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The Week in Pictures
National Water Day celebration at Choma Stadium
The illegal tapping and hacking of phones is widespread in Zambia
THE illegal tapping and hacking of phones has become widespread and some media organisations including online publications are callously hacking into private and institutional phone numbers and lines, listening in and intercepting text messages which they are publishing to either scandalise or blackmail their victims.
And now a governance activist Stanley Mhango has warned Zambians with smart mobile phones to be wary of either calling certain media houses or visiting certain online publications or sites because they risk having their numbers illegally registered with such organisations to facilitate eavesdropping and data capture.
Some media houses including online publication which have hacked into phones are now reproducing transcripts whose ‘whatsup’ dialogue of chat groups.
Victims of hacking include ministers, politicians, church leaders, medical officers and private individuals of interest.
Higher Education Minister Michael Kaingu has charged that the tapping of citizens’ phones and listening to their private conversations was a gross violation of the right to privacy which was a constitutional right.
Dr Kaingu said it was criminal for any organisation of individual to invade the privacy or citizens and that State installations such as Zambia Information Communication and Technology Authority (ZICTA) should immediately launch investigations into the matter. He said ministers and civil servants were no longer safe with their phones and would now be wary who was calling them or on how to use certain applications on mobile phones such as whatsup.
And Mr Mhango said in an interview yesterday that it was worrying that there had been inertia on the part of State security institutions such as ZICTA and the police to act on the illegal tapping and recording of citizens’ private conversations even after citizens had complained.
He said recent revelations that some individuals and organisations had been snooping and spying on citizen’s privacy by listening into their private conversations should be aggressively investigated because such acts bordered on treason as it was a breach on the peace and stability of the country.
Mr Mhango said it was a notorious fact that some known media houses had fabulously invested in criminal activities such as spying into the privacy of citizens and selected political leaders whom they were either blackmailing or scandalising for both economic and political reasons. “The recent revelations that individuals and organisations are spying and snooping into citizens’ conversations are an affront to the right to privacy.
But unfortunately in this country, those who commit such crimes often get away with it with glee at their victims. The right to privacy of citizens should never be compromised because that is a constitutional violation but we are deeply concerned that there seems to have been inertia on our State security agencies to act on these criminal acts even when the individuals and organisations are known,” Mr Mhango said. Mr Mhango said in advanced democracies such as the United States and United Kingdom, newspapers were forced to shut down for phone hacking and that Government investigation agencies should therefore take an interest in such matters.
He said it was unacceptable for media houses to continue infringing on citizens’ rights and that there was evidence where citizens had complained but there had been no action against erring organisations.
State enters nolle prosequi, 17 UPND cadres set free
SEVENTEEN UPND cadres who were arrested together with Chongwe Member of Parliament Sylvia Masebo for unlawful procession have been discharged by the Lusaka Magistrates Court.
Alfred Habeenzu and 16 others were discharged yesterday after the State entered a nolle prosequi against the accused persons in a matter they were charged with unlawful procession after Magistrate Kenneth Mulife made a ruling on whether or not he should refer the matter to the High Court for constitutional reference because the defence objected to a nolle.
In his ruling on the defence’s objection to the nolle, Mr Mulife said the subordinate court had no powers to overrule the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) concerning any instructions and to seek reasons why a nolle was issued.
He said it was only the High Court which had powers to change the DPP’s decisions on such matters.
Mr Mulife said if the defence had asked the court to quash and discharge the charge on the indictment before the State had entered a nolle, the court could have made other decisions.
He said he could not question the DPP why a nolle was entered as he had powers which were vested in him to enter a nolle in any case and at which ever stage of the court’s proceedings.
Mr Mulife said in accordance with Article 56 of the Constitution, the DPP has powers to discontinue a case before judgment is delivered, adding that once a nolle is entered the accused shall be discharged.
Earlier defence lawyers, Keith Mweemba and Martha Mushipe, objected to the State’s application for a nolle, stating that the State could not enter a nolle in a charge that did not exist.
The lawyers told the court that they had submitted that the charge should be quashed and that a nolle could not be entered because the charge lacked merit.
They asked the court to refer the case to the High Court for constitutional determination whether the accuseds’ freedom of movements were infringed or not.
Mr Mweemba said the charge was unconstitutional as it was contravening Article 22 of the Constitution which guarantees the protection of freedom of movement.
Guy Scott and Miles Sampa are Merchants of Hate against President Lungu-Kapata
GUY Scott and Miles Sampa have exhibited corrosive hatred for President Edgar Lungu and have appointed themselves as merchants of hate and malicious speech against the Head of State, Jean Kapata has charged.
Ms Kapata said the union of Dr Scott and Mr Sampa who is Orange Alliance leader was as a result of their political frustrations after failing to stop President Lungu from succeeding late president Michael Sata.
She said in an interview that it was not surprising that Dr Scott and Mr Sampa had become virulent against President Lungu because their scheme of illegitimately taking over the leadership of the Patriotic Front (PF) and that of the country had been thwarted by divine authority.
Ms Kapata, who is Patriotic Front (PF) elections chairperson, said the ruling party was aware that Dr Scott and Mr Sampa were in courtship with the United Party for National Development (UPND) and that the duo would soon be endorsing Hakainde Hichilema as their presidential candidate for August general elections.
But Dr Scott when contacted for a comment accused the Daily Nation of “kulemba va boza” (publishing lies) and would therefore not give an interview to the reporter.
When asked to categorically state which lies the Daily Nation had been publishing against him, Dr Scott said: “Mulemba chabe maboza. Pitilizani kulemba maboza yanu.” (You (Daily Nation) publishes lies and continue publishing your lies.)
When challenged that the Daily Nation was calling him to find out if it was true that he together with Mr Sampa were in courtship with the UPND, Dr Scott terminated the telephone conversation.
Mr Sampa could not be reached for comment because his mobile phone was unanswered. But Ms Kapata said Dr Scott was a bitter man who had refused to accept that Zambians rejected his schemes to anoint Miles Sampa the successor to late president Sata and would continue to malign the Head of State.
Ms Kapata said during the counting of the presidential ballots in 2015, Dr Scott prematurely sent a congratulatory message to Mr Hichilema before then Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) chairperson Irene Mambilima had announced the final result of the election.
“Dr Scott and Miles Sampa have remained bitter after their plan to illegitimately take over the leadership of the PF and country was thwarted by divine power. Dr Scott and Mr Sampa have now appointed themselves merchants of hate speech and malice and we know they are representing an infamous group of selfish individuals who have mastered the art of closing presidents and infiltrating State institutions,” Ms Kapata said.
She stated that Zambia was safer in the hands of President Lungu and that since leadership came from God, no alliance formed against the PF was going to succeed to unseat the ruling party.
She said Dr Scott and Mr Sampa had disappointed late president Sata even in his death because the former president had trusted the duo but they had shown that they were never loyal to the late president.
When Ignorance Rules the Nation: Against Grade 12 Certificates
The excitement created by the requirement of the minimum of a grade 12 certificate to contest the August 11, 2016 Parliamentary elections betrays all reason. That many MPs don’t even hold grade 12 certificates explains our current economic and political mess—I mean the real mess. If we require security guards, cab drivers, bamalukula and bakaboyi to be grade 12 certificate holders, why should it be the minimum qualification for MPs?
Patriotic Front deputy spokesman Frank Bwalya told the nation that former PF MP and cabinet Minister GBM does not even hold a grade 12 certificate. I don’t understand the PF logic in undressing GBM that way. If GBM does not even hold a grade 12 certificate, how did he make it into the PF Cabinet? Bwalya should be ashamed of his own Party’s lack of seriousness in managing national affairs. GBM is now UPND vice President and if by divine intervention HH becomes Zambian President in August 2016, GBM will surely be included in the next Cabinet.
That said, the ignorance among politicians needs confronting. Don’t get me wrong—I am not against our politicians or promoting elitism in the nation. Nonetheless, the ignorance that parades our parliamentary and cabinet buildings is behind our economic and political problems. We have a cadre driven government – the situation that has led to what I have termed, “a cadre political syndrome.” As GBM, Vera Chiluba, Chishimba Kambwili and now Frank Bwalya show, shouting party slogans “the loudest” qualifies one to a cabinet position – offices meant to formulate and direct national policies. The same can be said about countless cabinet ministers, deputy ministers, permanent secretaries, and those who parade our embassies across the globe. Unless cabinet ministers are nominated by the president, and then confirmed by informed lawmakers, under the cadre political syndrome, unwavering loyalty to the “Big Man” secures one’s job—just as Frank Bwalya or disgraced and self-confessed bad leader Wynter Kabimba.
By Kapya John Kaoma
Visiting Researcher
Center for Global Christianity and Mission
Boston University School of Theology
Artist Profile : “Ireen Mambilima” Hit maker Drimz
Man of the moment and singer Drimz recently dropped the music video to his song “Mpakafye Ubushiku” featuring Chef 187 and his momentum isn’t showing signs of slowing down. The Kabwe native was restricted to performing in his home town and the Copperbelt, but thanks to his songs Ama dance yamu lolo, Dolose, No Title, Potential Millionaire and Ireen Mambilima, he has become a national commodity.
“Ireen Mambilima” is a fan favorite right now, thanks to its radio and club dominancy. It was number one on Copperbelt’s Sun FM for three straight months, a feat no song had achieved there and Drimz says he is overwhelmed by this.
“In today’s world there is so much talent and great songs are released every day but once you have the blessing of being on top never get too excited but work extra hard,” he says. The inspiration behind Ireen Mambilima seems obvious, but Drimz says a great artiste should be inspired by the little things that an ordinary person would not pay attention to.
He also delves deeper to explain the song.
“I admire how calm and collected Ireen Mambilima was during the elections. I was inspired by her level of integrity. In every relationship there is pressure so I am encouraging the ladies to stand firm and fight with dignity in everything, just like ba mayo ba Ireen Mambilima did during the elections.”
If radio play is anything to go by, then Drimz’ other singles, Lolo, the Chef187- assisted Mpakafye Ubushiki and the inspirational Potential Millionaire make him a bankable hit-maker. But his story was not always a musical one. His aspirations were to become a journalist even though he had always wanted to be a foot- baller, up until an injury during trials at a major club ended this dreams.
“I used to play for the Mulungushi University team till I got injured and decided to try singing. At that time I was studying IMIS at the same institution,” he says.
2008 would see Drimz sign with Sling Beats where the likes of Roberto and Levins were also building their careers under the mentorship of Drex. But it was his desire to produce music that set him apart. After he learned the craft, he moved back to Kabwe in 2009 and set up Drim-10ment studio where he produced Day-vee’s Love Farmer and Damiano’s Katundu.
Success comes with its own pitfalls, but Drimz (real name Lota Mandevu) says it has not gotten to his head, neither has it affected his marriage. “I think discipline and self-respect is very important as a public figure. It’s about knowing how to carry yourself in public and being that awesome dad and husband all the time,” he says.
He speaks highly of his wife, whose support he says has been incredible.” I met my wife 9 years ago, even though we married a year ago, so she understands the nature of my work and my hustle. She is so supportive. Sometimes I am called at awkward hours for local shows, sometimes I come home late or in the early hours of the day after a long night of performing, but my wife understands, she’s my best friend and our marriage has got nothing to do with our different careers. She’s a teacher by profession.”
Asked about the name Drimz, he laughs: “Initially my name was dreamer! One of my childhood friends came up with the name and I used to hate it a lot. They derived it from my name Lota which means dreaming. So after I started doing music I changed it to Drimz which is an acronym for Determined, Resolute, Inspired and Motivated Zambian (DRiMZ)…Also known as Mr Musiq now.”
His ‘salt muli soupu’ slogan is becoming its own brand, thanks to the T-Shirts he and his team where at his shows.
Zambia’s tourism products are remarkable-IPU President
INTER-PARLIAMENTARY Union (IPU) president Saber Chowdhury has described Zambia’s tourism products as remarkable.
Mr Chowdhury said the country’s tourism was one that he was going to always cherish and that he would always speak positively about his experience in Zambia wherever he would go around the world.
He was speaking in an interview in Livingstone after his delegation visited various tourism products in Senior Chief Mukuni’s Chiefdom.
The delegation which, included Mr Chowdhury’s wife Rehana, IPU Secretary General Martin Chungong and his wife Stella as well as Speaker of the Zambian Parliament Patrick Matibini, interacted with cheetahs, elephants and lions at Mukuni Big Five Safari.
“We are very privileged and honoured for the tour here in Chief Mukuni’s Chiefdom. We had no idea that Zambia had such amazing natural resources.
“Thanks to your hospitality for opening your doors to your tourism attraction and to your palace. This has been a very remarkable experience, one that we are going to cherish. Wherever we may be in the world, we will always speak about this experience in very positive terms,” Mr Chowdhury said.
He also thanked Senior Chief Mukuni for giving the delegation an insight into the way chiefdom has historically operated for many years.
“It is a food for thoughts. Your culture is very rich. On behalf of the SG and spouses, thanks for your generosity and we are very humbled,” Mr Chowdhury said.
And Dr Matibini thanked Senior Chief Mukuni for showing the delegation the various tourist attractions in the chiefdom.
“This is an excellent model. It has to be emulated in other areas where they don’t have such facilities. It has been an honor and privilege to be here together with my guests,” he said.
Senior Chief Mukuni said it was not every day that the Chiefdom received people of high standing in the world.
“We are indebted to your visit. It is a great honour to receive you,” Senior Chief Mukuni said.
Security tightened in Livingstone to protect tourists during Easter Weekend
international terminal building in Livingstone
SECURITY has been tightened at Victoria Falls World Heritage Site in Livingstone during this weekend’s Easter Holiday to safeguard tourists and other visitors from being swindled by illegal tour operators.
The Falls are also currently at their high peak in terms of water levels and so visitors may need to be guided properly.
National Heritage Conservation Commission (NHCC) senior conservation officer in charge of cultural heritage Richard Mbewe said three additional police officers from Zambia Police and two security officers from Panorama have been engaged.
Mr Mbewe said in an interview in Livingstone yesterday that the five officers were in addition to the already deployed security staff at the Falls.
“Surely, this year we have taken a huge step in securing the visitors and their property.
“The reasons for beefing up the numbers is as a result of the lessons learned from last year where some illegal tour operators harassed a few tourists,” he said.
He said there was no room for illegal activities this year because NHCC had also incorporated the Curio Traders in its surveillance of the fenced part of the falls.
“I can also confirm to you that the water levels at the Falls are definitely higher than last year this time around.
“We have two empirical measurements we use to determine the levels every month. We use the measuring point just before Sun Hotels. The level that was marked last year has been submerged,” he said.
Mr Mbewe said the daily water flows as captured by ZESCO had exceeded the ones recorded at this time last year.
Mr Mnewe said the visitation figures so far were very good for both locals and foreigners.
“We anticipate a better visitation record knowing that we have three events happening at the same time in Livingstone.
“We have the third Livingstone International Cultural and Arts Festival (LICAF) whose delegates are already arriving in the town. Easter patronage has already started a week before the actual date and lastly we have the visitation from the world parliamentarians that were meeting in Lusaka and already more than 40 of these people are in Livingstone,” Mr Mbewe said.
It will be sad to see MMD die and disappear into oblivion-Nakacinda
Suspended MMD National Spokesperson Raphael Nakacinda says it will be a great embarrassment not only for the leaders of the former ruling party but the nation as a whole to watch the MMD’s demise.
Mr Nakacinda said as the mother of democracy in the country letting the MMD go into oblivion would be like burying the nation’s symbol of democracy and multi-partism and that it would be an embarrassment to the nation as the party is viewed as a mother of democracy not only in the country but in the region as well.
He said the country should not allow the party to die and that it was incumbent upon the people who sacrificed for the country’s democracy to fight for the survival of of the MMD and avoid the fate of ending up in the dust bin of history such as that of UNIP.
“We are headed for a greater embarrassment not only as leaders of an organization but as a country to witness the demise of MMD. This Party was a leader in bringing democracy to Southern Africa therefore, it is not only considered to be the mother of democracy in the country but in the region as well so it would be a great embarrassment and a grave mistake for us as leaders in the party and the nation at large if we are to let this party go into oblivion.
“We earned respect world wide for peacefully and graciously handing over power when we lost in 2011 so the onus is on us as leaders to fight for the political space that we created for others and ensure that we rebuild our party to the levels of acceptance by the Zambia people and ensure that we return power one day, it might not be in the coming election but we can do it after all the people of Zambia know what we are capable of,” he said.
And Mr Nakacinda a leader of a democratic institution like MMD should be preoccupied with dailogue on how to move the party forward as opposed to squables with those considered to be his enemies.
He said the challenges in the party will not be resolved by the courts but by members of the party whom he said should seat down and discuss regardless of the difference in positions on certain issues inolving the party.
“Solving issues through court process, injunctions and reporting people to the police may only make you feel good temporally but it doesn’t solve the full equation. In 2015 what we feared happened, we proceeded to report people to the police, we went to court and to some extent ended up with what we celebrated, the Supreme Court ruling but what we end up was an embarrassing lose barely three years after being in power. The court ruling did not amount or produce votes what it only did was produce political disaster, it is only a fool” continued Mr Nakacinda, “who would do the same things over and over and expect different results.”
Mr Nakacinda said this when some IPU delegates who were in the country to attend the IPU conference called on him to inquire about some of the challenges the party was facing.
The delegates choose to remain anonymous so as not to be seen to be interfering in the country’s politics.
Woman sentenced to 20 years in Jail for running a Brothel
A THIRTY-TWO-YEAR-OLD woman of Kapiri Mposhi in Central Province has been sentenced to 20 years imprisonment with hard labour by the Kabwe High Court for procuring young women for prostitution.
Maria Namwinga of Ndeke Township is said to have procured the women, including a 15-year-old pregnant girl, to engage in sex trade between June 1 and July 18, last year.
Kabwe High Court judge Dominic Sichinga jailed the woman after she was earlier convicted by a Kapiri Mposhi magistrate’s court.
During trial, the minor informed the court that Namwinga had told her to sleep with different men in exchange for money which was collected by the convict.
The minor had travelled to Kapiri Mposhi to visit her aunt, but was asked to sleep in Namwinga’s house because she (her aunt) usually fought with her husband at night.
“As we slept, someone I did not know came, then Namwinga told me that the man had K15 and that I should sleep with him. He was called Bashi Uni and was older than me,” the girl said.
“So I slept with Bashi Uni, he undressed me and he came on top of me and everything happened. He used a condom, but I did not see it afterwards. After he had finished, I felt some pain,” she said.
The court heard that Namwinga took the girls to a bar the following day, where she collected K40 from two men before asking the ladies to sleep with them at different times.
“So for that period I slept with about nine to 10 different men. As for the last man, he said he could look for a house or give me money to go back to Kabwe with my friend,” she said.
It was at this point that the matter was reported to the police before Namwinga was arrested.
“I was impregnated by a pupil from Kabwe. I came to Kapiri Mposhi already pregnant, but Namwinga told me it was okay for me to sleep with the men and that I would deliver properly,” she said.
In mitigation, Namwinga asked for leniency, saying she deeply regretted her actions and that she was a first offender.
Mr Justice Sichinga told Namwinga that the offence she had committed was a serious one, whose maximum sentence was life imprisonment with a minimum sentence of 20 years.
Bowman Lusambo confident of being picked as PF candidate for Kabushi Constituency
PATRIOTIC Front (PF) Kabushi parliamentary aspirant Bowman Lusambo has refuted claims that constituents in the area do not want him to stand on the party ticket.
On Monday some women gathered at Kayele Primary School and Lubuto Market to register their disappointment at Mr Lusambo’s selection as the party’s preferred candidate.
The women charged that Mr Lusambo wanted to impose himself on the constituency, an allegation he has refuted stating that he was the preferred candidate to contest the polls on the PF platform.
“I have been on the ground in Kabushi Constituency for quite some time, and despite being on the ground I am a resident of Kabushi.
“An election is all about numbers; if you amass the numbers that you need it does not mean someone is being imposed. I think all candidates that participated in the electoral process in Kabushi are happy,” he said.
Mr Lusambo said he was confident of being picked as the candidate because the constituents were rallying behind his adoption.
“I have support from the constituents and I am very comfortable. We are waiting for the final decision which will come from the central committee. I am game and 100 per cent focused.
“I know that the interviews we will be attending on Tuesday at district level will see me scoop number one position. I am very confident as I know my capacity to deliver in Kabushi,” he said.
He said he had the backing of the constituents and the PF, as a democratic party, and was ready to work with whoever would be picked.
“This is a democracy and I am ready to work with whoever will be picked at the end of the day; interviews have spoken for themselves. I picked 18 out of 23 votes, that means people have confidence in me.
“We should not bring confusion in politics, it is a service to the people, so there is no one that can impose himself on the people. I am ready to work with anyone who will be picked,” he said.
Another aspiring candidate, Tony Mwape expressed confidence at scooping the top position as he had been on the ground for a number of years.
Mr Mwape said the rules clearly stated that for one to be adopted, they needed to be a bonafide member of the party.
“I am 100 per cent sure I will get there. I have been on the ground for years and rules are very simple for someone applying.
“As for MP, they should be bonafide party members. I am a bonafide member of the party, so my chances are very high,” he said.
Felix Mutati vows to remain in MMD
Mr Mutati, who has urged all members to remain united, said he believed that the party was still strong and would make a positive impact during the August 11, general election.
The Lunte parliamentarian said this in Kitwe when he addressed scores of MMD members.
Mr Mutati, who was in Kitwe to carry out an assessment of the MMD, was impressed by the massive turnout of people whose enthusiasm had given him the spirit to forge ahead.
He condemned the suspensions and appointments of people without any form of elections as this was having a negative effect on the party.
He said his decision to remain in the MMD stemmed from his strong conviction that the party needed transformation in order to marshal a good number of votes during the elections.
He said an alliance with other parties would not make sense if the MMD was not going to make any meaningful contributions to it.
“My position on the issue of alliance is that I will go with whatever decision the party is going to make, but what I believe is that when going into an alliance, there has to be something one should contribute,” he said.
He urged MMD members to refrain from acts of violence that had recently characterised the political arena in Zambia.
President Lungu to commission the construction of a $10 million fish plant in Siavonga
PRESIDENT Edgar Lungu will soon commission the construction of a US$10 million fish feed plant in Siavonga District, Fisheries and Livestock Permanent Secretary David Shamulenge has said.
The plant to be located on a three hectare piece of land, would be the biggest stock feed plant in the sub-Sahara region.
Dr Shamulenge said this when he toured the site in readiness for the ground breaking ceremony by President Lungu.
The plant would be built by a Danish company, Aller Aqua.
Dr Shamulenge said construction of the plant starts in April and would be completed within one year.
The plant would produce 50,000 tonnes of fish feed annually.
“We are here to see the place where a Danish company will soon start the construction of a fish feed plant here in Siavonga. We will give the private sector the support it needs as Government. As you are aware, fish feed is essential in increasing Zambia’s fish tonnage.
“When the company starts producing 50,000 tonnes of feed per year, this will translate into 30,000 tonnes of fish and we will soon talk about closing the 42,000 tonnes of fish deficit,” Dr Shamulenge explained.
He expressed optimism that with current investment in the fisheries industry, the country would soon become a net exporter of fish.
“The president has put emphasis on developing the fisheries and livestock industry, hence the creation of the new ministry,
and with this commitment, we expect that in the next three years, the country should be a net exporter of fish,” he said.
Yalelo Director, Fisho Mwale, said the fish meal plant would employ 300 local people in addition to the current 300 that his firm had already employed.—NAIS.
All constitutional office bearers got salary increase, it’s unfair to single out President Lungu
THE Zambian Voice has said the upward adjustment of President Edgar Lungu’s salary should not warrant criticism because other constitutional office bearers have also received wage hikes.
Zambian Voice executive director Chilufya Tayali said in an interview yesterday that it was unfair for opposition political parties to criticise Mr Lungu for benefitting from the move, which cut across all the three arms of Government.
“We think that it is totally unfair for the opposition to make a big issue out of this because President Lungu did not issue an instruction for his salary to be increased.
“All constitutional office bearers, including members of Parliament (MPs), have received salary hikes. Therefore, criticism against the President is misdirected,” Mr Tayali said.
He said opposition MPs in particular were insincere by pointing fingers at the President with full knowledge of the benefits that they had accrued from their improved remunerations.
Mr Tayali said opposition MPs were in the forefront calling on the Government to lift the wage freeze, and one of the benefits of lifting the wage freeze was increased salaries for civil servants.
He said the President was just a beneficiary of the move and people criticising him were merely playing petty and personal politics.
National Revolution Party (NRP) president Cosmo Mumba said in a separate interview that the increment was justified because the President had responsibilities to attend to.
Dr Mumba said the increment was long overdue as the Head of State worked hard to guarantee peace, security and ensure national developmental goals were on course at all times.
He said the President had responsibilities which included meeting unbudgeted-for expenses when he attended social events.
Dr Mumba said those criticising the President should understand that sometimes part of his earnings were used to finance different causes across the country.
President Lungu commissions 48 newly built house for Police officers
President Edgar Lungu has urged officers in the security wings to remain non partisan as the nation goes to the polls.
President Lungu says this is important as their duty is to maintain peace and security for all Zambians and the nation at large.
Speaking when he commissioned 48 newly built housing units for Police officers in Lusaka’s Chelstone police camp this afternoon, President Lungu says the houses are part of the 2, 350 housing units being constructed throughout the country at a total cost of US$320 million.
He says government is equal to the task and determined to mitigate the country’s infrastructure deficit in general and the housing shortage in particular affecting officers in the defence and security institutions, within the short and medium term.
President Lungu has since thanked Avic International, the contractors for the project, for heeding to the call to complete the houses before March month end after commencing construction works in September last year.
Speaking earlier, Home Affairs Minister Davies Mwila says government will do the ground breaking for the construction of more Police houses in Kabwe and on the Copperbelt in the first week of April.
And Inspector General of Police Kakoma Kanganja says the police officers have been struggling with the shortage of staff accommodation for many years, and that efforts by government to accommodate them are recommendable as they are aimed at motivating staff to work harder.