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Books play an important role in mitigating global economic crisis – Lungwangwa

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Government says books can play an important role towards mitigating the impact of the current global economic crisis.

And Education Minster Geoffrey Lungwangwa has disclosed that government is ready to receive suggestions aimed at strengthening linkages to eradicate illiteracy levels in the country.

Professor Lungwangwa said there is need to promote publications tailored to empower people in their execution of various economic activities.

He pointed out that books are sources of knowledge that can enhance economic empowerment of citizens if properly utilized.

He noted that as the nation continues to experience high levels of illiteracy, books can assist to overcome such problems that likely to cause person suffer from ignorance and to become economically disadvantage.

The Minster explained that illiteracy can only be properly eradicated through adopting the culture of reading which is implemented by a national reading strategy.

He was speaking at a Book fair exhibition under the theme” Mitigate the Global Financial Crisis through Books” in Lusaka, this evening,

Professor Lungwangwa added that initiatives such as the primary reading programme and the campaign by read beyond Zambia which are meant to inculcate reading habits have played a significant role towards reducing illiteracy levels.

Mr. Lungwangwa who early toured the exhibition stands expressed happiness at the growth of publishing industry in the country.

He said government will continue to create an enabling environment for local book publishers, adding that they are gate keepers of knowledge and can contribute positively to the national development.

And earlier Book Publishers Association of Zambia Chairperson Job Lusanso said books helps people to make right and informed decisions.

Mr. Lusanso explained that this why the publishing industry should be given support as it will play a role towards assisting people understand find solutions to the current economic problem facing the whole world.

He further called upon the media to help the association to sensitize the public on the importance of reading books if the country is to benefit.

Mr. Lusanso also appealed for financial support from stakeholders to ensure that all reading programmes are taken to other parts of the country and capture a large audience of readers.

ZANIS

MUVI TV will not be broadcasting to Copperbelt viewers

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MUVI TELEVISION has announced the opening of a Bureau on the Copperbelt Province and not a Television station to broadcast to Copperbelt viewers.

MUVI TV Managing Editor Costa Mwansa said in a statement this evening that the Bureau will have its headquarters in Kitwe and will house both the Newsroom and production house.

Mwansa explains that MUVI TV Managing Director, Steve Nyirenda, has however clarified that the Copperbelt Bureau will not be broadcast to Copperbelt viewers but only operate on the basis of news coverage on the Copperbelt and later televised to its Lusaka viewers.

He further clarified that the production house on the Copperbelt has embarked on a project to enroll young and upcoming actors for some of the forthcoming local film productions under the SN Film project.

He has further emphasized the stations desire to inform and educate the masses through its policy of developmental and objective community reporting.

MUVI Television has been rated the most popular television station in the country since its inception five years ago.

ZANIS

Government to de-politicise mayoral elections – Teta

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Government has revealed that it was committed to de-politicise the office of Mayor that has lately delayed its elections this year.

Local Government minister Benny Tetamashimba said this at the installation ceremony of Ndola Mayor Charles Chiwaya and his deputy John Chanda in Ndola at Civic Centre.

Mr. Tetamashimba urged the council to develop a more systematic strategy in having a better understanding of the city for improved service delivery to the people.

He said councils should employ cost effective measures without undermining service provision to the local people in the light of the global financial meltdown.

Mr. Tetamashimba said government was fully committed to decentralize local authorities so that they could set their own priorities which should be tailored to respond to the needs of the local in their given local authorities.[quote]

He said decentralization was the most effective vehicle of improved service delivery to the people by local authorities although the process seemed to be dragging its feet.

The minister added that government was also committed to ensuring that employment in the local authorities was based on merit and qualifications through the Local Government Service Commission in administering required functions that councils should perform in their respective local authorities.

Mr. Tetamashimba added that it was good news to government to learn that Ndola city Council has invested K200 million in ZANACO shares out of its own local resources which was a demonstration of prudent management of the meager resources at the Council’s disposal.

He called on all countrywide to enforce the law on street vending and nuisances regulation in order to keep Zambia Clean and Healthy.

ZANIS

Ndola Catholic Priest fails to honour K10 million compensation fine

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A 44 year old Roman Catholic Priest of Ndola has pleaded guilty to contempt of court in the Chifubu Local Court.

Appearing before Local Court Judge Amos Paul Banda sitting with Rosemary Muke and Aaron Sugar Banda for plea, was Pamodzi Roman Catholic Parish Priest Father Davies of 42 Fitente road, Northrise, who pleaded guilty to the charge of contempt of court.

Public Prosecutor John Kabwe told the court that Father Nsama had failed to honour the courts directive of paying Charles Moto a compensation of K10 million in installments for having interfered in Mr. Moto’s Marriage earlier this year.

Mr. Kabwe said father Nsama had as at not paid the first installment of K4 million, which was due on May 10th 2009.

Mr. Kabwe applied for adjournment, as the complainant Charles Moto was not present in court.

Local Court judge Banda adjourned the matter to June 19 2009 for facts, after a further application by Father Nsama to adjourn the matter to a later date after June 15 2009 as that would be the day he would be released from a religious seclusion.

Father Nsama was earlier this year in April fined K10 million after he was found guilty of Marriage interference by the same court.

ZANIS

Kazungula traders directed to vacate makeshift market

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The Kazungula District Council has directed marketeers trading around the Kazungula border post makeshift market to vacate the premises with immediate effect.

The council has given the traders up to Friday May 29, 2009 to vacate the premises or have their makeshift stalls demolished.

This is contained in a public notice made available to ZANIS by Acting Council Secretary Namukolo Kalufyanya.
The Acting Council Secretary stated in the notice that trading in the makeshift market is illegal and a breach of the Markets and Bus Station Act N0. 7 of 2007 as read together with the Public Health Act, Local Government Act and the Town and Country Planning Act.

Mrs. Kalufyanya reminded the traders about the previous notices to vacate the border post area given to them on December 27, 2007 and on January 8, 2008 respectively.

She said all traders are advised to move to the new designated market and other commercial areas where they have been allocated trading space, without fail.

The District Council, together with other departments in the district is striving to maintain hygiene and order in the border area in line with the Keep Zambia Clean Campaign.
ZANIS

Kawambwa man in court for stealing K900m from FRA

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A Kawambwa Magistrates court has denied bail to a 36-year-old man accused of stealing over K900 million from the Food Reserve Agency( FRA.)

The money was meant for purchase of 15, 000 x 50 kilogrammes of White maize from farmers by the Agency.

This is in a matter where John Mwape 36 of Kawambwa district in Chief Munkanta’s area is jointly charged with Martin Sichone 29 and Mary Chikotwe 23 of the same area.
The trio is charged with theft by agent contrary to section 272 and 280 (b) chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia.

Particulars before the court are that Mwape and his co–accused while acting together on unknown date but between June 1, 2008 and February 28, 2009 allegedly diverted K949, 620, 000.00 to their personal use.

The money was given to them by FRA and was meant to purchase 15, 000 x 50 Kg of white maize.
But Mwape, Sichone and Chikotwe while working as FRA depot manager, Supervisor and clerk respectively allegedly misappropriated the funds.

However, when they appealed for plea before Kawambwa Magistrate, Felix Kaoma, the trio denied the charge.

Meanwhile, Sichone and Chikotwe, who are reportedly on the run have been charged with another count of false accounting contrary to section 326 (a) chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia.
The duo allegedly fraudulently forged documents purporting that 13,000 x 50 Kg bags of white maize were transported to a FRA depot in Mwembeshi from the Kawambwa depot.

But in their submissions the trio appealed for bail, which was denied by Magistrate Kaoma.

When passing the ruling, Magistrate Kaoma said the court would not grant them bail citing possible jumping as all were apprehended whilst on the run.

The three will appear in court for mention and trial on June 10 and June 15, 2009 respectively.

Katongo Heads to SA Camp

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Zambia captain Christopher Katongo is expected to join the team in Johannesburg this evening.

Katongo arrived in the country on Tuesday from Germany after wrapping up his club commitments with relegated Bundesliga side Arminia Bielefeld over the weekend.

Zambia have been holding a private training camp in Johannesburg for the last fortnight ahead of their 2010 World/African Cup qualifier against Rwanda on June 6 in Chililabombwe.

Coach Herve Renard is now expecting four more European-based players to join camp in Zambia when the team returns home on Monday June 1 and fly direct from South Africa to Ndola.

Those expected are Jacob Mulenga and Stophira Sunzu from their base in France, Emmanuel Mayuka of Maccabi Tel Aviv in Israel, Misheck Lungu and Emmanuel Mbola from Hungary and Armenia respectively.

Meanwhile, Rwanda left Kigali today en route to Zambia.

However, they will make a brief stop in Malawi this weekend to play an international friendly match against their hosts on Saturday in Blantyre before traveling to Zambia on June 3.

The Weekend in Pictures

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1.

A ground air traffic controller signaling to pilots who delivered the Boeing 737-500 aircraft to Zambezi Airlines at Lusaka international airport.
A ground air traffic controller signaling to pilots who delivered the Boeing 737-500 aircraft to Zambezi Airlines at Lusaka international airport.

2.
Janifer Chiwele 11 (r) with traditonal instructer Beza Sakala during an initiation ceremony organised by the Kunda people of Mfuwe in eastern province. This was in Ndola's Chifubu township.
Janifer Chiwele 11 (r) with traditonal instructer Beza Sakala during an initiation ceremony organised by the Kunda people of Mfuwe in eastern province. This was in Ndola's Chifubu township.

3.
Mother of Mercy Hospice administrator Anita Duma displays a K35 million cheque received from AutoWorld Zambia proprietor Noble Findlay (r) and board chairperson Cossie Findlay in Chilanga
Mother of Mercy Hospice administrator Anita Duma displays a K35 million cheque received from AutoWorld Zambia proprietor Noble Findlay (r) and board chairperson Cossie Findlay in Chilanga

4.
Mine rescue personnel pulling dead bodies from an accident scene where two illegal miners died after being buried by falling rocks in the Copperbelt
Mine rescue personnel pulling dead bodies from an accident scene where two illegal miners died after being buried by falling rocks in the Copperbelt

5.
A mine rescue team carrying a dead miner who was buried in an illegal mine.
A mine rescue team carrying a dead miner who was buried in an illegal mine.

6.
Body Builders flexing their muscles in Luanshya during the competition
Body Builders flexing their muscles in Luanshya during the competition

7.
A female body builder flexing her muscles during a competition in Luanshya
A female body builder flexing her muscles during a competition in Luanshya

8.
President Rupiah Banda meets his Malawian counterpart Mbingu Wa Mthirika during Mutharika's innauguration in Malawi
President Rupiah Banda meets his Malawian counterpart Mbingu Wa Mthirika during Mutharika's innauguration in Malawi

9.
Malawian President Mbingu Wa Mtharika taking oath of office during his innauguration
Malawian President Mbingu Wa Mtharika taking oath of office during his innauguration

10.
Lusaka district Commissioner Krista Kalulu talking to parliamentarians from Europe outside her office
Lusaka district Commissioner Krista Kalulu talking to parliamentarians from Europe outside her office

11.
A night scene from the heavy traffic situation in Lusaka along great east road near Arcades shopping mall.
A night scene from the heavy traffic situation in Lusaka along great east road near Arcades shopping mall.

Police raid Ministry of Health HQ

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Police officers keep vigil at Ndeke House where 23 officials were arrested for allegedly stealing K10 billion
Police officers keep vigil at Ndeke House where 23 officials were arrested for allegedly stealing K10 billion

Law enforcement officers have raided the Ministry of Health headquaters in Lusaka to forcefully remove 20 employees who have been suspended for their alleged involvement in the K10 billion scam.

Officers from the Zambia Police, Anti-Corruption Commission and the Drug Enforcement Commission carried out the operation on Wednesday morning.

The officers ordered the suspended employees to leave their offices searched all vehicles leaving the premises.

Commissioner of Police, Raphael Musamba, told journalists at a press briefing that the operation is part of investigations into the misappropriation of huge sums of money at the Ministry of Health.

President Rupiah Banda has instructed law enforcement agencies to quickly bring to book those involved in the 10 billion Kwacha Scam.

A former employee of the Ministry of Health has been arrested in connection with the disappearance of funds amounting to K10 billion.

However President Banda has said the amount of money involved in the scam at the Ministry of health may be higher than initially reported.

An interim report by the Auditor General’s Office submitted to President Rupiah Banda, Tuesday shows that the funds involved could be more going by the number of people and companies implicated.

The report says funds were stolen in recent years leading up to December 2008 through various payments to companies for goods and services, never supplied.

[ZNBC]

Government’s buying hearses

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By Wesley Ngwenya

The thinking and actions of Rupiah Banda and his buddies never seem to amaze me. It is reported that they have purchased one hundred hearses from China at a cost of about thirty thousand dollars each. Wow! Now, that is a lot of money to be spent on trying to bury us.

It is interesting that government will spend enormous amounts of money to send people to the grave instead of spending the money to save the lives of many Zambians. It is after all our culture to spend a lot of money on funerals. Even though the deceased’s life could have been saved by providing food or money, we go ahead and spend lots of money at his or her funeral. We buy expensive food for the mourners. We buy expensive clothing for the deceased. Why spend so much money on the dead instead of spending it on the living? That is exactly what our current government is doing.

This government has, unfortunately, turned out to be “briefcase businessmen”. Men and women who move around doing business in their briefcases buying and selling whatever they can make money on. Even briefcase businessmen have morals. They will not deal in businesses that will compromise their integrity. They will choose their business partners carefully so that they can have repeat business.

It is quite disheartening that Banda and his buddies will go ahead and spend such amounts of money on these moving tombs. What is the rationale behind all this? Could it be that the government has foresight that the economic meltdown is too much for us Zambians and expect many of us to head to the grave much sooner than later? Or is it that Banda and his buddies will give a tender to any company that comes up with an “ingenious idea” for them to make some personal money? As always, they have been able to secretly do this without parliament approval.

Now, it is very sad when you have a government that disregards its legislature. There is need to have a system in government to procuring such purchases. If there is an existing system, then this system needs to be respected and followed. Government needs parliament’s support to effectively implement its policies. However, Rupiah’s government is determined to do things their way whether it’s legal or not. Not too long ago they wanted to purchase costly mobile hospitals and before that it was RP Capital. And all they could say was that they were approached by the companies to provide the services. Really! Just because someone walks in your office to sell you something does not entail you purchasing their product or service. Why not be proactive for once and look at what our country needs and then go about acquiring those services that we need?

Zambian hospitals are filled with old and outdated equipment and yet the government goes ahead and buys one hundred hearses. I am not even sure we have one hundred government ambulances here in Zambia. I have personally seen someone die simply because there was no transport to take that person to the hospital. If this government is serious about saving our lives why not improve the well being of our existing clinics and hospitals. Just like you guys, we are also interested in living. We know how to get to the graveyard and do not need your help going there. Just because you have given up on managing the country does not mean we should also give up on living.

As long as the Banda buddies are going to hang out and wait for the Chinese to do the thinking for them we are bound to see the worst yet to come. The Chinese are eager to make quick money out of our sleeping government. I wonder what they will sell us next—snow mobiles, skiing equipment, or expensive mortuary equipment? They will sell us anything because our government will buy. Just wait and see.

UNICEF to continue supporting the health sector

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unicefThe United Nations Children Education Fund, UNICEF, has pledged continued logistical and technical support towards the implementation of UN supported programmes in the ministry of health.

The UN agency has, however, advised government to strengthen the financial systems in the ministry of health to avoid a recurrence of the K10 billion scam.

Speaking in an interview in Choma today, UNICEF country representative, Lotta Sylwander, said the UN agency will continue with its programme of cash transfers in which it directly pays for specific activities and programmes.

Ms Sylwander said some of the activities that will receive support include training of midwives, procurement of drugs, child health week and nutritional programmes.

She disclosed that UNICEF has this year staked US$22 million for various programmes in the country.

She said government needs to strengthen financial systems to ensure donor funds are utilised to meet the intended objectives.

She said Zambia like other countries should be cognizant of the fact that donor funds are tax payers’ money, which should be properly accounted for.

Ms Sylwander, who led a team of Swedish UNICEF volunteers on a visit to Siamambo and Masopo basic schools where UNICEF has been promoting the integrated latrines and other sanitation facilities, said the UN agency is committed to implementing various programmes aimed at improving learning in schools.

And authorities at the two rural schools located in Chief Singani’s area told Ms Sylwander that they have recorded tremendous improvements in school enrolments due to the provision of improved latrines and other sanitation facilities at the institutions.

Acting headteacher for Siamambo basic school, Catherine Hamasowe, said the school population which was previously at 350 pupils had now risen to 629 pupils.

”The dropout rate has even gone down as all children want to be in school. The good latrines are attracting the children to come back to school,” she said.

Ms Hamasowe said most parents are now encouraging their children to go to school.

She, however, said the institution is still facing the challenge of poor accommodation for teachers as all the 22 teachers have to share the only three staff houses available.

And a teacher at Masopo basic school, Alvin Macha, said the institution appreciates the support from UNICERF which had seen a reduction in disease such as diarrhea due to good sanitation facilities.

Ms Sylwander is today expected to visit Chief Macha’s area, where UNICEF has been implementing the Community Led Total Sanitation Programme.

ZANIS

Govt to rehabilitate roads leading to Umutomboko arena, shrines-Kawimbe

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Government is to rehabilitate roads leading to shrines and the main arena of the Umutomboko traditional ceremony to help encourage more people attend this year’s ceremony.

Luapula Province Minister, Bornface Kawimbe, disclosed that government, through the provincial administration, has set aside funds from the Tourism Development Fund in this year’s budget, to facilitate the road rehabilitation works ahead of this year’s ceremony slated for July 25.

President Rupiah Banda, is expected to be among several people to attend the ceremony.

The roads to be worked on are those leading to the two shrines along the Ng’ona River where Mwatakazembe, the traditional ruler of the Lunda people, performs rituals and pays homage to Chiefdom gods during the annual traditional ceremony.

Dr Kawimbe disclosed the plan when he inspected the road network and main arena for the Umutomboko ceremony in Mwansabombwe yesterday.

The minister said the umutomboko ceremony is a major tourist attraction in the province, hence government would render necessary support in efforts of marketing the vast tourism endowment of the province.

He said government through the Buildings Department would reconstruct the main arena by putting up a permanent structure.

The minister also said the department would also put up VIP toilets and a borehole to improve hygiene standards during for ceremony.

Dr. Kawimbe said the Rural Roads Unit, RRU, would soon move on site to work on the roads adding that the scope of works would include grading and gravelling of the roads.

“Government has realized that it cannot promote tourism in Luapula without highlighting the most important package which is the Umutomboko Traditional Ceremony.. so we are just doing the right thing that this year’s ceremony is supported as such so that we open up other attractions,” Dr. Kawimbe said.

He emphasised the need to intensify efforts of promoting the tourism industry in the province as it has the potential to help reduce poverty in the area.

Dr. Kawimbe said the province is endowed with an array of tourist attractions, which still remain unexploited due to lack of both domestic and foreign investment.

The minister also said plans are underway to improve access to all tourist sites.

“We realize that provision of access roads to these sites is important before we embark on advertising them to tourists and investors… our splendid tourist attractions are inaccessible by road even by air… so the approach is we need to provide access and then market,” Dr. Kawimbe said.

Luapula Province hosts seven waterfalls and is home to a rare black Letchwe species and the shoe bill stock bird which are only endemic to the Bangweulu plains.

ZANIS

Workers union welcomes move to compel civil servants declare their assets

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The Civil Servants and Allied Workers Union of Zambia (CSAWUZ) has welcomed calls that civil servants should declare their assets and liabilities.

Union Vice president Beatrice Nyirongo says such a move is welcome as it will assist government in its quest to fight corruption and protect public funds from being misapplied at all levels.

Mrs. Nyirongo told ZANIS in an interview that in light of the rampant corrupt case in government institutions, there is need for government to put in place stringent measures aimed at protecting public funds.

She explained that by declaring assets, most workers in public offices will be scared to engage themselves in corrupt practices because any unexplainable rise in their assets would attract the attention of law enforcement agents.

Mrs. Nyirongo added that by declaring of assets and liabilities government would have the power to question any suspicious or excessive earnings thereby enhancing transparency and accountability in the way public funds are spent.

She pointed out that despite public workers having certain privileges such as getting money from tours and other allowances, there is need for government to continue ensuring that people get exactly what rightfully belongs to them.

Mrs. Nyirongo further disclosed that by having such a mechanism in place, pubic resources will be administered accordingly and therefore benefiting all workers and a country as whole through developmental projects.

She also cited the recent K10 billion scam involving public funds at the Ministry of Health as one of the cases which would have been avoided if the people involved had there assets and liabilities declared.

The National Constitution Conference has adopted a clause that states that all government workers holding public offices should be declaring their assets and liabilities.

ZANIS

Strike affects Kitwe Central Hospital’s smooth operations

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Kitwe Central Hospital Acting Nursing Manager Gray Chishimba says operations at the institution were limping due to the continuous strike by unionized health staff.

Mr. Chishimba told ZANIS in Kitwe yesterday that currently only a skeleton staff of students were working.

He said the admission rate has also dropped from 300 per day to 200 patients.

He added that there was need for the health workers to resume work and allow their union leaders to conclude negotiations with government.

Mr. Chishimba said health workers formed a critical wing of government in terms of service delivery hence the need for them to resume work.

The health workers were demanding for a salary increament of K1.5m across the board.

The Health workers were also demanding that assets recovered from the K10 billion that was allegedly stolen from the Ministry of Health be sold and money channeled to clear out standing salary ares for health workers.

Among other grievances, the Staff were also calling on government to increase housing allowance to K1million.

Mr. Chishimba said the striking staff also want an enquiry into giving loans, like household and car loans.

The strike which started with a sit in protest on Friday has culminated in what management was considering an illegal strike.

The situation in government schools were teachers are striking was bad as operations have been crippled and schools deserted.

Public workers whose unions were currently negotiating with government have decided to go on strike to protest the 11% increment being offered by government.

ZANIS

Zambia National marketeers Association refutes Lubinda’s allegations

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Zambia National marketeers Association (ZANAMA) in Kitwe has refuted claims by PF spokesperson Given Lubinda that the association had been abusing marketeers and collecting money from them illegally.

ZANAMA Chairman Elvis Nkandu told ZANIS today in an interview that the objective of the association was to meet the interests and concerns of the marketers in order to improve their living standards.

“What Mr. Lubinda said is very untrue and embarrassing because we aim at protecting the interests of he marketeers to better their living standard Mr. Nkandu said.

Mr. Nkandu explained that every member of the association as well as the marketeers had an obligation to review their membership to snow their commitment to the association.

He added that the marketeers had the mandate to renew their membership under the societies Act.

Mr. Nkandu advised Mr. Lubinda not to comment on issues that he did not fully understand.

He urged Mr. Lubinda to devote time talking about developmental issues in the nation and not attacking ZANAMA.

“He needs to devote his time challenging the MMD government on issues that could bring development on issues that could bring development to the nation and not spend time attacking ZANAMA he said.

Mr. Nkandu noted that Mr. Lubinda should verify the statements that he makes by substantiating them with what is on the ground.

Earlier, Mr. Lubinda challenged the Patriotic Front (PF) leadership in the Copperbelt province to ensure that it sorted out the hooliganism at Chisokone market where ZANAMA was allegedly said to be terrorizing marketeers by collecting money from them illegally.

ZANIS

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