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Kabonde warns trouble makers

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Inspector general of police Francis Kabonde (R)

Inspector General of Police Francis Kabonde has strongly warned that police will not hesitate to deal with anybody who will attempt to cause confusion at this years Kuomboka traditional ceremony in Mongu on Saturday.

 

Mr. Kabonde says six hundred police officers have already been dispatched to Mongu to ensure that the traditional ceremony of the Lozi people is held in a peaceful manner.

He told ZNBC news that the Zambia Police Service has instituted investigations into the source of intimidating flyers being circulated in Western Province ahead of the Kuomboka traditional ceremony.

Mr. Kabonde explained that preliminary investigations have revealed that its only a few disgruntled people who want to cause confusion.

He warned that the culprits will be arrested and prosecuted.

Mr. Kabonde wondered how some people can be planning to cause confusion when the Kuomboka traditional ceremony attracts a number of tourists who earn the country foreign exchange.

Yesterday Mr Kabonde assured would be patrons to the ceremony that the Kuomboka will be held in a peaceful atmosphere.

He said six hundred police officers have been deployed to provide security during the ceremony.

[ZNBC]

RB hails diplomats for safeguarding Zambia’s interests abroad

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President Rupiah Banda
President Rupiah Banda

President Rupiah Banda has commended Zambian diplomats accredited to various countries for the role they played in safeguarding and promoting the country’s interests in their respective missions.

And Mr. Banda has appealed to the envoys to aggressively market Zambia’s potential in various economic sectors in countries where they are serving.

Speaking when he addressed Zambian Heads of Missions abroad at Chisamba’s Protea Hotel today, President Banda said as people representing Zambia in many lands, the envoys must gather as much information as possible to ensure that the country’s interests were safeguarded.

ZANIS reports that Mr. Banda said this was important especially that diplomacy was no longer political but more of economical.

He noted that with a lot of misinformation about happenings in the country, all Zambian diplomats should understand and defend the country against all forms of misinformation.

The President noted that it was saddening that most of the misinformation was coming from dishonest people in Zambia whose intentions were to misrepresent the actual happenings in the country.

“You as diplomats have a critical role to play in safeguarding our interests in the countries where you are working. We know you hear a lot of things about what some people say was happening and unfortunately this does not only misinform you but also unsettles you,” he said.

He assured the diplomats that his government had no time to spend on responding to criticism which he said was mostly meant to derail the many achievements the country had scored in various sectors of the economy.

And the President advised the envoys to ensure that they disseminated information on investment opportunities in Zambia to both citizens in foreign countries and Zambians in the diaspora.

Mr. Banda challenged the diplomats to explain the economic transformation the country had gone through in various sectors.

He said Zambia had recorded a lot of development which needed to be publicised to both foreigners and Zambians abroad.

Meanwhile, President Banda has disclosed that he had continued to receive reports of squabbles among members of staff in various missions abroad.

Mr. Banda said such squabbles were unnecessary because they have the potential to damage the country’s image abroad.

He noted that there was need for all envoys to provide exemplary leadership to both Zambians abroad and people in the countries they work from.

President Banda further said as a former diplomat, he understood the challenges diplomats were facing in dealing with various issues at their missions.

He explained that some of the reported squabbles were merely as a result of petty jealous.

The President advised the Zambian diplomats to ensure that they handled such cases as parents and heads of missions.

“Because of your level and as heads of mission, you should handle and look at these issues like parents because some of our staff are young and have no experience so they tend to be too excited,” he advised.

The President explained that he decided to raise the issue openly so that all diplomats could rise to the occasion and find lasting solutions to such challenges.

Mr. Banda thanked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for ensuring that the mandatory meeting for Zambian Heads of Mission abroad, which failed to take place last year, was held this year.

He also thanked the ministry for including in their programme, a tour of selected economic sectors saying this would help the envoys articulate issues effectively.

Before the conference of Heads of Mission and Senior Management which is being held under the theme: ‘ Effective Diplomacy for Sustainable National Development’, the diplomats toured Kansanshi Mine in North Western Province, Kasumbalesa Border Post on the Copperbelt and Nansanga Farming Block in Central Province.

And speaking earlier, Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary, Ambassador Lucy Mungoma said the conference was organised to update the envoys on what was happening in the country and to afford them an opportunity to speak to key stakeholders and line ministries.

At the same occasion, Dean of Zambian Diplomats abroad, Dr. Inonge Mbikusita-Lewanika commended Government for the many developments the country had recorded in various sectors of the economy.

Dr. Mbikusita-Lewanika also congratulated President Banda on his election as MMD party president.

She said the conference was important because it accorded envoys, an opportunity to share knowledge on the many issues affecting their work.

Dr Mbikutsita-Lewanika assured the nation that the money the country was spending on missions abroad was paying off because diplomats played a key role in attracting investments in the country.

The Dean of Zambian diplomats abroad also pledged the envoys’ continued efforts to advertise and market Zambia’s investment opportunities to the outside world.

She however called for more information in terms of brochures and DVDs on the many opportunities the country offers.

“We need more information in languages that people in the countries we operate from can appreciate,” she said.

She also commended President Banda for his efforts to attract investments in the country which she said had yielded many positive results.

ZANIS

Zambezi Airlines revives the old airline hanger at Lusaka International Airport

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Zambezi Airlines chairman Maurice Jangulo
Zambezi Airlines chairman Maurice Jangulo

Government has commended Zambezi Airlines for reviving the airline hanger that had remained a white elephant since the closure of Zambia Airways in 1994.

Communications and Transport Minister, Geoffrey Lungwangwa said government has opened up opportunities for the private sector to thrive in the aviation industry.

Prof. Lungwangwa was speaking in Lusaka today when he launched the Zambezi Airline hanger at the Lusaka International Airport.

He said the challenge is on the private sector to take advantage of the available opportunities and invest heavily in the sector for it to continue expanding.

He stated that since the liquidation of Zambia Airways 17 years ago, a number of private airline companies have been set up in the country to fill the void left by the closure of the national airline.

Prof. Lungwangwa said government was committed to ensuring that private investors compete favourably with their foreign counterparts.

He said Zambia has made major strides in the aviation sector with the sector ranked among the best in the world.

The Minister said Zambia has developed a cadre of skilled and professional human capital to run the aviation sector that could compete with the best in the world.

Prof. Lungwangwa has commended Zambezi Airlines for refurbishing the airline hanger at a substantial cost.

He said once fully operational, the hanger will contribute immensely to strengthening the country’s economy by enhancing job creation and bringing in the much needed foreign exchange.

Prof Lungwangwa stated that a number of Zambian engineers that had left the country after the liquidation of Zambia Airways are returning back home to contribute to the restoration of Lusaka as a maintenance centre.

“In 1994, Zambia took a very difficult decision to liquidate Zambia Airways which rendered the hanger idle. Over the last 17 years or so, a number of private airlines were set up to fill the void left by the closure of Zambia Airways,” he explained.

He however said unfortunately, most of the airlines that were set up have been sending their aero planes to South Africa for maintenance.

“When Zambezi Airlines came on the scene in 2008, they also tool a similar route but I am happy that this has changed. Government is indeed delighted that Zambezi Airlines has decided to lease the facility and invest a substantial amount of money to refurbish and equip the facility,” he said.

Speaking at the same occasion, Zambezi Airlines Chairman Maurice Jangulo disclosed that his company spent a total of US$400,000 in refurbishing the facility.

Dr. Jangulo said Zambezi Airlines also commenced a retooling exercise for the facility at the cost of over US$300, 000.

He said following the granting of the Aircraft Maintenance Organisation (AMO) in March this year, Zambezi Airlines will carry out line maintenance services and A-checks.

And Dr. Jangulo said Zambezi Airlines will on June 30 this year launch a Livingstone-Cape Town flight.

He thanked government for creating an enabling environment for private sector investment in the aviation sector.

He also explained that Zambezi Airlines has an average of 10,000 passengers in-flight per month which he said is expected to increase to 15, 000 in the next six month.

Dr. Jangulo reaffirmed his company’s commitment and resolve to serving customers beyond their expectations in future.

And Zambezi Airlines Chief Executive Officer Wilfred Amstelveen said it was important for Zambia to have its own maintenance centre for its aircrafts.

Mr. Amstelveen said this would ensure that regular checks are carried out on aircrafts.

He said a simple oversight in the aviation sector can results into fatalities.

ZANIS

Veep to officiate at Kuomboka this Saturday

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Vice President George Kunda is tomorrow expected to travel to Mongu to grace this year’s

Royal Highness the Litunga of the Lozi people Lubosi Imwiko II with Vice President George Kunda at Lealui Palace during the kufuluhela traditional ceremony in Mongu
FLASHBACK: Royal Highness the Litunga of the Lozi people Lubosi Imwiko II with Vice President George Kunda at Lealui Palace during the kufuluhela traditional ceremony in Mongu

Kuomboka traditional ceremony of the Lozi people in Western province.

Senior Private Secretary to the Vice President, Kenneth Ngosa, confirmed the development in a press statement to ZANIS in Lusaka today.

The ceremony will be held on Saturday, 16th April, 2011.

While in Western province, Mr. Kunda will address public rallies in Kaoma district on Monday before travelling to Copperbelt for other duties.

In the Copperbelt province, Mr. Kunda is scheduled to handover Nkulumashiba High School and to inspect other developmental projects.

The development projects Mr. Kunda will inspect are based in Kabushi and Mushili where he will hold a public rally thereafter.

The Vice President is also expected to officiate at the Sathya Sai School’s 21st anniversary before returning to Lusaka.

Mr. Kunda will be accompanied by his wife, Irene Kunda, Minister of Works and Supply, Gabriel Namulambe, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Allan Mbewe and some senior government officials.

ZANIS

UNHCR describes Zambia as a haven of peace

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Some refugees living in Zambia showcasing their dances during the World Refugee Day in Lusaka

United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) Assistant High Commissioner, Erica Feller, has described Zambia as a hub of peace in the Southern African region.

 

Ms. Feller said Zambia’s peaceful environment is vital for the protection of people seeking asylum in the Southern region.

She was speaking at Lusaka International Airport in Lusaka today upon arrival from Geneva, Switzerland.

She said Zambia has for a long time now been hosting thousands of refugees from countries that faced political conflicts in the region and beyond.

Ms. Feller has thanked the Zambian government for being generous to host refugees from other countries.

She said it is therefore appropriate that Zambia will host the dialogue meeting during the UNHCR’s commemoration of the 60th Global Anniversary.

While in the country, Ms. Feller will call on Vice President George Kunda and meet with some stakeholders.

Team of Former Senior UPND officials in Western Province explain why they joined PF

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A team of former senior United Party for National Development [UPND] officials in Kalabo, on Tuesday addressed a rally at Kashitu main market to explain why they opted to remain in the Patriotic Front following the collapse of the UPND-PF Pact.

The team of former Western Province UPND Provincial Executive Committee that addressed the rally comprised former Provincial Vice Chairperson David Muzinda, Provincial Youth Chairman Mundia Samwene and former Provincial Publicity Secretary Teddy Chimbinde.

Others who accompanied the team at the rally facilitated by Western Province PF Publicity Secretary Litula Litula were former Sikongo Member of Parliament Colonel Kapanga Makumba and Lieutenant colonel Kaneta Simuyawa.

[pullquote]Mr. Samwene also said Mr. Sata has more Members of Parliament next to the ruling MMD than Mr. Hichilema adding that even Lusaka was dominated by PF Members of Parliament from an assortment of  tribes unlike the UPND.[/pullquote]

Former Western Province UPND Youth Chairman Mundia Samwene said the team opted to go by British based Professor Clive Chirwa’s findings following an out-cry from the public who wanted to know the UPND-PF Pact Presidential candidate.

Mr. Samwene said that the findings of Professor Chirwa were that Michael Sata could be the best Presidential candidate to challenge President Rupiah Banda in this year’s general elections.

Mr. Samwene said that this was on grounds that Mr. Sata had the more followers as opposed to UPND President Hakainde Hichilema going by the Presidential election results of 2008.

Mr. Samwene also said Mr. Sata has more Members of Parliament next to the ruling MMD than Mr. Hichilema adding that even Lusaka was dominated by PF Members of Parliament from an assortment of tribes unlike the UPND.

Mr. Samwene said that these were some of the reasons that made some senior Western Province UPND officials to opt to remain in the PF after the collapse of the Pact.

ZANIS

Solwezi woman seeks help for her triplets

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A 27 year old woman of Kasapa area in Solwezi district yesterday gave birth to triplets at Solwezi General Hospital.

Solwezi General Hospital Chief Executive Officer Dr Simon Kunda confirmed the development to ZANIS in a telephone interview yesterday.

Dr. Kunda said Astrida Kale yesterday gave birth to three babies among them one girl and two boys who were born around 10:44 hours through an operation.

Dr. Kunda described the triplets as nice and bouncy babies adding that the condition of the mother is well.

“The babies are very nice and bouncy, even the condition of the mother is just okay,” he said.

Dr. Kunda disclosed that the girl’s weight at the time of birth was 2.5 kilograms while the two boys weighed 2.3 and 1.9 kilograms respectively.

And speaking to ZANIS from her hospital bed yesterday, Astrida Kale said apart from the new triplets, she has other three children who are all boys whom she takes care of.

She said her husband Watson Chivuta left her at the time when she was still pregnant to an unknown area leaving her with a challenge of looking after the children and also buy enough clothes for the baby that she was expecting.

Ms. Kale added that she had no idea that she would ever have triplets born from her a situation she says has posed a great challenge on how she would bring up the children.

She has since appealed to government and well wishers to help her bring up the triplets by assisting her with financial and material support especially clothes, blankets and nappies as she was not in any form of employment.

Checks by ZANIS this morning found the babies lying on the bed alongside their mother without nappies, socks and blankets but were covered with bed sheets provided for by hospital authorities.

ZANIS

ZAMEC to be launched on Press Freedom Day

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MISA-Zambia Chairperson, Daniel Sikazw
MISA-Zambia Chairperson, Daniel Sikazw

MISA-Zambia Chairperson, Daniel Sikazwe has urged the media in Zambia to rise and address the challenges posed by the rapid pace of political, social and economical change that is taking place in the country.

And MISA Zambia has disclosed that it will launch the Zambia Media Council (ZAMEC) during the World Press Freedom Day next month.

Mr. Sikazwe said the media should always endeavour to work towards meeting public expectations.

He said Government had always clearly shown its support for a free and independent media through its pronouncements of not regulating the media hence the need for journalists to work hard and professionally.

Mr. Sikazwe said this at a press briefing in Lusaka today when he announced that this year’s theme of World Press Freedom Day, “Ethical Reporting for a Free and Peaceful Electoral Process”.

He added that this year’s World Press Freedom Day will be graced by the Minister of Information and Broadcasting to show Government’s true solidarity for a free media and ultimate support for credible information that it delivers to diverse audiences.

Mr. Sikazwe said this theme has come timely as Zambia heads to the polls this year.

He called on the media to take up the challenge of meeting expectations of diverse audiences amid the rapid change the country was going through in different sectors.

Mr. Sikazwe also asked journalists to ensure that they gave correct information to the public in order to promote peace and unity in the country.

He said to spice up this year’s celebrations, the Zambia Media Council (ZAMEC) will be launched and will bind the media to promote ethical practices of information gathering and dissemination without a negative impact on the citizenry.

He noted that ZAMEC is aimed at creating a free media that was responsible and would promote quality journalism that facilitates citizenry demands and sensitivities.

Mr. Sikazwe urged the media to uphold ethics that promoted development and integrity hence helping in nurturing Zambia’s young democracy.

He further invited all media houses to render full support to the World Press Freedom Day, which falls on May 3rd, every year.

ZANIS

A Kalabo woman gives birth on her way to sell vegetables

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A twenty year old woman from Liuwa constituency in Kalabo has given birth to a bouncy baby girl behind some stalls and restaurants at Kalabo Boma harbour.

Namushi Mutoiwa of Salunda Village in Chief Kaongolo’s area in Kalabo district gave birth to a female baby at around 10 50 hours yesterday.

Namushi gave birth immediately after crossing the Luanginga River at Kalabo Boma harbour while in a team of three other women as they were on their way to Kalabo Boma’s Kashitu main market to sell some vegetables.

A source in the team told ZANIS that Namushi started complaining of labour pain as they were approaching the Luanginga River and gave birth at the harbour immediately after crossing the river.

Namushi was rushed to Kalabo district hospital for medical attention soon after she delivered.

ZANIS

Mulongoti regrets welcoming ‘dictators’ in MMD

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Expelled former MMD chairman for elections Mike Mulongoti
Expelled former MMD chairman for elections Mike Mulongoti

Expelled former MMD chairman for elections Mike Mulongoti has charged that the ruling party made a mistake in welcoming members from other political parties without scrutinizing them.

Mr. Mulongoti’s statement will be seen as a direct reference to Republican president Rupiah Banda, who is a former member of the former ruling party UNIP.

He said that  some members of the MMD who joined from other political parties have brought dictatorial tendencies in the ruling MMD.

The former works and supply Minister said that  members from other parties in the ruling MMD still carry dictatorial arrangement, instead of democracy.

He said that  it is a pity that such members are not questioned on their loyalty to the ideals of the MMD.

He says as can be seen in the MMD, democracy has sunk, were leaders are chosen to appoint other than being subjected to democratic elections.

Mr. Mulongoti adds that he feels deeply hurt on the happenings in the MMD, stressing that the vision of the party has been made blur.

And Mr. Mulongoti has stated that he will soon announce the political party he will support ahead of the elections.

Mr. Mulongoti says has been engaged in discussions with certain political parties, who he has described as having excellent manifestos.

He adds that he will not judge individuals but what they can do for the Zambia, in furthering development in the country.

Mr. Mulongoti was speaking on a live programme on UNZA radio this morning monitored by QFM.

PF’s apparent popularity in Western Province

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File: PF cadres raise the red cards

The Patriotic Front (PF) is reported to be ferrying cadres from the Copperbelt and Lusaka to Western Province ahead of this Saturday’s Kuomboka traditional ceremony to create an impression that the opposition party has made inroads in the area.A source from within the PF central committee told the Times in Lusaka yesterday that Mr Sata and the party’s national chairperson Inonge Wina wanted to show at all costs that the PF was popular in Western Province when in fact not.The source said Ms Wina was behind the ploy to show that the MMD was losing ground in the province.“Ms Wina has been camping in Mongu for the past one week trying to convince people that they should ditch the MMD and support the PF.

“But because of the resistance from the people, she has now opted to ferry our members from the Copperbelt and Lusaka.“The idea is to position people during the Kuomboka who will be flashing PF symbols against the guest of honor and send an impression that the party is strong in the province,” the source said.

According to the source, Ms Wina had been in Mongu for the past one week with a reporter from a daily tabloid who had been writing stories against the MMD Government and President Rupiah Banda.The PF, through its propaganda publication, was desperately trying to incite the people of Western Province using the events in the province on January 14 this year over the Barotseland Agreement.The source said Mr Sata and Ms Wina had been insisting that cadres should be ferried from the Copperbelt and Lusaka despite opposition from other party members.Mr Sata is also said to have told a meeting for senior party officials that PF members in public transport business should volunteer their buses for the operation.

But MMD Western Province chairperson, Simasiku Namakando said no amount of propaganda or tactics would sway the people of the province to support Mr Sata because they know that the opposition leader hates the people from the area.He said yesterday that Western Province remained a stronghold for the MMD because of the various development projects that the Government was undertaking in the area.

“The MMD is very popular here in Western Province. The insinuations that PF is making inroads are misplaced because the PF is non-existent here. No Westerner in their right frame of mind can support Mr Sata.“Memories of the people here are still very fresh, we still remember how Mr Sata told the people of Malole in Northern Province that they should not vote for the late Emmanuel Kasonde because he was selling the Bembas to the Lozis just because the National Party was then led by a Westerner,” Mr Namakando said.Mr Namakando said the people of the province were also aware of how the PF members of Parliament opposed the allocation of resources for the construction of the Mongu-Kalobo Road.When contacted for comment, Mr Sata cut the call immediately after the reporter introduced the subject to him.

Tourism is key – KK

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First Republican President Kenneth Kaunda says Tourism has the greatest potential to address poverty.

Dr Kaunda says unlike mining, the tourism industry impacts directly on poverty reduction in rural communities by providing job opportunities.

The former President said this at the re-opening of the Chichele Presidential lodge in Mfuwe on Wednesday.

He urged government, tourism board and traditional leaders to support sustainable conservation of wildlife by involving local people in tourism activities.

Dr Kaunda said Sanctuary Retreats, the new owner of Chichele have the capacity to promote Zambian tourism through its global tourism network.

And Tourism Deputy Minister Vera Tembo said government is determined to promote Zambia as a major tourist destination.

Meanwhile, Eastern Province Minister, Isaac Banda said government has invested millions of dollars in tourism by constructing roads and airports.

Tourism Board Chairman Timothy Mushibwe challenged the media to help promote Zambia as a tourist destination both locally and abroad.

Sanctuary Retreats managing director Anthony Post said over K2 billion has been invested in rehabilitating Chichele Lodge.

He said the sanctuary will invest more at the lodge and other tourist spots in the country.

[ZNBC]

Police refutes Post Newspaper’s amputation story

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Inspector Genaral of Police Francis Kabonde
Inspector Genaral of Police Francis Kabonde

THE Zambia Police Service has refuted a story in The Post of April 13 linking the amputation of 70-year-old Mwiya Sihope’s right leg to his detention in connection with the January 14 riots related to the Barotseland Agreement.

Inspector-General of Police Francis Kabonde said in a statement released in Lusaka on April 13 when Mr Sihope of Mongu was released on a nolleprosequi, he had both legs.

He said MrSihope was admitted to Lewanika General Hospital for asthma related complications, which later forced medical staff to amputate his right leg.

“The Zambia Police Service would like to refute the impression created in today’s (April 13’s) Post newspaper, which showed on the front page Mr Mwiya Sihope, aged 70, as having had his right leg amputated following his arrest and detention on 14th January, 2011, when he was suspected to be among those involved in the riots,” Mr Kabonde said.

He said the information obtained from Lewanika General Hospital indicated that Mr Sihope has been an outpatient there, and has been undergoing treatment for chronic asthma. He had developed wet gangrene on both legs, and subsequently admitted to the hospital.

Mr Kabonde said that is what necessitated the amputation of MrSihope’s right leg on Friday last week.

He appealed to the media to refrain from publishing inflammatory and unsubstantiated stories that could make people react negatively, leading to a breakdown of law and order.

And the Zambia Police Service says it will deploy 600 officers to provide security during this year’s Kuomboka ceremony of the Lozi people in Western Province.

Mr Kabonde said in a statement released in Lusaka on April 13 the ceremony is important because it has social, economic and cultural values to the people of Western Province and Zambia at large.

“As Zambia Police Service, we are ready for the occasion. Six hundred police officers will be deployed both on water and land to ensure total security,” he said.

The Kuomboka ceremony takes place in Mongu this weekend.

[Zambia Daily Mail]

Kitwe’s Jerabos gang leader arrested

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Copperbelt police commanding officer Martin Malama
Copperbelt police commanding officer Martin Malama

Police in Kitwe have arrested a man believed to belong to a gang known as the Jerabos that attacked people attending a bridal shower on Sunday.

Copperbelt Police Chief Malama has named the man as John Kalabo.

Dr. Malama has vowed that police will arrest the rest of the gang members.

He told ZNBC News in Kitwe on Monday that police will not allow the Jerabos to break law and order at will.

On Sunday, the Jerabos stormed Kitwe Basic School where people were celebrating a kitchen party and caused chaos.

The gang also beat up those in attendance, broke presents and window-panes before fleeing the scene.

The gang fled away with some of the presents, including hand-bags and cell phones meant for the bride.

It is believed that one of the gang members was angered because the future bride refused to get married to him.

Dr. Malama described the action taken by the Jerabos as primitive and warned that they will not escape the wrath of the law.

And Mninister of Home Affairs Mkhondo Lungu has called for the immediate arrest of members of a gang calling themselves Jerabos who have allegedly unleashed a wave of terror on Kitwe residents.

Mr Lungu said in an interview from Lundazi on yesterday that the activities of the Jerabos must be stopped immediately.

“The Jerabos or whatever they call themselves must be arrested. We have a very efficient Copperbelt police commanding officer in the name of Dr Martin Malama, who is doing a good job. The activities of these men who disturbed a kitchen party in Kitwe must be stopped with immediate effect,” he said.

Mr Lungu condemned the gang for its bad behaviour, saying all law breakers must be arrested. He called on youths to desist from engaging in vices that can ruin their lives.

“Any person who engages in violence must be arrested. Violence is not good. This is why we are saying the Jerabos must be arrested and dealt with,” Mr Lungu said.

[ZNBC]

UPND expels Panji and formally welcomes MMD’s Jonas Shakafuswa as a new member

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UPND spokesperson Charles Kakoma
UPND spokesperson Charles Kakoma

THE United Party for National Development (UPND) has expelled Colonel Panji Kaunda from the party for breaching the party constitution.

UPND spokesperson Charles Kakoma said at a press briefing in Lusaka yesterday that Col  Kaunda’s expulsion follows his failure to exculpate himself as stipulated in the suspension letter of March 29.

“Following the suspension of Col  Kaunda and his subsequent failure to exculpate himself from the charges we put to him, UPND has today (April 13) expelled Col Kaunda from the party pursuant to article 70 of our party constitution,” Mr Kakoma said.

He said Col Kaunda breached article 8 of the party constitution, which compels members to respect and follow the constitution.

“We have found Col Kaunda wanting and therefore liable to expulsion. We therefore wish to advise our supporters and the public that Col Kaunda is no longer a member of UPND,” he said.

Mr Kakoma said the article states that members should uphold and defend the philosophy, vision and objectives of the party and its democratically adopted position on internal and international issues.

He said article 8 further states that party members should safeguard party policies and programmes from ‘undue corruption of thought’.

[pullquote]“This is a free country and the UPND has a right to expel whoever they want to expel. I am currently busy campaigning for my candidate,” Panji said.[/pullquote]

The article also states that members should adhere to collective responsibility and defend their ideas and positions through the established party structures.

Mr Kakoma said any meeting called by Col Kaunda from today onwards should be deemed illegal because he has ceased to be a member of the UPND.

The UPND has also formally welcomed former MMD Katuba member of Parliament Jonas Shakafuswa to the party.

Mr Kakoma said Mr Shakafuswa has indicated to the UPND that he will officially join the party after the dissolution of Parliament but the opposition party says it is ready for a by-election if the Katuba seat is declared vacant before the dissolution of the National Assembly.

Commenting on his expulsion, Col Kaunda said he will not fight the UPND’s decision because his pact is with the people and not any political party.

“This is a free country and the UPND has a right to expel whoever they want to expel. I am currently busy campaigning for my candidate,” he said.

Col Kaunda said he does not have time to discuss the affairs of the UPND because he is busy in the field.

[Zambia Daily Mail]