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Police to cleanse itself of Human Rights violators

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Inspector General of Police Francis Kabonde has implored police officers to strictly observe human rights in the execution of their duties.

Mr. Kabonde says upholding human rights is central to encouraging the delivery of fair justice.

Speaking at a Criminal Investigations Re-training Programme at Lilayi College in Lusaka today, Mr. Kabonde pointed out that a poor human rights record had far reaching consequences on the country.
He said a blemished human rights record could even deter investors because no investor would want to invest in a country where such rights are sidelined.

Mr. Kabonde stressed that his Command will not put up with officers found guilty of violating Human Rights.

And American Ambassador to Zambia Donald Booth commended the Zambian government for its commitment to upholding human rights.

Mr. Booth said the Zambian government has been forceful and stringent in ensuring that human rights of the Zambian citizenry are upheld.
He said it is for this reason that the American government would continue to support Zambia in efforts aimed at ensuring that human rights are enjoyed by every Zambian.

Mr. Booth said the American government would channel K16 billion towards human rights and other related training programmes across the country.

Zambia is among other selected Southern African countries being supported by the American government in the re-training of police officers in human rights related issues.

ENDS/AH/AM/ZANIS

Zambian President Rupiah Banda to officially open Zimbabwe International Trade Fair

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ALL is set for the 50th edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair that opens tomorrow with both international and regional companies expected to exhibit.

The Trade Fair will be officially opened by Zambian President Rupiah Banda on April 30.

Addressing the stakeholders meeting Minister Misihairabwi-Mushonga said Zambia was elated by the decision to invite President Banda.

“The Zambian President, Honourable Rupiah Banda will be our official guest of honour at this year’s international exhibition,” she said.

She urged stakeholders to tap into the positive atmosphere that has been generated by the all-inclusive Government and has seen a number of positive developments accruing.

This year’s exhibition will run from tomorrow to May 2 and is being held under the theme, “Golden opportunity for dynamic takeoff”.

ZITF is the largest regional trade fair south of the Sahara and offers exposure to both trade and public visitors.

The multi-sectoral fair also provides the largest, most convenient trade venue in the region

Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai is expected to officially open the annual international business conference that runs concurrently with ZITF.

The conference, organised by the ZITF Company and the National Economic Consultative Forum will be held under the theme “Facilitating Business as the Engine of Growth in the Reconstruction of the Zimbabwean Economy”.

“In light of recent developments in the political and economic spheres, this year’s conference will focus on the following objectives: the future Economic Road Map for Zimbabwe, the reconstruction of the economy and integration into the international arena, confidence and image building and Integration into the International Arena,” a ZITF official said.

Finance Minister Tendai Biti is set to address the business conference on the topic “The Zimbabwean Economic outlook: Achieving Stability in a recovering economy.”

A number of African countries that include Zambia, Namibia, Kenya, Malawi, South Africa, Mozambique and Tanzania have already confirmed participation.

The Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority has given assurance that the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair and its surroundings would not be affected by load shedding during the days of the exhibition to ensure the smooth running of the event. Yesterday a number of companies were putting final touches to their exhibition stands in readiness for the kick off.

Government will not relent in trying to save jobs – Dr. Musokotwane

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Finance minister Situmbeko Musokotwane (R)
Finance minister Situmbeko Musokotwane (R)

About 12 000 job losses in the mining sector have been recorded following the closure of Luanshya Copper Mines and operation adjustments at Mopani Copper Mines.

Finance and National Planning Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane however says government is determined to save as many jobs as possible in the sector.

Dr. Musokotwane said government has in the 2009 national budget taken fiscal measures aimed at saving job losses.

He said government had this year lowered some taxes in some aspects of the mining sector so as to curb job losses.

The minister was speaking yesterday in Washington DC at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) media conference for African Finance Ministers.

He observed that the current economic crisis that had not only affected Africa but the entire world economy would not last forever.

Dr. Musokotwane said the global economic crunch presented an opportunity for African countries to diversify their economies and create conducive conditions for the private sector investment to thrive.

He however noted that the current global economic crunch was almost reversing the recorded economic gains attained as the crisis came at a time when some countries in Africa had taken broad measures to transform their economies.

At the same occasion, Tanzania’s Finance Minister Mustafa Mkulo said efforts being implemented by African countries aimed at curbing effects of the crisis needed assistance of the international community.

He said the crisis was serious and that it needed global solutions to cushion the negative impact.

ZANIS/MP/AM/ENDS

Indian firm to set up US$ 3m diagnostic centre in Zambia

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An Indian business delegation has disclosed that it would invest about US$ 3 million to set up a diagnostic centre in Zambia.

Delegation leader, Rajamani Emmanuel said proper disease diagnosis is important towards serving human life in the country.

Dr. Emmanuel explained that before any disease is treated, there is need to have proper scanning, which he said can also reduce in reducing the current death rate in the country.

He was speaking today when he met Professor Neil Nkanza, who also runs a diagnostic centre in Lusaka.

Dr. Emmanuel, who is also Managing Director of Barati Scans Private Limited Company, reiterated the need of having a good and well equipped scanning and laboratory facilities in the country.

He added that this is why his company is happy to associate itself with the Zambian government in establishing good health facilities for all the citizens.

He said once the centre is set up, government will also reduce on the cost of sending patients for specialist treatment abroad as it would be able to provide such facilities and services locally.

Dr. Emmanuel further disclosed that construction works for the diagnostic centre are expected to commence in the next six months.

Meanwhile, Professor Nkanza bemoaned lack of proper diagnostic services in the country.

Professors Nkanza said Zambia has for a long time now lagged behind in issues aimed at improving health standards of her people due to lack of good health facilities.

He said proper diagnostic facilities are important in any health management, adding that there is need for the Zambian government to ensure that the facilities are made available in all health institution.

He cited breast cancer as one of the diseases that require good scanning facilities before treatment is administered.

Professor Nkanza also thanked the Indian business delegation for choosing to invest in the Zambian health sector.

The delegation, which comprises five people, arrived in the country on 24th April 2009 to hold a series of meetings with Zambian medial doctors and explore the possibilities of establishing health centres.

It is expected to leave Zambia on May 2nd after identifying a site where the diagnostic centre will be constructed in Lusaka.

Teta slams councils over ban on smoking in public

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Government has attributed the continued violation of the ban on smoking in public to the inertia by some local authorities to prosecute the offenders.

Local Government and Housing Minister Ben Tetamashimba said in an interview in Lusaka today that some local authorities have shelved the law and paid a blind eye to the lawbreakers.

Mr. Tetamashimba observed that people will continue breaking the law if councils do not move in and take to task people who choose to disobey the law.

He advised the councils to be action oriented and ensure that pieces of legislation are implemented for the public good.

Mr. Tetamashimba said it will not do for local authorities to shun the implementation of by-laws and other pieces of legislation.

He said the ban on smoking in public should to be implemented and observed as smoking in public has dire consequences on the health of the public.

Mr. Tetamashimba noted that smoking in public has resulted in fatal diseases such as lung cancer and other chronic diseases.

He said because of the health hazard that smoking in public causes, councils should not shy away from prosecuting those found smoking in public.

Mr. Tetamashimba further appealed to people to stop smoking in public as doing so is in violation of the law.

Government recently introduced a law banning smoking in public but some people have continued defying the law.

Three children die as boat capsizes

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Three children aged between five and 11 years old have died on Lake Kariba in Siavonga after a banana boat they were traveling in with other passengers capsized over the weekend.

Eight passengers managed to survive the accident that occurred around Munene island on the waters of Lake Kariba.

The bodies of the three girls who drowned in the lake on Saturday morning following a heavy storm that caused uncompromising waves are still missing and have not been retrieved from the deep waters of Lake Kariba.

Siavonga Marine police officer Inyambo Inyambo confirmed the deaths of the three children who include two sisters in an interview with ZANIS in Siavonga today.

Mr. Inyambo identified the three girls as sisters Linet and Liness Mweemba aged 7 and 5 years of Dambwe Village and Lucy Lusiya aged 11 years of Mangole village.
He disclosed that the three girls met their fate after a storm forced the banana boat they were traveling in to capsize leaving all the 12 passengers that were on board to fight for their lives.

The marine officer charged that the named officer of the capsized boat declined to heed the advice given to him not to go on the water because of the bad weather.

Mr. Inyambo however assured that the police and some community members have combined forces and are working hard to recover the three missing bodies.
ZANIS/LL/MKM/ENDS

RB urged to rescind decision on sacked Kapitolo

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COSMO Mumba
COSMO Mumba

New Generation Party (NGP) President Cosmo Mumba says President Rupiah Banda’s decision to terminate Zambia Public Procurement Authority Director (ZPPA) Director General David Kapitolo’s contract is unfortunate.

Mr. Mumba has since advised President Banda to rescind his decision saying that the president should have taken some time to look into the matter.

The NGP President said in an interview in Lusaka today, that the ZPPA Director General did nothing wrong for allegedly testifying against former Transport and Communications Minister Dora Siliya during the tribunal sessions.

He said it was very sad for Mr Banda to terminate Mr. Kapitolo’s contract of before it could end next year.

Mr. Mumba has since also advised President Banda that he should be very careful with his advisers in the government.

He said some of people in the ruling Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) were embracing Mr Banda just for jobs.[quote]

The NGP President also urged President Banda to ensure that people involved in alleged corruption activities are investigated by all means.

He has since urged Local Government and Housing Minister Benny Tetamashimba to reverse his statement that MMD National Secretary Katele Kalumba should step down for alleged corruption.

Mr. Mumba wondered why Mr. Tetamashimba kept quiet on Ms. Siliya’s alleged abuse of office adding that the MMD should not be favoring certain individuals.

He added that once the MMD starts favoring certain individuals this would lead the party to being divided.

The NGP President has also since given Mr. Tetamashimba 24hours ultimatum to issue a statement on the roads and drainage system in Kanyama area.

He observed that roads and drainage systems in Kanyama were in a deplorable state adding that something needs to be done urgently.

Media reports today report that President Banda has terminated the contract of ZPPA Director General David Kapitolo for allegedly testifying against former Transport and Communications Minister Dora Siliya.

Esther wins the WIBA lightweight belt

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Zambia ‘s women boxing heroin Esther Phiri, today won convincingly against Ratree Kreakae to add a fifth belt after she sent her opponent to the canvas in the fourth round to become the new Women International Boxing Association (WIBA) at Hood Restaurant in Nairobi, Kenya.

Esther was far superior throughout the fight against the little known Thailand boxer who hardly threw an effective punch against the celebrated Zambian female boxer.

Esther has the Women International Boxing Association (WIBA) junior belt, World Boxing Council (WBC) super featherweight belt,Women International Boxing Federation (WIBF)and the Global Boxing Union (GBU) lightweight belt.

In the supportive bout, Zambia’s bantamweight boxer Kennedy Kanyanta retained his Global Boxing Union (GBU) belt after out boxing his Kenyan rival Twalib Mibiru

And the Association of National Team Supporters (ANTS) ANTS Acting Secretary General (SG) Bob Kayukwa has congratulated Esther for her convincing win over Kreakea.

ANTS Acting Secretary General (SG) Bob Kayukwa said his organization was pleased with Esther continued spirit of flying the Zambian flag high.

Mr. Kayukwa said in an interview in Lusaka today that Esther’s victory has made many Zambians to be proud of Esther.

The ANTS Secretary General said the Victorious Esther also deserves all the thunderous welcome from all Zambians.

He said Esther was focused in the boxing matches adding that this was why she was able to beat her opponent from Thailand.

Mr. Kayukwa has since urged Esther to continue with the same spirit adding that they would be other tougher boxing matches ahead of her.

ZANIS/AJN/ENDS/MM

Govt releases K 440.8 Billion for infrastructure development.

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Government has so far released K440.8 Billion for capital expenditure towards infrastructure development and rehabilitation programmes approved by Parliament as part of the 2009 budget.

The release of K440.8 Billion represents 24.7% percent release out of the K1. 781 trillion total capital expenditure budget planned for 2009.

According to Finance and National Planning ministry spokesperson Chileshe Kandeta, in a statement today, said the release of 24.7% of infrastructure funds for 2009 is consistent with his ministry’s fiscal policy focus for 2009 geared towards increasing expenditure on infrastructure and social services.

He said it is also in line with the Government’s objectives of encouraging diversification and enhancing competitiveness.

Mr Kandeta has urged members of the public to take greater interest in Government financed public works and projects being implemented in their localities to ensure that tax-payers resources are applied for intended purposes.

” In this way, we will then be participating in the development of the country and ensuring that optimum socio-economic benefits of these public works and projects accrue to the people of Zambia and the communities in which the infrastructure rehabilitation and development programmes are being implemented,” he says in the release.

And break down the funds, the Ministry of Works and Supply has received K165.2 Billion being proceeds from fuel levy for use towards road maintenance activities by the Road Development Agency.[quote]

Mr Kandeta said K6 Billion has also been released for construction of new office blocks in Lusaka and Chongwe and an additional K6 Billion for boarder facilities at Katima-Mulilo Bridge.

” K 2 Billion is for construction of houses and K4 Billion for other boarder infrastructure while K 7.6 Billion has been released for the Chirundu Boarder Infrastructure towards completion of works related to the flight terminal, the passenger control building, the sewerage disposal system, installation of street lighting and construction of the drug enforcement dog kernels all of which are being executed in line with the FNDP goal of having well developed and properly maintained quality infrastructure for sustainable national development by 2030,” he said.

He further explains that The Ministry of Works and Supply has also received K 10 Billion for construction of housing units for the Zambia Army, Zambia National Service in Makeni and the Zambia Air Force at Twin Palm in Lusaka while the Central Statistical Office (CSO) has received K2 Billion to speed up completion of its office block along Nationalist road in Lusaka.

K29.3 Billion on the other hand has been released for the construction and procurement of housing units and, construction of a forensic laboratory and hospital infrastructure under the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Among other resources released to the same Ministry is K 2.3 Billion for prisons infrastructure development at Mwembeshi, Livingstone, Luwingu, and Kalabo. In addition, K2.7 Billion has been released for construction of immigration headquarters offices and boarder control posts at Kamapanda, Kilwa Island, Kambimbi, Namafulo, Sindamisale, Kanyala and Imusho.

Mr Kandeta says in the same statement that K2 Billion has been released for the rural electrification fund under the Ministry of Energy and Water Development of which K300 Million is for the Nansanga Farm Block and K1.7 Billion for the Kasaba Bay Electrification Project.

For the Ministry of Local Government and Housing, K 2.9 Billion has been released for water supply and sanitation and K1.78 Billion for construction of low cost houses.

On the other hand, the Ministry of Education has received K 18 Billion for construction of High Schools, K23.4 Billion for construction of Basic Schools, K4 Billion for infrastructure development at the Mulungushi University, K2 Billion infrastructure development at the University of Zambia and K1 Billion for infrastructure development at the Copperbelt University whereas among other resources.

Mr Kandeta said the Ministry of Science Technology and Vocational Training has received K1.75 Billion for rehabilitation of the Choma Trades Training Institute and K1.5 Billion for construction of Ukwimi Trades Training Institute.

On the part of the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, K1.6 Billion has been allocated for the Bangweulu Research Station, K 1 Billion for rehabilitation of camp and block houses, among other things, in Mpongwe District.

Govt to provide Laboratory services in all heath clinics

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Government says it is committed to providing quality biomedical laboratory services in all health centers and hospitals in the country.

Minister of Health (MOH) Kapembwa Simbao said biomedical laboratories,at all levels of health care, play a vital role in the health care system, the world over.

Mr. Simbao said this in a speech read on his behalf by Ministry of Health Assistance Director, Administration and Logistics Faith Kangwa at the closing of the biomedical laboratory awareness week in Lusaka last evening.

He said it was for this reason that the government in 1997 developed a National Laboratory Policy whose purpose is to guide government and all stakeholders on the norms of biomedical practice.

Mr. Simbao implored the Biomedical Society of Zambia (BMSZ) to ensure that graduates from the University of Zambia (UNZA) and other training institutions abide by the code of training.

He said abiding by the code would enable them to practice in clinics and hospitals in the country.

ZANIS/AJN/ENDS/MM

Musokotwane courts IFC to partner with Zambian government to develop Kasaba Bay

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Finance and National Planning Minister Hon. Situmbeko Musokotwane has urged the International Finance Corporation (IFC)to partner with the Zambian government to develop Kasaba Bay into a major tourism attraction.

Dr. Musokotwane said Kasaba Bay can be developed into a major tourism attraction that can contribute to the sustainable economic growth of its people.

He said Kasaba Bay could easily turn into an international destination with appropriate infrastructure such as an airport, roads, power, accommodation, shopping facilities, electricity, water and telecommunication .

He added that Kasaba Bay could be very central to attract International Conferences and Meetings to its clients compared to other places in Southern and East Africa.

The minister said this at a meeting this afternoon with the IFC Vice President and Africa Management Team , Mr. Thiery Tanoh in Washington DC.

And Mr Tanoh said the IFC will send an expert from its Johannesburgh office before the end of May to assess whether Kasaba Bay can attract private sector involvement.

He agreed with Dr Musokotwane’s explanation that Kasaba Bay was indeed an important project to embark on.He also stated that IFC had mobilized funds for investment in sectors such as mining and telecommunications infrastructure.[quote]

Special Assistant to the President for Economic Development, Dr. Richard Chembe, Budget and Economic Affairs Permanent Secretary, Emmanuel Ngulube attended the meeting.

Also in attendance were,Director (Financial Markets)at Bank of Zambia (BOZ) Peter Banda and Ambassador of Zambia to the United States of America, Dr. Inonge Mbikusita Lewanika.

This is contained in a release to ZANIS signed by Assistant Secretary for Press at the Zambian Embassy in the U.S.A , Ben Kangwa.
ZANIS/MM/ENDS/MM

RB challenges LAZ to suggest framework against graft

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President Rupiah Banda has challenged the Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) to make suggestions on how the legal framework to fight corruption could be strengthened to protect the country’s meagre public resources.

Mr Banda said government recently approved a new National Anti-Corruption (NAC) policy under which a modern legislation would be enacted to enhance the fight against corruption.

The President however noted that during the fight against corruption, accused persons should be subjected to the due process of the law adding that their human rights should be respected.

He said government shall not interfere in the judicial process adding that the role of adjudicating cases would be left to the courts which should reach verdicts based on the evidence available and accused persons should be subjected to fair trial.

Mr Banda was speaking in Livingstone last night during the Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) annual ball held at Zambezi Sun.

He further called on LAZ to give recommendations on how government could improve the justice delivery system so that it was efficient, corrupt free and fair.

Mr Banda said government was currently undertaking an access to justice programme aimed at decongesting the courts and the prisons adding that government was also constructing court infrastructure countrywide.

He also said the the constitutional review process and the African Peer Review Mechanism are important programmes aimed at improving governance standards in the country.[quote]

Mr Banda said the country needs a good constitution for the country and urged lawyers to participate fully in the important programmes adding that the Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) has been in the forefront of of advocating for a good constitution.

” Regarding the Constitutional Review Process and the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), i understand that you are already participating in these important programmes and that your members are representing you in these processes,” he said.

”We in government consider these consultative programmes as key in engaging our people and improving on our governance standards,” he said.

Speaking earlier, out-going LAZ President Elias Banda said law was an important tool and instrument of social change.

He said the demand for legal services transcends all over the country but regretted that the services were only available along the line of rail.

And newly-elected LAZ president Stephen Lungu who poured 198 votes against his only rival Musa Mwenya who got 160 votes said the association would continue working with government.

President Rupiah Banda who was in Livingstone to officially opened the 18th Ordinary Synod of the Anglican Church and the Law Association of Zambia annual ball has since left for Lusaka.

He was seen off at the Livingstone International Airport by Southern Province Minister Daniel Munkombwe and other senior government and party officials.
ZANIS/FM/ENDS/MM

Let President Banda travel freely – Shikapwasha

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ronnie_shikapwashaChief Government spokesman, Lieutenant General Ronnie Shikapwasha says that Republican President Rupiah Banda has the right to travel locally and internationally.

Lieutenant General Shikapwasha explained that people should understand that whenever President Banda travels, it was for the benefit of the entire country.

He told ZANIS in an interview in Lusaka yesterday, that Mr Banda is entitled to be on both local and international trips adding that the President has the right to travel when necessary.

Lt. Gen. Shikapwasha, who is also Information and Broadcasting Services Minister, said that Citizens should be mindful that whenever the President travels, it was for serious business.

The Chief Government spokesperson said it was from these trips that the President sometimes makes decisions that have helped the nation greatly.

He said it was because the President has been able to market the country and that this has also attracted some investors to consider visiting and investing in the country.[quote]

Lt.Gen.Shikapwasha also said with the economic crisis the country was experiencing there was need for all stakeholders to work closely with the government of the day.

He said with more concerted efforts from all stakeholders the economic crisis the country was experiencing can be dealt with.

There have been calls from some sectors of society calling upon President Rupiah Banda to consider reducing on local and international trips.

ZANIS/AJN/ENDS/MM

Nega Nega child killers re-arrested.

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Police in Mazabuka have re-arrested a couple from Nega Nega area who escaped from police cells and relocated to Mazabuka,after being locked up for allegedly killing their 19 month old baby.

Police in Mazabuka, who confirmed the development to ZANIS today, said the couple had been on the run for the last two years.
Police said the couple which was arrested by alert officers from Nega Nega are currently detained at Mazabuka Police station cells.

Police said the couple was pounced on at Show grounds shanty township yesterday.

Preliminary investigations have established that the couple who got married recently decided to murder the child because the husband allegedly felt uncomfortable looking after a step child.

” The suspects agreed to kill the baby boy because the step father felt uncomfortable looking after the boy and besides that he wanted to have his own children in the home,” Police said.

The Wife is the biological mother to the deceased boy.

ZANIS/HC/End/MM

Govt urged to Train Chiefs on traditional legal instruments

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Chief Macha, of the Tonga speaking people, has urged government to train Traditional leaders and their retainers (messengers) to become knowledgeable on legal instruments on traditional leadership.

And Home Affairs minister Kalombo Mwansa has announced that government is to construct a fully fledged police station in Chief Macha’s area to enhance security.

Speaking at his palace when Dr Mwansa called on him, chief Macha said most chiefs were ignorant about various pieces of legislation that they were supposed to administer.

“I have fear that one day, our subjects will drag a chief to court because we make serious decisions whether right or wrong which hinge on peoples’ rights. [quote]

” We need to be oriented to the chiefs’ Act, Messengers Act and several others that we administer,” he told the minister.

He said the need for chiefs to be acquainted with basic law and other legal instruments is to save them from embarrassment because they preside over serious matters in their chiefdoms for which some of the aggrieved subjects could drag them to the courts of law.

“I must confess that some of the decisions we make are illegal because we do them out of ignorance. There is danger that some subjects can sue and a chief will be dragged to court because he is not above the law,” he said.

Chief Macha said the Home Affairs ministry must also provide basic training to chiefs’ messenger on security and protection.

He said the present scenario in which messengers were ignorant of security posed grave danger to chiefs.

“You find that when a messenger wants to salute you, he does it in a strange way as if he wants to beat you up. I have been frightened by some salutes of my messengers because it is like he wants to beat you,” Chief Macha said.

Chief Macha said personal protection of the chiefs was in the hands of their retainers, hence the need for their adequate training.

He said village vigilantes also need to be trained on how to make effect arrests on suspects to avoid violation of human rights.

In reply, Dr Mwansa said the concerns raised by chief Macha were serious and that government would study them.

He said chiefs were custodians of some Acts which are supposed to be enforced by them.

“The fact that you are not knowledgeable about the very Acts that you are supposed to administer is not good enough. Working with the ministry of local government, we will see how to address this,” Dr Mwansa said.

And Dr Mwansa said government will fund the construction of a new police station in chief Macha’s area because of increased economic activities in the area requiring proper security.

The minister who was accompanied by district commissioner Laiven Apuleni said government was thankful that chief Macha had offered land earmarked for the construction of the police station and camp.

He said government will work hard to ensure that funding for the proposed police project is sourced.

ZANIS/CM/ENDS/MM