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Zambia Qualify to 2022 COSAFA U20 Semifinals

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Zambia Qualify to 2022 COSAFA U20 Semifinals

Zambia is through to the 2022 COSAFA U20 Cup semifinals after beating Botswana 1-0 to wrap up their group A race with a 10 per cent run.

The only goal of the match came in the 3rd minute through striker Kingston Mutandwa
Zambia finished with a maximum of 6 points.

Hosts Eswatini finished second in Group A with 6 points and are likely to be Zambia’s semifinal opponents as the best second-placed side after the other Group B and C games are completed on Wednesday.

They crashed Mauritius 7-0 in the simultaneous kickoff.

Group B and C winners will meet in the semifinals on October 14.

The two finalists will qualify for the 2023 U20 AFCON tournaments in Egypt.

Zambia alerted on four substandard medicinal products that can severe injury or death in Children

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Zambia alerted on four substandard medicinal products that can severe injury or death in Children

The World Health Organisation (WHO) products have alerted Zambia on four (4) substandard products, identified in the Gambia and reported to the global organisation.

The WHO has alerted Zambia, through Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority (ZAMRA) on four products namely promethazine oral solution, kofexalin baby cough syrup, Makoff baby cough syrup and Magrip N cold syrup which are manufactured by Maiden Pharmaceuticals limited (Haryana, India).

ZAMRA Acting Director General Makomani Siyanga says in a statement on Tuesday the above products are reported to contain unacceptable amounts of diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol as contaminants.

These are unsafe and their use especially in Children may result in severe injury or death.

Mr Siyanga explained in the statement that despite the products having only been identified in the Gambia, they might have been distributed through informal markets to other countries or regions.

“The Authority wishes to inform healthcare professionals and the general public that Maiden Pharmaceuticals Limited is not registered in Zambia, further the Authority has never authorised the importation of any medicines from this manufacturer,” he said.

Out of precaution, ZAMRA has intensified countrywide surveillance for the said products in case they may have been distributed using illegal markets to ensure that they are not in circulation through public notification and inspection of pharmaceutical outlets.

Mr Siyanga further said the Authority will continue monitoring the ongoing investigations through WHO and will keep the nation updated.

He also advised members of the public in an event that they are in possession of the above-mentioned products to return them to the nearest healthcare provider or supplier who should in turn notify ZAMRA.

Rand Merchant Bank commences preliminary works at KCM to find a provider for long-term financing

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Rand Merchant Bank commences preliminary works at KCM to find a provider for long-term financing

Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) has announced that its newly engaged financial advisor – Rand Merchant Bank (RMB) has commenced preliminary works at KCM leading to the search for a provider of long-term finance.

KCM is seeking to increase its portion of the forecast total copper production of 3 million tonnes within the next 9 years.

Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) Provisional Liquidator Ms. Celine Nair on 28th September 2022, announced the appointment of Rand Merchant Bank (RMB) as financial advisor to the Company in the Government’s ongoing efforts to bring it back into full operation.

Ms. Nair said the RMB team is currently collecting information and data at KCM and conducting meetings with Management to enable the team to commence the valuation of the asset.

The banker is also setting up a data room to assist in dealing with queries from potential providers of long-term funding.

“In relation to the appointment of Rand Merchant Bank (RMB) as financial advisor to Konkola Copper Mines plc (KCM), the Company is pleased to inform stakeholders that RMB has commenced preliminary works at KCM leading to the search for a provider of long-term finance.RMB has been appointed through the Government’s efforts to secure medium to long-term funding for KCM.The RMB team is currently collecting information and data at KCM and conducting meetings with Management to enable the team to commence the valuation of the asset. The banker is also setting up a data room to assist in dealing with queries from potential providers of long-term funding,” Nair said on Tuesday.

“The Merchant banker will also attend to enquiries already received from entities that have indicated willingness to meet KCM’s long term financial requirements,” commented the KCM Provisional Liquidator.

Ms. Nair said the commencement of works by RMB on their mandate is a major step towards the resuscitation of Konkola Copper Mines to ensure the Company increases its portion of the forecast total copper production of 3 million tonnes within the next 9 years – the cornerstone of the New Dawn Government’s mining policy.

“We are optimistic that this process will fulfil the objectives to ensure KCM operations step up to the next level through implementation of key projects such as the Konkola Deep Mine to desired levels of production,” Ms. Nair added.

RMB was selected from a list of 11 local and international firms which were invited to participate in the tender process.

The appointment of RMB followed on from the announcement in June 2022 that a comprehensive search had begun for a financial advisor to assist in securing financing for its medium to long term projects.

A total of 11 local and international firms were invited to participate in the tender process that culminated in the selection of RMB.

“The appointment of RMB is a major milestone in the journey towards the full turnaround of Konkola Copper Mines Plc and its subsidiaries, Konkola Mineral Resources Limited (KMRL) and KCM SmelterCo Limited,” Ms. Nair said.

Ms. Nair added that, “The Company forms part of a strategic national resource base and stepping up the search for a strategic equity partner is vital to unlocking the rich ore reserves at Konkola Deep Mine. It is also pivotal in reaching the targeted increase in national copper production of 3 million tonnes within the next 10 years – the cornerstone of the New Dawn Government’s mining policy.”

Meanwhile, instrumental to the growth of KCM Plc is the Konkola Deep Mining Project (KDMP), which requires a minimum investment of circa US$1.2 billion, to construct additional pump chamber facilities necessary for pumping out water and unlocking new production areas within the rich ore reserves.

Other upgrades and expansions are required in the Tailings Leach Plant at Nchanga in Chingola, the Nchanga Smelter and other key assets.

“It is KCM’s focus to complete the process of securing capital as soon as possible in order to accelerate the unlocking of long-held back investments and mine development. These requirements are important to ensure growth and the sharing of benefits to strategic stakeholders, which include the Government and employees of KCM, its subsidiaries, as well as business partners and communities in KCM’s areas of operation,” Ms. Nair said.

Ms. Nair added that the appointment of RMB serves as an assurance to the ongoing management process, which is aimed at strengthening governance in KCM and its subsidiaries.

“A lot of improvements have taken place at KCM since May 2022 and the mine’s future is looking bright as we gear up to increase production as soon as bridge funding is secured, Ms. Nair said.

Copperbelt Province-based mining giants Mopani Copper Mines and Konkola Copper Mines, currently owned by the Government, are financially struggling due to lack of capital investment in the operations.

Uncertainty surrounding the controversial ownership of Mopani and KCM by the government has not helped the prospect of capital injection in the mining firms that have operations in Kitwe, Mufulira, Chingola and Chililabombwe.

The two firms have been struggling to pay suppliers and contractors who are equally failing to pay their respective workers.

The New Dawn government is aware of the challenges Mopani and KCM are facing.

Last month, President Hakainde Hichilema pleaded with Copperbelt residents to be patient as the government addresses challenges affecting the mining sector.

President Hichilema said the Government will soon announce new developments regarding the way forward on Mopani Copper Mines that need capital investment.

The Head of State said the Government is restoring sanity in the mining sector which was left in shambles by the previous Patriotic Front regime.

Mr. Hichilema said the PF regime made a big mistake by liquidating Konkola Copper Mines and when buying Mopani Copper Mines from Swiss firm Glencoe.

597 killed in 8,919 road traffic accidents recorded Zambia during the third quarter of 2022

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597 killed in 8,919 road traffic accidents recorded Zambia during the third quarter of 2022

The Zambia Police Service has disclosed that 597 people were killed in 8,919 road traffic accidents recorded country wide during the third quarter of 2022.

The latest road traffick accidents shows an increase in both number of accidents and fatalities recorded last year in the same period.

In the third quarter of 2021, 585 people were killed in 8,059 road accidents recorded by Police in the third quarter.

Police Spokesperson Rae Hamoonga has confirmed that 1,583 persons were seriously injured in 8,919 road traffic accidents recorded country wide during the third quarter of 2022.

Mr. Hamoonga said in the third quarter of 2022, Police recorded an increase in both fatal road traffic accident and persons killed by 33 and 12 respectively.

He said most of the accidents in the third quarter of 2022 were attributed to human error.

Mr. Hamoonga cited excessive speed which caused 1,466 accidents representing 16.4% and misjudging clearance distance which accounted for 1,366 accidents representing 15.3 % as the top two human errors.

He said road accidents were increasing due to low compliance levels on the part of most road users especially the motorists, motor cyclists and pedal cyclists.

“During the third quarter of 2022, a total number of 8,919 road traffic accidents were recorded country wide compared to 8,059 recorded in the same period in 2021.502 were recorded as fatal road traffic accidents in which 597 persons were killed, compared to 469 recorded in 2021 were 585 persons were killed, 919 were serious road traffic accidents in which 1,583 persons were seriously injured compared to 756 road traffic accidents recorded in 2021 out of which 1,345 persons were seriously injured. 1,644 were recorded as slight road traffic accidents in which 2,447 persons were slightly injured compared to 1,511 recorded in 2021 were 2,216 persons were slightly injured and 5, 854 were recorded as Damage Only road traffic accidents compared to 5,323 recorded in 2021.In the third quarter of 2022, we recorded an increase in both fatal road traffic accident recorded and persons killed by 33 and 12 respectively, on serious only road traffic accidents we also recorded an increase in both number of accidents and persons seriously injured by 143 and 128 while in slight only road traffic accidents we recorded an increase in both the number of accidents recorded and slightly injured persons by 133 and 231 respectively,” Mr. Hamoonga said.

The Police Spokesperson revealed that Lusaka Province recorded the highest number of road traffic accidents with 4,767 representing 53.4% followed by Copperbelt with 1,392 representing 15.6% and Central with 710, representing 7.9% in that order.

Mr. Hamoonga added that Muchinga Province recorded the lowest number of road accident that stood at 199 representing 2.2%.

“Lusaka Province recorded the highest number of road traffic accidents with 4,767 representing 53.4% followed by Copperbelt with 1,392 representing 15.6%, Central with 710, representing 7.9%, Southern with 509 representing 5.7%, North Western with 353, representing 3.9%, Eastern with 334 representing 3.7%, Luapula with 236 representing 2.6% Northern with 210 representing 2.4%, Western with 209 representing 2.6% and Mchinga Province with 199 representing 2.2%,” Mr. Hamoonga said.

He said Police collected K 14,489,842.00 as admission of guilty fines from road accidents.

“A total sum of K 14,489,842.00 was collected as Admission of Guilty fines in the third quarter of 2021 as compared to K 15,203,771.00 collected in the same period of 2022. The figure shows an increase in Admission of Guilty fines by K 713,929.00. Most of the accidents in the third quarter of 2022 were attributed to human error as indicated below; Excessive speed 1,466 representing 16.4%.Misjudging clearance distance 1,366 representing 15.3 %.Failing to keep to nearside 1,334 representing 14.9%.Cutting in 654 representing 7.3%.Reversing negligently 615 representing 6.8 %,” he said.

Mr. Hamoonga concluded:”There has been an increase in road traffic accidents recorded in the third quarter of 2022 as compared to the third quarter of 2021. The increase is attributed to low compliance levels on the part of most road users especially the motorists, motor cyclists and pedal cyclists as indicated in causes of accidents.Lusaka province has continued recording the highest number of road traffic accidents because it has high volume of motor vehicles and human population compared to other provinces.”

Some of the major road accidents in the last three months were recorded in Lusaka and Northern Provinces in which over 30 people died in just two accidents.

21 women from the United Church of Zambia (UCZ) died in a road traffic accident on 19th September in Nsama district on their way from attending a church conference.

Around 01:00 hours, a road traffic crash occurred on Nsama/Nsumbu Road in Nsama District of the Northern Province involving a Mitsubishi Canter,which was ferrying congregants of the UCZ, the WCF.

The congregants were returning from a
special church gathering consistory conference,which was held at Munwa Village in Nsama District of the Northern Province.

Preliminary investigations, indicated that the driver lost control as he was descending the Chaushi Hill, a few kilometres before Nsumbu.

Meanwhile, 11 people were killed in Lusaka on September 24 when a Hiace Minibus due to excessive speed lost control on the University of Zambia (UNZA) road junction along Great East Road and hit into a Zambia National Service (ZNS) truck.

10 of the deceased persons are said to have died on the spot, while one of them died at Levy Mwanawasa Hospital.

Inferno leaves 26 families homeless in Nalolo

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Inferno leaves 26 families homeless in Nalolo

26 families in Nawinda Village of Ukolo Ward in Nalolo District of Western Province have been left homeless after an inferno.

It is alleged that fire swept through the houses on the material day, around 16 hours when one of the children was playing with fire.

Following the tragedy , 107 people are affected.

Nalolo Member of Parliament Imanga Wamunyima and Nalolo District Commissioner Namatama Mupo who disclosed the incident in separately interviews.

And Nalolo Lawmaker says he has held a meeting with Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) National Coordinator Gabriel Pollen who assured him that relief to the affected families of Nawinda after an assessment.

Mr. Wamunyima further mentioned that as disasters are unforeseen calamities, there is need for lawmakers to support the need for increased budgetary allocation for responsiveness to such tragedies.

He added that a good governance system is anchored on consensus building in matters of national interest.

Meanwhile, Nalolo District Commissioner Mupo says whirlwinds are common during this period and grass thatched houses are prone to catching fire easily hence the need for people to be cautious.

Ms. Mupo has appealed to parents to ensure that children do not play with fire.

Musokotwane attends the 2022 IMF/World Bank Group Annual meeting

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Musokotwane attends the 2022 IMF/World Bank Group Annual meeting

Minister of Finance and National Planning Situmbeko Musokotwane is leading a Zambian delegation to attend the 2022 IMF/World Bank Group Annual meetings in the United States of America.

The annual event brings together Ministers of Finance, Central Bank Governors, Investors, and several other stakeholders to a common space to discuss and agree on solutions to the various challenges facing the global economy.

Among these challenges includes low commodity prices, unstable macro-economic environment and low investments.

In a statement from the Ministry of Finance on Tuesday, Secretary to the Treasury Felix Nkulukusa, Permanent Secretary (Budget & Economic Affairs) Mukuli Chikuba, Bank of Zambia Governor Denny Kalyalya and the Bank of Zambia Deputy Governor, Francis Chipimo, among others have accompanied the minister.

“Minister of Finance and National Planning Dr Situmbeko Musokotwane, MP, is leading Zambia’s delegation to annual event which brings together Ministers of Finance, Central Bank Governors, Investors, and several other stakeholders to a common space to discuss and agree on solutions to the challenges facing the global economy such as low commodity prices, unstable macro-economic environment’s, low investments,” the statement read in part.

During the week-long annual meetings, the Zambian delegation will participate in a series of IMF and World Bank Organised Meetings, engage investors and hold bilateral talks with Zambia’s other development partners on a bilateral basis.

Later, during the IMF Africa Group One Constituency Meeting, Dr Musokotwane on Tuesday will participate in the policy dialogue on managing crises, inflationary pressures, debt and food security.

The Minister is also scheduled to make an intervention statement at another event at which he will speak about rising vulnerabilities to debt distress and lessons from the common framework.

And Zambia’s Ambassador to the United States, Lazarous Kapambwe received Dr. Musokotwane and his entourage on arrival in Washington DC, late on Monday.

Ambassador Kapambwe has described Zambia’s participation is crucial in strengthening development cooperation and sustaining investor interest in the country’s various aspects of development.

And speaking during the group annual meetings, Dr Musokotwane said the event is important for Zambia’s debt restructuring journey.

He added that the meeting is ideal for marketing the country as one of the best investment destinations as well as a good platform for learning best practice from countries.

“This event is important in our debt restructuring journey, good for consolidating our attractiveness as one of Africa’s best investment destinations, and a platform for learning the best-practices from others,” He said.

“Following the steady strides undertaken by the Government to transform the economy through a stable, predictable and facilitative policy atmosphere, Zambia has become an example of a positive bench-mark among emerging markets and low-income states, “ said the minister.

Veep happy with progress made to reduce poverty

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Veep happy with progress made to reduce poverty

Vice President Mutale Nalumango says government has made significant progress towards achieving food security and nutrition for the Country in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal number two.

Mrs. Nalumango says despite the continent being faced with various challenges that have threatened food security, government remains committed to ending hunger in the country by 2030, a commitment recently made by President Hakainde Hichilema in 2021.

She said government is aware that women, youths and children are more vulnerable to hunger and that government has put in place programs to address this including programs aimed at improving the food system in the country.

“Zambia is currently implementing a number of policies through programs aimed at improving our food systems and ultimately nutrition and health of the country. The country is currently implementing the first 1000 most critical days phase 2 program under the framework of scaling up nutrition program” she added

The Vice President was speaking during the World Food Day networking breakfast and media address organized by the World Food Organization and National Food and Nutrition Commission ahead of the World Food Day which falls on 16th October every year

And speaking at the same event, United Nations World Food Program WFP Country Representative Cissy Byenkya said that Zambia needs to take an inclusive food systems approach in order to achieve its aspirations of achieving a food and nutrition secure Country.

Ms. Byenkwa said the WFP acknowledges governments efforts in addressing hunger and nutrition challenges in the country and that the WFP supports government’s efforts aligned to the 8th National development plan, vision 2030 and sustainable development goals.

“Am alive to the enormous government efforts in addressing food and nutrition challenges in Zambia through the various policies, programs and projects being implemented in the food security, nutrition and social protection sector” she said.

Meanwhile, Food and Agriculture Organization FAO Country Representative Suze-Percy Fillippini Zambia’s food production systems have continued to underperform despite the country being endowed with abundant natural resources with favorable climatic and political goodwill.

She said despite the progress made by the government in fighting hunger, a lot of people are still excluded from receiving the benefits of agriculture growth, human development, innovation and overall, economic growth, a situation she says requires urgent action.

Scientists trained in Biotechnology-Mutati

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Scientists trained in Biotechnology-Mutati

Government has put technology and science at the centre of national development as espoused in the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP).

Minister of Technology and Science, Felix Mutati says government will promote science, technology and innovation to transform the economy through industrialisation.

He cited the use of biotechnology as another toolbox that could be used to achieve increased agriculture productivity

Mr Mutati said this through Ministry of Technology and Science Director, Jane Chinkusu during the national Biosafety meeting organised by the Center of Excellence in Science, Technology and Innovation in Lusaka today.

“Indeed, biotechnology for Africa is another tool in the toolbox to achieve increased agricultural productivity with adaptive climate resilient crops aimed at reducing poverty and boosting food security in the country,” he said.

Mr Mutati stressed that the core purpose of the technical expert meeting is to identify institutions in Zambia that are engaged in science, technology and innovation to capacitate them in biotechnology matters.

And the African Union Development Agency NEPAD Director Knowledge Management and Head Centre of excellence, Florence Nazare emphasised the need to promote value addition to products to develop the continent.

Ms Nazare said science, technology and innovation should be placed at the centre of all activities to boost social economic development in Africa.

She noted that Africa must move at the same pace with other Continents in the area of Biotechnology to enhance general understanding of the emerging technology especially in the agriculture sector to better people’s livelihoods.

“Africa should push her own agenda to promote industrialisation to lift people from abject poverty they have been grappling with through biotechnology,” she said.

Meanwhile, National Biosafety Authority Registrar, Lackson Tonga disclosed that the purpose of the meeting is to capacitate scientists on the importance of Biotechnology.

Mr Tonga said biotechnology is key to equip scientists on the best practices to tackle climate change which has affected the agriculture sector among others.

“The need for Scientists to acquire knowledge on new emerging technologies is critical for the country as it enhances their understanding on biotechnology matters,” he said.

Mr Tonga added that the role of the National Technology Authority is to ensure that as the new technology is coming, it is conducted according to the biotechnology act.

ACC Arrest former Attorney General Likando Kalaluka for corruption, involving $17 million

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ACC Arrest former Attorney General Likando Kalaluka for corruption, involving $17 million

The Anti- Corruption Commission has arrested former Attorney General Likando Kalaluka for corruption, involving US$17,958,150.00.

Mr. Kalaluka, aged 45, of house no. 28597/M State Lodge, has been charged with one (1) count of Conspiracy to Defraud the State, contrary to Section 313 of the Penal Code, Cap 87 of the Laws of Zambia.

Details are that on dates unknown but between 1st January 2019 and 31st January 2021, Mr. Kalaluka, jointly and whilst acting together with other persons, did conspire to defraud the Government of the Republic of Zambia, in the manner in which Honeybee Pharmacy, participated in the tender to supply and deliver 50,000 Health Centre Kits and was consequently awarded a contract for supply and delivery of 22, 500 Health Centre Kits valued at US$ 17,958,150.00.

Last week, the Commission arrested and jointly charged former Minister of Health Dr. Chitalu Chilufya, former Permanent Secretary for Administration at the Ministry of Health and three Honeybee Pharmacy directors for the same offence.

Mr. Kalaluka has been released on Bond and is scheduled to appear before court soon.

Hichilema ready to construct a health facility on his gifted land

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Hichilema ready to construct a health facility on his gifted land

President Hakainde Hichilema has signaled the ground-breaking for the construction of a health facility in Sin’anda village in Mabumbu area of Mongu district.

The 3.4 hectares of land where the facility is earmarked to sit on, was handed over by village induna Kapui in honour of the President earlier this year.

The construction of the health facility will ease the burden of long distance that villagers have to cover to access health care services.

President Hichilema disclosed that the health facility will house a Maternity wing, an Out-Patient department, a Male, Female and Children’s Ward among others.

Much to the delight of the villagers, the President announced his intentions to construct the health facility using his own personal resources instead of Taxpayers money.

The Head of State said that a contractor has already been identified and works are expected to commence soon.

He called on line ministries to consider constructing a road leading to the health facility to ease the movement of residents who currently endure the bulozi sandy terrain.

The President has since appealed to the citizenry to consider investing back home

And Induna Kapui, whose identity is Kaluka Mubiana, says he saw it fit to hand over the land to the first family and welcomed them residents to the village.

And one of the beneficiaries Mulele Nyambe said the health facility is a good gesture which will help cushion residents who face challenges when accessing health care services.

Mrs. Nyambe added that pregnant women sometimes give birth on the way to the nearest clinic because of the distance adding that the road is also a disadvantage due to the sand.

She said the nearest health center is in Lewanika General Hospital in Mongu and this poses a challenge to people in the area.

She thanked the president for the gesture for considering constructing a health facility as it will have a ripple effect of job creation both during the construction stage and after.

The Head of State was in the Mongu district to attend the first ever Western Province Tourism, Trade and Investment expo.

ACC restricts SAVENDA bank account after CEO attempted to withdraw $3.4 million

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ACC restricts SAVENDA bank account after CEO attempted to withdraw $3.4 million

The Anti-Corruption Commission has issued a Restriction Notice on one of the accounts for Savenda Systems Limited after an attempt by Chief Executive Officer Clever Mpoha to withdraw the entire sum of US$3.4 million which was sitting in its account.

ACC Chief Corporate Affairs Officer Timothy Moono says the Restriction was done pursuant to the Anti-Corruption Act. No. 3 of 2012, which gives the Director General powers to restrict property or money in a bank for a person who is under investigation.

In a statement, Mr Moono says the ACC has been conducting investigations against Savenda Group of Companies Director and Chief Executive Officer Clever Mpoha who was August this year subsequently arrested and charged with the offence of Corrupt Practices by Private Persons in connection with a contract for the supply and delivery of military uniforms for the Zambia National Service.

And Mr Moono has clarified that the Commission has neither shut down the company nor taken over the firm.

Meanwhile, the Anti-Corruption Commission has arrested former Attorney General Likando Kalaluka for corruption, involving US$17.9 million.

Mr Kalaluka, aged 45 has been charged with one count of Conspiracy to Defraud the State, contrary to the Laws of Zambia.

Chambeshi Admits Feeling Pressure At Struggling Nkana

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Nkana coach Beston Chambeshi admits he is concerned about his future after winning one of their opening seven games of the 2022/23 FAZ Super League season.

The Kitwe giants on Saturday’s lost 1-0 away to FC MUZA in Kafue.

Saturday’s loss saw Nkana sustain their fourth loss in their last five matches in which they have managed to pick up just 1 point.

“Every coach even in the lower division when a team is not performing to the expectations of the people or the sponsors, one has to be concerned,” Chambeshi said.

Nkana started the campaign unbeaten in their opening two games began with a 0-0 home draw against Kabwe Warriors and then beating Buildcon 3-1away in Ndola in Week 2.

“The future is there but it is not healthy for a big team like Nkana to go 7 games with one win,” Chambeshi admitted.

“It is not our tradition but we need to put our heads together and see how we can come out of this.”

Nkana is currently third from last inside the bottom four relegation zone with 5 points from their opening seven matches.

They are back in action at home this Saturday when they host unbeaten Forest Rangers who are third on 13 points and two points behind leaders Prison Leopards.

Kidnapping The Kidnapped Girls For The Second Time – Sean Tembo

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Kidnapping The Kidnapped Girls For The Second Time – Sean Tembo

Patriots for Economic Progress (PeP) President Sean Tembo has expressed dismay over the statement from the Minister of Community Development Doreen Mwamba that the government has decided to maintain custody of the 13 kidnapped girls after their release from hospital, and that the Ministry had since put them in a shelter.

Mr Tembo noted that this makes a very sad reading as these rescued girls are not orphans but belong to families and should be reunited with their respective relatives so that they can begin the process of psychological and physical healing from the sexual abuse that they were subjected to by their kidnappers.

“If the New Dwan Government was sincere in this matter, why didn’t they give each of the 13 girls an option of whether to go home to their families or be kept in a government shelter like orphans? Why did the UPND decide to railroad all the 13 girls into a shelter against their wishes? Why has the UPND Government decided to cut all communication between the 13 girls and the outside world?” Mr Tembo questioned

Mr Tembo explained that the definition of kidnapping is holding someone against their will, and in this instance, it can safely be said that the UPND government has kidnapped the 13 girls for the second time.

“Why is the UPND Government afraid of allowing these 13 girls to go home and tell their stories? Are they afraid that the girls might implicate someone important in the Government, hence their second kidnapping? Where are the civil society organizations which are supposed to fight for the rights of the vulnerable in our community?” Mr Tembo mentioned

Mr Tembo said that, his message to President Hakainde Hichilema is please Mr President, do not kidnap these girls for the second time, let them go home to their families, from a psychological point of view, the shelter you have put these girls in will soon start resembling the kidnappers house in which they lived in for more than 6 months and before you realize it, cases of suicide might be found among the girls due to a psychological breakdown.

“Please sir, release the girls from this unlawful detention by the government, they have already gone through enough. Stop it now sir,” Mr Tembo exclaimed

On 8th October, 2022, the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services announced in a statement that it has taken over the welfare of the 13 survivors of abduction following the completion of their medical examinations.

Minister of Community Development and Social Services Doreen Mwamba, stated that the Ministry through the Department of Social Welfare has provided a Place of Safety as mandated in the provisions of the Anti-Gender Based Violence Act No.1 of 2011 and Anti- Human Trafficking Act No. 11 of 2008.

Ms Mwamba noted that the young ladies are currently in good spirit after undergoing medical checkups to ascertain their health statuses and establish the extent of their sexual exploitation and abuse.

She, however, stated that the traumatic experience of the abductions caused huge psychological effects on the mental health of the survivors adding that there is need to subject the young ladies to trauma and psychosocial therapy in a Place of Safety as part of the healing process.

“The Case Management processes which will be carried out by the social workers from the Ministry alongside other professional psychologists from Chainama Hospital, will focus on psychological wellness and general welfare on a case-by-case basis,” she explained.

Ms Mwamba noted that the families of the survivors have been informed of the planned interventions by government and has requested the families to give government more time to take care of the survivors before they are eventually reintegrated into their families.

“Those who travelled from other towns outside Lusaka to see their daughters will be provided with support by the Ministry through the Lusaka District Social Welfare Office until the survivors are discharged from the Place of Safety. The families will also undergo counselling to ensure that they are in a good state of mind to provide care and support to their daughters,” she added.

Ms Mwamba disclosed that the ministry is working closely with the gender division as well as Non-Governmental Organisations to ensure that all supplies are provided to the survivors in order to safeguard their stay in the Place of Safety.

“Criminal investigations by Zambia Police have continued to ensure the culprits are brought to book,” she said

Ms Mwamba has since appealed to the media and the general public to desist from uploading publications about the identity or personal information of the survivors to avoid further victimization and traumatization of the young ladies

Our house is in order- Electoral Commission of Zambia

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Our house is in order- Electoral Commission of Zambia

The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has refuted claims by various stakeholders that there’s a vacuum in the operations of the Commission.

The Commission’s Acting Chief Electoral Officer Bob Musenge noted during a media address yesterday that despite the Commission currently not having a substantive Chairperson and Vice Chairperson, the composition of the Commission is provided for under Section 6 (5) (c) of the Electoral Commission of Zambia Act No. 25 of 2016 which stated that where there is no Chairperson, the Vice Chairperson will preside over the proceedings of the Commission, and where there is no Chairperson and Vice Chairperson, the members will choose amongst themselves for someone to preside over the matters or meetings.

“Arising from this legal provision, we would like to inform all stakeholders that there is no vacuum in the operations of the Commission,” Mr Musenge said

Mr Musenge added that the Commission’s Secretariat which is headed by the Chief Electoral Officer is fully functional, and currently headed by the Acting Chief Electoral Officer who is fully supported by the Directorates.

Meanwhile, Mr Musenge explained that in preparation for the upcoming By-Elections, the Commission has commenced the briefing and training of District Voter Education Committees (DVEC) and Conflict Management Committees (DCMCs) in all the Districts that have By-Elections.

He added that the nominations for the By-Elections for three Council Chairpersons and 21 Ward Councillor By-Elections will be conducted on Thursday 13th October, 2022 and the By-Elections are slated for 4th November, 2022 will take place from 06:00 hours to 18:00 hours.

“The Local Government vacancies have risen because of deaths, nullification of elections and resignations” he mentioned

Mr Musenge said that the Commission has since urged all aspiring candidates in the By-Election to lodge completed and attested statutory declaration and nomination papers subscribed before the Magistrate, Local Court Magistrate, Head of Government Primary or Secondary School, Principal of a college, Commissioner of Oaths, Election Officer or returning officer on Thursday 13th October, 2022 between 09:00 hours and 15:00 hours.

He stated that the Commission is also scheduled to conduct youth conferences and traditional leaders’ meetings in Mkushi, Mwense and Lusangazi Districts respectively.

Mr Musenge disclosed that the By-Elections in Kabushi and Kwacha Constituencies which were scheduled for 15th September, 2022, could not take place nor proceed because of the High Court ruling delivered on 13th September, 2022, staying or suspending the elections for the two constituencies.

He added that the Commission is alive to the fact that the Constitution gives 90 days in which to conduct a By-Election, and the Commission will make a pronouncement on the matter in due course, as stakeholders will be updated accordingly.

And Mr Musenge also disclosed that the continuous voter registration which commenced in June this year and scheduled to be suspended on 30th September, 2022 to facilitate for the de-duplication exercise meant to clean up the registration data, will continue until 31st December, 2022, as a revised roadmap will be published in due course by the Commission.

In giving a recap on the Voter Registration Exercise Statistics, Mr Musenge said that a total of 6,413 voters registered in the month of September, 2022, out of which 2,8883 are male while 3,530 are females.

“Solwezi recorded the highest number of registered in the month at 2,041 while Mongu recorded the least at 45, Ndola did not record any new registration due to the suspension of the exercise in the area on account of pending Parliamentary By-Elections,” Mr Musenge noted

“The 10,493 is the cumulative total number of voters since the exercise commenced on 1st June 2022, and out of which a total number of voters during this period is 5,592 male while 4,901 are females,” Mr Musenge added

The Fight against Corruption is not restricted to past cases

Chief Editor
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The Fight against Corruption is not restricted to past cases

THE Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has reiterated that the fight against corruption is not a witch hunt.

ACC Chief Corporate Affairs Officers Timothy Moono has said that the fight against corruption is not restricted to past corruption practices, adding that repeated sentiments that it has focused its fight on past corruption and is not pursuing current acts of corruption are false.

Mt Moono said the commission further has noted that people and entities that have repeatedly pushed this position and agenda have not indicated which present acts of corruption the Commission is not investigating nor acting upon.

“They have also not indicated which cases of present corruption they have reported,but which the Commission has not acted upon. The Commission remains focused on robustly and ruthlessly fighting past, present and future corruption and reiterates the position that its fight against corruption is not restricted to corruption committed in the past,” he said.

Mr Moono has urged the public to report any acts of corruption irrespective of who the perpetrator is.

“The political persuasion or affiliation of any individual committing corruption does not matter to the Commission neither does the period when the acts were committed. ACC is on an unstoppable and relentless crusade to vigorously and ruthlessly fight past and present corruption. Anyone presently committing corruption or planning to do so will pay a very high price,” he said.

Early in the year, the opposition Economic Freedom Fighters party asked the Anti-Corruption Commission to investigate the alleged procurement of Fertiliser worth 50 million US dollars by the government using Alpha Commodities Zambia Limited.

In a letter dated 17th February 2022 signed by the party President Kasonde Mwenda and his Secretary General Changala Siame, the party wants the ACC to expeditiously investigate the corruption allegations leveled against the company.

The EFF said that the ACC should institute investigations on the single sourcing of the fertilizer supplier as it was confirmed by Vice President Mutale Nalumango to Parliament.

Party President Kasonde Mwenda and his Secretary General Changala Siame stated that in as much as the law allows the alternative procurement procedures in special circumstances, the required conditions to allow for a single source were not met.

The duo have said the procured Fertiliser was overpriced by over 150 percent and there was alleged interference with the award of the Fertiliser supply tender by a known cabinet Minister.

“Salient issues raised in the letter to the ACC Director-General calls for investigation in The Single-Sourcing of the fertilizer supplier (Alpha Commodities Zambia Limited) as was confirmed by her honour the Vice President of Zambia Madam Mutale Nalumango to Parliament is illegal and contrary to Law as is contained in the Public Procurement Act no. 8 of 2020: Sec 54. (1) A procuring entity shall use open bidding as the preferred procurement method for the public procurement of goods, works, services and for the purposes of the Republic.”

“In as much as the Law allows for alternative procurement procedures in special circumstances; the required conditions to allow for a single source were not met as is stipulated in our law PPA 54(2), thus rendering the whole procurement process of the said fertilizer an abuse of power and thus an act of corruption.”

“The procured fertilizer was overpriced by over 150%. Current Saudi Arabia sourced fertilizer price per ton is between $400 to $550 yet the Government of Zambia procured the same at $1, 040 from the said supplier. This procurement was out of the allocated budget and illegal as it goes against the Law: Public Procurement Act no. 8 of 2020: Sec 56 (3) A person who knowingly commences or approves a procurement proceeding without ascertaining whether the procurement is within budget or funds are available for the procurement, commits an offense.”

“Alleged interference with the award of the said Fertilizer Supply tender by the Minister of Information and Media Hon. Chushi Kasanda. The Zambian citizenry wishes you to investigate and ascertain or dispel her alleged involvement. It is also alleged that the said supply of fertilizer has not been fully delivered. That too the Zambian citizens wishes you to investigate.”

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