Sunday, June 29, 2025
Subscribe
Home Blog Page 515

Sodomy suspects plead not guilty in Chililabombwe

Chief Editor
-
1
Sodomy suspects plead not guilty in Chililabombwe

Two suspects who allegedly sodomized a 23-year-old Club Disk Jockey (DJ) in Chililabombwe district in the Copperbelt province have pleaded not guilty to the charge before the Chililabombwe Magistrates court.

The two suspects Cephas Mutambo, 26 and Robson Ng’ambi, 27 took plea yesterday.

This is according to a statement made available to ZANIS in Ndola today by Copperbelt Province Commanding Officer Sharon Zulu.

Ms. Zulu said the matter has been adjourned to September 28, 2022, for commencement of trial.

Ms. Zulu said the two suspects are remanded in custody at Chingola Correctional facility while the third suspect identified as Kelvin is still on the run.

Facts of the matter are that on September 14, 2022, around 00:00hrs at Mukinge Guesthouse in Chililabombwe three male persons allegedly sodomized Cleophas Samukanga aged 23, a Dick Jokie (DJ) at Seal 5 Bar Square town Centre in Chililabombwe.

Ms. Zulu explained that Samukanga was sodomized by the three in a room at a guest house as they slept after a drinking spree.

Ms. Zulu said when the victim woke up, he caught Mutambo in the act in the room sodomizing him as he sustained anal pain after the incident.

Ms. Zulu said the victim reported the incident to police.

Musa Mwenye SC – decoding the gist of his tweet?

Chief Editor
-
8
Musa Mwenye SC – decoding the gist of his tweet?

By Chimwemwe Mwanza

Self-deception is defined as the act of lying to oneself or making yourself to believe something that isn’t true. There is absolutely no wrong in deceiving oneself, except it becomes problematic when individuals begin to twist facts in their pursuit to achieve a narrow agenda.

More often than not, detachment from reality – which is a culmination of self-deception does have consequences. For context, nothing reminds more of this analogy than this chant ‘Alebwelelapo’ adopted by some party zealots in the build-up to last year’s Presidential elections. As tears flowed in the aftermath of results, the biggest lesson from the polls was that it is harder to ignore the reality or collective will of a disgruntled people. Which is why it boggles the mind that most politicians still fail to grasp the exact moment when the electorate would have abandoned them until, they are voted out of office.

It is nothing but an insulation from society that makes our leaders tone deaf to reality. To the point, the timing of the tweet by Musa Mwenye SC in which he advised government to ignore its praise singers – some of whom are self-appointed, could not be more appropriate. This advice from an eminent jurist recently appointed by the President to chair the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is sobering. What prompted this tweet though is still a mystery but this coming from an individual that is enmeshed in the state’s machinery in the fight against corruption could well be construed for a tacit attack on government’s uncomfortable proximity to lies.

So why unleash such a loaded message when a simple drive to State House and deliver this to the Head of State in person could have been a better option? Mwenye after all and by virtue of his position as ACC chairperson has unfiltered access to the President. Could it be that the mighty walls of Jericho have suddenly been erected at State House barring access to the President or that the proverbial element of self-deception is now cementing its roots in this new dispensation? Is this tweet reflective of whispers emanating from those whose reality has just dawned that all politicians have feet of clay?

A political heist unfolding in broad daylight

It is a fact that the elephant in the room is the choreographed event that led to the postponement of the Kwacha and Kabushi bye-elections. That government’s nose has been bloodied by two scathing judgements that paved way for Bowman Lusambo and Joseph Malanji to re-contest their annulled seats and the second – the High Court’s postponement of the two bye-elections is a tacit rebuke to Judicial overreach by the state-controlled Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ). And the fact is that machinations to steal these two seats from the opposition are becoming all too naked to the public.

The first stage in setting the motion to steal required the state to jettison ECZ Chief Electoral Officer Kryticuos Nshindano from his position. This execution was swift with some electoral commissioners following him through the exit door. With this goal achieved, the leaderless ECZ is now being remote-controlled. By whom is anybody’s guess? What is certain though is that instructions were delivered to the electoral body to reject Lusambo and Malanji’s submissions way ahead of nomination day. To be more candid, this electoral abuse goes against the political chicanery that the youths who queued up in the wee hours of 12 August 2021 voted against.

The Constitutional Court’s judgement allowing the duo to re-contest their seats was unambiguous. There is no need for the state to gaslight its citizenry under the guise of non-existent lacunas in the Constitution. Surely, how can this Constitution work when those entrusted to uphold seem readily prepared to break it? Even more puzzling is the government’s obduracy to conceding defeat to what is otherwise a straightforward case. These machinations are nothing but a brazen attempt at a political heist – in broad day light for that matter.

The fact that Lusambo and Malanji are persons of interest in the state’s on-going fight against graft or that they belong to a political party that is tainted with corruption is no justification to robbing them of their right to justice. In the words of the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu, ‘If you are neutral in situations of injustice, then you have chosen the side of the oppressor,’ period.

Back to Mwenye, his tweet also serves an apt reminder for sycophants to guard against blind loyalty.

For feedback contact: [email protected]
* Ba Kapinga aka as Tarino Orange, alias Chiza Chirwa, Mthunzi Khumalo, lobyolo, Ngubo, HonestJohn, among many of your other pseudonyms, your vitriol that Easterners are often slow to respond to change is offending. Is it really difficult to elevate any of your arguments without being tribal, personal or insulting? What does your inference to the docility of the Chikunda and Nsengas from Luangwa say about the likes of Reuben Mtolo and Levy Ngoma among some of the Easterners serving this government?
That you often launch into a soliloquy using different alises to give running commentary to your own works is worrying. It is acceptable to be a bitter and resentful adult but to insult a segment of people simply because they voted against your preference, ayikona man. Just a caution, not all LT bloggers are party zealots nor do they write to peddle influence in exchange for economic favours. Many are patriots who believe in plurality of views and can engage in meaningful debates if called upon. Most important, they have full time jobs to spend their entire day on LT defending themselves against your vitriol. For once, don’t you think you owe Easteners an apology?

.

Patson: We are looking forward to Mali Friendly

sports
-
0

Patson Daka says Chipolopolo is looking forward to getting some action after four months break in this weekend’s doubleheader friendly against Mali.

Zambia plays Mali on September 23 and 26 away in Bamako in Chipolopolo A team’s first game since they beat Comoros 2-1 in an AFCON 2023 qualifier on June 7 in Lusaka.

But the home-based B side had a busy July winning the 2023 COSAFA Cup but failing to qualify for 2023 CHAN.

“Mali is a very good side with good players and I think it is going to be a good test for us and also for our confidence,” Patson said.

“It will also give us an indication of the level that we have reached. But so far, it is going well and everyone is looking forward to the game on Friday.”

Stand-in coach Moses Sichone had an almost
full house at training in Bamako where they arrived on Tuesday.

But Evans Kangwa of Arsenal Tula in Russia and his brother Kings Kangwa Red Star Belgrade in Serbia were still in transit.

Clatous Chama of Simba SC will not be making the trip to attend to a family matter.

Mazembe beat Zesco United

sports
-
0

Zesco United on Tuesday lost to DR Congo giants TP Mazembe in their friendly game.

Mazembe beat their hosts Zesco 1-0 at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.

Mazembe midfielder Glody Likonza Likonza scored the game’s only goal in the 55th minute.

Zesco were using the friendly to prepare for next month’s CAF Confederation Cup, second round tie against Royal AM of South Africa.

The first leg is set for October 7 in Durban while the final leg will be played on October 15 at Levy Stadium.

Electoral Commission of Zambia says it wants to see better reporting from Journalist ahead of 2026 Elections

Chief Editor
-
2
Electoral Commission of Zambia says it wants to see better reporting from Journalist ahead of 2026 Elections

Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) Corporate Affairs Manager Patricia Luhanga has said the commission want to see improved election reporting among journalists ahead of the 2026 General Election.

ECZ has started reconstituting Media Corps at the National and Provincial levels in a bid to improve its relationship with the press and get feedback on its operations in relation to the electoral process.

Ms. Patricia Luhanga said the commission has noted gaps in election reporting where some stakeholders such as persons with disabilities, women and youths are not effectively covered.

Ms. Luhanga revealed that ECZ has embarked on a program to facilitate journalists’ training on election reporting across the country in the run up to the 2026 polls.

She said ECZ will be training 150 journalists in election coverage yearly prior to the next general election.

Ms. Luhanga was speaking to Radio Icengelo News in Ndola on Tuesday when ECZ conducted a training on election coverage at Protea Hotel in Ndola.

“Media plays a critical role in the electoral process and this is something as Electoral Commission of Zambia we keep repeating ourselves because we realise that for the electoral process to be fully understood by the different stakeholders the media comes in handy to help us disseminate information around our operations.
Therefore, enhancing our relationship with the media is something that is critical and if you look at the operations of the commission even from historical point of view you will realise that if there is one area where to the commission is big in terms of stakeholder engagement is media relations in particular,” Ms. Luhanga said.

She said preparations for the coming general election in relation to media coverage should start now.

“Last year, when we went to the general election, we did undertake some media training but we also received feedback after the elections to see how we faired in our training and in terms of imparting knowledge and how this helped the media to cover the electoral process. One thing we realized is that for us to be able to fully get the benefits of election reporting by the media is to continuously train the media. We shouldn’t just wait for time when it is election period and that is when we go back to train. So, what we have done for this 2026 election cycle, we have started early and what we started with was reconstituting what is called the Media Corps. So, the Media Corps is more like a board constituted of media practitioners that help us as Electoral Commission of Zambia to cover the electoral process effectively,” she said.

Ms. Luhanga said the Electoral Commission of Zambia and politicians should not overshadow other key stakeholders in the electoral process when it comes to media coverage.

“It’s about a partnership where we build capacity in the media through training but they help us to give feedback on the issues that are obtaining on the ground and areas that we need to improve on. So, when you talk about the gap analysis, the feedback we received is that we should be able to continuously train the media for them to understand the electoral process and that is why we are targeting that every year we should be training at least about 150 media practitioners across the country so that we equip them with the necessary knowledge needed for them to cover the electoral process effectively. Let me just be specific, when we talk about how the media is expected to cover issues around the electoral process and when we talk about various stakeholders. It is not just the Electoral Commission of Zambia, it is not just the politicians but you find that we have got our colleagues, the person’s with disabilities who have an interest and a huge stake in the electoral process. We are talking about women. Right now the conversation is that there is less women participating in the politics of this country whereas we have about 56% of the current register being women but we want to also be there to ensure that we cover them in a way that speaks to their requirements. We want youths to be covered. Literally everybody that is part of the electoral process as a stakeholder as to be looked at and covered in terms of what are their areas of interest are and what it is that they want to see around the electoral process,” Ms. Luhanga said.

Garry Nkombo gets support from Ndola Mayor on how he is running Local Government

Chief Editor
-
3
Garry Nkombo gets support from Ndola Mayor on how he is running Local Government

Ndola Mayor Jones Kalyati has condemned UPND youths that recently protested saying they do not want Nkombo in his current Ministry. He said Garry Nkombo must stay in the position because he has performed very well in that portfolio.

“Garry Nkombo is a good minister who is a perfect match for the Ministry… he has been clear in the way he directs Councils, ” he said.

Mr Kalyati said the youths that recently protested against him are the youths that are purely disgruntled and must be condemned for their action, adding that Nkombo is an asset to the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development and if he were to be removed from the Ministry, it would be a drawback because he has been consistent in his direction with the markets and implemented the presidential directive of there not being political cadres.

“I wish to thank the president for having stopped issues of cadrerism and these cadres who want to come back should be stopped as soon as yesterday,” he said before adding that that he himself has always opposed the idea of cadres as it is archaic, backwards and insulting to the people of Zambia and that President Hichilema denounced and detests cadrerism and the Minister has moved in the direction of the president.

“We know for sure that Garry Nkombo is not liked by some because of his stance on cadrerism, he too doesn’t want a situation where people start to feel like they are second-generation citizens while cadres run supreme,” he said

The Ndola mayor noted that many councils agree with the support for the local government and rural development minister as they are happy with the way the Ministry is being run.

“A lot of councils that have communicated to me have indicated their support for Garry Nkombo, his stance is one thing that we support, we have actually enjoyed a fresh breath as councils, because of his direction, because of his management, because of his guidance and because of his way of operation,” he said.

Lately, the protests of youths in Kanyama constituency passed a vote of no confidence in the party secretary general Batuke Imenda and chairperson for party elections Garry Nkombo.

the youths called on president Hakainde Hichilema to drop the Secretary General and replace him with the with Lusaka Provincial chairperson Obvious mwaliteta, saying they believe that top leadership has detached itself from the grassroots.

However, in response to the protests Mr Obvious mwaliteta denied any association with the protesting youths and cautioned them not to allow the opposition to feast on their division.

And the party spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa advised the the youth to be patient as government was putting in place measures to create jobs and business opportunities for them.

Mr Mweetwa further clarified that, contrary to the assertion that president Hakainda Hichilema was not in charge of the country, the head state was fully in control

Improved Water Supply Services at UTH and UNZA as a Result of the Kafue Bulk Water Supply Project

Chief Editor
-
7
Improved Water Supply Services at UTH and UNZA as a Result of the Kafue Bulk Water Supply Project

Minister of Water Development and Sanitation Mike Mposha says the commissioning of the Kafue Bulk Water Supply Project is yielding positive results as the University Teaching Hospital (UTH), and the University of Zambia (UNZA) are now experiencing improved water supply services.

Mr Mposha stated that besides the two institutions, other areas in Lusaka are also experiencing improved water supply services because of the Kafue Bulk Water Supply Project and other interventions provided by the Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation to the Lusaka Water Supply and Sanitation Company (LWSC).

Mr Mposha explain that the government had been supplying water to the University Teaching Hospital for 18 hours every day between 05:00hrs to 23:00hrs through LWSC and the remaining 07 hours (period between 23:00hrs to 05:00hrs) were used for the building up water levels at the LWSC Stuart Park Reservoirs, and during this period, the hospital would use the water that would have been stored in the receiving reservoirs of total capacity 1600 cubic meters and tanks installed at various wards to maintain the supply of water to the hospital wards.

He added that, this was therefore, taken as the normal water supply regime to UTH though only certain wards were able to have constant water supply whilst other wards had challenges accessing water because of the structural challenges of the hospital.

He however, mentioned that following the reports that were publicized by one of the media houses concerning erratic water supply at UTH, the government through the Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation directed LWSC to start supplying UTH continuously (24/7) especially that capacity was built further by the commingling of the Kafue Bulk Water Supply Project.

“I hereby confirm that since Mid-June, 2022, the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) has been receiving continuous water supply and the flow is only stopped when the UTH operators communicate that the storage tanks are full to avoid overflows which would then be perceived as wastage,” he explained

Mr Mposha further explained that for the University of Zambia (UNZA), Great East Road campus, his Ministry working with the Ministry of Education to resolve the student unrest that were reported concerning the poor state of the water supply and sanitation infrastructure, the issue was resolved by way of designing and costing additional ablution blocks for consideration to be constructed in order to abate the situation where only 400 toilet facilities were available to a population of more than 32,000 students and staff.

Additionally, the University operates its own water supply and sanitation systems from ground water sources and so does not always depend on the services from LWSC even though there is a water connection that exists for contingency.

The Minister noted that with the advent of an additional 50,000 cubic meters per day from the just commissioned Kafue Bulk Water Supply Project, LWSC now has capacity to undertake network adjustments in order to supply critical institutions like hospitals, universities and barracks with meaningful water supply.

He cited that even though there are still areas in Lusaka with erratic water supply such as Foxdale, Roma Park and the higher portions of Olympia Park, now more areas experience improved water supply in terms of increased pressures and hours of supply per day from the initial 12 hours to 18.9 hours per day.

“The LWSC is now undertaking network upgrades and interconnections to connect the areas that do not benefit from the Kafue Bulk Water Supply Project,” he cited

Meanwhile, Mr Mposha disclosed that his Ministry will soon embark on a project to sink about 972 boreholes across the country, in a bid to provide improved water supply in the country.

Mr Mposha stated that the New Dawn Government is committed to expanding access to clean and safe water to all citizens throughout the country, it is for this reason that President Hakainde Hichilema has sanctioned the undertaking of various water projects in the country including the sinking of boreholes.

“I am now happy to report that the Ministry will soon be commencing the sinking of the 972 boreholes countrywide, having received clearance from the Attorney General’s Office to commence the process,” he said

Mr Mposha has since appealed to the citizens that as the Ministry commences with this project of sinking boreholes, requite support and care will be required from them.

Mr Mposha highlighted this during a press briefing held today at Mukuba Pensions House Ministerial Boardroom.

Increased number of youths abusing alcohol, drugs irks civic leader

Chief Editor
-
0
Increased number of youths abusing alcohol, drugs irks civic leader

A Civic leader in Zimba district, Southern Province has expressed concern at the increased number of youths abusing alcohol and drugs in his area.

UPND Kanyanga Ward Councillor Lweendo Syabasimbi says the vice has the potential to lead to dysfunctional homes and society if left unchecked.

Mr. Syabasimbi bemoaned that if the abuse is not curbed, it will negatively affect Zimba district in particular and the country’s productivity as a whole.

The Civic leader told ZANIS in an interview today that he would table this concern to the full Zimba Town Council meeting so that local authority is made aware of the vice.

“Alcohol and substance abuse remains a serious concern in my Ward. If left unchecked, it can lead to dysfunctional homes and society. Furthermore, productivity in the nation suffers,” Mr. Syabasimbi said.

He called for vigorous sensitization meetings, trainings and rehabilitation programmes across the district.

“To address this problem, government, together with various partners, should be implementing sensitisation, training and rehabilitation programmes across Zimba district,” the Councilor said.

According to Mr. Syabasimbi local brewed beer locally known as ‘Kachasu’ is rampantly consumed by young people in his area.

He said bars and taverns open very early around 06-00 hours in the morning and close to about midnight thereby youths are allegedly not productive at all.

“Youths don’t have time to make themselves busy but just have time drinking beer and smoking cigarettes,” Mr. Syabasimbi stated.

The Kanyanga Civic leader however assured the young people that the new dawn government of President Hakainde Hichilema has put in place ambitious empowerment programmes such as Constituency Development Funds among others where they could apply and contribute to building Zambia’s economy.

Catholic Priest Who was Brutally Murdered in Ndola Put to Rest

Chief Editor
-
0
Catholic Priest Who was Brutally Murdered in Ndola Put to Rest

Catholic Priest Fr. Deodatus Kunda Mbebe, who was brutally murdered in Ndola last Saturday, has been buried at St. Theresa Mission in Ibenga Mpongwe on the Copperbelt Province.

Fr. Mbebe, 50, was discovered dead on Saturday night by unknown male person lying with multiple face injuries within Pamodzi Township of Ndola.

A police report say Fr. Mbebe was found dead 50 metres away from where his alleged girl friend Justina Luchele resides and two of the deceased mobile phones where found in her home.

The Wednesday funeral procession started with Mass at St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Kansenshi, Ndola before mourners travelling to Mpongwe for the actual burial.

Catholic Diocese of Ndola Bishop Benjamin Phiri, Bishop of Mansa Patrick Chisanga, several priests and scores of Catholics from all walks of life attended Fr. Mbebe’s burial.

In his sermon, Bishop Phiri said Fr. Mbebe deserved a dignified burial regardless of the controversial manner in which he was killed.

The Bishop of Ndola described the death of Fr. Mbebe as painful.

Bishop Phiri also bemoaned the negative publicity the death of Fr. Mbebe has received especially on social media.

He said Fr. Mbebe served God and his people well even though he had his own shortcomings.

Bishop Phiri said it was unfortunate that many people have focused on Fr. Mbebe’s mistakes instead of the good things he did while alive.

He added that some people were using Fr. Mbebe’s death to shame the Catholic Church.

Bishop Phiri said the Catholic Church cannot deny Jesus Christ because one of it’s clergy has fallen.

He urged the congregation to prepare for their death saying humans can die at any time.

Bishop Phiri further demanded the arrest of people behind Fr. Mbebe’s killing.

“God does not judge us harshly because he knows what is inside us. All those people whom we judge harshly among us God looks differently at them. I am not trying to glorify mistakes. I am trying to say let us try to be genuine and let us love each other. The death of this man should be a wake up call to all of us. When he was dying where were we? Why didn’t we help him? There was nobody to protect him. Obviously, for a man of his strength the killers must be more than one. I hope the police are following the correct trail because I saw that there is more concentration on publishing negative stories about him than finding his killers. If I was the lawyer I would have arrested someone,” Bishop Phiri said.

“I am here to mourn my son and to say that I pray earnestly that God will look kindly upon him and remember that he is the one who called him and that he may allow him to enter his kingdom. He has paid his price. He should be allowed now to enter the kingdom of God and be granted the gift that is reserved for those who have consecrated themselves to God so that praying and following the will of God we may be able to make right perhaps what was not right and to do better where perhaps we are falling to do well,” Bishop Phiri said.

After Mass the procession, mourners travelled to Ibenga Mission in Mpongwe for the actual burial.

Police in Ndola picked up and detained a female nurse in connection with the murder of Catholic Priest Fr. Deodatus Kunda Mbebe in Pamodzi Township on Saturday evening.

Fr. Mbebe, who belonged to the Franciscan Protomartyrs in Zambia, was based at St. Joseph Mission in Lufwanyama District on the Copperbelt.

Copperbelt Police Commanding Officer Sharon Zulu confirmed on Monday that Justina Luchele, a nurse at Arthur Davison Children’s Hospital in Ndola, has been picked by police for interrogation.

Ms. Zulu said Fr. Mbebe was found dead 50 metres away from where Ms Luchele resides and two of the deceased mobile phones where found in her home.

The suspect Luchele is said to have been Fr. Mbebe’s girlfriend of many years.

“Suspected Murder, reported at Pamodzi VLV Police Post in Chifubu , occurred on 17/09/22 at about 21:30hrs in Pamodzi Township Ndola District. Police received information from members of the public who declined to disclose their particulars to the effect that there was unknown male person lying dead with multiple face injuries within Pamodzi Township of Ndola. Upon receipt of the above information, Police rushed to the scene and found the body of a male person with multiple cuts on the head and broken right arm lying in a pool of blood facing upward and a concrete block beside the body suspected to have been used in the act. The deceased was putting on a black jeans trousers and a grey T-shirt dark in complexion and of about 1.6mtrs tall,” Ms. Zulu said.

“Brief facts of the matter are that on 17/09/22 around 21:30hrs members of the public who declined to give their details to Police found the body of a male person lying on the ground facing upward with multiple head injuries and could not idenfy him, and further disclosed that they did not hear anything apart from hearing the dogs barking within the neighborhood and reported the matter at Pamodzi VLC Police Post. The body of the deceased was later picked and deposited in Ndola Teaching Hospital mortuary awaiting identification and postmortem,” Ms. Zulu said.

Ms. Zulu narrated how Fr. Mbebe was identified by his close friend and his superior.

“Follow up report on the suspected murder which was reported on 17/09/22 at 21.30hrs in Pamdzi township, Ndola Chifubu VLC Police Post. Be informed that the body of the deceased has since been identified as that of “Father DEODATUS KUNDA MBEBE”.Brief facts leading to the identification of the deceased is that , on 18/09/22 around 07:00hrs male Muleba Simon aged 49 of H/No.3213 Pamodzi Township Ndola also the area Councillor for Fibobe ward of Chifubu constituence who happens to be a childhood friend to the deceased (Father Deodatus Kunda Mbebe) received a phone call from female Justina Luchele the girlfriend to the deceased inquiring the whereabout of the manfriend. Upon receipt of the call,male Muleba Simon got concerned for he knew that the deceased was at the caller’s residence. The deceased (Father Deodatus Kunda Mbebe) paid a visit on his friend Simon Muleba on 17/09/22 around 09:00hrs and left around 10:30hrs to go and visit his girlfriend Justina Luchele of Pamodzi Township Ndola therefore, the call from the said Justina Luchele prompted him to meet her,” Ms Zulu narrated.

“However, the lady explained that the deceased left her place around 16:00hrs while driving her vehicle Toyota Corolla VVTI Reg No. ACV 8334 silver in colour going to Ndola bowling club and never returned back. Simon Muleba further went on to check for the deceased at Franciscan Mission press at the Priest residence. However, he was not found, to that effect Father Lambe aged 51 a Catholic Priest who serves as a Major Superior for the Franciscan of Malawi and Zambia accompanied Simon Muleba to Ndola Teaching Hospital mortuary where they identified the deceased as Father Deodatus Kunda Mbebe aged 50 a Catholic priest at Kalumbwa St.Joseph Mission in Kalulushi district. After the two identified the deceased, they went to inform the Police of the sad development , Police with the two went back to the mortuary where a confirmation was made. Police picked Justina Luchele girlfriend to the deceased for interrogation as the body of the deceased was discovered and picked the previous night about 50 metres away from where Justina Luchele resides and two of the deceased phones where found in her house,” she said.

Ms. Zulu revealed that Police suspects Ms. Luchele wanted to run away after the murder as some of her clothes were found packed in a bag.

“Investigations further revealed that the lady is a nurse at Arthur Davison Children’s Hospital. The two have been in a relationship since 2002. During the search in her house, Police officers found the deceased’s clothes, including the Catholic Robe, shoes, two wrist watches, his portrait photo on the wall, and some documents. This clearly shows that it was more like marriage. But suppringly , some of her clothes were found parked in a bag, reasons known to herself. Our suspicion is that she wanted to run away after the murder,” Ms. Zulu concluded.

Minister Provincial for the Franciscan Protomartyrs in Zambia and Malawi Fr. Felena Lambe has also confirmed the death of Fr. Mbebe.

“This serves to notify you all that the Province of the Franciscan Protomartyrs in Zambia regrets to announce the sorrowful and painful death Friar Deodatus Mbebe. Friar Deodatus was brutally killed yesterday (Saturday) evening of September 17, 2022 in Pamodzi, Ndola as his body was picked up around 21:00 hours and taken to the mortuary at Ndola Teaching Hospital,” Fr. Lambe said.

Government Released Over Five Million Kwacha to Three (3) Local Authorities

Chief Editor
-
0
Government Released Over Five Million Kwacha to Three (3) Local Authorities

The government through the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development has disbursed 5,057,939.83 Kwacha to three Local Authorities for the purpose of construction, development and maintenance of sanitary facilities.

The three Local Authorities are Chienge, Mpulungu and Mazabuka.

Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development Permanent Secretary for Administration Maambo Haamaundu stated that the funds will be utilized towards the support of waste management efforts in the three districts.

Mr Haamaundu explained that Chienge Town Council received K1,604,487.50 for the purpose of working on a number of dumpsites, therefore, it is the Ministry’s expectation that having been given these resources, the identified dumpsites will be worked on accordingly. Similarly, the Mpulungu Town Council has received K1,998,972.95 for working on various dumpsites, and water points, and all this money is meant to address issues surrounding solid waste management. While the Mazabuka Town Council has received K1,454,479.38 for the purpose of putting up a wall at the dumpsite and other facilities, the whole idea is to have solid waste to be managed properly.

“As you might be aware that the issue of solid waste is a matter that has been topical and it’s one of the core mandates of the Ministry that we need to ensure that solid waste is managed properly,” he explained

Mr Haamaundu has implored the Local Authorities to work closely with the personnel from the Ministry of Water and Sanitation Development, because there are water points, waterborne toilets and other amenities such as sewerages which need to be worked on, it is therefore, important that as much as the infrastructure will be built by the Local Authority, it is necessary that they work closely with this particular Ministry to ensure that the necessary standards are adhered to.

“It is also important that we take cognizant of the fact that the President Hichilema has given a directive that, we need to have waterborne toilets, even as they will be working on the waterborne toilets in public places, they must adhere to the standards as prescribed by the Ministry of Water and Sanitation Development because they are the ones who are running in this activity,” he said

The Permanent Secretary mentioned that some of the intended projects are construction of three (3) dumpsites and fencing of the sites namely Mununga, Puta and Lupiya in Chienge district.

He further mentioned that the other projects include, the construction of VIP toilets and shelters in identified sites, procurement of waste management tools and provision of access to safe and clean drinking water.

Mr Haamaundu disclosed that the government is cognizant of challenges being encountered by communities especially in rural areas such as water supply and sanitation.

“It is the Government’s aim to increase access to safe and clean drinking water, access to proper sanitation and proper disposal of garbage in line with the goal to keep Zambia clean, Green and healthy,” Mr Haamaundu said

He implored the three Local Authorities to use the funds for its intended purpose which will help to improve the livelihood of the local people.

Mr Haamaundu has since guided that the three Local Authorities should regularly submit to the Ministry all progress reports and financial returns once funds are utilized.

He stated that solid waste is cardinal that needs to be managed properly, outside the three areas where we have allocated these resources, it is also necessary that the rest of the Councils across the country must begin to work in a very proactive manner to ensure that solid waste is properly managed and does not become an issue, which entails communicating to the public by sending messages on the importance of managing this resource.

“I call it a resource because when harnessed properly it can actually result in an income generating activity for a number of youths, women, and Cooperatives, in Lusaka for instance, there are businesses that are involved in recycling plastics, paper, and there are also other businesses that are trying to come on board in recycling of solid waste, turning it into energy,” he stated

Mr Haamaundu alluded that, this is the direction that most Local Authorities must be moving to so that, where people are seeing a challenge in terms of solid waste management, the Councils must see an opportunity to deal with solid waste, and in the process provide other services to the community, as it is the role and responsibility of the Local Authorities.

“I urge the public to be responsible they dispose off their solid waste, and for those who have not subscribed to solid waste companies, please do so because we need to live in a clean and green environment,” Mr Haamaundu said

21 Nsama-Nsumbu road accident victims to be buried tomorrow

Support Editor
-
6
21 Nsama-Nsumbu road accident victims to be buried tomorrow

The United Church of Zambia (UCZ) has disclosed that the burial of the 21 Nsama-Nsumbu road accident victims is scheduled to take place tomorrow in Nsama district.

UCZ Northern Presbytery Bishop Maybin Mulenga said a mass burial will be conducted for the 21 victims at Chakanga Cemetery in Nsama.

Bishop Mulenga disclosed that the Ministry of Health is today conducting post mortem for all the 21 accident victims.

He disclosed that 12 bodies were taken to Kasama General Hospital while eight were taken to St. Fidelis Mission Hospital in Kasama while the other body has been transported from Mpulungu to Kasama for postmortem.

Bishop Mulenga added that other women from the Women Christian Fellowship (WCF) are currently on hand in Kasama and Chilubula in preparation for burial.

He added that the bodies are scheduled to be transported back to Nsama after postmortem in readiness for the funeral service and burial.

 Bishop Mulenga has commended government for its unwavering support and for covering funeral expenses.

“I’m very grateful for the support that we have and continue to receive from the Government since this tragedy occurred, the provincial permanent secretary Mr. Mpundu has been here with us spearheading everything from the first day until now,” he said.

Meanwhile, seven out of the 13 victims who were admitted to Mpulungu district hospital have been discharged.

Mpulungu District Commissioner Gehard Sikazwe confirmed that the victims were discharged today and have since been sent back to Nsumbu.

Mr. Sikazwe revealed that six are still in hospital and are responding well to treatment.

He confirmed that the body of one person who died in Mpulungu district hospital has been transported to Kasama for postmortem.

The District Commissioner named the patients who have been discharged as Ronica Mwimanzi, Evelyn Chansa and Anna Chansa.

Others are Loveness Makungu, Lydia Nakazwe and Maggie Nampingwe.

Mr. Sikazwe has further sent messages of condolence to the families of the deceased and prayed for the quick recovery to those hospitalized.

21 women from the UCZ’s WCF died in a road traffic accident in Nsama district on their way from attending a church conference.

Four victims were yesterday referred to Lusaka for specialized treatment.

Nkanda Yatu jets off to the Milan fashion week

Entertainment Editor
-
2
Nkanda Yatu jets off to the Milan fashion week

Nkandu Yatu at Milan fashion week

 Zambian Designer, Nkanda Yatu will make his first appearance on a European fashion runway with a new collection that aims to highlight Zambian culture through fashion.
The prominent Zambian fashion house has been invited to showcase at the Milan Fashion Week in Italy to an audience of global participants and leaders in fashion on 23 September 2022 at the Palazzo in Milan City. Fashion Week Studio, the organizers of the Fashion Week is a company based in Los Angeles that presents various international designers during Fashion Week at the Palazzo in Milan and at the Ritz in Paris. The aim of the international fashion showcase is to introduce different cultures from multiple continents to broaden the fashion scope and promote emerging fashion talent across the globe.
Since the introduction of his fashion label in 2017, Kabaso Nkandu has created an undeniable footprint in the African fashion space for his unique talent in merging African designs with a modern twist. As a fashion designer, Nkandu Kabaso boasts of many accolades for dressing influential personalities at home and abroad, including this recent invitation to showcase at one of Europe’s most reputable runways, the Milan Fashion Week. Nkanda Yatu is an impressive local brand, having been showcased on major international fashion runways in Botswana, Namibia, and in Zambia. “Presenting Zambian fashion at international platforms has a significant impact on our creative economy, a sector of the market that I believe has the potential to bring value addition to the overall Zambian economy.” Said Mr Nkandu Kabaso, Head Designer of Nkanda Yatu.
As a young boy growing up in Mwansabombwe, Nkandu Kabaso had always dreamed of becoming a top fashion designer in Zambia. Coming from a rural background with very little exposure to modern fashion, he harnessed his skill in fashion design by using local textiles such as chitenge to communicate African stories through his clothing. It did not take him much longer in his fashion career for Nkanda Yatu to become a well-recognized brand in the country. “I come from a family that appreciated good clothing despite any financial struggle. In my humble beginnings, I learned to make clothes from a sewing machine in the markets of Mwansabombwe. I am grateful for the local and international support that I have received throughout my entrepreneurial journey, I believe that this particular showcase in Milan will aid in the growth and exposure of Zambian fashion” said Nkandu Kabaso.
Further details of Nkanda Yatu’s showcase at the Milan Fashion Week in Italy can be found on Nkanda Yatu social media pages via Facebook, Instagram and Twitter using the hashtag #NkandaYatuToTheWorld and #ZambianFashionKuChalo.

22 year old man elopes with 13-year-old girl, marries her

Support Editor
-
3
22 year old man elopes with 13-year-old girl, marries her

The Child Protection Committee in conjunction with the Victim Support Unit in Chasefu District are searching for a 22 year-old-man who has eloped with a 13-old-girl he has married.

Boyd Soko of Jamu village in Senior Chief Magodi’s area is said to have taken a 13-year old girl as wife with the consent of her father who received K1, 500 as bride price.

This happened between September 10 and 14, 2022 but the father later changed his mind and reported the matter to Emusa Police on September 15, 2022 following a misunderstanding his new in-laws.

Yesterday, a team of District Child Protection Committee, in conjunction with victim support unit, swung into action to search for the suspect and rescue the girl.

The committee later picked up the father to the juvenile and the grandmother to the man.

The duo were warned and cautioned at Emusa Police post before being released and are also alleged to have initiated the disappearance of the young couple.

Child Protection Committee Chairperson Diana Lupiya, who yesterday led a team to investigate the matter, expressed dismay at the growing tendency among some parents who are promoting child marriages even when they know that the practice is illegal.

Ms. Lupiya, who is also District Administrative Officer, was also not happy that the family to the 22-year-old man assisted him to flee with the minior.

She has since warned that the law will visit all perpetrators of early marriages to set as an example to would be offenders.

Ms. Lupiya has further called for intensified community sensitisation along the border area where perpetrators of sex offences, including marrying young girls, are suspected to find refuge.

And District Social Welfare Officer Ozias Banda has implored people in Chasefu to be focused and educate their children if they were to become responsible citizens.

Mr. Banda stated that the chain of poverty can be broken in families if people educate their children.

5,000 condoms to be distributed to young people in Zimba

Chief Editor
-
6
5,000 condoms to be distributed to young people in Zimba

Zimba District HIV/AIDS Co-ordination (DACA) Advisor Doreen Hamkankala says 5,000 condoms are earmarked for distribution next week to young people. Ms. Hamkankala says the condoms will be distributed in strategic places, adding that a lot of reproductive people especially youths from 15 – 49 years engage themselves in illicit sex.

Speaking in an interview with ZANIS today, Ms. Hamkankala stressed that Zimba Town Council’s condom distribution exercise would be done as a routine activity aimed at ending HIV AIDS by the year, 2030.

“Zimba Town Council working with the District HIV/AIDS Committee will distribute 4,000 male and 1,000 female condoms to enhance protected sex in the district,” she said.

The DACA observed that Zimba is situated along the Livingstone – Lusaka road hence a lot of people tend to engage so much in sexual activities.

She revealed that people can get tested for free for HIV at Zimba Mission Hospital or any other health facility in the district so that they know their HIV status.

She urged Zimba residents not to endanger their lives by engaging themselves in unprotected sex.

Ms. Hamkankala adds that young people who could not abstain from sex are encouraged to use condoms to avoid re-infecting others.

She notes that the HIV prevalence rate is high in Zimba district attributing this as due to multiple sexual partners, careless lifestyles, lack of information as well as traditional myths associated with AIDS.

CiSCA condemns Mumbi Phiri continued incarceration, UPND should not be blaming a failed Judicial System

Chief Editor
-
15
CiSCA condemns Mumbi Phiri continued incarceration, UPND should not be blaming a failed Judicial System

The Civil Society Constitution Agenda (CiSCA) has issued a statement condemning former Patriotic Front (PF) Secretary General Mumbi Phiri’s continued incarceration.

In the statement released to the media and signed by Chairperson, Judith Mulenga, CiSCA said that the continued incarceration of Mumbi Phiri goes against all the national values and principles outlined in Article 8 of our constitution, particularly Article 8(d) on human dignity, equity, social justice, equality and non-discrimination.

Ms Mulenga also said that this continued incarceration of Ms Phiri also goes against the values of “Equality before the law”, and “Respect for the freedoms and rights of all citizens” as contained in the UPND Manifesto (page 6) and also goes against President Hakainde Hichilema’s pledge during his address to Parliament on 11th March 2022, where he promised that his government would “enforce the law equally regardless of one’s status in society”.

CiSCA further said that it was it unfortunate that yet another government has embraced the excuse of a failed judicial system as normal, contrary to campaign promises to uphold the rule of law and end injustice.

Below is the full statement

CiSCA condemns Mumbi Phiri continued incarceration

Lusaka, 21 September 2022: The Civil Society Constitution Agenda (CiSCA) is concerned with the continued incarceration, without trial, of the Patriotic Front Member of the Central Committee, Ms. Mumbi Phiri.

CiSCA acknowledges that no-one is above the law and that there are indeed many others, like Mumbi Phiri, languishing in our prisons in similar circumstances but this still does not make her prolonged detention right or acceptable. An injustice is injustice regardless of who is involved – both the perpetrator and the victim. We remind the government that the Presumption of Innocence is enshrined in Article 18(2) of our Constitution and therefore until proven guilty, no one should have to be behind bars for longer than the law demands. We also remind the government of the maxim ‘justice delayed is justice denied’ All incarcerated people are entitled to a speedy trial. The UPND Manifesto under its Law, Justice and Security did affirm not only to ‘strengthen all institutions to provide and guarantee security, safety, human rights, civil liberties and justice,’ but to also, ‘modernize the operations of the judiciary to speed up the dispensation of justice

The continued incarceration of Mumbi Phiri goes against all the national values and principles outlined in Article 8 of our constitution, particularly Article 8(d) on human dignity, equity, social justice, equality and non-discrimination. This also goes against the values of “Equality before the law”, and “Respect for the freedoms and rights of all citizens” as contained in the UPND Manifesto (page 6).

It also goes against President Hakainde Hichilema’s pledge during his address to Parliament on 11th March 2022, where he promised that his government would “enforce the law equally regardless of one’s status in society”. The President also promised that “government will uphold the rule of law and accord everyone equal treatment in line with the law and our national values and principles”. We believe the time is now ripe for the implementation of these commitments.

We therefore find it unfortunate that yet another government has embraced the excuse of a failed judicial system as normal, contrary to campaign promises to uphold the rule of law and end injustice. In its manifesto for 2021 to 2026, the UPND promised to: “Modernize the operations of the judiciary to speed up the dispensation of justice because justice delayed is as good as justice denied.” No Zambian deserves prolonged incarceration without trial, regardless of their political or any other affiliation.

The continued incarceration of Mumbi Phiri has clearly shone the spotlight on how dysfunctional our justice system is and this in itself should be enough to compel the government to show their sincerity by acting with urgency to reform the system and accelerating court appearances for pending cases across the country, especially in the rural areas where the justice system has lamentably failed the people and perpetuated inequality in access to justice.

The Chief Justice is on record as having highlighted the failure to take suspects to court in a timely manner as an injustice, but one year down the line, little has changed.

We call on the Chief justice to act with haste to ensure that Mumbi Phiri immediately appears before the courts of law, including the many other people in similar circumstances, not as a favor but a legal requirement and a demonstration of political will to change our justice system for good. Doing this should not be seen as a weakness but a demonstration of uncommon wisdom, integrity and strength of character for those that hold power to make change happen.

Issued by:

Judith Mulenga

CiSCA Chairperson

1...514515516...5,641Page 515 of 5,641

Company

Trending

Categories

© Lusaka Times