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Maureen Musonda been led to the cell at the Kabwe Magistrate after her bail was revoked after she was committed to the Kabwe High Court
Kabwe Principal Resident Magistrate John Mbuzi has convicted and committed brother and sister facing sex charges to Kabwe High Court for sentence.
Mr Mbuzi said it was un disputable that Maureen and Aaron Musonda where living as husband and wife despite knowing very well that they where siblings.
‘I do not believe both your defense and evidence as the witnesses called in by the state had no reason to lie against you and also accused number one Aaron in your testimony you failed to deny that you did not marry your sister’, Mr Mbuzi said.
This is in case where Maureen Musonda and Aaron Musonda of Makululu compound are facing two counts of incest.
Particulars of the offence are that Aaron Musonda on dates unknown but between December, 2013 and February 27, 2014 in Kabwe knowing Maureen Musonda was his sister had unlawful carnal knowledge of her.In the second count incest by female particulars of the offence are that Maureen on dates unknown but between December 1, 2013 and February 27, 2014 in Kabwe knowing Aaron to be her brother permitted him to have unlawful carnal knowledge of her.
During trial the state brought in five witnesses among them their biological father and also their land lord.
Their father Umbrella Musonda 59 years a peasant farmer of Mkushi District told court that he had fifteen children and that Maureen and Aaron where both his children.
Musonda told court that he fathered the two but in cross examination he admitted that the two did not grow up together and had different mothers though he insisted that he had introduced the two as brother and sister.
Another witness Nellie Musonda who was their landlord told court that on February 5, 2014 Aaron Musonda approached her and asked to rent one of her rooms.Ms Musonda told the court that he offered Aaron a room but before she did she told him that she only rents out her rooms to married people to which he responded that he had a wife who would join him soon.
She told court that a day later Aaron and Maureen moved in together and shared the room and were also seen taking baths together and lived as husband and wife.
Later Mr Mbuzi established a trial within trial after Aaron told court that he was intimidated by the police officer to admit the charge.
The state then called in two witnesses to testify in the trial within trial after which Mr Mbuzi ruled that according to the evidence in court and witness testimony it was clear that Aaron willingly admitted the charge.
When the two were put on their defence Maureen denied Aaron having had canal knowledge of her despite Aaron demanding for sex from her.
Mr Mbuzi in passing the sentence said the offence the two had committed attracted not less than 20 years and committed them to the Kabwe High Court for judgement.
He has since revoked Maureen’s bail and both are in remand awaiting judgement in the next Kabwe High Court session.
Acting president Guy Scott at the State lodge meeting
Interim PF President Guy Scott has announced that Edgar Lungu has been reinstated as party Secretary General.In a joint statement signed by Dr Scott and Mr Lungu released shortly after an emergency central committee meeting at his State Lodge farm, Dr Scott said the position of party Secretary General will remain with Edgar Lungu.
“It is critical that we respect the mourning period and that we remain united as a party, as a Government and indeed as a nation, Dr Scott said.
He added, “We must work together in order to ensure that the family of the late President and the nation at large is able to put our beloved leader to rest in a manner that is orderly, appropriate and respectful of our traditions.”Dr Scott said leaders of the PF and Government are united in an appeal for peace adding that all party members, cadres and others must immediately desist from any form of unrest or violence.
“It is completely unacceptable that our grief and mourning be marred by violence and disorder such as has been observed in some places over night and today. Further, all party members must desist from issuing inflammatory statements to the media, including online publications.”
He added, ” In the context of the agreement on the foregoing, the Interim President of the PF has stated that the position of PF Secretary General will remain with Hon. Lungu. After completion of burial of President Sata, the PF Central Commitee will then be convened, following due process as laid down in the PF constitution. At that time, any member of the Central Commitee who intends to stand for election as Party Secretary General or holder of any other position that may present a conflict of interest will be required to step down from those positions.”
Meanwhile in Choma, scores of PF cadres gathered at their district office and called on acting President Guy Scott to immediately reinstate Mr Lungu as party Secretary General.
The placard-carrying-youths said they were not happy with decision by Dr Scott to drop Mr Lungu at the time when the nation was still mourning the death of President Michael Sata.
PF Choma Constituency youth Information Publicity Secretary Joe Kamoko said it was uncalled for among senior party members to point fingers at each other.
“As PF youths in Choma, we are disappointed that in the midst of state funeral for our late President Sata, we have seen bickering among our senior party members such as our acting President (Dr Scott) dropping Mr Lungu as party secretary General,” he said.
Southern Province political secretary Simalonga Siachoona who joined the youths urged Zambians to mourn Mr Sata in dignity and avoid confrontations that could deter national peace and unity.
Movement for Multi Party Democracy president Dr. Nevers Mumba
Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) President Dr Nevers Sekwila Mumba has expressed dismay at the ongoing power struggle in the ruling Patriotic Front Government after the demise of the Republican President Michael Chilufya Sata on 28th October 2014. Dr Mumba says that it is shocking how PF party leaders are outdoing each other to succeed Mr Sata to the point that the nation is becoming ungovernable.
Dr Mumba said he is disappointed that last night, some PF cadres rioted and began burning tyres and throwing stones at vehicles after learning that PF Party Secretary General Edgar Lungu was fired by acting Republican and PF President Dr Guy Scott. “This kind of Stone Age politics is unacceptable,” Dr Mumba said. ”
This situation is regrettable for a nation that just celebrated 50 years of independence. It makes a mockery of the whole struggle for independence and reinforces the view that Africans are incapable of running their own affairs”, said Dr Mumba.
“In MMD, we never had this kind of senseless confusion. When our President Levy Mwanawasa passed away in 2008, we mourned and buried him with dignity and there was complete peace and harmony and a smooth transfer of power to Mr Rupiah Banda. We also had several leaders in MMD, more than ten, jostling to succeed Mr Mwanawasa but they did it respectfully. There were no violent warring factions and no MMD cadres rioting and insulting the memory of the late president,” Dr Mumba said.
Dr Mumba cautioned that if anarchy is allowed to take root in the nation as rival camps in PF fight each other, it can lead to chaos and political instability. He urged the PF to put its house in order for the sake of the 14 million Zambians, many of whom supported the PF but who will end up victims if the vicious power struggle continues.
“I urge Dr Scott and his team to think beyond their own interests and put the nation first. Let them put aside their differences and send off Mr Sata next week with honour and dignity. Then let them maturely choose the PF candidate to avoid unnecessary bloodshed and chaos. In the meantime, we expect the law enforcement agencies to be completely professional and avert any violence between rival factions in PF. I urge all Zambians to pray for our leaders so that we have peace and stability.”
Police officers praying during the prayer day for defence forces personnel in Lusaka
The only sure way to allow evil to prevail is for the righteous to do nothing!
This is not a time to fold our arms and watch evil men out of greed and selfish ambitions drive this country to utter confusion and destruction, let’s not take for granted the peace that our fore fathers so dearly fought for and shed their blood.
The way of Lord is strength to the upright : but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity. The righteous shall never be removed : but the wicked shall not inhabit Earth.
Proverbs 10:29-30
The Hand of the Almighty is upon this Nation, I decree and declare that no evil agenda shall prevail in the name of Jesus, the Lord shall arise and have mercy upon us for the sake of the righteous.
I am calling upon every believer and all well meaning Zambians and friends of this great nation to Join in prayers as we stand in the gap for the peace of this nation during this trying moment.
Finance Minister Alexander Chikwanda delivering the 2015 budget
Peace and stability in the Nation
As one of the senior members and confidants of the family of the late Michael Chilufya Sata, the Fifth President of the Republic of Zambia, I wish to acknowledge and thank the people of Zambia for the love, compassion, kindness, and sorrow shared with the first family and the entire extended family during this period of grief and mourning.
From the day the President died to the current moment when his remains are lying in state, the family has been going through trying moments in contending with the loss of a person whom to us was not only the Republican President but also a loving husband, parent, grandparent, brother, uncle, nephew, and friend. We are aware and, therefore, very grateful for the incessant toiling of many stakeholders in preparing for a befitting burial for the late Republican and PF Party President.
We are, however, concerned that even before the late President is put-to-rest, the Acting Republican President has taken action to remove Mr. Edgar Lungu as Secretary General of the Patriotic Front Party. This decision may cause a massive cultural shock among mourners countrywide, fracture the smooth preparations for burial and impair the image of the ruling PF Party. The action to remove Mr. Lungu is untimely and has the potential to alarm not only Zambians; the majority of whom are grieving, but the international community as well; most of whom are keenly expecting us to maintain the peace and stability, which we have enjoyed since independence. Zambia is an admired and widely respected state, going forward, leaders at all levels of governance have an obligation to ensure that those who support the country in the wider international community do not feel that they misplaced their trust in doing so.
Suffice to say, the First Lady Dr. Christine Kaseba and the children have been under severe agony for the entire period that Mr. Sata has been unwell. The first lady is currently facing the devastating loss of her most affectionate spouse. Unfortunately, the unfolding events in the Patriotic Front Party are compounding her anguish and that of the children and the rest of the family. We do not deserve this.
The family is aware that many Heads of State, Government, and Regional and International Organizations intend to travel to Zambia to mourn and render a dignified farewell to our departed President. Given the prevailing circumstances, it may be restraining for them to travel and mourn with us. This will send a wrong signal about the quality of our unity peace and stability as a nation and deprive us of their fellowship and compassion during this trying period.
For the sake of unity and to ensure continued smooth preparations for the burial of our dear leader, I take this opportunity to appeal to all those who may be affected and frustrated by the action to remove Mr. Lungu as PF Secretary General to stay calm and to continue mourning the late President peacefully. Going forward, I also appeal to the Acting President to embrace consultation and reconciliation; the hallmarks of our departed President.
The PF is a beacon of democracy. In this regard, the Acting President should ensure that he closely works with the Central Committee of the PF Party in order to maintain utmost cohesion and unity. Leaders at all levels of the party’s governance structures should resist any action that is inconsistent with the spirit of togetherness, fellowship, and unity.
I take this opportunity to once again, appeal to the Acting President to reconsider the action to relieve Mr. Lungu of his portfolio in the Patriotic Front Party, and facilitate his smooth operation as the Chief Executive Officer of the Party. This is important not only as the nation prepares for the burial of the late President, but also as the PF Party readies itself for future engagements.
Members of the PF Central Committee have converged at Acting President Guy Scott’s farm in State Lodge, East of Lusaka for an emergency meeting.
The members resolved to confront Dr Scott after he declined to attend an earlier meeting held at Sports and Youth Minister Chishimba Kambwili house on Brentwood Drive in Lusaka.
The Central Committee members had started gathering around 07 Hours and waited until 10 Hours for Dr Scott who was nowhere to seen.
It was at this point that the members including Justice and Defence Minister Edgar Lungu resolved to drive to Dr Scott’s farm who agreed to meet them.
On arrival some cabinet ministers namely Fackson Shamenda and Emmanuel Chenda believed to be members of the cartel were seen driving out? Dr Scott’s farm.
Mr Chenda however u-turned and joined his colleagues for the meeting.
Mahtani Group of Companies hosts a “Zambia @ 50 Dinner”.Here Dr Raj Mahtani talks to Mama Kankasa
Dr.Rajan Mahtani has refuted claims that he is part of a cartel that is trying to manipulate government systems and officials so as so install a leader of their choice.Some online social media have reported that Fred M’membe, The Post Newspaper owner, is the one instructing Dr Scott to create confusion by calling shots that would see the return of Wynter Kabimba.
According to an article by Zambia Reports after the purported firing of Edgar Lungu as ruling Patriotic Front Secretary General last night, the infamous cartel of Post Newspaper owner Fred M’membe, Finance Bank chairman Rajan Mahtani and disgraced former Lusaka town clerk Wynter Kabimba is moving to suspend the presidential by-election due in January 2015.M’membe, is said to be having a series of meetings at his office with various individuals, has lined up a catalogue of plans to ensure power does not slip the hands of the cartel.
Zambia Reports further reported that their first plan was to ensure their “A Team” member Guy Scott was in charge who in turn will restore Kabimba to the position of Secretary General by getting rid of Edgar Lungu. They succeeded to install Scott as acting President using their stooge Attorney General Musa Mwenye.M’membe is also moving the plot to Parliament where United Party for National Development (UPND) Mazabuka MP Garry Nkombo has sold out to the cartel.Nkombo has promised to convince his fellow UPND MPs to join some weak MMD souls and others in PF to push a motion in parliament that elections shouldn’t be held within 90 days as per constitutional provision but in 2016 because it’s an unnecessary expenditure.The Nkombo factor is a back-up plan by the cartel who believe that should imposing Scott as acting president till 2016 fail, they still have another of their allies – Patrick Matibini – to take charge of the Presidency as caretaker.
According to Zambia Reports sources, M’membe has earmarked his puppet Speaker Matibini as a caretaker president if his plan to change the constitution through parliament succeeds. This is the next step in the power game.
“They are doing everything and anything at all cost to retain control of government. The suspension of elections and chosing Matibini as a caretaker leader is one of their plans,” the source said.The cartel has also been courting UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema for a possible alliance.
Below is Full Press release
Dr Mahtani and the alleged “Cartel”
Dr Rajan Mahtani, Chairman of the Mahtani Group of Companies has refuted claims in articles appearing on some online media purporting that he is part of and is funding a “cartel” that is supporting Hon Kabimba and courting Hakainde Hichilema, the President of the UPND.
These assertions are false and malicious. They are also deliberate lies meant to bring the person of Dr Mahtani into disrepute and in bad standing with the Government.
Dr Mahtani has always maintained cordial relationships with all those in authority, as demanded under biblical principles, and it is mischievous to allege that he now supports a particular camp (if any exist).
He has also expressed sadness that instead of mourning the demise of our beloved President, malicious people are spreading falsehood to incite feelings of hate towards innocent people.
“It is very disheartening and painful that people can disrespect the mourning period of our beloved President – a Hero of the Poor and less privileged, a Hero of Hard work, a Hero of Justice, a Hero of the Nation by spreading falsehoods to incite feelings of hate towards innocent people just to fulfil their ill agendas”.
He also clarified that last week when he was alleged to be “siphoning” money; he was out of the Country and wondered how “professional journalists” could publish such blatant lies with impunity in total disregard for journalistic ethics.
He has called on all peace loving Zambians to mourn the President with dignity and respect.
“A system of morality which is based on relative emotional values is a mere illusion, a thoroughly vulgar conception which has nothing sound in it and nothing true.
One who is injured ought not to return the injury,for on no account can it be right to do an injustice;and it is not right to return an injury, or to do evil to any man,however much we have suffered from him.”
(Attributed to Socrates)
Issued by:
The Public Relations Unit
Mahtani Group of Companies
Acting President Dr Guy Scott shortly after a Cabinet meeting at State House on October 29,2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
Traditional leaders in Eastern Province have added their voice in condemning the actions of Acting President Guy Scott who fired Edgar Lungu as Patriotic Front acting General Secretary.
Chief Madzimawe of the Ngoni speaking people of Chipata district in Eastern province, said traditional leaders in Eastern Province are saddened with actions unfolding in the Patriotic Front and wondered how the acting President can fire Mr. Lungu when the nation is still mourning the late President.Chief Madzimawe said the actions of Dr. Scott are unZambian and unAfrican as people do not share property when the owner has not yet been buried.
The traditional leader wondered why Dr. Scott did not take a leaf from the actions of former republican president Rupiah Banda who did not fire anyone from their position when he was in the same position after late president Mwanawasa’s demise in 2008 despite wide spread succession disputes in the MMD.
“As a traditional leader I’m saddened by the events in government and the ruling PF. How can the acting President fire Edgar Lungu at the time we are mourning.
“This is unZambian and unAfrican because we don’t share property of the deceased when the body is still in the house,” said Chief Madzimawe
“When late President Mwanawasa died Rupiah Banda acted and it was an open secret that he differed with fellow party members and cabinet members but he never acted in the manner Dr. Scott is acting as he embraced everyone till the mourning period was over and everybody freely contested the party selection process for candidate to stand on its ticket,” he added
The traditional leader further added that they will not sit back and watch their son being mistreated by the acting president.
“And as chiefs from Eastern province will sit back and watch our Son being Edgar lungu being mistreated like that.
We shall stand by our sons and any well meaning Zambian in this period of mourning our beloved President. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” said the traditional leader.
The feeling of disaffection spilled out onto the streets on Monday night, as around 50 PF protestors chanting anti-Guy Scott songs blocked Leopards Hill Road and burned tyres outside the Belvedere lodge, where some mourners for the late President Michael Sata are accommodated.In Kitwe PF cadres locked the district commissioners office in protest over Acting Guy Scott’s decision to fire Edgar Lungu.
FDD spokeperson Antonio Mwanza said it is very hypocritical for Guy Scott to ask us Zambians to mourn Sata while he is busy scheming and campaigning.He said Guy Scott’s dismissal of Edgar Lungu at this hour of mourning is ill-timed and clearly paints a picture that PF is a Party in confusion and leadership crisis.’It is clear that these characters never loved or cared for Sata. For them it was only survival at the expense of Sata’s health.This is why while we were pleading for President Sata to take leave in view of his apparent failing health they kept on hiding and lying that he was well and working,,’he said.
United Party for National Development (UPND) Livingstone District spokesperson Neto Halwabala has appealed to Patriotic Front (PF) members in the district and country at large to mourn late President Michael Sata with respect.Mr Halwabala said the current happenings in the PF were un African and alien to the Zambian culture when it comes to respect accorded to mourning a loved one.He said the current developments in the PF were very disappointing saying that it showed that they did not have respect for their Leader and for republican president.
“What is happening in the PF now is very disappointing because we want PF to prove that they can provide leadership and they can only do that if they remain united even after the death demise of President Sata,” Mr Halwabala said.
The MMD in Northern Province has advised the ruling PF leaders to bury their differences and allow for the dignified funeral of late Republican President Michael Sata.MMD provincial chairman Steven Mukuka said
it was against the African culture to begin making appointments before burial of a respected member of society.
Mr. Mukuka also called on MMD members to unite and mourn the late president in dignity and respect.
Zambia’s Former first lady Thandiwe Banda has been diagnosed with cancer.Former President Rupiah Banda confirmed this in an interview with ZNBC News in Lusaka.
Mrs. Banda has been in a South African hospital for more than two months undergoing chemotherapy treatment.
The Former President says his wife is responding well to treatment.
Mr. Banda says his wife will remain in South Africa for the next two months in order for her to finish her treatment.
Former president Rupiah Banda at the Freedom Statue during the Golden Jubilee celebrations in Lusaka on October 24,2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
Former President Rupiah Banda has disclosed that he will make known his next political move after the national mourning period is over.
Mr Banda told scores of his supporters at the Magistrate Court in Lusaka today that he will reveal whether he will return to politics or not after the mourning period is closed.
He said now is not the right time to do or talk about any politics as a mark of respect for late President Michael Sata.
Mr Banda said he is devastated to see a life less body of President Sata whom he knew as an active politician.
The former Head? of State has appealed to Zambians to mourn President Sata with honour and dignity.
Mr? Banda said he has consulted widely and he will make known his intentions soon.
Acting President Dr Guy Scott shortly after a Cabinet meeting at State House on October 29,2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
Acting President Guy Scott has appointed Kawambwa Central Member of Parliament Nickson Chilangwa as secretary General of PF.
Dr Scott fired Edgar Lungu last night and replaced him with Davies Mwila who turned down the offer.
In accepting the appointment, Mr. Chilangwa who is also Deputy Minister of Home Affairs said:
“I look forward to the task. We shouldn’t use this period for posturing. We need to mourn our leader with dignity and protect the legacy of president Sata. This is no time for anybody to think they can come to the top using the back door,” said Mr. Chilangwa.
Mr Edgar Lungu after a Special Session Of Cabinet meeting at Statehouse. Vice President Dr Guy Scott is now the Acting President of the Zambia. Picture by Eddie Mwanaleza/Statehouse 29th October 2014.
Defence and Justice Minister Edgar Lungu says the decision to drop him as party Secretary General is illegal.
In a statement released, Mr Lungu contends that the decision to relive him of his duties as party Secretary General is also highly provocative under the current circumstances of national mourning.
He said the action taken by Acting PF President Guy Scott is illegal and has no foundation or support of the PF party constitution.
Mr Lungu accused Dr Scott of insulting the Zambian culture and the people of Zambia by constantly engaging himself in matters that undermine the dignity, honour and respect of the funeral of President Michael Sata.
Mr Lungu who is also Chawama Member of Parliament said he is aware that they are serious manoeuvres to reinstate Mr. Wynter Kabimba as Secretary General of the Party.
He said these manoeuvres are also designed to undermine the decision made by President Michael Sata on 28th August 2014 and the wishes and interest of the party.
Mr Lungu said he is also aware that there is an attempt to usurp state and party powers to a group now commonly known as the ‘’cartel”.
He warned that the action by Dr. Guy Scott to illegally assume the office of party president and to pretend to perform such functions in the absence of the harmonization of this constitutional conflict is promoting disharmony.
“I also note that Dr. Guy Scot had on Friday 31st October 2014, announced the banning of meetings including the holding of meetings by the Central Committee. This action is also illegal as during this difficult and sensitive moment, Dr. Scot is expected to benefit from the wisdom and counsel of the Central Committee and not from strangers and members of the group famously referred to as the “Cartel” currently surrounding him,” the letter read.
“Dr. Guy Scott is expected to defend the interest of the Patriotic Front, its values and is expected to adhere to the provisions of the letter and spirit of the party constitution. I wish to warn all members and party leaders including, Dr. Guy Scott to act with restraint as the nation is in mourning and the body of His Excellency, President Michael Sata is lying in state at Mulungushi International Conference Center as President Sata deserves to be mourned with utmost dignity, peace and respect.”
It continued, “It should be made very clear that our restraint is out of utmost respect for the departed, His Excellency, President Michael Sata, is not a sign of weakness. The people of Zambia are resolved to safeguard peace during this time of mourning. Zambia attained its independence to upholding peace, unity and upholding human dignity and actions spoiling for political fights runs counter to these values.”
The two articles are quoted below: ARTICLE 53: RESIGNATION OR REMOVAL OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE PARTY
(1) In the event of the President of the Party resigning, or being removed from Office of The ?President of the Party, he shall cease to be President of the Party and the Secretary General shall act as President of the Party until the new President is elected in accordance with provisions of Article 48 of this Constitution.
(2) In case of absence of both the President and the Secretary-General of the Party, the President of the Party shall choose one from amongst the members of the Central Committee to perform the functions of the President of the Party until such a time as the President or Secretary General of the Party shall resume his duties.
ARTICLE 54 : FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES VICE PRESIDENT
(1) The Vice President shall have the following powers, duties and functions:
a) to be the principal assistant to the President of the Party;
b) to exercise all such functions as may be delegated to him by the President;
c) to act for the President in his absence;
d) To exercise the functions of President in case of death or removal from office in terms of Article 53.
I have referred this matter to the Central Committee to consider and resolve.
Article 53 reposes power in the Office of the Secretary General as Acting President of the Party in the event of the absence, resignation or being removed until a new party president is elected.
I am cognizant of the fact that a single section under Article 54 (d) also purports to repose powers in the Vice President to act as Party President when the office party president falls vacant through death.
Owing to this serious lacuna and conflict in the party constitution designating powers and functions of the president to two offices, it is imperative that this matter be urgently resolved by the Central Committee.
I have therefore called for an emergency Central Committee Meeting to be held tomorrow Tuesday 4th November 2014 to consider the following agenda items;
• The purported letter of dismissal • Taking action which in the opinion of the Central Committee is in the best interest, security and development of the party and the state in accordance with Article 58(l) and 58(m). • And to resolve matters relating to Article 53 and Article 54
The Central committee has powers to resolve all matters as listed below:
POWERS AND FUNCTIONS OF THE CENTRAL COMMITTEE
The Central Committee shall have the following powers and functions:
(a) Supervising the implementation of the Party policies and programmes;
(b) Programming Party policies as formulated by the General Conference or the National Council;
(c) Enforcing discipline among members and officials of the Party;
(d) Regulating and controlling activities of all organs of the Party;
(e) Ensuring that records of all Party activities are kept and supervising proper maintenance of records and books of accounts at all levels of the Party organization;
(f) Exercising the function of orientation and leadership of the Party;
(g) Initiating, whenever possible, Party policies for consideration by the National Councilor the General Conference;
(h) Orientating and controlling activities of the central organs of the State and other public institutions in the country;
(i) Guiding and giving correct orientation to popular mass organizations;
(j) Hearing appeals from appropriate disciplinary bodies;
(k) Summoning regular or extraordinary meetings of the National Councilor the General Conference;
(I) initiating and approving changes in the Regulations and Rules of the Party;
(m) Taking action which in the opinion of the Central Committee is in the best interest, security and development of the Party and the State;
(n) Constituting such administrative structures at the Party National Headquarters as may facilitate smooth and efficient functioning of the Party.
UPND president Hakainde Hichilema greets First Lady Dr Christine Kaseba’s mother Loyce shortly before President Sata’s Body at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport from London on November 1,2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE OFFICIAL STATEMENT
3rd November 2014
PLEASE LET’S MOURN THE PRESIDENT WITH DIGNITY
Fellow country men and women I am passionately appealing to each and every PF member to search their hearts and see if what they are doing right now shows respect to the late President HE Michael Sata.
The events that are unfolding right before us this evening after acting president Guy Scott fired Edgar Lungu and replaced him with Chipili MP Davies Mwila, leading to PF cadres and students reportedly demonstrating against that decision must stop forthwith. This is a direct dishonour to the late President HE Michael Sata. I am appealing to PF leaders starting with acting President Guy Scott to show restraint and leadership in this trying time. I am also calling on every Zambian to make it their duty to safeguard the integrity and reputation of Zambia. What is happening has the potential of sending a wrong signal to the rest of the world especially that Zambia has a global reputation of being an oasis of peace and has always managed transitions with dignity and admiration.
There are visitors who are on their way to Zambia to mourn the late President with us, let us not make it difficult for visitors to commiserate with us. My heart bleeds to see that confusion seems to be engulfing the ruling party even before President Michael Sata is put to rest. I urge all Zambians from all corners of the country to put aside their differences and mourn the departed leader with dignity. There is time for everything; we shall have time for politics but right now lets mourn our departed elder. I am not asking for too much just 14 days country men and women.
We are slowly forgetting the basic fundamentals that bring us together, Ubuntu and Christianity. Please fellow countrymen and women let us get back on track. Let good prevail over evil. His Excellency President Sata was a national asset and we should not allow a few people to desecrate and disgrace his funeral.
My call is simple, Zambians let us put our differences aside until at least the 12th November 2014 and direct all our energies towards this one common tragedy. Let us join hands and mourn our President in peace and harmony. I am pleading with all well-meaning Zambians to kindly take heed and not lose focus on the matter at hand. Dr Kaseba, the children and grand-children need us now to be by their side and support them through this difficult time and not abandon them because of political expediency.
Acting President Dr Guy Scott shortly after a Cabinet meeting at State House on October 29,2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
Chipili Member of Parliament Davies Mwila has turned down the appointment as Patriotic Front(PF) Secretary General.
In a walk in interview with ZNBC News, Mr. Mwila said that it is time to mourn President Michael Sata with dignity and honour.
The former Deputy Minister of Defence said that he has lost a mentor, a father and a leader who built him in politics dating back to many years.
He said that he served President Sata with loyalty adding that he cannot belittle the late head of State by not mourning him with dignity.
Mr. Mwila was accompanied by some Members of the Central Committee.
And Sports and Youth Minister Chishimba Kambwili has called on youths not to demonstrate over the firing of Mr. Lungu.
Mr. Kambwili said that some cabinet ministers will be meeting Dr. Scott to iron out the matter.
Earlier acting PF President Guy Scott had appointed Mr. Mwila as new Secretary General, relieving Edgar Lungu of his duties with immediate effect.
In a letter dated 3rd November 2014 released to the media in Lusaka, Dr Scott has thanked Mr. Lungu who is Defence and Justice Minister for his services rendered to the party.
But when reached for comment Mr. Lungu declined to comment over the matter.
Earlier, Dr Scott had appointed Chipili PF Member of Parliament of Davies Mwila as new PF Secretary General. In a letter of appointment, Dr Scott has wished Mr. Mwila success and God’s blessings in his new position.
However, some cabinet Ministers have called on Acting President Guy Scott to rescind his decision to fire Edgar Lungu as PF Secretary General.
Tourism Minister Jean Kapata said that Dr. Scott should not make a decision alone without involving the central committee of governing party.
She was speaking in a walk in interview at ZNBC.
Ms. Kapata said that it is unfortunate that some individuals are making decisions at a time when the country is supposed to mourn President Sata with dignity.
And Chief Government Spokesman Joseph Katema has appealed to Government officials and all party members to mourn President Sata in peace.
Meanwhile, the Opposition Forum for Democracy and Development has described as “UnZambian and a total insult to the memory of late Republican President Michael Sata the behavior of acting President Guy Scott for calling on the public to mourn the President in dignity when he is doing the exact opposite.
FDD spokesperson Antonio Mwanza noted that the dismissal of Edger Lungu as acting General Secretary is ill timed and paints a picture that the PF is a party in confusion and leadership crisis.
Below is a statement issued by FDD spokesperson Antonio Mwanza.
We want to Salute Hon Davies Mwila for refusing to be part of Guy Scott’s dirty schemes. We thank him for refusing to be part of this madness.
It is shameful, unZambian and a total insult to the memory of Micheal Sata that while his body is still lying in state, people like Guy Scott and Mulenga Sata are out in full throttle campaigning and posturing in a bid to succeed Sata.
Surely Guy Scott’s dismissal of Edgar Lungu at this hour of mourning is ill-timed and clearly paints a picture that PF is a Party in confusion and leadership crisis.
It is clear that these characters never loved or cared for Sata. For them it was only survival at the expense of Sata’s health.
This is why while we were pleading for President Sata to take leave in view of his apparent failing health they kept on hiding and lying that he was well and working.
Guy Scott has betrayed the memory of his once good friend by continuing to do political gymnastics even when the body of his colleague is still warm. We call upon all warring PF functions to call a truce and mourn Sata with dignity.
It is very hypocritical for Guy Scott to ask us Zambians to mourn Sata while him is busy scheming and campaigning.
Acting President Dr Guy Scott shortly after a Cabinet meeting at State House on October 29,2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
Acting President Guy Scott says no country can achieve meaningful and sustainable economic growth without social protection playing an active role.
And Community Development Mother and Child Health Permanent Secretary Prof. Elwyn Chomba charged that government realigned the functions of the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Community Development in order to improve the delivery of primary health care services.
Dr. Scott charged that social protection has gained prominence in the last decade and social cash transfers are considered as one of the most effective tools of social protection.
He said whilst the African continent has made tremendous strides in various areas, poverty eradication still remains a daunting but not an insurmountable challenge.
Dr. Scott said this in a speech read for him by Community Development Mother and Child Health Minister Emerine Kabanshi during the official opening of the Community of Practice of Cash and Conditional Cash Transfers in Africa held at Chrismar hotel in Livingstone this morning.
The Acting President noted that various member states of the African Union have made commitments to fighting poverty giving an example of the Yaoundé Call for Africa of September 2006 where commitments were made to implement social protection to deal with poverty and vulnerability.
Dr. Scott observed that though the advent of social cash transfers on the continent was riddled with a lot suspicion and apprehension, the understanding of the programme widened and deepened.
He mentioned that the coverage and scope increased to an extent of having about twenty countries in Africa implementing social cash transfers.
Dr. Scott said in Zambia the scheme spearheaded by the Ministry of Community Development Mother and Child Health underwent massive scale up this year which saw the number of districts increase from 19 to 50 districts out of the total number of 103 districts.
Beneficiaries of the scheme increased from 61, 000 households last year to 151, 000 this year. This is expected that by the end of this year, about 189, 000 beneficiaries households would have been reached.
Studies from the impact evaluation results in Zambia, Social Cash Transfer has had positive impacts on the livelihoods and welfare of the beneficiaries.
Earlier, Community Development Mother and Child Health Permanent Secretary Prof. Elwyn Chomba charged that government realigned the functions of the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Community Development in order to improve the delivery of primary health care services.
Prof. Chomba said this was done in order to holistically deal with health matters by using the available and existing community structures to prevent and improve the nutrition and reduce the burden of preventable diseases through community interventions.
He said this in a speech read for him by Director of Social Welfare Stanfilled Michelo.
Prof. Chomba stressed that social cash transfer play an important role in improving health outcomes by enabling beneficiaries have a better nutrition.
At the same functions, UNICEF Representative Paul Quarles Van Ufford said social cash transfers are a global priorities and a core element of the organization’s corporate agenda to achieving equitable results for children.
The workshop’s main objectives is to facilitate knowledge exchange by sharing emerging experiences among professionals and development practitioners from social cash transfer implementing countries in Africa and to promote improved understanding of innovations in the delivery of safety nets in Africa.
