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The Chipata man of Navutika compound who set his two sons ablaze using petrol has reportedly burnt his in-laws.
Police sources have confirmed to QFM News but could not give further details.
The man went into hiding after setting his sons ablaze who are admitted to Chipata General Hospital nursing burns.
Efforts to get a comment from eastern province commissioner of police by broadcast time proved futile.
Meanwhile a combined team of the Zambia police intellectual property Unit, Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA), Zambia Bureau of Standards and Lusaka City Council has seized an assortment of counterfeit goods in Kamwala trading area worth K120 million.
Acting police spokesperson Rae Hamoonga has told journalists in Lusaka today that the goods confiscated include fake Colgate tooth paste and garden tools as well as pirated DVDs and CDs.
Mr.Hamoonga noted 8 Zambian businessmen have since been arrested and charged with counterfeiting trademark contrary to section 377 Cap 87 of the penal code and unfair trading contrary to section 12 cap 417 of the competition and fair trading Act.
Mr. Hamoonga has since urged the members of the public to ensure that they buy their groceries from reputable supermarkets to avoid the risk of being subjected to counterfeit goods which pose a threat to their health.
File:An unidentified woman and her daughter selling vegetables and other foodstuffs at Kapapa market in Chipata, Zambia
The Zambia Consumer Association (ZACA) has bemoaned the sky rocketing prices of food being experienced in the country.
ZACA Executive Director Muyunda Ililonga says it is unfortunate that despite the Central Statistical Office recording a reduction in inflation rate, food prices have continued to rise.
Mr. Ililonga argues that the low inflation rate the country has been recording does not correspond with the high cost of consumer products on the market which he says is putting a lot of pressure on consumers.
He says the rise in food prices can partly be attributed to the depreciation of the Kwacha against major currencies on the money markets.
Mr. Ililonga has therefore appealed to government to put in place corrective measures that will address the depreciation of the local currency.
“And He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness'”
(2 Corinthians 12:9a, NKJV)
TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria
We all go through seasons of difficulty and face storms in life. But during those times, we have to remember that Almighty God is greater than any struggle we face! He’ll take those challenges and use them to strengthen us, but we have to do our part and take a step of faith toward the victory.
Think about the caterpillar before it becomes a butterfly. When it’s wrapped in its dark cocoon on the backside of some tree, it doesn’t look like it has many options. But inside that cocoon as it becomes a butterfly, it doesn’t just sit and wait for someone to come and let it out. No, that butterfly knows that it has to make a move if it’s going to be set free to fly. In the same way, we have to do something to get out of the confining places we are in. We have to pray, we have to believe, and we have to press through to victory.
Today, no matter what you may be facing, remember His grace is sufficient for you. His strength is made perfect in you. He has given you everything you need to overcome in this life. Now is the time to break free and rise to new levels because He has victory and blessing prepared for you!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Heavenly Father, thank You for the strength to make it through any challenge I may face. I choose to put my trust in You. I declare that You are good and faithful. Thank You for equipping me for victory in every area of my life in Jesus’ name. Amen.
— Joel & Victoria Osteen
TP Mazembe coach Mamadou Lamine Ndiaye has declared that his side will beat Power Dynamos in tomorrow’s CAF Champions League encounter.
Mazembe face Power in the African Champions League,first round,first leg set for Kitwe’s Arthur Davies Staduim.
Ndiaye told a media briefing in Kitwe that Mazembe is in Zambia to win.
“After being disqualified last year, this year we want to go far in the competition. ” he said, through an interpreter.
The Senegalese trainner stated that the Lubumbashi based outfit has quality players capable of beating Power.
Ndiaye added that Mazembe are now familiar with Power’s style of play at watching their games on DVD.
“We got some DVDs for Power and we now know they are good in midfield.The game will be won in the midfield,” he said.
And Mazembe midfielder Rainford Kalaba said his side is in Zambia for serious business and not for fun.
” We have not come for a tour, we have a mission and this is the biggest competition in Africa”, Kalaba said.
Local Government and Housing Minister Nkandu Luo has said that she will soon announce a penalty for street vending. Street vendors have taken over almost the entire central business district following President Michael Sata’s directive to local authorities to allow the vendors to trade from the streets.
But Professor Luo has told parliament today that the penalty she will come up with will also apply to people who have the tendency of buying from the vendors. She said that the ministry’s focus is to deal with street vending throughout the country.
There have been growing complaints of vendors using empty opaque beer packs to answer the call of nature which they dispose off indiscriminately posing the threat of disease outbreaks such as cholera.
And Parliament today heard that Lusaka district is leading in gender based violence cases, with 3,836 cases recorded from January 2011 to January 2012.
The house was also informed that 1,939 cases of defilement were recorded during the same period countrywide.
Home Affairs Minister Kennedy Sakeni attributed the increase in the reported cases of gender based violence to sensitization and information flow.
Mr Sakeni says more awareness means that people are able to come out and report such cases to the Police.
He adds that it is not that defilement and gender based violence cases were not occurring in the past.
Mr Sakeni further stated that with the Anti Gender Based Violence Act now in place, it is hoped that cases of gender based violence will reduce.
The home affairs Minister was responding to a question by Kabwe Central Member of Parliament James Kapyanga who wanted to know what measures are being taken to reduce the rising cases of gender-based violence in Zambia.
Former republican president Rupiah Banda and his wife Thandiwe walk towards the plane enroute to the United States of America on Wednesday March 21, 2012. Mr. Banda has been invited by Boston University as Guest Lecturer
United States Ambassador to Zambia Mark Storella has clarified that former president Rupiah Banda’s trip to that country has not been facilitated by the American government as perceived by some quarters of society.
Ambassador Storella says the programme to have former African leaders as guest lecturers at Boston University was initiated independently by the learning institution and is meant to honor African leaders.
The US envoy noted that Mr. Banda’s invitation is meant to honor all the Zambians for the peaceful transition of power that the country experienced in the last presidential polls.
Ambassador Storella was speaking at his residence this morning during a breakfast meeting to discuss the trip that was undertaken by selected stakeholders and media practitioners to accord them an opportunity tom understand how the Freedom of information law is being applied in that country.
He added that it is important for Zambia to have a legal framework that will protect the fundamental rights of its citizens and commended the government’s commitment to enhancing press freedom.
At the same occasion, information, broadcasting and labour permanent secretary Amos Malupenga said government was working hard to ensure that the FOI bill is presented to parliament mid this year.
Mr. Malupenga said contrary to reports that the government had u-turned on the freedom of information bill,the government is busy working towards having the piece of legislation in place.
And deputy press secretary at State house Amos Chanda stated that Zambia News and Information services (ZANIS) misquoted president Sata in an article which suggested that the head of state had U-turned on the FOI issue.
On Wednesday, President Sata noted that it is important for the public media to be rolled out through the establishment of the provincial TV stations to enhance information dissemination.
Vice President Guy Scott has described as nonsense speculation in some sections of online media that President Michael Sata trip to India yesterday is on medical grounds.
Dr Scott was responding to a question by Kamfinsa Member of Parliament Moses Chishimba during the vice president’s question time who wanted to find out the circumstances under which the President left for India in order to dispel speculation.
He told the house that he knew of the President’s planned private visit to India a week ago. Dr Scott however stated that it would not be surprising if President Sata took the opportunity during his visit to India to have a medical checkup.
The Speaker however reminded the vice president that the word nonsense was unparliamentary.
And MMD presidential Aspirant Nevers Mumba has questioned the secrecy surrounding president Michael Sata’s to India. Dr. Mumba has wondered why the Zambian government is seemingly secretive on the head of state’s trip to Asia.
He says it is important that the movements of the president are kept as open as possible to avoid speculation.
[pullquote]He told the house that he knew of the President’s planned private visit to India a week ago. Dr Scott however stated that it would not be surprising if President Sata took the opportunity during his visit to India to have a medical checkup.[/pullquote]
Dr Mumba says protocol demands that the people of Zambia who elected the president into office are told where the president is going days before his travel.
He says since the president uses tax payers money for all his expenses, his movements are supposed to made public.
And Dr. Mumba has warned that the PF Government will leave power faster than it came if it ignores the concerns of the Zambian people.
He has cited the lack of consultation by the PF government as one factor that can cost the PF in the 2016 elections.
[pullquote]Dr Mumba says protocol demands that the people of Zambia who elected the president into office are told where the president is going days before his travel.[/pullquote]
Dr. Mumba says the PF government ought to be aware that the people of Zambia have the power to change any particular government.
Dr. Mumba has further accused the Patriotic Front government of fighting corruption from State house.
He observes that the fight against corruption by the current government seems to be vindictive other than serving its true purpose.
He was speaking this morning on Let the People Talk monitored by QFM NEWS in Lusaka.
Meanwhile, the vice president said that there is no connection between the heavy presence of soldiers and Police in Mongu and the planned Barotse national council consultative meeting scheduled for 26th March to 28th March.
Dr Scott has also cautioned the opposition against inciting the people of western province by the mere presence of defence and security personnel in Mongu.
GOVERNMENT says it is ready to facilitate dialogue between Zamtel management and the Zambia Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) to have some of the workers retrenched prior to the sale of the company to LapGreen of Libya reinstated.
Minister of Information, Broadcasting and Labour Fackson Shamenda said ZCTU should find time to engage the union at Zamtel and come up with the most organised way to help some of the former workers to get their jobs back.
Speaking when he visited the ZCTU headquarters in Lusaka yesterday, Mr Shamenda said there is need to sit down with union officials who represented former Zamtel employees during the separation process and chart the way forward for the former employees.
The minister, however, said that not all retrenched workers will be reinstated because the action might disrupt the established structure at the telecommunications company.
He said when reinstating some of the workers, concerned parties should work out a well co-ordinated system that will not breed corruption at the institution because of the manner in which the selection process for reinstatement will be done.
“You will have to work out a well-organised system that will not create favouritism. It has to be done in a more organised way,” he said.
Mr Shamenda also condemned union officials involved in negotiating for workers’ conditions during the separation process from Zamtel, saying they clinched a raw deal for retrenched employees.
The minister accused the union leaders of “messing up” the negotiation process, which resulted in retrenched workers facing hardships.
He also appealed to union officials to stop using the minimum wage when negotiating for improved conditions of service with mining companies and others as this will disadvantage them.
Mr Shamenda said unionists should concentrate on negotiating for conditions of service that will make sense to workers.
He urged the labour movement to clarify and consult with Government on various labour matters which can cause differences and divisions among workers.
And ZCTU president Leonard Hikaumba appealed to Government to expedite salary negotiations for public service workers because any delay may create anxiety among civil servants.
He said delays in negotiations can result in industrial unrest, which can negatively affect productivity.
Mr Hikaumba said the labour movement is not interested in derailments in salary negotiations and the bargaining process should always be free and fair.
PRESIDENT Sata has left for India on a private visit, Minister of Information, Broadcasting and Labour Fackson Shamenda said yesterday.
Mr Shamenda said the President’s visit to India is for a few days.
He said Minister of Finance and National Planning Alexander Chikwanda will act as President for the period Mr Sata will be away.
The President was seen off at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport by Mr Chikwanda, some Cabinet ministers, Secretary to the Cabinet Evans Chibiliti, service chiefs and senior Government officials.
He is accompanied by First Lady Christine Kaseba and special assistant for press and public relations George Chellah.
President Sata about to board the Presidential helicopter at State House yesterday morning before departure for India
GOVERNMENT says it is ready to facilitate dialogue between Zamtel management and the Zambia Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) to have some of the workers retrenched prior to the sale of the company to LapGreen of Libya reinstated.
Minister of Information, Broadcasting and Labour Fackson Shamenda said ZCTU should find time to engage the union at Zamtel and come up with the most organised way to help some of the former workers to get their jobs back.
Speaking when he visited the ZCTU headquarters in Lusaka yesterday, Mr Shamenda said there is need to sit down with union officials who represented former Zamtel employees during the separation process and chart the way forward for the former employees.
The minister, however, said that not all retrenched workers will be reinstated because the action might disrupt the established structure at the telecommunications company.
He said when reinstating some of the workers, concerned parties should work out a well co-ordinated system that will not breed corruption at the institution because of the manner in which the selection process for reinstatement will be done.
“You will have to work out a well-organised system that will not create favouritism. It has to be done in a more organised way,” he said.
Mr Shamenda also condemned union officials involved in negotiating for workers’ conditions during the separation process from Zamtel, saying they clinched a raw deal for retrenched employees.
The minister accused the union leaders of “messing up” the negotiation process, which resulted in retrenched workers facing hardships.
He also appealed to union officials to stop using the minimum wage when negotiating for improved conditions of service with mining companies and others as this will disadvantage them.
Mr Shamenda said unionists should concentrate on negotiating for conditions of service that will make sense to workers.
He urged the labour movement to clarify and consult with Government on various labour matters which can cause differences and divisions among workers.
And ZCTU president Leonard Hikaumba appealed to Government to expedite salary negotiations for public service workers because any delay may create anxiety among civil servants.
He said delays in negotiations can result in industrial unrest, which can negatively affect productivity.
Mr Hikaumba said the labour movement is not interested in derailments in salary negotiations and the bargaining process should always be free and fair.
Former Home Affairs deputy Minister Gaston Sichilima (L)
FORMER Deputy Minister in the MMD government Gaston Sichilima faces possible arrest following his alleged failure to retire imprest amounting to over K122 million.
Mr Sichilima is alleged to have got K122,716,000 imprest in 2010 to fund his trips to his constituency and other assignments but has failed to retire to date.
This came to light yesterday when Ministry of Home Affairs permanent secretary Maxwell Nkole and his team appeared before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) to answer audit queries cited in the 2010 Auditor General’s report.
Mr Nkole said Mr Sichilima is among the seven public officers in his ministry who were issued with imprest amounting to K184,913,000 in 2010, which they have allegedly failed to retire in line with financial regulations, which state that the public officer has to retire imprest within 48 hours.
Bweengwa member of Parliament (MP) Highvie Hamududu (UPND), who chaired the meeting, said it is unfortunate that the controlling officer has failed to take appropriate action against the erring former public officer, who has already received his gratuity after leaving the public service.
Mr Hamududu said Mr Sichilima should have been arrested for financial impropriety arising from the Auditor General’s findings.
“The annual Auditor General’s reports gather dust year after year, even in cases where clear abuse of state resources amounting to billions of Kwacha has been reported. We are very upset that you allowed Mr Sichilima to go without retiring imprest.
“How are you going to make him retire the imprest?” he asked.
Chipangali MP Vincent Mwale (MMD) expressed shock at the continued rampant abuse of public resources by officers in government ministries and departments.
Mr Mwale said it is depressing that Government has lost over K360 million in unretired imprest in the Ministry of Home Affairs alone.
Bangweulu MP Chifita Matafwali (PF) said the committee was saddened by the responses it was receiving from the controlling officer.
And Chinsali MP Christopher Mulenga (PF) called on Mr Nkole to put in place measures that will deter officers from abusing public resources.
In his defence, Mr Nkole said he has written to Mr Sichilima requesting him to retire the imprest failure to which he will be taken to court for stealing public funds.
“I want to inform the committee that I have written to Mr Sichilima to retire imprest on many occasions but he has not responded. If he fails to retire the imprest, we will have no option but to take him to court,” Mr Nkole said.
And Auditor General Anna Chifungula told the committee that a senior auditor from her office has been dismissed after being paid K27 million by officials at the passports office as an inducement to distort audited information.
United Party for National Development vice president Richard Kapita
United Party for National Development (UPND) vice president Richard Kapita has abandoned his party position in preference for his businesses.
According to sources, Mr. Kapita has decided to concentrate on his business.
Mr. Kapita is said to have written a letter to the party president Hakainde Hichilema asking him to allow him to take an indefinite leave.
Mr. Kapita is said to have taken advantage of the boom in the mining activities in north western province.
The UPND vice president has since relocated from Lusaka to north western to concentrate on his businesses.
This means that the UPND has no vice president, after the other vice president Francis Shamenda was deployed into Foreign Service by the Patriotic Front.
Meanwhile, UPND president Hakainde Hichilema has welcomed Government’s decision to re-introduce the Abuse of Office clause in the Anti-Corruption Act and has made a commitment that UPND members of Parliament (MPs) will support it when it comes up for debate in the House.
Mr Hichilema said in a statement issued yesterday that Government’s decision to take the Anti-Corruption Act to Parliament for amendment will give the House an opportunity to refine the anti-corruption law in order to capture the various aspects of corruption that were not covered by the Anti-Corruption Act number 38 of 2010.
“We fully support the re-introduction of the Abuse of Office clause. UPND MPs will support the re-introduction of the clause when the matter comes up for debate in Parliament.
“This is because UPND publicly opposed the removal of the then Section 37 of the Anti-Corruption Act, which contained the Abuse of Office clause. The removal had created loopholes of abuse in the management and protection of public resources,” Mr Hichilema said.
He also said UPND fundamentally believes that the re-introduction of the clause will re-energise confidence in Government’s political will to fight corruption.
Mr Hichilema said the re-introduction of the clause will bring Zambia’s anti-corruption law in line with international law, such as the United Nations Convention against Corruption Article 19.
“This we believe shall underscore Zambia’s commitment to a more robust and genuine fight against corruption,” he said.
Mr Hichilema said UPND will support the Patriotic Front government on any progressive policy or law of national interest.
The Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES), a German labour movement, has called on the Mineworkers Union of Zambia (MUZ) to take keen interest in the welfare of their workers at their work places.
FES Programme Manager Kathy Short said MUZ should not only concentrate on bargaining for their workers while abandoning their welfare.
Ms. Short, who was speaking at a two days workshop Kitwe today, observed that the unions have in the recent past concentrated on bargaining for salary increment for their workers forgetting the workers welfare at the work place.
ZANIS Kitwe reports that Ms. Short said the union must develop interest to look at the environment of a working place.
She called upon MUZ to ensure that the investors that have come to work in Zambian mines look at the environment seriously to protect workers and the people living in these mining areas.
Ms. Short appealed to MUZ to take a leading role in making sure that workers in the mines were taken care of by providing a good environment for them.
She said investors should not only have interest of making huge profits but should also make sure that the social cooperate responsibility was passed on to the local people.
Ms. Short further said her organization was however happy with the Mineworkers Union of Zambia for the good relationship that has been existing between the union and FES since the 1960s.
She further said FES was committed to work with the labour movement in the country for the interest of the workers.
Ms. Short called on MUZ to remain united for the betterment of the workers in the mining industry.
And speaking earlier, MUZ Deputy General Secretary Joseph Chewe appealed to participants drawn from all its branches to take keen interest in learning so that they can educate their employees and the general membership on the effects of environment and climate change in their work places.
Mr. Chewe called on participants to pay a lot of attention on environmental change in the industrial workplaces.
Southern Province Minister Obvious Mwaliteta has advised civil servants to focus their attention on service delivery and not on petty issues.
Mr. Mwaliteta said government was committed to developing all areas of the country.
He has therefore implored all public workers to work hard in order for government to meet its development parameters.
Mwaliteta was speaking today when he addressed government workers who protested against Southern Province Permanent Secretary, Inutu Suba at Livingstone provincial administration offices two days ago.
He said government would want civil servants to work happily and pleaded with the striking workers to go back to work as the matter was being handled by higher authorities.
On Tuesday this week, workers at the Southern Province Administration offices protested and called for the removal of Ms. Suba whom they accused of ill-treating them.
