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Former Defence Minister, Ben Mwila’s wife Margrate has pleaded not guilty to two counts of issuing cheques on an insufficiently funded account, in the Lusaka Magistrates Court.
Mrs. Mwila, together with her co-accused Hartwell Sikalundi, both pleaded not guilty to the charges when the matter came up for PLEA this morning before Principal Resident Magistrate, David Simusamba.
It is alleged that Mrs. Mwila and Mr. Sikalundi, in their capacities as Director and Finance Manager of Wade Adams Piling and Foundations Zambia Limited, dishonestly issued a cheque in the sum of 30 Million Kwacha.
The cheque in question was allegedly issued to Tokyo Vehicles in an insufficiently funded Bank ABC account at pyramid plaza branch.
In the second count, the two are alleged to have dishonestly issued another cheque in the sum of 40 Million Kwacha.
But the cheque was honored when presented for payment.
Magistrate Simusamba has since set June 29 as the date for mention while trial in the matter is expected to commence on July 26 this year.
Mrs. Mwila was accompanied to the magistrate court complex by her husband Ben, popularly known as B-Y.
Government has maintained last year’s maize flow price of K65,000 per 50 kilogram bag or K1.3 million per metric ton for the 2012/ 2013 marketing season.
Agriculture and Livestock Minister Emmanuel Chenga has told a media briefing in Lusaka this morning that government has taken into account all factors but not restricted to social and economic factors.
Mr. Chenda explained that government has taken this decision in order to protect the food security of the country and also to ensure that small scale farmers who produce over 80 percent of maize are not discouraged from producing the crop in subsequent years.
He adds that government will also consider reducing the cost of production to ensure that the Zambian maize is competitive on the international market.
Mr. Chenda has therefore directed the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) to put in place necessary logistics in readiness for the commencement of the 2012/ 2013 crop marketing season.
The minister has further warned that only farmers are expected to sell their maize to the FRA and not traders as has been the case in the past.
Former Energy Minister Kenneth Konga this morning collapsed as he was being interrogated by the joint investigative wings in Lusaka.
MMD President Nevers Mumba has confirmed this to ZNBC News. Dr. Mumba said that Mr. Konga was rushed to Saint Johns hospital but has since been moved to the University Teaching Hospital.
Last year, Mr Konga was summoned by the Zambia police at the former Task Force offices and the police seized his vehicle following a nine hours search conducted at his Kabulonga residence.
A combined team of investigators from the Zambia Police, Anti Corruption Commission and Drug Enforcement Commission also seized two motorcycles from the former minister’s residence. Later on in parliament, Mr Konga, said that the Hummer police seized from his Kabulonga residence was acquired using the money Members of Parliament get from Parliament for car loans.
Mr Konga revealed this when he asked vice president Guy Scott to tell the house whether the money the National Assembly gives MPs for car loans is stolen money for Police to seize his vehicle.
Police spokesperson Elizabeth Kanjela later announced that Mr Konga had been cautioned in relation to abuse of authority contrary to Section 99 Sub-Section 1 of the laws of Zambia.
Early this month, Mr Konga opened a Hotel in Lusaka built at a cost of K4.5 billion. The 40-room Diamondacres Hotel on Dedan Kemathi Road overlooking the Kafue Road Fly-over Bridge, has created 25 direct jobs, according to Mr Konga.
Mr Konga, who is Chavuma Member of Parliament, said that the hotel was going to help the country provide hospitality services to tourists and accommodate business persons from other countries. He said the aim of building the hotel was to contribute to the creation of jobs for Zambians and to offer good services to the public.
“We spent about K4.5 billion to put up this hotel and so far it has created 25 direct jobs for Zambians and we are hoping we can create 10 more jobs to make it 35.
“People who will be coming to Zambia from different parts of the world are welcome and can lodge with us because this is a top-class hotel with quality services for all,” he said.
He said out of the 40 rooms, 36 were executive, two single and two double rooms while the hotel included other facilities like a conference room, a bar and a restaurant. Mr Konga called for more investment in the hospitality industry if Zambia was to attract more tourists and business travellers.
Five people have died on the spot when the vehicle they were in was involved in a road accident in Eastern province.
Police spokesperson Elizabeth Kanjela says the accident occurred last evening along the Chipata Lundazi road near tarmanda turnoff.
Ms. Kanjela says the accident involved a Mercedz Benz truck registration number ABH 994 driven by Francis Whiteson aged 31 of Kapata new houses, of house number 95 Chipata with one passenger on board.
She says also involved was a corolla motor vehicle registration number ABP 2480 driven by Joel Shawa aged 41 of Vikupa trading center, Chizenga area, Chief Chanje Chipata with four passengers on board.
Ms Kanjela explained to QFM news that the accident happened when the driver of the Toyota Corolla motor vehicle failed to negotiate a curve headed into an oncoming truck.
She says corolla went under the truck leaving all the five people on board dead.
The deceased have been named as Joel Shawa aged 41 of Vikupa village, Biyes Mwale aged 28, Adam Mwale aged 18 of Katoloka village, 37 year old Robert Phiri of Nkwinji village and Jonathan Njove aged 18 of Gowo village.
The bodies are lying in Chipata General hospital awaiting postmortem.
Ms. Kanjela says the driver of the truck and his passenger Aubrey Simangus aged 24 sustained injuries and are admitted in Chipata General Hospital.
MALAWIAN Judge, Lovemore Chikopa, who is chairperson for the tribunal set up to probe three judges, will for now remain in Zambia despite a stay granted by the courts against the proceedings.
Justice Minister, Sebastian Zulu said in Lusaka in an interview that Mr Justice Chikopa would for now remain in the country and that a decision would only be made when the Supreme Court sets a date for the appeal hearing.
Two of the three suspended judges, Nigel Mutuna and Charles Kajimanga have obtained a stay to prevent the tribunal from sitting to hear their alleged impropriety pending the full determination of the judicial review by the High Court.
The two Judges are asking the High Court to quash President Michael Sata’s decision to constitute a tribunal to conduct investigations of alleged impropriety or incompetence.
[pullquote]“If the Supreme Court takes a longer time to hear the matter, I agree that the judge should first go back to Malawi until the matter is disposed of in court,” Mr Zulu said.[/pullquote]
High Court Judge, Fulgence Chisanga, last week granted the duo leave to apply for judicial review which would operate as a stay of Mr Sata’s decision.
Mr Zulu noted that since the tribunal was appointed by President Sata, it was only him that could advise otherwise.
“If the Supreme Court takes a longer time to hear the matter, I agree that the judge should first go back to Malawi until the matter is disposed of in court,” Mr Zulu said.
Several sections of society have called for Mr Justice Chikopa’s to return home pending the disposal of the case in which the two judges are disputing the decision by President Sata to set up a tribunal.
Supreme Court Justice, Phillip Musonda, who was suspended together with the two Judges, is however, not party to the legal proceedings.
40 patients have successfully undergone free facial surgery of the lips and mouth at Arthur Davison children’s hospital in Ndola.
The exercise is sponsored by First Quantum Minerals (FQM) in partnership with government and other international organisations.
ZANIS reports that speaking during a media briefing at the hospital in Ndola yesterday, First Quantum Minerals Health Advisor Gertrude Musunka told journalists that the mine company held a joint operation with government through the Ministry of Health, Mission Medic-Air and Smile Train to provide free surgery of cleft lip and hard pallet of the mouth to Zambians at a cost of K100 million.
Ms. Musunka said Zambia’s health sector was barely coping with the huge deficit of personnel and stretched infrastructure which has prompted intervention from the private sector.
She said it was for this reason that the mine company teamed up with other stakeholders in a drive that will see hundreds of Zambians get costly effective re-constructive surgery.
Ms. Musunka disclosed that Zambia has only four (4) surgeons who are able to do specialized re constructive surgery of the lips and mouth.
And Lead surgeon Dr. Meshach Onguti said his team managed to successfully carry out surgery on 40 patients who included children and adults.
He said the team which has been in Zambia from the 20th May is happy that a number of patients were successfully assisted.
Dr. Onguti said his team has been carrying out such operations in a number of African countries where such specialised treatment is lacking.
He said lip and mouth deformities can be treated and worked on without difficulty.
Speaking earlier Resident Medical Officer Dr. Stanley Zulu said the health institution was grateful that it hosted the specialised treatment which will benefit many patients.
He said it was important that parents know that facial complications can be treated and should not hide their children but bring them to the hospital.
Government has announced that it is in the process of reviewing the Companies Act to make it more responsive to the country’s economic development.
Minister of Commerce Trade and Industry Robert Sichinga says there is need for the Companies Act to be revised if it is to effectively respond to the country’s present day needs.
ZANIS reports that Mr. Sichinga was speaking in Lusaka today when he officiated at the 1st Annual CEO/CFO convention under the theme: ‘Enhancing public value and economic development through effective corporate governance practices.’
Mr. Sichinga explained that good corporate governance practices can only be achieved if there are specific laws that define the legal framework in which the country’s corporate organizations operate.
He added that in the case of Zambia, private companies and corporate organisations are still governed by the companies’ Act of 1964.
He said in the last ten years Zambia has recorded tremendous change in its economic development hence the need to have an Act that will respond to the changing environment and global fundamentals.
The Minister stated that changes in the global investment have led to increased demand in countries such as Zambia which are resource rich.
Mr. Sichinga pointed that as his ministry which is responsible for investment promotion management will find appropriate responses to the changes in global demands.
He said as the investment opportunities avail themselves, the issues of quality corporate governance will emerge therefore there is need to review and modernize the legal framework.
And ACCA global president Dean Westcott said professional accountants have a key role to play in promoting transparency and accountability in any organization as long as there is an effective legal structure to follow.
Mr. Westcott disclosed that the recent global financial crisis in which poor corporate governance played a leading role has brought about unprecedented challenges for accountancy and financial
professionals.
He further added that this is why it is important to have ethical and professional training for financial workers especially accountants as they are suited to the task of constructing ethical cultures within their organizations.
FILE: Northern Provincel MMD chairman Steven Mukuka casts his vote during the provincial convention at Million Lodge in Kasama
United Party for National Development (UPND) Spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa says his party is ready to work with the newly elected president of the Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) Dr. Nevers Mumba.
Mr. Mweetwa who spoke to ZANIS in a telephone interview yesterday congratulated Dr. Mumba and the MMD for the manner in which they conducted the elections held last week, Friday.
He said the UPND stands ready to work with any political party as long as they are doing it in good faith.
Mr. Mweetwa noted that currently there is need for the opposition to unite and work together to hold the party in government accountable on its decisions.
He said the opposition should strengthen each other and avoid splitting when it comes to matters that need their voice as they are the only ones that could offer clear checks and balances to the government.
He further added that people that wish to join the party were welcome as the UPND was a democratic opposition party.
Mr. Mweetwa said at the moment the UPND is the only opposition party that people could trust, and other opposition parties were welcome to join in and work together for the sustainability of the opposition and its functions in the country.
And Get Involved Zambia Executive Director Father Frank Bwalya has said that the MMD under the new leadership of Dr Nevers Mumba can only tick when the bad eggs in the party are gotten rid of.
Father Bwalya said that Dr. Mumba will find it hard to lead the party if certain bad eggs in the party are allowed to continue in the party.
He has cited named senior party leaders as some of those people in the party leadership who do not deserve to continue holding on to their position if the MMD is to have any chance of bouncing back.
[pullquote]Bishop John Mambo has said that Patriotic Front Secretary General Wynter Kabimba’s statement that the MMD has auctioned the party by voting Pastor Nevers Mumba as its president is misplaced.[/pullquote]
He said that the new MMD president has a huge task ahead of him in ensuring that he propels the MMD back to power.
Meanwhile, Bishop John Mambo has said that Patriotic Front Secretary General Wynter Kabimba’s statement that the MMD has auctioned the party by voting Pastor Nevers Mumba as its president is misplaced.
Bishop Mambo said that the newly elected MMD president was voted through a democratic process an indication that party members have confidence in his leadership. He said that what Zambians should look forward to is a strong opposition that will ensure that the Patriotic Front government remains accountable to the people of Zambia.
Bishop Mambo told QFM News that it will be sad if Zambia continues to have a weak opposition, unable to provide checks and balances to the ruling party. He said that opposition political parties should emulate the Patriotic Front during the period the party was in opposition.
Bishop Mambo stated that the PF in opposition made sure that the MMD was answerable to the people of Zambia.
Copperbelt University based MMD cadres draped in the party colours
The hearing and final determination in the case in which MMD national secretary Richard Kachingwe and 53 members of parliament through their lawyers Hobday Kabwe and Company and George Kunda and Company filed a notice of application for leave to apply for judicial review over the deregistration of the MMD has been adjourned to tomorrow.
The former ruling party had sought legal redress against the de-registration and asked the court to declare the Registrar of Societies’ decision to deregister the former ruling party as unlawful, null and void.
Presiding judge Jane Kabuka adjourned the matter in order to study the submissions filed in by the state yesterday.
In this matter, Registrar of Societies Clement Andeleki sought the court to de-register the MMD on allegations that the former ruling party had failed to honor its obligation of remitting annual returns as required by law.
Judge Kabuka stayed Chief Registrar of Societies Clement Andeleki’s controversial decision to de-register the MMD pending the hearing and final determination of the case.
The joint government investigative team has warned and cautioned former Republican President Rupiah Banda’s son Andrew for soliciting and receiving gratification contrary to section 29 (1) of the Anti Corruption Act number 3 of 2012.
QFM News reports that Andrew Banda who is Zambia’s deputy High Commissioner to India has also been cautioned for being in possession of property suspected of being proceeds of crime contrary to section 71 (1) of forfeiture of proceeds of crime Act number 19 of 2010.
Investigative team spokesperson Namukolo Kasumpa told journalists in Lusaka this morning that Mr. Banda is alleged to have solicited 2 percent payment from an Italian Construction Company against payment received from the Road Development Agency on both current and future projects.
Mrs. Kasumpa said the solicitation is alleged to have been by way of an agreement dated 22nd June, 2011 signed by Mr. Banda and a Mr. Antonello Locci and witnessed by Mr. Banda’s daughter Ketiwe.
She said Mr. Banda also failed to account for the deposits made to his Stanbic Bank personal account amounting to over K360 million, the money suspected to be proceeds of crime.
Meanwhile,the joint investigative team has formally charged and arrested former mines minister Maxwell Mwale and Zhongui Mining Company through their lawyer Bonaventure Mutale for corrupt practices with a public officer contrary to section 9 (2) as read with section 40 and 46 of the Anti Corruption Act number 38 of 2010.
Particulars of the offence are that on dates unknown but between 1st July and 31st August, 2011 in Lusaka, Zhongui Mining Company corruptly gave over K473 million as gratification to Mr. Mwale as inducement for the award of mining prospecting licenses in North Western Province.
Spokesperson Namukolo Kasumpa added that Mr. Mwale was arrested for abuse of authority of office and possession of property suspected to be proceeds of crime.
The two are expected to appear in the Lusaka Magistrate Court on Friday this week.
File: President Sata talks to President Mugabe after a closed door meeting at Royal Livingstone Hotel
Zambia,Zimbabwe and the United Nations World Tourism Organisation have signed the historic Trilateral co-hosting Agreement for the 20th U.N WTO general assembly to be held in Livingstone and Victoria Falls town.
The agreement is for the two countries’ co-hosting of the UNWTO General Assembly to be convened next year in August.
President Michael Sata and his Zimbabwean counterpart Robert Mugabe witnessed the signed on behalf of their respective countries with UNWTO secretary general Taleb Rifai signing on behalf of the world tourism organization.
The signing ceremony was held at the No-Man’s Land on the Victoria Falls Bridge.
Speaking after signing on behalf of Zambia, President Michael Sata hailed the signing of the agreement as a historic milestone.
President Sata said the co-hosting of the U.N WTO General assembly brings hope of prosperity to the people of Zambia and Zimbabwe.
He said the successful hosting of the general assembly will be dependant on the collective efforts of the two countries.
President Sata has also directed Tourism Minister Given Lubinda to increase the effort to resolve issue of yellow fever travel restriction imposed on Zambia as quickly as possible.
And Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe said the signing of the co-hosting agreement confirms the readiness of the two countries to work together in the promotion of tourism.
President Mugabe further stated that this is also a demonstration of long established relations between Zambia and Zimbabwe.
And UNWTO secretary general Taleb Rifai said travel and tourism today has become a powerful driving force to social economic development and growth.
Christopher Katongo and James Chamanga have finally joined the Zambia camp in Johannesburg.
The Chinese based duo landed in Johannesburg on Tuesday morning to join the team preparing for Saturdays 2014 World Cup Group D qualifier against Sudan in Khartoum on Saturday.
Katongo and Chamanga had missed the first week of training camp due to club commitments back in China that they wrapped up on Sunday.
Chamanga who plays for 10th positioned Dalian Shide was in action who drew 2-2 at home against 7th placed Liaoning in which he played the full 90 minutes but was not on target.
A newlywed couple recovers from a car accident that puts the wife in a coma. Waking up with severe memory loss, her husband endeavors to win her heart again.
PROS
The two main stars Channing Tatum and Racheal McAdams worked very well together and had great chemistry.
It has some funny moments which will put a smile on your face.
CONS
The stroy is predictable ,you already know what will happen in the end.
FAVORITE QUOTE
Leo: How do you look at the girl you love & tell yourself its time to walk away?
Leo: No matter what challenges that keeps us apart, we’ll always find a way back to each other.
CONCLUSION
“The Vow” is one of those “love conquers all” type chick flicks . It is a nice romantic comedy for couples to watch together .Despite the sweet story — lovely couple, car wreck, brain injury, she forgets him, he loves her anyway — and the beautiful scenery — cool converted warehouse spaces, snowy Chicago streets, Lake Michigan in the moonlight, and of course Tatum and McAdams — this is a movie that leaves you wanting more. To care more, to cry more, to love more.
Get Involved Zambia Executive Director Father Frank Bwalya
Outspoken Catholic Priest Father Frank Bwalya says his organization still awaits government’s official stance on most of the progressive clauses that have been included in the draft constitution.
Father Bwalya who is also Executive Director for ‘Get Involved Zambia’, a local Non-Governmental organization has observed that there was no need to extend the period for public submissions on the draft constitution regardless of the slow inflow of submissions from the public because the constitution making process should be expedited.
He added that there was even no guarantee that people would overwhelmingly make submissions if they are given an extension when it is not known why they are not making submissions at the moment.
Father Bwalya however said if the technical committee working on the Constitution feels there was need for an extension, it should only be done on the basis of the fact that there has not been copies of the document in the local languages yet. The Catholic Priest was speaking in an interview with ZANIS in Kitwe.
And Father Bwalya has cautioned senior government officials against commenting on certain critical clauses so that the general public can be free to debate the contents of the document.
He pointed out that comments on certain clauses issues by senior government officials are likely to curtail free public debate on the draft Constitution.
Father Bwalya said this in reference to Vice President Guy Scott who was quoted in some sections of the media as saying the Draft Constitution clause which proposes that the Republican Vice President should be a running mate to the President may not be workable in Zambia.
