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Inspector General of Police Martin Malama: To issue Statement on Tuesday
INSPECTOR-General of Police Martin Malama says he has nothing but respect would for former President Rupiah Banda who described him as ‘silly’ for issuing an international arrest warrant for his (Mr Banda’s) son, Henry.
Dr Malama, a devout Christian said his cultural, traditional and Christian values do not allow him to answer back to elders, even if they insult him.
“I have great faith in our traditional and cultural values. Above all, Zambia is a Christian nation. So, I chose to remain silent,” Dr Malama said adding, “I note that Mr Banda is the same age with my own father.”
Dr Malama was reacting to Mr Banda’s angry outburst regarding the arrest warrant issued against Henry.
The former President on Wednesday described police action to issue an arrest warrant for Henry as “silly.” The fugitive was recently spotted in Kenya.
The former President said he would address all matters relating to his sons during a press briefing planned for next week.
But the question about the whereabouts of Henry, who the police are pursuing and have issued an international arrest warrant over alleged criminal activities, prompted Mr Banda to respond, saying it was “silly” for the investigative wings to embark on such a move.
“He is silly whoever issued it. He (Dr Malama) the head of police, is supposed to be protecting Zambians instead of inciting people,” Mr Banda said.
Mr Banda earlier said he was saddened by people who were trying to create an impression that Henry was a criminal.
On Tuesday, Dr Malama appealed for cooperation from 190 Interpol member states to help in tracking Henry down.
Dr Malama said the police had notified Interpol about allegations against Henry.
This is the happiest team at the Africa Cup, said Christopher Katongo after Zambia beat Sudan 3-0 to reach the semifinals.
Katongo said the team was excited to have ended Zambia’s 17 year old semifinal draught but that there was still a lot of work to do.
“We are the happiest players but the work has just started and the need to solider on we have to work to reach the final from the semifinals,” Katongo said.
Katongo added that the team was moved by the post-match victory parties that are hitting the streets back home but urged the fans to celebrate them safely.
Last week two fans died celebrating Zambia’s quarterfinal qualification.
Zambia secured their semifinal passage thanks to goals from Stopilla Sunzu, Katongo and James Chamanga in the 14th, 66th and 87th minutes respectively against 10-man Sudan.
Sudan were reduced to 10-men in the 66th minute after Eldin Ali brought down Rainford Kalaba in the box before Katongo stepped up to convert the penalty on the rebound after Salim Aram had parried the initial spot-kick.
Zambia await to know their semifinal opponent on Sunday when Tunisia and Ghana clash in Franceville, Gabon in the last quarterfinals of the Africa Cup.
President Michael Sata has delegated Youth and Sports minister Chishimba Kambwili to represent him at the closing ceremony of the Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon.
President Sata was invited by his Gabonese counterpart to attend the closing ceremony and final of the Africa Cup of Nations, which will take place in Libreville on February 12, 2012.
“Since I will not be availbale for this engagement, I have instructed the Honourable Minister for Youth and Sports to represent me at this important event,” President Sata said.
And the Head of State has sent his best wishes and luck to the Zambia National Soccer Team in this evening’s quarter-final match with Sudan in Bata in mainlaind Equatorial Guinea.
“So far so good and as President of the Republic of Zambia as well as Patron of the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ), I wish to encourage the nation to rally behind our Chipolopolo boys even as they aim to lift the 2012 Orange Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) trophy,” the President says.
“Our boys have worked very hard to reach this stage and we can only wish them luck and victory. If our team reaches the finals, I pledge to fully support and facilitate the entry of the Zambian soccer fans into Libreville.”
FORMER Minister of Finance and National Planning Ng’andu Magande
Former finance and national planning minister Ng’andu Magande has charged that the number of commissions of inquiry is slowing down the pace of development for country.
Mr. Magande has described the commissions of inquiry as a waste of time for senior government officials who are suppose to attend to pressing national issues.
He says the time wasted on the commissions of inquiry could well be channeled to addressing the many challenges facing the majority Zambians.
Mr. Magande in an interview on the side lines of the ZANACO commission of inquiry has however stated that he is available for any explanation that might require his questioning on issues to with his time in government.
He says he has nothing to hide during the time he served as finance minister in late president Levy Mwanawasa’s government.
Mr. Magande has since pleaded with republican President Michael Sata to concentrate on developing the country.
And yesterday told the Sebastian Zulu led tribunal on the sale of Zanaco to Rabo Bank that he does not know how the US$8.25 million raised from the sale of the bank was used.
Mr Magande said he was not sure whether the amount raised from the sale of the bank was deposited into the national treasury.
Mr Magande denied ever interfering in the process of privatising the Zambian bank, saying all the proceeds from the sale went to the Zambia Privatisation Agency (ZPA).
“The money was paid by Rabo Bank but I am not sure if it went to the treasury or an account was opened elsewhere.
“It was not my responsibility as minister of Finance to privatise any companies. That was the duty of the ZPA and I followed the regulations of the duties of the minister of Finance,” he said.
Mr Magande said the responsibility of the minister of Finance in the transaction was only to sign away assets held by the state that had already been sold.
Mr Magande said he was not aware how the valuations of the assets were conducted as he signed the sale and purchase documents on an understanding that the technocrats who conducted the valuation were competent enough.
“The ministry of Finance had no role in privatising Zanaco and it was convinced that ZPA negotiators would come up with a good price and I never got into details on how they arrived at $8.25 million.
“I had a lot of things to attend to and I could not have looked at Zanaco, I was not concerned with its privatisation,” he said.
United Party for National Development, UPND president Hakainde Hichilema
The United Party for National Development says its leader Hakainde Hichilema will not be coerced to condemn any group of people that feel aggrieved by Southern province Minister Miles Sampa’s alleged tribal statements that insulted the Tonga people of Southern Province by suggesting that they can only ascend to the presidency if they marry Bemba women.
The UPND has since condemned what it describes as the hooligan behavior of the Patriotic Front cadres who trespassed and protested at Mr Hichilema’s residence yesterday.
Party Deputy Chairperson for Finance and Economics Kachusa Simusamba says PF and its government should understand that Mr. Hichilema does not act under instructions and ultimatums especially from such uncivilized behavior by the PF cadres.
Mr Simusamba says the PF and Mr Sampa should instead apologize for their alleged tribal insults to the people of Southern Province.
He says the party is further disappointed with police’s failure to act on the unruly PF cadres as this shows that they had blessings from the PF government and the police.
The opposition MMD has charged that commerce minister Bob Sichinga is lying that the party printed illegal notes amounting to 3 trillion kwacha prior to the elections.
MMD deputy secretary Chembe Nyangu has told QFM that the allegations being made by the PF government that the MMD printed fake in China are unfounded because there is no proof.
Mr. Nyangu notes that the MMD was a responsible party which could not make any transactions that had the potential to distort the economy which the party worked so hard to build.
Mr. Nyangu adds that the money that was used by the MMD during the campaigns was received through contributions from party members and other well-wishers.
He however, declined to give any details on the matter saying the party leadership is studying the matter and will call a press briefing soon.
Commerce minister Bob Sichinga revealed on Thursday that the MMD government printed fake notes from China which they used to distribute in the villages during campaigns.
Mr Sichinga said that the money was printed in China and was dished out to rural areas to woo voters.
Mr Sichinga went on to say that part of the bogus K 3 trillion had initially been intercepted at NAKONDE Border Post in MUCHINGA Province by Vigilant members of the public.
Mr Sichinga made the disclosure in Kitwe when he addressed members of the business community at a consultative meeting.
Inspite of the massive illegal print of counterfeit money, the PF won the September 20 tripartite elections because the people of Zambia wanted change, Mr Sichinga concluded.
Michael Chilufya Sata, President of the Republic of Zambia
President of Zambia Michael Sata has with immediate effect re-aligned three Government ministries. President Sata has directed the acting Secretary to the Cabinet Mr. Evans Chibiliti to proceed with all the necessary procedures and immediately imeplement the changes.
“I would like to direct that the portfolio of Tourism be transferred to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Labour portifolio be transferred from Youth and Sport to Ministry of Information, it shall be known as Ministry of Information, Broadcasting and Labour,” reads the President’s letter to Mr Chibiliti in part.
And the Head of State says the re-allignment has been done to curb statements that alarm the nation and investors alike.
“As a Government, we have to be level-headed and not be seen to be inciting the public. I expect ministers to discourage strikes and lock-outs. Strikes or industrial unrests have a very negative effect on a fragile economy like ours. The same applies to lock-outs,” President Sata said.
“If we are not careful, some of these alarming statements will even destroy the little we have or the little strides we have made economically so far. We know that there are numerous short-comings in almost all sectors but we will not address these shortcomings through threats and being loud-mouthed.”
President Sata said that Zambians expect the Government to handle the problems facing the country with sobriety.
[pullquote]“Policy consistency is a compelling need for all Governments all over the world. As my very final warning, I ask all the ministers not to lead me into temptation.”[/pullquote]
“I am alive to the fact that most of my colleagues that have been appointed as Ministers have no experience in these portifolios. Therefore, I strongly feel its my duty to protect the image of the party, the Government, the people of Zambia and the economy in general,” the President said.
“In my statement of 30th January, 2012, I enjoined and cautioned ministers not to make statements that did not reflect Government policy or which had not been referred to and cleared by Cabinet. Statements on the economy made by ministers that are not the competent channels for the issues they raise are damaging to our credibility as a country.
“Policy consistency is a compelling need for all Governments all over the world. As my very final warning, I ask all the ministers not to lead me into temptation.”
Earlier today, Minister of Labour, Sports, Youth and Gender Chishimba Kambwili reiterated that the law will visit all those companies that are violating labour laws.
Speaking when he featured on the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) radio 2 programme dubbed Workers Voice, the Minister said he was disappointed with the way some employers were treating their workers.
Mr. Kambwili said his Ministry will work hand in with Trade Unions to ensure that all workers are paid according to the work they do.
He emphasized that all employers who are not giving their workers good working conditions should revise them so as to motivate workers before law takes its course.
Mr. Kambwili who has come under fire from some section of society over his stance to caution investors violating worker right said he will not stop until he see the right thing done.
He said his government welcomes investors but wants them to respect labour laws, pay workers good salaries so that there is a win- win situation between workers and companies.
The Minister who also received reports during the programme of companies like Shoprite, Game Stores and Zam Beef paying little money (K300, 000 per month) said he will soon visit the companies to confirm the reports.
He said he cannot allow companies to continue abusing their workers by paying little monies which he said cannot even sustain them.
Mr. Kambwili stated that he will also not segregate in his tour of companies whether Chinese, Zambian or other companies by other nationalities adding that he wants the best for the Zambian workers.
He also disclosed that he will visit Shoprite on issues of casualisation adding that workers have complained of working for longer than six years without employed on a permanent basis.
“If the previous government was treating you with kids’ gloves, not with this government. I have on occasions visited Shoprite and randomly spoke to workers who have told me that they are contracts on for a year” said Mr.Kambwili.
[pullquote]“If the previous government was treating you with kids’ gloves, not with this government. I have on occasions visited Shoprite and randomly spoke to workers who have told me that they are on contracts for a year” said Mr.Kambwili.[/pullquote]
He stated that the Patriotic Front (PF) government has started addressing the issue of pensioners and all the pensioners are going to be paid in time.
Mr. Kambwili has appealed to the Zambians to support the government in its quest to improve the welfare of employees and to go on zero tolerance of abuse of employees.
And speaking on the same programme Federation for Free Trade Unions of Zambia (FFTUZ) President Joyce Nonde Simukoko has said she is looking forward to the review of Labour laws in the country so that the Labour Unions and government can work properly.
Mrs. Simukoko said the Federation will support the Minister in his quest to bring sanity in the work place adding that her organization does not condone employers abusing their workers.
She stated that it is for the best interest of all workers that companies that violet workers right are closed adding that workers wants to see the government address the issue of labour .
She urged government to make ensure that workers are allowed to join Trade Unions by their employers so as to maintain the flow of information.
Herve Renard says Sudan will be a difficult opponent but that Zambia can ride the wave tomorrow and qualify to next Wednesdays semifinals of the 2012 Africa Cup.
Zambia and Sudan will clash in an 18:00 Zambian time kickoff in Bata in the first quarterfinal match of this year’s Africa Cup that is being co-hosted by Gabon and Equatorial Guinea.
Renard’s second coming has seen him defy all odds to qualify Zambia yet again to their second successive quarterfinal appearance under his helm.
It has been a turbulent week for Zambia with off-the-field distractions that culminated in Clifford Mulenga’s expulsion after a breaking curfew and camp rules to drink with three other non-regulars and first-team player Hichani Himoonde.
There was also speculation as to why Faz vice president and the teams delegation leader Bonney Mwamelo suddenly returned to Zambia.
“This game is important and we have to go through the next round,” Renard said.
“We are in a good mood we can to do better than 2010 but at the moment we are at the same level and are 90 minutes away from achieving our target now we are in front of the World and we have to do it.”
Victory will see Zambia end their 17-year-long wait to reach the semifinals after finishing third at the 1996 tournament in South Africa.
Renard is expected to start his usual lineup against Sudan whom Zambia beat 3-0 at the 2008 tournament in Ghana in a Group C match but failed to advance to the last eight under Patrick Phiri.
Focus will be on Rainford Kalaba who has been an outstanding influence on the teams’ progression throughout the tournament in their last three matches on their way to the quarterfinals.
Striker Emmanuel Mayuka’s form will be tested against after a dry day against Equatorial Guinea on Sunday in Malabo in their last Group A match that captain Chris Katongo shined in and scored the game’s lone goal to see Zambia top the pool.
Winner on Saturday will stay in Bata for the semifinals to be played on February 8 where they will play winner from the last quarterfinal on Sunday between Ghana and Tunisia that will take place in Franceville in Gabon.
1.President Michael Sata and Foreign Affairs minister Given Lubinda being entertained to some traditional dances
2.President Michael Sata being entertained to some traditional dances
3.President Sata and Minister of Foreign Affairs Given Lubinda being entertained by Ethiopian dancers
4.President Sata and Given Lubinda share a light moment with one of the Ethiopian dancers
5.President Sata being entertained by Ethiopian dancers
6.President Sata being entertained by Ethiopian dancers
7.President Michael Sata being entertained to some traditional dances
8.President Michael Sata folking out bank notes to give to Ethiopian dancers as appreciation
9.President Sata and Foreign Affairs Minister Given Lubinda whilst on tour in Ethiopia
10.President Sata being introduced to Jia Qinglin , chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference
11.President Sata being introduced to Jia Qinglin , chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference
12.A view of the new of African Union Conference Centre and Office Complex in Addis Ababa. The structure was erected by the Chinese government at a cost of US$150 million last year.
13.A night view of the new of African Union Conference Centre and Office Complex in Addis Ababa. The structure was erected by the Chinese government at a cost of US$150 million last year.
14.Ban Ki-moon, the Secretary General of the United Nations about to plant a tree at the Newly Commissioned African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa
15.Southern Africa Development Community Secretary General Tomaz Salomoa and his counterpart from COMESA Sindiso Ngwenya at the African Union Summit in Addis Ababa Ethiopia.
16. Ms Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma of South Africa who is aspiring as Chairperson of the African Union (AU) arrives at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
17.Kamaler Sharma, Commonwealth Secretary General at the AU summit in Addis
18.President Sata chats with President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe at the African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
19.President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe with President Micheal Sata at the Au summit in Addis
President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe with President Michael Sata and President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda at the AU summit in Addis
20.President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe with President Michael Sata at the AU summit in Addis
21.President Micheal Sata President greets Malawian President Bingu wa Mutharika at the Au summit in Addis
Former finance minister in the late president Levy Mwanawasa’s Government Ng’andu Magande says he was too busy with the country’s problems to concentrate on the privatization of ZANACO.
QFM News reports that appearing before the Sebastian Zulu commission of inquiry this morning, Mr Magande who is believed to be the architect of the ZANACO privatization said Zambia was facing many economic problems at the time for him to concentrate on the sale of the bank.
He has however admitted signing the final sale and purchase agreement for ZANACO.
Mr Magande said it would not have made sense for him to preside over a transaction that only involved a few million dollars.
He says among the issues that kept him busy at the time were issues to do with debt burden Zambia was encountering.
Mr.Magande has since denied influencing the privatization of ZANACO.
And Juvelis Tembo told the commission of inquiry that while he was the chairperson of the negotiating team on the sale of ZANACO he was not involved in the bidding process.
He also stated that the sale of 49 percent shares in ZANACO was never discussed.
President MICHAEL SATA Sata has with immediate effect, withdrawn the appointment of Paxton Wilombe as new District Commissioner for Mpulungu.
Mr Wilombe will be redeployed.
President Sata has also withdrawn the appointment of the substantive District Commissioner Mande Chapewa who was appointed in November last year.
The President has further ordered that the office of the District Commissioner in Mpulungu remain closed until further notice.
This follows concerns raised by some people against the appointment of Mr. Wilombe as District Commissioner for Mpulungu.
Northern Province Permanent Secretary EMMANUEL MWAMBA told ZNBC news in a statement that the president has however, cautioned the people of Mpulungu to be tolerant and not act in a tribal manner.
Mr MWAMBA said the president has warned government and party officials not to undermine or frustrate his appointments or actions.
Following the appointment of Paxton Wilombe as DC for Mpulungu, some members of the PF in Mpulungu staged a demonstration on Thursday 2nd February alleging that Mpulungu will not be led by a party member from Mbala.
They also alleged that the party in the district should be allowed to nominate a member from Mpulungu who should be appointed as a District Commissioner.
File: Former President Banda and his wife Thandiwe
Former First Lady THANDIWE BANDA was this morning interrogated by a combined team of investigative officers over the running of the multi billion Kwacha MPUNDU Trust in LUSAKA.
Investigative Team Spokesperson CHARITY CHANDA said the Former First Lady Cooperated and answered to all the queries.
Mrs CHANDA said investigations into the matter are still going on.
The former first lady was accompanied to the Police Force Headquarters in LUSAKA by her lawyers SAKWIBA SIKOTA and PATRICK MVUNGA.
Meanwhile, Former President RUPIAH BANDA has lashed out at the Police and described reports suggesting that his son HENRY is on the run as total lies.
Mr BANDA said the Police have never contacted his son over the investigations they are conducting.
He said reports suggesting that HENRY is hiding in KENYA are false.
Mr BANDA said this when he addressed MMD cadres who had gone to offer solidarity to his wife that they should NOT be worried because the former first Lady and HENRY are innocent.
He said some people are misleading President MICHEAL SATA over the on-going investigations.
Meanwhile, Police have arrested and charged Former Mines Minister MAXWELL MWALE for theft by Public servant.
This is connection with twenty bicycles which were meant for small scale miners.
Mrs CHANDA said Mr MWALE has been released on police bond but will appear in court on Wednesday next week.
And the Investigative Team has summoned former Zambia Air force Commander ANDREW SAKALA.
Lt. Gen. SAKALA is still being interrogated at former Task Force on Corruption Offices in Woodlands.
And the Investigative Team has summoned former Zambia Air force Commander ANDREW SAKALA.
Lt. Gen. SAKALA was by press time still being interrogated at former Task Force on Corruption Offices in Lusaka’s Woodlands area.
A protest organised by Transformation Research Center and Amnesty International in order to raise a concern over the manner in which the Zambia Government is handling the said "Cessation Clause " targeting Rwandese Refugees. Pictures by: Jean Mandela
The UNHCR is not forcing Rwanda Refugees to repatriate.In a statement issued to Lusakatimes the UNHCR Zambia said it continues to pursue durable solutions for refugees in light of the protracted nature of the refugee situation in Zambia and the imminent cessation of refugee status for Angolans and Liberians – 30 June 2012, for Rwandans – latest by 30 June 2013 and in the future for Burundians.
UNHCR can never be involved in forced return but does facilitate voluntary repatriation of refugees, said UNHCR Representative in Zambia,
Ms. Joyce Mends-Cole.
Large-scale organized repatriation of Angolan refugees since 2003 allowed the return of approximately 77,400 – including the 2,400 who returned in the latter half of 2011. Others have gone entirely on their own or through spontaneous assisted repatriation – approximately another 3,700. From 2007 – 2010, more than 43,000 Congolese refugees returned to DRC, of whom 9,246 returned in 2010.
More than 3 million Rwandans have returned home, including from Zambia.
With regard to Rwandans, following extensive consultations with countries hosting Rwandan refugees, the country of origin and an in-depth analysis of the changes that have taken place in Rwanda since large numbers of refugees were forced to flee their country as a result of different episodes of inter-ethnic violence between 1959 and 1994,the genocide of 1994 and its aftermath, and the renewed armed conflict that erupted in north-western Rwanda from 1997 to 1998, UNHCR considers that the refugee status of Rwandan refugees who fled between 1959 and 31 December 1998 can be brought to an end, in accordance with the ‘ceased circumstances cessation clause’ in the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees and the 1969 OAU Convention Governing the Specific Aspects of Refugee Problems in Africa.
The application of the ‘ceased circumstances cessation clause’ is an end point of a comprehensive strategy, which includes promotion of voluntary repatriation, local integration of individuals who qualify under the respective asylum countries’ national laws, and a process leading to exemption from cessation of refugees who are found to have a continued need for international protection or compelling reasons arising out of previous persecution for not being able to return to Rwanda.
UNHCR is recommending countries of asylum, including Zambia, to invoke the ‘ceased circumstances cessation clause’ in respect of Rwandan refugees who fled their country of origin between 1959 and 31 December 1998, latest by 30 June 2013.
Refugees who fled after 1998 retain their refugee status. Countries hosting Rwandan refugees are at different stages in their implementation
of the aforementioned elements of the comprehensive strategy. The 30 June 2013 latest deadline has thus been agreed upon to give all countries of asylum sufficient time to, for example, implement exemption procedures in which individual applications from Rwandan refugees, who feel it is not safe for them to return, are examined. This means that individual Rwandans may have their status ceased at different points,between now and 30 June 2013, depending on where they are in the voluntary repatriation, local integration or exemption process.
In Zambia, Rwandan refugees who feel that it is not safe for them to return to Rwanda were invited last year to submit individual applications for exemption from cessation. The majority of Rwandans registered as refugees in Zambia applied for exemption, and most of these applications are still in the process of being reviewed and determined. UNHCR has observer status in the exemption procedure and continues to provide guidance and advice to the decision makers in that procedure, on the application of the criteria for exemption in the context of the Rwandan situation. UNHCR also continues to advocate for local integration for those refugees whose best durable solution may be to remain in Zambia. Acceptance for local integration is solely within the purview of the Zambian Government.
As of 31 December 2011, there were 4,659 Rwandan refugees registered in the Mayukwayukwa and Meheba refugee settlements and in urban areas.
