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Zambia Under-17 boys team squeezed into the semifinals of the Zone 6 Youth Games semifinals.
Zambia booked their last four place after a scoreless draw against Malawi in their finla Group A match.
Oswald Mutapa’s side finished on eight points, two behind South Africa who crushed Seychelles 4-1 in a doubleheader at Sunset Stadium.
Zambia will face Lesotho in Fridays last four game avioding their Western rivals Angola who will play South Africa.
Meanwhile, the Womens football tournament semifinal draws will see Zambia face South Africa on Thursday while Zimbabwe will take on Namibia.
Zambia finished third in the round robin tournament on three points from two games, South Africa were top with seven points, Zimbabwe second on six points while Namibia were fourth and bottom with one point.
Some designated liquor outlets in Chief Mukochi’s chiefdom in Kapiri Mposhi district are openly stocking and selling a traditional illicit beer commonly known as Kachasu.
Chief Mukonchi of the Swaka speaking people in Kapiri Mposhi who confirmed the development to ZANIS said almost all the bars at Block Yard market have switched to selling Kachasu to villagers since the government’s ban of the sachet packed beer commonly known as Tujilijili early this year.
The traditional leader complained that the bar owners have completely disregarded the laws that prohibit the manufacturing, selling and consumption of illicit beer.
He stated that the selling of the illicit beer to villagers is greatly contributing to the high moral decay, lawlessness and spread of HIV/AIDS in the area.
The chief appealed to law enforcing agencies to move in and arrest those found manufacturing, selling and consuming the illicit beer.
“Bars at Block Yard are openly stocking Kachasu for sell… last night I went there and confiscated and later destroyed over 60 liters of Kachasu… they have been doing this ever since government imposed a ban on Tujilijili,” Chief Mukonchi said.
The traditional leader said he had embarked on routine checks at the market to ensure that bars do not sell Kachasu to his subjects.
“The ban on Tujilijili by government was very progressive now this will be defeated if people will find another illegal brew as a replacement for the banned stuff … there is no sanity in my chiefdom especially amongst the youths because they are accessing and consuming Kachasu from these bars I need police to come to my area and help,” Chief Mukonchi said.
Chief Mukonchi threatened to take it upon himself to close the beer outlets if owners continue to disregard laws adding that the bar proprietors were just deliberately ignoring the laws and orders by government and his establishment.
Early this year, Government issued a Statutory Instrument to ban the production, consumption and selling of Tujilijili.
The traditional leader ordered his subjects not to undermine government authority but conform to the Statutory Instrument warning that those who will contravene the law will face his wrath noting that Kachasu, just like Tujilijili, is harmful to people consuming it and has rendered most people in his chiefdom unproductive.
“We need to move in the same way we moved when banning Tujilijili because Kachasu has the same effects as those of Tujilijili I want orderliness in my chiefdom,” Chief Mukonchi said.
The chief has since instructed all headmen to be alert and bring to book all those found consuming, brewing and selling Kachasu.
Trial this morning failed to take off in a matter where Chisamba Member of Parliament Moses Muteteka has being accused of stealing a motor vehicle valued at K75 million.
The matter which was scheduled for a continued trial before Lusaka Magistrate Aridah Chuulu was adjourned to January 28 and 30, 2013 stating that the state prosecution team was not ready to proceed with the case as they needed more time to study the documents.
However the Member of Parliament turned up at the Lusaka Magistrate court this morning around 09:00 in the company of his lawyer Friday Besa.
It is alleged that Muteteka 42, a politician on May 24, 2010 while in Lusaka did steal a motor vehicle namely a Mitsubishi Fuso Light truck registration number ABX 3529, valued at 75 million Kwacha property of Chibombo District Council which he allegedly registered in his name.
Mr Muteteka who is former Local Government Deputy Minister in the Rupiah lead government is charged with a motor vehicle theft contrary to section 281(a) of the penal code cap 87 of the laws of Zambia.
Meanwhile on August 20 when the matter came up for trial witness Jimmy Chuulu told Lusaka Magistrate that the vehicle in question had been in custody of Mr Muteteka the Chisamba Member of Parliament.
Foreign Affairs Minister Given Lubinda has been given a seven-day ultimatum in which to exculpate himself on allegations of leaking vital Patriotic Front vital information to online publications and working in collaboration with opposition MMD and UPND.
The development comes barely after the PF held a consultative meeting where, PF secretary general Wynter Kabimba warned of stern action against members with divided loyalty.
Mr Lubinda is accused of actively collaborating with the opposition with the intention of discrediting party policy and bringing its name into disrepute.
He was also accused of leaking adverse information to online newspaper publications namely the Zambian Watchdog and the Daily Nation newspaper.
In a letter dated December 10, 2012 which was signed by Mr Kabimba, Mr Lubinda’s grace period of exculpation would be followed by a disciplinary committee hearing in accordance with party laid down disciplinary procedure.
“I have received adverse reports against you (Lubinda) from members of the PF including MPs regarding acts of disloyalty to the ideals of the party by you as a member. It is alleged that you have been actively working and, or collaborating with some members of the opposition in the MMD and UPND with the intention of discrediting the party’s decisions and policies and hence bringing the name and image of the party in disrepute.
“It is further alleged that you have been responsible for planting some of the adverse articles in the Daily Nation newspaper against the party and its leadership. In your collaboration with some opposition MPs you have been responsible for leaking confidential information to them which information came into your possession as a senior member of the party.
“Such information has been regularly posted by your collaborators or yourself on the Zambian Watchdog so as to discredit the image of the party and its leadership. Your alleged acts are in breach of your obligation as a member under the party Constitution for which the party intends to institute disciplinary action against you. In view of the foregoing I would be obliged to receive from you an exculpatory statement within seven days from the date hereof for reference to the disciplinary committee for consideration and determination of this matter,” the letter stated.
The letter was also copied to President Michael Sata. Efforts to get a comment from Mr Lubinda proved futile by press time as his mobile phones were not reachable.
During the PF consultative meeting, Mr Kabimba urged PF members to seriously look out for traitors in their midst even among some members of the central committee, ministers and members of parliament whom he said pretended to be with PF while they also owed allegiance to other political parties.
He said such individuals were not welcome in the ruling party because they were in the habit of leaking confidential information and destabilizing the party for their own selfish aspirations.
“Such people are responsible for leaking of internal information and destabilizing the party for their own selfish aspirations. As a party we have to firmly deal with such individuals because their actions are inimical to the interest of the party and its future” Mr Kabimba.
Mr Kabimba called for high levels of discipline, unity and hard work among PF members in order to take Zambia forward.
MMD president Nevers Mumba indicating his details in the police register at Kitwe East police station
MMD President Nevers Mumba and seven other party officials who were yesterday detained at Kamfinsa state prison after failing to meet their bail conditions have today been released from Kamfinsa State Prison after meeting their bail conditions.
After their release from Kamfinsa state prison, Dr Mumba along with his co-accused went to Chisokone Market in town where he bought mealie meal and other foodstuffs amid booing from the members of public who were waving the Patriotic Front symbol while the accused waved the MMD symbol.
Dr Mumba was arrested by police in Kitwe on Monday along with four Members of Parliament and three other party officials for unlawful assembly.
The MPs include Howard Kunda of Muchinga, Masaiti’s Michael Katambo, Lufwanyama’s Annie Chungu and James Chishiba of Kafulafuta constituency.
Others are MMD Deputy National Secretary Chembe Nyangu, Copperbelt Provincial Women’s Chairperson Edith Mataka and Greenford Kalinda, a peasant farmer.
They appeared in Kitwe magistrate court yesterday where they all denied the charge of unlawful assembly and bail was granted to all of the accused persons with a sum of K2 million each in their own recognisance.
The bail conditions further included that each accused person should raise two sureties based in Kitwe while one surety should be from a well established institution.
At the market, Dr Mumba’s motorcade was booed by some youths who were waving the Patriotic Front symbol.
As the motorcade passed through Independence Avenue and Zambia way, pedestrians, vendors and motorists waved back the PF symbol as they booed the MMD officials.
The youths bunged the windows on Dr Mumba’s motorcade forcing the entourage to rush out of the market as more people started to form up shouting that the previous regime failed them because public funds were buried instead of investing in basic social facilities and services to people.
Earlier after his release, Dr Mumba said that he had come out of prison a determined person with the resolution to contribute to the democratic growth of the country.
He said he was well-looked after by the inmates and intended to buy them mealie meal, adding that conditions in the correctional facility was deplorable.
Dr Mumba urged the Government to screen inmates who are pardoned because most of those released had spent six to three years and have been re-arrested for committing other offences.
“The Government should release inmates who have completely reformed. The conditions in the prisons almost made me break down. I thank the prison authorities and inmates who looked after us very well,” he told his supporters who had gathered outside the prison.
Dr Mumba later held a briefing at Jubilee Lodge where he urged Government to address the mealie meal shortages in the country.
He was also grateful to MMD and United Party for National Development (UPND) MPs who walked out of Parliament in solidarity of their arrest and subsequent detention.
Fifa says it cannot confirm whether Zambia great Godfrey “Ucar” Chitalu scored 107 goals in 1972.
Responding to a press query from the BBC, Fifa stated that it does not recognise Chitalu’s record.
“Fifa only tracks statistics for Fifa competitions. Therefore we are afraid we cannot confirm the goal scoring figure mentioned neither have we found track of an achievement recognition for Godfrey Chitalu,” said a statement read on BBC’s Sports Today Programme on Tuesday.
But retired veteran soccer commentator Dennis Liwewe says it is not Zambia’s fault that Fifa does not recognise Chitalu’s goal scoring record.
“Surely if they lost the record we are not responsible. If they don’t have the record it’s not our fault. Chitalu was one of the greatest players the world has ever produced,” Liwewe told BBC.
The Chitalu debate was ignited after Barcelona’s Lionel Messi scored his 86th goal of the year 2012 on Sunday breaking Germany’s Gerd Muller’s 85th goal record set in 1972.
FILE: President Sata with his spokesperson George Chellah (r)
By George Chellah (Special Assistant to the president on press and public relations)
State house notes with grave concern and difficulty the exaggerative statement from the President of the Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) Mr. James Banda.
Clearly, in the course of his unjustifiable censure of the Executive arm of Government, Mr. Banda has chosen to deliberately ignore the fundamental realities and principles of governance even on matters that are presently before the Courts of law such as the recent deportations. As an officer of the Court himself, we expect Mr. Banda to be wary of this contemptuous approach to these matters. Therefore, we resist the temptation of being drawn into discussing cases that are before our respectable Courts of law.
Additionally, we find Mr. Banda’s interpretation of the President’s valid observation on the investigations by the Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) unfair and not in line with the general practice and standard of democratic states. Mr. Banda should be reminded that it is a procedural and acceptable norm for the ACC or any investigative agency of Government to notify the President if any senior Government official is under probe. If the President is not informed about the alleged misconduct of his senior officers; how is he supposed to censure them as a supervising authority in the event that they are found wanting but not criminally culpable? This is a general governance practice no wonder we are at pains to grasp Mr. Banda’s argument.
Our Constitution clearly spells out the values and standards of our growing democracy and this administration remains determined and desirous to deepen the democratic system, rule of law, the culture of human rights and freedoms among other essential requirements of acceptable governance.
On matters of governance and the rule of law, this administration has demonstrated far-reaching magnanimity and fairness, which at times is viewed as a weakness by those who have publicly declared to make this country ungovernable. We therefore, urge Mr. Banda to deeply reflect on some of these issues before launching unwarranted attacks on the Executive.
Lastly, this administration through the Office of the Attorney General and Solicitor General has had a very close working relationship with LAZ on various matters of national interest and we would like the status quo to be maintained as we value their input on several matters of concern provided the criticism is genuine and meant to build.
Kabimba with PF cadres at the Anti-Corruption Commision Offices
We, the Oasis Forum would like to add our voice to many people of good will that have spoken so far raising concerns in the way national resources are being used and with particular reference to allocations in the 2013 National Budget.
Office of the First Lady
The creation of the “Office of the First Lady” by the Ministry of Finance and the subsequent allocation of a budget line to it has raised genuine concerns. We are aware that First Ladies have public functions by virtue of their association with the Presidency and occasion legitimate expenses that should be borne from the National Treasury. However, it is also true that the functions of the First Ladies are not independent but auxiliary to those of the elected head of state. Therefore finances earmarked for their functions should be inherent in the budget that covers the functions of the President. As of now, the First Lady in Zambia cannot function as a controlling officer and has no mandate to authorise public expenditure. The arbitrariness demonstrated by the Ministry of Finance in determining budget lines to the extent of creating controversial expenditure lines should be checked by law. Government has to enact the Budget Act which will help to direct the Ministry of Finance in making budget priorities. We have in the past gone through the equally controversial “Presidential Discretionary Fund” during the Presidency of the late Mr FTJ Chiluba. We should thus learn from our past mistakes.
Retirement homes for former Heads of state
The budget also includes estimates for construction of houses for former heads of state. Whereas we support the need to take good care of our retired Heads of State, we feel that this should be done with due diligence, taking into account the financial situation of the country and also prudent prioritisation. We question the inclusion of the serving Head of State in the estimates for 2013 having been just over one year in office and not yet retired!, when we still have a several retired Heads of State on the waiting list. The other matter that still needs to be clearly stated through policy is the ownership status of these retirement properties, that is whether they remain property of government or they are given as gifts to the families of the retired presidents.
Media response to government critics
We also take great exception to some of the media bodies that have made it a habit of unfairly disparaging, labelling and even insulting anybody who questions governance practices. Democracy in Zambia has to date survived not because of one person or institution, but due to the collective efforts of Zambians in different measures. It does not auger well for media bodies to appoint themselves defenders of government even when government actions need to be questioned. We can only assure the public that such futile behaviour from some media bodies will not stop us from speaking the truth.
Kabimba and GBM
Finally, we would like to express our concern on the conduct of the Minister of Justice when he was invited by the Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) to answer questions around allegations levelled against him. His action of insisting to be interviewed publicly in the presence of PF party carders seem to have been schemed to block the ACC interrogation. This is an act of intimidation to the institution and behaviour not befitting a government minister. It is circumvention of justice and the only rational way to deal with this situation is to ask the two ministers to step down from their ministerial positions so that they are investigated without the impediments of the government positions.
Nevers Mumba and other party officials spending a night in Jail.Picture from Mwebantu
Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) President Nevers Mumba had to spend a second night in police custody after complications arose in meeting bails conditions for him and the other seven officials.Kitwe Magistrate Penjani Lamba had set the bail conditions at K 2 million bail each in their own recognizance, with one surety from a well-established institution.
Lawyer Irene Kunda, of George Kunda and Company, representing Dr. Mumba and seven other officials explained that the accused persons could not be released immediately because the processing of bail took long and that they had to be taken to Kamfinsa before lock up time.Ms Kunda said the process would be completed today.
MMD president Nevers Mumba and seven other party officials were yesterday remanded at Kamfinsa State Prison after they appeared in a Kitwe magistrate’s court on a charge of unlawful assembly.Mumba 52, of 17C Middle Way Kabulonga in Lusaka is jointly charged with four Members of Parliament (MPs), two MMD officials and a peasant farmer.They were arrested on Monday as they were arriving in Kalulushi from Lufwanyama and detained at Kitwe East police station.
The MPs are Howard Kunda 37 of Muchinga, Masaiti’s Michael Katambo 43, Lufwanyama lawmaker Annie Chungu 55, and James Chishiba 57, of Kafulafuta Constituency.
Others are MMD deputy national secretary Chembe Nyangu 57 and Copperbelt provincial women chairperson Edith Mataka 59 years old. Greenford Kalinda 53, a peasant farmer is also charged along with the MMD officials.
Mumba and his party officials are alleged to have taken part in an unlawful assembly on Monday this week.They all pleaded not guilty before Principal Resident Magistrate Penjani Lamba.The accused persons, who were all arrested on Monday, were taken to court from Kitwe East police station yesterday around 13:30 hours amid tight security.And the court has granted all of them a bail of K2 million each in their own recognisance.
The bail conditions further indicated that each accused person should raise two sureties, also in the sum of K2million each in their own recognisance. One surety should be from a well established institution.Ms Lamba granted bail after an application from lawyer representing the accused persons Irene Kunda.
In her application, Ms Kunda told the court that the offence was a bailable, misdemeanour and that all the accused persons were of fixed abode.She said the accused persons were Zambians, prominent people in society and there was no possibility of them running away.
Provincial Prosecutions officer Anderson Simbuliani did not object to the bail application while the matter would come up on December 24 for mention and January 12, next year for trial.Meanwhile it is alleged that Kamfinsa Prison authorities denied Dr Nevers Mumba and the seven other officials access to food and turned their relatives away.
United Party for National Development (UPND) leader Hakainde Hichilema has charged that the continued brutality on the opposition by President Michael Sata will not help solve the problems that his government has created.
Mr. Hichilema has since challenged President Sata to instead concentrate on the many challenges that the country is currently facing.
He states that there are many problems the country is facing which need serious attention by the head of State such as the power deficit, instead of concentrating on how he will succeed in bringing down the opposition.
He says it is time that president Sata realized that there is more to governing the country than suppressing the opposition in the country.
Mr. Hichilema states that there is no justifiable reason why the police had to arrest and detain MMD president Nevers Mumba for having talks with a traditional leader because it is his constitutional right as a citizen of this country.
In a telephone interview with QFM News, Mr. Hichilema says as a Zambian Citizen, he will never allow anyone to violate his human rights.
He adds that Zambians should realize that recycled leaders have nothing to offer to the country.
Jubilant Kapoko celebrating freedom with family member
The Jesuit Center for Theological Reflection (JCTR) says the acquittal of former Ministry of Health Human Resources Manager Henry Kapoko raises questions.
JCTR Director Father Leonard Chiti has told Qfm News in an interview that he shares the displeasure shown by the British government on the court’s decision.
Father Chiti says the move will paint a bad picture on the country to the International community which has been committing huge sums of money to the country’s health sector.
He says the International community was hoping that Zambia would secure convictions for those who misapplied public funds.
The JCTR Director has since expressed hope that the Anti Corruption Commission which is yet to appeal the Magistrate Court’s decision will do so.
The Lusaka Magistrates court last week acquitted Mr. Kapoko of seven charges of theft by public servant amounting to K374 million.
This was the second acquittal after he was recently acquitted of stealing over K7 billion from the Ministry of Health where he worked as human resources manager.
The arrested Opposition members with a female colleague locked up in the same cell
Opposition Members of Parliament (MPs) yesterday protested at State House in Lusaka over the arrest of MMD president Nevers Mumba and two of his four accompanying MPs on the Copperbelt Province for unlawful assembly by police on Monday.
Dr Mumba was questioned together with Lufwanyama Mp Anne Chungu,Howard Kunda of Muchinga, Michael Katambo from Masaiti and Kafulafuta parliamentarian James Chishiba at Kitwe Central Station but was later moved to Nkana East Police Station where he was detained together with Mr Kunda and Ms Chungu.
The police however, released the MPS for Masaiti and Kafulafuta, Mr Katambo and Mr Chishiba respectively after questioning.
The arrest of MMD Mps yesterday prompted other opposition parliamentarians to walk out of Parliament and drove to State House in an attempt to seek audience with President Michael Sata.
MMD vice president Michael Kaingu and United Party for National Development spokesperson Charles Kakoma who led other opposition MPs, arrived at State House around 15:30 but were met by a heavy presence of police in full riot gear who sealed the main gate and other roads near State House.
Nevers Mumba and 4 MMD Mps in the Nkana East police cells
Mr Kaingu told journalists that the MPs were not happy with arrest of their colleagues and that Speaker of the National Assembly Patrick Matibini was also not notified about the arrests of their colleagues.
“We are here to express our displeasure in the manner the police are applying the Public Order.We are to seek audience with President Sata on this matter,” Mr Kaingu said.Lubasenshi MP Patrick Mucheleka (Independent) said there was need to critically look at the Public Order Act and that the arrest of MMD parliamentarians was unfair.
Opposition members of Parliament march towards State House to protest the arrest of MMD president Nevers Mumba and 4 MMD Mps
After a 10 minutes debate amongst themselves, the MPs later agreed to leave State House and drove back to the National Assembly to chart the way forward.
MMD Solwezi MP Lucky Mulusa was heard pleading with his colleagues to return to National Assembly motel stating President Sata’s special assistant for Press and Public relation George Chellah promised to respond.
The Parliamentarians earlier walked out of Parliament in the middle of budget debates in protest over the arrest of their MMD colleagues along with Dr Mumba.
The walk-out was triggered when UPND Monze Central MP, Jack Mwiimbu raised a point of order, asking if it was in order for the MMD members to continue deliberating on matters in the House when their colleagues had been arrested in Kitwe.
Police cordon off routes leading to State House in Lusaka after opposition members of Parliament threatened to mount a protest.
“I rise on a very serious point of order, are the members on my left, the MMD, in order to continue debating, when four of their fellow MPs have been moved to Kamfinsa Prison, I need your serious ruling on this matter, sir,” Mr Mwiimbu said.
Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Mkhondo Lungu ruled that the matter would be addressed as guided by the Speaker during deliberations when a similar point of order was raised by Solwezi West MMD MP, Humphrey Mwanza, who expressed concern over the detention of Dr Mumba and other MPs alleging that this was an infringement on human rights.
The opposition bench trooped out of the House at 16:10 hours and proceeded to hold a meeting outside on their next course of action before proceeding to State House.
Opposition members of Parliament plot their next move after they wereblocked by police near State House in Lusaka yesterday where they went to protest the arrest of MMD president Nevers Mumba and 4 MMD MpsOpposition members of Parliament plan their next move after they were stopped from marching to State House by police in Lusaka
Nevers Mumba and 4 MMD Mps in the Nkana East police cells
The Zambian government of President Michael Sata has violated local and international law with the December 10th arrest of opposition leader Nevers Mumba, according to a legal defence alliance.
Under the United Nations International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which Zambia has been a State Party since 1984, the unlawful jailing of Dr. Mumba by the police represents violations of his rights under Article 9.1 (right to liberty and freedom from arbitrary detention), Article 19 (freedom of opinion and expression), Article 22 (freedom of association) and Article 25 (a) (right to take part in the conduct of public affairs), said Robert Amsterdam, international lawyer and counsel to the Coalition for the Defence of Democratic Rights (CDDR).
Amsterdam further argued that the Zambian government’s arbitrary arrests of opposition members represent a violation of the principles enshrined in the African (Banjul) Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights under Article 13(1), which states that “Every citizen shall have the right to participate freely in the government of his country, either directly or through freely chosen representatives in accordance with the provisions of the law.”
“This politically motivated arrest is only the latest event in a series of repressive actions by the Patriotic Front administration against the opposition, which have curtailed the rights of citizens to free expression and association and damaged Zambia’s rule of law,” said Amsterdam. “It is our intention to document these flagrant abuses of civil rights by the Sata government and present briefs before Zambia’s international partners.”[pullquote]Given that President Sata has personally intervened in the judicial process to accuse opponents while at the same time instructing anti-corruption authorities to ask his permission before prosecuting his ministers, we cannot expect fair treatment from the authorities with regard to Dr. Mumba[/pullquote]
Dr. Mumba, who is president of the Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD), was arrested by the Zambian police on 10 December, during a visit to Kitwe on the Copperbelt. Police spokespersons accused Dr. Mumba of “unlawful assembly” and “conduct likely to breach the peace.” Later, four journalists were also arrested attempting to cover the story. The arrest comes after months of harassment of the MMD by the ruling party, including an attempted dissolution and a scandal involving a turncoat national secretary who attempted to invalidate Dr. Mumba’s presidency of the party, according to the CDDR.
On 11 December, police also arrested Edward Mumbi, who serves as advisor to Hakainde Hichilema of the opposition United Party for National Development (UPND). In response to these arrests, opposition MPs walked out of parliament in protest to go to State House to confront President Sata.
“Given that President Sata has personally intervened in the judicial process to accuse opponents while at the same time instructing anti-corruption authorities to ask his permission before prosecuting his ministers, we cannot expect fair treatment from the authorities with regard to Dr. Mumba,” said Amsterdam. “The CDDR stands behind other civil society organizations, such as the Law Association of Zambia (LAZ), which recently described the Zambian government’s conduct as a ‘breakdown of rule of law.’”
Amsterdam continued: “We are calling upon the media and international community to take note of this ruthless assault on the rights of Zambian people, which if left unchecked will surely only worsen.”
Representing a broad array of opposition parties, political figures, and private citizens, Coalition for the Defence of Democratic Rights (CDDR) is a legal defence alliance formed in Zambia in the fall of 2012 in response to increasing harassment and interference by the authorities and related parties. More information on the CDDR’s activities can be read at
Evelyn Hone College Students running away from Zambia Police riot squad
The Zambia Direct Democracy Movement (ZDDM) has accused the Zambia Police Service (ZPS) of being corrupt and abusing their privileges.
ZDDM National Coordinator Edwin Sakala told ZANIS in a petition presented today that ZDDM have observed regrettably that corruption in the Police Service is growing at an alarming level within the Police department.
Mr Sakala said they are particularly concerned that each time people require service from Police Officers, gratification is asked from them.
He observed that by paying tax and being asked for gratification is paying officers twice for the services they are employed for in the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Mr Sakala maintained that this trend is unacceptable in modern society and should be addressed immediately.
And Mr Sakala said it appears that under the Traffic Department have a new found source of income and by mounting up a roadblock they demand a K50, 000 from motorists with defective motor vehicles especially the public service drivers.
He pointed out that this has led to these minibus drivers to stop caring for the vehicles knowing that a K 50, 000 will be paid even if the vehicle is defective.
“This trend has endangered many people as they are subjected to travel in vehicles that are not road worthy and have seen many road accidents that have claimed many lives,” he said.
However, Mr Sakala explained that a Police Officer being used by people to settle scores with their perceived enemies using police cells is another growing trend.
He said the idea of using Police Officers by members of the public to settle their private wrongs should be addressed instantly to circumvent erosion of the confidence people have in Police Officers.
But when contacted for a comment, Police Public Relations Officer Elizabeth Kanjela described the allegations as false as the police do not allow faulty vehicles to operate.
Ms Kanjela said the police are working hand in hand with the Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) to impound unregistered and faulty cars.
She stated that the police have put up measures to chuck out corruption adding that motorists who are asked to pay certain amounts because they are at fault should demand for receipts.
Meanwhile, ZDDM Vice President Charles Kafumbo said they have observed that the current National Registration Card (NRC) and the passports have been subjected to abuse by both citizens and people tasked to administer them.
Mr Kafumbo noted that people of foreign nationals are finding it easy to acquire these documents at a fee.
He reiterated that the trend has endangered Zambian citizens because some foreign elements running away from the law in their countries of origin have acquired NRCs and when they commit crime where ever they go, they tarnish the image of Zambia both abroad and within, resulting in other people in the region and world over claiming Zambians are criminals.
Mr Kafumbo said this has been confirmed by security agents abroad acting on behalf of Zambia.
He implored the Ministry of Home Affairs to consider putting mechanisms in place that will prevent people of foreign nationals to acquire National Identities dubiously.
Mr Kafumbo advised that government should introduce not only a new but verifiable and sophisticated national identity card which cannot be easily accessible by anyone.
And Ms Kanjela explained that the police have combined efforts with the immigration and National Registration Office (NRO) department to issue genuine NRCs only to those eligible.
She has since urged the general public to understand the law in order to address matters effectively.
Government has said that there is need for the Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) to inform Republican President Michael Sata of investigations against senior government officials to enable administrative action to be considered.
In a press statement to the media, Chief Government Spokesperson Kennedy Sakeni emphasized that in any civilized society, it is a standard practice for the president to be informed of investigations against senior government officials.
Mr Sakeni who is also Minister of Information added that he is disappointed that Law Association of Zambia President James Banda chose to comment on immigration matters which are currently in the courts of law.
Mr Sakeni further said that government was aware that LAZ will be holding elections in April next year and there is a temptation for those in various offices within LAZ to want to appear to be working adding that government does not want to be part of the electioneering.
Below is the full statement
Republic of Zambia
Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Services
PRESS STATEMENT BY THE MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING SERVICES AND CHIEF GOVERNMENT SPOKESPERSON HON. KENNEDY SAKENI, MP
We note with interest the statement of the President of the Law Association of Zambia Mr. James Banda.
We are surprised that Mr. Banda has chosen to comment on immigration matters which are currently before the Courts of law. Such a course of action can only be interpreted as a calculated attempt to influence the out come of such court cases.
Although we are aware of Mr. Banda’s contempt of the judiciary, we do not want to be drawn into discussing matters that are subjudice because of the high regard the executive has for the due process of law and the justice delivery system.
As regards Mr. Banda’s comments on the Anti Corruption Commission, we are at pains to comprehend Mr. Banda’s statement which in the one breath decries the necessity to inform the Republican President of allegations against senior members of Government but in the very next breath is calling on the Republican President to suspend serving Ministers pending investigations.
We wish to reiterate that it is for this very reason that the Anti Corruption Commission needs to inform the Republican President of investigations against senior Government officials so that administrative action can be considered. We emphasise that in any civilised democratic society it is standard practice for the President to be advised of investigations against senior Government officials.
Finally, we are aware that LAZ is holding its elections in April, 2013 and there is a temptation for those in various offices within LAZ to grand stand in order to be seen to be working.
We do not want to be a part of the electioneering by Mr. Banda and emphasize that all our offices remain available and open to dialogue with LAZ at all levels.
The Government through the office of the Attorney General and Solicitor General has been working very closely with LAZ on several matters of national interest and of interest to the legal profession. The Government values the contribution of LAZ to matters of national interest and invites the Association to engage the Government on any matters of concern.
Issued by:
Hon. Kennedy Sakeni, MP MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING SERVICES AND CHIEF GOVERNMENT SPOKESPERSON
