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President Hichilema calls for focusing on flood- relief efforts

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President Hakainde Hichilema has called on all stakeholders and citizens to compliment the government’s efforts in combating climate change and all its effects on citizens.

The President says all concerned citizens should extend help to the families affected by the floods currently being experienced in the country by donating through the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) or directly to the affected families.

The Head of State has since directed all Members of Parliament to visit their constituencies to appreciate the extent of the damage caused by flooding in their localities.

President Hichilema said this during his address to the second session of the thirteenth National Assembly on the progress made in the application of the national values and principles.

“Government recognizes climate change and its associated threats that continue to affect the sustainability of development trajectory. For instance, we have recently experienced devastating floods in some parts of the country. We have visited some flood hit areas. It is sad that economic livelihoods have been destroyed including children unable to attend school” he said

The Head of State added that the government has put in place several measures to address climate change including the two million tree planting project, which he has encouraged everyone to join in.

And President Hichilema further informed the house that the government has decentralized the approval of Constituency Development Fund CDF to Provincial Administration offices and has streamlined the CDF guidelines to make it easier to access and implement.

He said all the 156 constituencies received their full allocation of CDF for the year 2022 and that 3,256 community projects have so far been approved for implementation in all the constituencies.

“Government has taken measures to improve the efficiency and effectiveness in the implementation of the CDF. To this effect, the approval of CDF projects has been decentralized to the provincial administration and guidelines on procurement have also been streamlines” he said

He added that 11, 422 vulnerable pupils in 130 constituencies were granted boarding bursaries and an additional 29, 916 youths from vulnerable families in 145 constituencies accessed skills development bursaries.

The President has further called on area Members of Parliament from constituencies that are not using the education bursaries to do so and increase access to education which he described as the best tool that can be given to children to secure their future.

Evans Kangwa Looking Forward to New Challenges in Chinese League

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Chipolopolo striker Evans Kangwa is glad to join Chinese topflight side Qingdao Hainiu.

Kangwa last month left Russian club Arsenal Tula Football Club after a nearly six-year spell.

His move to Qingdao Hainiu was confirmed on Thursday.

“Pleased to be joining Qingdao Hainiu Football Club in the Chinese Topflight,” Kangwa said in a facebook statement.

“Can’t wait to meet the lads, meet the fans and together make beautiful memories on the pitch,” Kangwa said.

He featured in more than 100 official games for Tula.

“Thank you Arsenal Tula Football Club for everything and I wish the Club the very best for the rest of the season and years ahead.! Indeed I will forever be a fan,” Kangwa remarked when leaving Tula.

ZAMTEL to improve network coverage in Eastern Province

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ZAMTEL has assured the people of Eastern Province of improved mobile telecommunication coverage to boost social economic activities especially in rural areas.

Zamtel Acting Chief Executive Officer, Joshua Malupenga says the parastatal has so far installed additional communication towers in the province so as to expand the 4G coverage in far flung areas.

Mr Malupenga has pointed out that Zamtel has given priority to network expansion in rural areas in a quest to take closer digital services to the disadvantaged communities.

He was speaking in Chipata today when he paid a courtesy call on Paramount Chief Mpezeni at Laweni ahead of the Ncwala Ceremony slated for tomorrow.

Mr Malupenga assured the Paramount Chief that Zamtel will endeavor to provide quality to the communication services as this is another way of creating job opportunities among the young people in rural areas through digital financial services.

And Paramount Chief Mpezeni expressed gratitude to Zamtel as an indigenous mobile network provider for striving hard to reach out to rural parts of the area.

The traditional leader said Zamtel network was available even in hard-to-reach areas thereby enhancing communication among his subjects.

He said Zamtel as a people’s company should be sustained in its operations so that it responds to the emerging trends in digital communication.

Paramount Chief Mpezeni however requested Zamtel to consider strengthening roaming services in neighboring Malawi.

High suicide cases in Muchinga Province alarming – Police

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The Zambia Police Service in Muchinga Province says the high number of suicide cases in Mafinga district and the province at large are alarming.

Muchinga Province Police Commanding Officer, Kaunda Mubanga said this in a press statement made available to the Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS) yesterday.

Mr Mubanga said that the Police service will therefore carry out community sensitisation on the causes and effects of suicide in order to help curb the rising vise.

“The number of suicide cases in the province and in Mafinga district are alarming” he said.

He said that officers under the Community Services Directorate (CSD) will work closely with the traditional leadership and other government departments such as that of social welfare to educate communities on the causes and effects of suicide.

Mr Mubanga sited among other causes of suicide, mental health challenges, alcohol abuse, marital disputes and financial challenges.

“You may wish to note that some common causes of suicide are marital disputes, mental health, financial challenges among other,” he said.

Mafinga district in Muchinga Province has recorded 3 suicide cases within a space of 10 days.

Zambia makes strides in fighting violence and caderism

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President Hakainde Hichilema says the country has recorded positive strides in the fight against violence and caderism.

President Hichilema said violence and cadarism in the country has been tremendously controlled.

The Head of State said this today at Parliament buildings during his address to the nation on the progress made in the Application of National Values and Principles.

Mr Hichilema observed that the Lusaka Intercity Bus Terminus was previously controlled by carders but now people are operating freely.

“This intercity bus station you are seeing was full of carders. This administration made sure that sanity is brought back and this is what we have done,” he said.

President Hichilema added that violence has also been reduced in the country as opposed to how it was previously.

He observed that years back, guns and bullets were all over and some lives were lost.

“We saw this during by elections and hearing of some court cases. People lost lives and this administration worked around the clock and ensured that violence in the country is reduced. And am happy to report that his has been achieved,“ he said.

The President said tribalism is also one area that government will not tolerate and condone as it has potential affect the country’s national development.

Meanwhile, President Hichilema arrived at Parliament buildings at exactly 09:27 hours this morning and was received by Speaker of the National Assembly, Nelly Mutti and some Service Chiefs among other senior government officials.

The Speaker then led the President to the signing of the visitor’s book and thereafter proceeded to the chamber where he addressed the nation.

While giving his address, President Hichilema called on all stakeholders such as the church, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and others to come on board and help in the application of national values in the country.

“Am calling upon all stakeholders to come and board and help the country in the application of national values and principles,” he appealed.

Lumezi signs contracts worth over K7 million for CDF-funded community project

Lumezi Town Council has signed contracts with fifteen contractors worth over K7 million for the construction of community projects funded by the Constituency Development Fund (CDF). The projects are expected to cover the education, health, water, and infrastructure sectors in the district. The contracts were approved by the Attorney General’s Office, pursuant to the Public Procurement Act No. 8 of 2020 section 72 (2) (e) and section 71 (i). The delivery period for all the fifteen projects approved is twelve weeks from the date works commence except for those that may justifiably formally request the Council to commence works at a later date owing to the prevailing weather conditions and terrain.

Lumezi Town Council Secretary, Mary Sinkala, warned contractors that the council will not accept low-quality works, and any contractor who fails to meet expectations risks not getting any other contract. She emphasized that the Local Authority does not want substandard materials from contractors just because projects are in the rural areas. The Council’s desire is to achieve infrastructure that benefits the community. Ms Sinkala urged the contractors to be mindful about quality and efficiency to meet the timeframe and communicate with the Local Authority for close supervision.

The projects include the construction of staff houses, classroom blocks, health posts, and mother’s shelters with VIP toilets and incinerators. Each project was assigned to a specific contractor, with a breakdown of projects, contractors, and total contract sums signed by the Council provided. The projects are expected to commence soon, and the delivery period is twelve weeks.

Below is the Detailed Press Statement:

PRESS STATEMENT
(For Immediate Release)
Friday, 24th February, 2023.
LUMEZI SIGNS CONTRACTS WORTH OVER K7 MILLION FOR CDF COMMUNITY PROJECTS
Construction works on the 2022 Constituency Development Fund CDF funded community projects worth more than K7 Million in Lumezi are earmarked to commence following the signing of contracts with fifteen (15) contractors.
Last year, Lumezi Town Council shortlisted a total of sixteen (16) recommended community projects which were projected to Costco K13,935,384.84 covering the education health, water and infrastructure sectors in the district.
Following approval of the proposed contracts by the Attorney General’s Office, Lumezi Town Council has signed contracts with fifteen (15) contractors for construction works worth K7,547,070.72, pursuant to the Public Procurement Act No. 8 of 2020 section 72 (2) (e) and section 71 (i). This is in addition to the procurement of a grader last month by the Local Authority at K2,030,000 as part of the community projects.
Addressing contractors after the signing of contracts for service delivery, Lumezi Town Council Secretary, Mary Sinkala warned that the council will not accept low quality works and that any contractor who fails to meet expectations risks not getting any other contract.
“The Council will not accept low quality works. Work according to what’s laid down in the contracts, so if your works will be outstanding, we will keep engaging you in future projects” Ms Sinkala said.
The Council Secretary emphasized the fact that the Local Authority does not want substandard materials from contractors just because projects are in the rural areas, as it is the Council’s desire to achieve infrastructure that benefits the community.
“You should also be mindful about quality and efficiency to meet the timeframe. Ensure to communicate with the Local Authority for close supervision because we want to see quality works within the specified timeframe” she said.
The following is a breakdown of projects, contractors and total contract sum signed by the Council;
1. Construction of a staff house at Chocha Primary School in Lumimba Ward by Transtech Engineering Ltd at K385,000.
2. Construction of a staff house at Kataba Health Post in Kazembe Ward by Momu Business Solutions Ltd at K474,000.
3. Construction of a 1×3 Classroom Block at Chibembe Primary School in Lukusuzi Ward by Mukasi Construction and General Dealers Ltd at K763,786.80.
4. Construction of a Mother’s Shelter and Incinerator at Yakhobe Health Post in Chibande Ward by Slycon General Suppliers Ltd at K497,883.75.
5. Construction of a Staff House and a double VIP toilet at Yakhobe Health Post in Lukusuzi Ward by Zumale General Traders Ltd at K460,000.
6. Completion of a 1×3 Classroom Block at Chasera Day Secondary School in Chibande Ward by Zoko Investments Ltd at K640,115.
7. Completion of a 1×3 Classroom Block at Milulu Primary School in Chibande Ward by Kambube General Dealers Ltd at K192,044.69.
8. Construction of a Health Post and Incinerator at Katope by Bavic Construction Company Ltd at K397,475.60.
9. Construction of a Mother’s Shelter and a double VIP Toilet at Katope by Prolific Ventures Ltd at K467,946.78.
10. Construction of a 1×3  Classroom Block at Kabobola Primary School by Lima Agro Suppliers Limited at K621,299.
11. Construction of a 1×3 Classroom Block at Kangobe Primary School in Kachama Ward by Jikana Construction and General Suppliers Ltd at K742,357.11.
12. Completion of a Health Post, Incinerator and a double VIP Toilet at Chamkoma in Kamimba Ward by Kandekha Investments Ltd at K318,000.
13. Construction of a Staff House at Chamkoma Health Post in Kamimba Ward by Blejosh Contractors and General Suppliers Ltd at K378,944 50.
14. Construction of a 1×3 Classroom Block and three (03) double VIP Toilets at Kateme Primary School in Diwa Ward by Anasma Investments Ltd at K973,932.65.
15. Construction of a 1×3 Classroom Block at Kamnkongono Primary School (Phase 1) in Chamtowa Ward by Metalfabs Ltd at K234,284.84.
The delivery period for all the fifteen projects approved is twelve (12) weeks from the date works commence except for those that may justifiably formally request the Council to commence works at a later date owing to the prevailing weather conditions and terrain.
Issued by;
Irvin Muyumbwa (Mr)
Public Relations Officer
Lumezi Town Council

Cyclone Freddy Causes Damage in Madagascar, Heads Towards Mozambique

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Cyclone Freddy Causes Damage in Madagascar, Heads Towards Mozambique

Cyclone Freddy has caused severe damage in the city of Mananjary in Madagascar, killing four people and affecting over 16,600 Malagasy, with 4,500 homes flooded or damaged. Although the cyclone weakened as it tracked across Madagascar, France’s weather service, Meteo-France, has warned that it could pick up strength as it heads towards the African mainland. Freddy is expected to land in regions between central and southern Mozambique on Friday and could reach Zimbabwe. Mozambique’s government has declared a red alert to prepare for a potential emergency.

Freddy is the first cyclone and the second tropical weather system to hit Madagascar during the current season, according to the UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. The storm began to brew in the first week of February and is now in its third week trekking across the Indian Ocean. At its height, Freddy was a “supercyclone,” with average wind speeds of 220 kph and gusts of 320 kph.

The UN’s World Food Programme had estimated that more than 2.3 million people in Madagascar could be affected. The cyclone coincides with a months-long drought in the southern part of the island that has inflicted widespread hunger. Heavy rain could also hit parts of Zimbabwe and South Africa at the weekend, and most likely Zambia too.

The cyclone comes as Mozambique is already in the middle of its rain season, with saturated soil. Dozens of houses in the central port city of Beira had flooded on Wednesday, and heavy rain could lead to more flooding and potential risks.

Freddy is the largest cyclone in recent years to threaten Madagascar, which typically experiences several storms during the November-April storm season. Although it brought less rain than feared, it still ripped roofs off buildings and flattened rice fields and fruit trees.

Lesotho Confirm Johannesburg Venue for Zambia Game

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Lesotho will host Zambia in Johannesburg, South Africa next month in the final leg of their 2023 AFCON Group H qualifier doubleheader.

Likuena is playing its home games abroad because its home ground in Maseru does not meet CAF specifications to host competitive international games.

The Lesotho Football Association confirmed in a statement that the final leg Group H qualifier against Zambia will be played at Dobsonville Stadium.

“Lesotho will host the return match at Dobsonville Stadium in Johannesburg on March 26, as Setsoto Stadium remains suspended from hosting international matches. The game will kick off at 15h00 (GMT 13H00),” LFA said in a statement.

Lesotho also played their first Group H home game at Dobsonville on June 9, 2022, against Cote d’Ivoire which ended 0-0.

The first leg will be played on March 23 at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola at 18h00.

Lesotho is bottom of Group H with 1 point, Zambia and Comoros have 3 points while Cote d’Ivoire leads Group H with 4 points after two rounds played.

Meanwhile, Lesotho arrived in Malawi on Thursday ahead of Saturday’s friendly against The Flames in Lilongwe.

FAZ General Secretary Kashala Leaves Football House

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after five years on the job.

FAZ President Andrew Kamanga confirmed Kashala’s departure from Football House where he has been general secretary since 2018.

“Following the reinstatement of Mr Adrian Kashala in the Zambia Police where he has been appointed as Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police and Deputy
Commanding Officer Paramilitary Battalion Unit, he will no longer serve as FAZ General Secretary,” Kamanga said.

“On behalf of the FAZ executive, I wish to thank Mr Kashala for his selfless service to the game. We will however be open to utilizing his experience in various areas of our game as he is an asset.”

FAZ registrar Iva Longwe will act as general secretary “for administrative convenience until the position is filled” Football House stated.

El Mukuka teams up with Mumba Yachi for “The Harvest”

El mukuka
El Mukuka teams up with Mumba Yachi for “The Harvest“. The song is the next single off Mukuka’s upcoming debut album entitled “ZEBRA” and is a song about celebration. The story is that of an African village that has a successful year of harvest and in order to celebrate, calls upon the neighboring villages to feast, dance and give thanks with them.
The song is a fusion of Congolese rumba music with Afro-House and a proudly Zambian product!

 

Government urged to Prepare for Cyclone Freddy’s Potential Devastation

Opposition Leader Brian Mundubile Urges Government to Prepare for Cyclone FreddyAs Cyclone Freddy looms over the Indian Ocean, the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Brian Mundubile, has called on the Zambian Government to prepare adequately for the potentially devastating effects of the cyclone. Mr. Mundubile, who is also the Presidential candidate for the Patriotic Front (PF), has warned that the cyclone could cause heavy rains and result in food shortages, damage to infrastructure, and loss of human life.

In a statement released on Thursday, Mr. Mundubile urged the Zambian Government to step up its efforts in providing adequate information to citizens to raise awareness of the potential challenges posed by Cyclone Freddy. He also called on the Government to put measures in place to mitigate the damage that could result from the cyclone.

“It is in the public domain that Cyclone Freddy is projected to cause heavy rains in the Southern African region, and there are serious concerns about the impact this could have on the people of Zambia,” Mr. Mundubile said. “I urge the Government to provide adequate information to citizens so that they can prepare themselves for the potential challenges of Cyclone Freddy.”

“My view is that our leaders should pay more attention to Cyclone Freddy,” he continued. “Most of the Zambian people, especially those from Eastern, Southern and Central Provinces of Zambia, would be affected. Even for His Excellency the President, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, needs to spend more time in the country to attend to the challenges that people face, of which Cyclone Freddy would be one of them.”

Cyclones and other extreme weather events are becoming increasingly common in the region due to climate change, and there is growing concern that governments in Southern Africa are ill-prepared to deal with their effects. As such, it is critical that the Zambian Government heeds Mr. Mundubile’s call to prepare for Cyclone Freddy to minimize the potential damage to human life and infrastructure.

“I fear that Cyclone Freddy could result in food shortages, damage to infrastructure, and cause devastation to human life,” Mr. Mundubile said. “It is important that the Government takes this threat seriously and puts measures in place to mitigate the damage that could result from the cyclone.”

Chambeshi Hails Nkana New Boy Kabala’s Early Impact

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Coach Beston Chambeshi has hailed the instant impact of Congolese striker David Kabala in the less than 30 days he has been at Nkana.

Kabala has scored three goals after joining Nkana from DR Congo club JS Groupe on 28th January.

He scored in Nkana’s league matches against Muza, Nchanga Rangers and Chambishi.

Speaking to journalists in Kitwe, Chambeshi said Kabala was settling well in Wusakile.

“I could see the boy believes in himself and maybe the environment has helped him to settle down,” he said.

“We welcomed him very well and the boy is proving to be himself now – which is good. He is a team player, he is a player who can motivate others.”

Chambeshi added:”He is player who can score and that is the player we want as a team.”

Government warns street food traders who defy ban on ready-to-eat foods

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The Zambian government has issued a warning to traders who continue to sell ready-to-eat foods on the streets, in spite of a ban aimed at preventing the spread of cholera. The ban was imposed due to concerns over unhygienic practices and the potential for the disease to spread throughout the country.

The ban has been flouted by many street traders in Lusaka and Kitwe, who claim that selling food on the streets is their only means of survival. However, Local Government and Rural Development Permanent Secretary Maambo Hamaundu has emphasized that traders who disregard the ban will be dealt with according to existing laws and guidelines.

Hamaundu has reminded traders that the issue at hand is a matter of life and death, and urged them not to put citizens at risk by continuing to sell food on the streets. He has also directed local authorities to communicate the ban effectively, in order to ensure that all stakeholders move in the same direction.

The Association of Vendors and Marketeers of Zambia President Abel Chikwa has called on the government to find lasting solutions to prevent cholera outbreaks in the future. Meanwhile, the street traders selling ready-to-eat foods have argued that they cannot stop selling on the streets as it is their only source of income.

Some traders have suggested that the government work with them to ensure that the streets are kept clean, rather than imposing a ban that harms their livelihoods.

The ban on the sale of ready-to-eat foods on the streets is a measure aimed at protecting citizens from cholera, which is caused by contaminated food or water. The disease has been a persistent problem in Zambia, with outbreaks occurring regularly in recent years.

Energy Minister Announces Plans to Increase Access to Electricity and Reduce Fuel Prices

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Zambia’s Minister of Energy, Hon. Eng. Peter C. Kapala, has delivered a press statement addressing the current state of the country’s energy sector. The briefing, which was held at the Ministry of Information and Media, highlighted improvements in electricity generation and measures being taken to reduce fuel prices.

According to the Minister, the water levels in the country’s major hydropower reservoirs have continued to rise, resulting in an increase in generation at the Itezhi-Tezhi Power Station and Lusemfwa Hydropower Station. As a result, the total available average electricity generation now stands at 2,235MW, which is sufficient to meet the current power demand. Therefore, the Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation (ZESCO) has stopped load shedding.

The Minister also announced that the government is committed to achieving universal access to electricity, and has increased funding for rural electrification projects. Sixty-two grid development projects have been advertised for implementation in 2023, and 18 off-grid systems shall be installed through solar mini-grids.

In addition, the Minister discussed measures being taken to reduce fuel prices. The government plans to convert the TAZAMA pipeline to transport finished petroleum products instead of feedstock, which will significantly reduce the cost of transporting low sulfur gasoil. The government is also exploring blending petrol with ethanol, which has realized several benefits in other countries, including reduction in prices and the promotion of cassava out-grower schemes.

The Minister further stated that negotiations have been initiated for the possibility of utilizing the Zimbabwean fuel pipeline for the transportation of gasoline, which would result in lower prices. The government is also revisiting and revising the rates for selected cost lines in the fuel price build-up, including costs related to profit margins and applicable charges/fees.

Regarding the current fuel stock situation, the Minister confirmed that Zambia had sufficient national fuel stocks, with diesel exceeding the required threshold of 15 days and petrol falling slightly below. The reduction in petrol stocks has been attributed to high premiums charged by international suppliers and refineries due to the low availability of the product worldwide, making imports costly for oil marketing companies. To address this, the government has confirmed orders from several oil marketing companies of both diesel and petrol, which will provide more than 15 days of stock cover for each product.

The Minister concluded by reiterating the government’s commitment to ensuring a reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy supply for the country, towards a brighter and more sustainable energy future for Zambia.

UPND Government admits corruptions within its ranks, Vows to Crack Down on Illegalities

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The Zambian Minister of Information and Media, Hon. Chushi Kasanda, has raised the alarm over the rise of illegal activities taking place with the aid of government and United Party for National Development (UPND) officials. Speaking in a press statement, the Minister expressed the government’s concern over the matter, stating that it is a total disregard of the rule of law.

“Government has observed with serious concern that some Government and UPND party officials are abetting corruption and other illegalities, which are a total disregard of the rule of law. We are extremely disappointed that vices, including illegal land acquisition and allocation; illegal harvesting and transportation of Mukula tree; and illegal mining and selling of minerals such as gold, lithium and sugilite, are taking place with the blessing of some Government and Party officials. This is totally unacceptable under the New Dawn administration, presided over by His Excellency the President Mr Hakainde Hichilema, and must be stopped immediately,” said the Minister.

The Minister went on to emphasize that the government is fully aware of the schemes being used to keep law enforcement agencies at bay and warned that perpetrators of illegal activities will face the full wrath of the law.

“Lawless individuals are misusing the name of the ruling Party and names of some senior Party and Government officials, as being the ones under whose instructions they are committing the illegalities. Government wishes to state, in no uncertain terms, that those UPND Party and Government functionaries who will be found wanting will not be protected in any way. Perpetrators of illegalities are on their own, and law enforcement officers who will fail to take action against them on account of their political affiliation will be treated as accomplices and will face corresponding consequences,” added the Minister.

The Minister further reiterated the President’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and equality before the law, stating that the UPND administration will never condone corruption or any other illegality, no matter who the perpetrators are.

“His Excellency President Hichilema is on record saying that the UPND administration will never condone corruption or any other illegality, no matter who the perpetrators are. Equality before the law shall continue to be the hallmark of the UPND administration under the leadership of President Hichilema,” said the Minister.

The recent arrest of Luapula Province Deputy Permanent Secretary, along with District Commissioners for Nchelenge and Mwansabombwe, for allegedly transporting suspected stolen sugilite, disguised as manganese, was seen as an example and a deterrent to those wanting to engage in illegal activities for whatever reason.

“The arrest should serve as an example and a deterrent to those wanting to engage in illegalities for whatever reason. The arrest should also send a clear message to those who have been made to believe that some suspected criminals are being arrested for belonging to a particular political party,” said the Minister.

The statement serves as a warning to all those involved in illegal activities and emphasizes the government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and bringing those involved in illegal activities to justice, regardless of their political affiliations. The nation is urged to be guided accordingly.