vital social services which is helping the public to appreciate social protection programmes.

“Social media influencers and content creators have become key partners in communicating developmental issues and reaching out to communities that traditional communication channels may not always access,” Mr Mutandwa noted.

He explained that the Ministry is actively encouraging journalists to amplify key messages surrounding social protection, community development and child rights.

Mr Mutandwa said media collaboration does more than just broadcast information as it establishes essential feedback loop that allows authorities to identify emerging community needs and combat misinformation in real-time

And Kasama Radio Reporter, Esther Banda observed that regular media engagement in the implementation of social protection Programmes fosters transparency and facilitates a vital two-way dialogue where citizens can report grievances, provide policy feedback, and monitor delivery.

Ms Banda noted that the five day media engagement will give enough insight on how social protection Programmes are being implemented.

“We commend the Ministry of Community Development and Social services for this initiative, it will help increase awareness in communities,” she said.

She commended the ministry for the initiative of engaging media practitioners from both public and private media institutions, as this will enhance information flow.

The Zambia Army has cautioned the public against the abuse of social media platforms and the misuse of artificial intelligence tools to create and circulate content that ridicules, defames or undermines state institutions and constitutionally established office holders.

Zambia Army Spokesperson Sydney Mwewa says there has been an increase in misleading AI-generated videos circulating on some online platforms.

Colonel Mwewa says such content has the potential to incite soldiers and threaten the peace and stability the country currently enjoys.

He says the situation is particularly sensitive during the election period, noting that some individuals with ill intentions have previously attempted to draw the Army into partisan political activity.

Colonel Mwewa says the Zambia Army remains a disciplined, apolitical and professional institution mandated by the Constitution of the Republic of Zambia to preserve national sovereignty, protect territorial integrity and uphold constitutional order.

He says the institution expects respect and responsible conduct from all citizens in order to safeguard national cohesion.

In a statement, Colonel Mwewa urged the public to exercise caution when engaging with online information, verify content before sharing, and avoid material that may incite division, public disorder or disrespect towards national institutions.

He further warned individuals behind the creation and circulation of such content that the Army is closely monitoring the situation, and that those responsible will be held accountable under the law.

Colonel Mwewa said the institution will not tolerate actions that threaten national peace, adding that law enforcement will deal with offenders without fear or favour.

He called on citizens to protect peace, unity and the integrity of institutions that support national governance.

Two children have died after their mother, who is believed to be mentally ill, allegedly threw them into a stream in Chembe District of Luapula Province.

The incident occurred on Sunday morning at Makubi Stream near Jelemani Village in Chief Kasoma Lwela’s area.

According to Luapula Province Police Commissioner Stephen Palaata, the victims, a two-year-old boy and his 10-month-old sister, were allegedly thrown into the stream by their 36-year-old mother.

Mr. Palaata said Chembe Police Station received a report of the incident at about 12:35 hours from a relative of the suspect, who informed officers that the woman had allegedly thrown her two children into the stream.

He said police officers, accompanied by personnel from the Chembe Town Council Fire Brigade, rushed to the scene and found that the bodies had already been retrieved from the stream by family members.

Mr. Palaata said a physical examination of the bodies revealed no visible injuries, although both children appeared to have drowned.

He said the suspect is reported to have a history of mental illness, which relatives believe occurs periodically.

Mr. Palaata said suspicion was raised when a family member noticed the woman moving around the village without her children, whom she was usually seen carrying.

When asked about their whereabouts, she allegedly told the relative that she had thrown them into the stream.

The relative immediately rushed to the water body and found the two children already dead.

Mr. Palaata said family members believe the woman may have been experiencing a mental episode at the time of the incident.

The bodies have since been taken to Chembe Mini Hospital Mortuary, where they are awaiting post-mortem examinations.

Police have apprehended the suspect, who is expected to be formally charged with two counts of murder and will appear in court soon, Mr. Palaata said.