The Bank of Zambia (BoZ) has expressed concern over the rising ratio of non-performing loans among public service workers.

Deputy Governor for Operations Francis Chipimo warned that the trend poses significant risks to lending institutions and the country’s financial sector.

Dr Chipimo said this in a public notice and obtained by the media in Lavushimanda today.

He said the recent financial stability assessments have revealed growing challenges associated with payroll-based lending, particularly in cases where prescribed Debt Service Ratio (DSR) and affordability requirements are deliberately circumvented.

He noted that some public workers are increasingly accessing credit outside the payroll system, commonly referred to as off-payroll credit, often borrowing amounts that exceed permissible limits.

According to Dr Chipimo, some borrowers have been obtaining additional loans through misrepresentation of their financial positions, failure to disclose existing loan obligations and borrowing from multiple institutions simultaneously.

He said these practices have contributed to an increase in loan defaults, putting pressure on lending institutions and heightening risks to the overall financial system.

The Deputy Governor further observed the weaknesses in credit underwriting practices among some lending institutions, noting that certain lenders have not consistently utilized information provided by the Credit Reference Bureau (CRB) when assessing loan applications.

He added that some financial institutions have, in certain instances, disregarded CRB data altogether, thereby undermining responsible lending practices and effective risk management.

Dr Chipimo stressed that compliance with DSR and affordability requirements remains mandatory for all regulated lending institutions, employees and payroll administrators, as these standards serve as important safeguards for consumer protection, prudent credit underwriting, responsible borrowing and financial stability.

In response to the growing concerns, the Bank of Zambia has since directed all regulated lending institutions to strictly adhere to debt service ratio limits and strengthen responsible lending practices.

He also urged payroll administrators to reinforce internal payroll controls, improve recovery mechanisms and take appropriate remedial or disciplinary action where abuse of payroll-based deduction arrangements is identified.

Meanwhile, Dr Chipimo said the Bank of Zambia will continue to monitor compliance with the Banking and Financial Services Act (Provision of Credit Data and Utilisation of Credit Reference Services) Directive of 2020 by all regulated entities.

He added that the central bank will closely monitor both off-payroll and payroll-based lending practices and take all necessary measures to ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations and prudential standards aimed at safeguarding financial stability and promoting responsible lending in the country.

President Hakainde Hichilema has implored the Church in the country to bring the nation to an understanding that national duty must be anchored on faith.

Speaking during a church service at Solwezi Airport Seventh Day Adventist Church, Mr Hichilema stated that Zambia being a Christian nation ought to depend on God for guidance.

President Hichilema said the church service was a moment for all citizens to reflect and repent.

The head of state urged Christians to be grateful because without God no one is able to do anything.

“Christians should depend on God because the progress of the country depends on God” Mr Hichilema said.

“Before the earthly works and the duty to the nation, people should know that there is someone leading and that is God” President Hichilema said.

“We know the body of Christ is one, and we worship one God,” President Hichilema said.

The President expressed gratitude for the opportunity to worship with believers, stressing that national duty must be anchored in faith.

“So, we are happy in that realisation, and I would not take too much of your time, we would like to hear the word of God today. So that we purify ourselves, things we may have committed over the week and months,” he said.

Northern Zambia Union Conference Chief Financial Officer Elder Isaac Kaputo described the President as not just a guest but also as a committed and beloved fellow member of the church and affirmed the SDA Church’s belief that authority comes from God”.

He pledged that the Church would continue praying for the President and government, asking God to grant him greater wisdom and continued good health as he leads the nation toward success and stability.

The church leader also commended President Hichilema for supporting religious projects, upholding religious liberty and calling for national peace and unity.

“May we continue to promote love, peace, worship, and mutual respect among one another, knowing that a nation anchored on faith, family values, and unity is stronger, more compassionate, and better prepared for the future,” he said.

He assured that the SDA Church remained committed to preaching love and togetherness to help build a prosperous Zambia and prepare a people for the coming of the Lord Jesus.

Northwestern Zambia Conference Pastor Golden Mukonda, said the conference appreciated the economic development under the President’s leadership, noting its impact was being felt by church members and communities across Northwestern Province.

He reaffirmed the church’s biblical mandate to pray for leaders and promised continued intercession for the President and his government as he carried out his duties.

“May God continue showing his leadership through you, and we are very proud of you, and surely honoured to be found with you in this worship. May God continue blessing you,” he said.

Police in Eastern Province have arrested a 48-year-old man for allegedly setting fire to two shelters at Sasali Mine in Chief Sandwe’s area of Lusangazi District, destroying property worth more than K104,000.

Eastern Province Police Commanding Officer Robertson Mweemba confirmed the incident, in a media statement obtained by the media.

The incident is reported to have occurred on Thursday, June 11, at around 03:00 hours.

Mr Mweemba identified the suspect as Yohane Banda, 48, of Zandola Village in Chief Kawaza’s area of Sinda District.

According to police, the matter was reported to Petauke Police Station at about 14:15 hours on June 11 by Samson Daka, 23, of Showgrounds Compound in Petauke District, whose shelter was among those destroyed in the fire.

“Preliminary investigations indicate that on June 10, 2026, the suspect allegedly approached Barbara Tembo, who also had a shelter at Sasali Mine, and expressed interest in having a romantic relationship with her. However, Ms Tembo reportedly rejected the advances,” Mr Mweemba said.

“The suspect is said to have gotten angry following the rejection and allegedly threatened to do something harmful if she continued to turn him down,” he added.

Mr Mweemba said that in the early hours of June 11, while occupants were asleep, Barbara Tembo’s aunt, Milesi Lungu, noticed flames engulfing their shelter and immediately raised alarm.

“The victims attempted to open the door but discovered that it had been locked from the outside. With the assistance of community members, they managed to break the door and escape,” Mr Mweemba said.

The fire completely destroyed property valued at K6,500 in the first shelter before spreading to a neighbouring shelter belonging to Samson Daka, where property worth K97,950 was damaged.

The combined value of the destroyed property is estimated at K104,450.

Community members later managed to extinguish the fire before it spread further.

“Police officers visited the scene and confirmed the incident. Investigations have continued, while the suspect remains in custody awaiting court appearance,” he updated

Mr Mweemba has urged members of the public to resolve disputes peacefully and report threats or acts of violence to law enforcement agencies.

More details are expected as investigations progress.

 Ministry of Defence Permanent Secretary Maambo Haamaundu has urged members of the Zambia Defence Force (ZDF) to remain non-partisan and uphold the rule of law as the country continues to safeguard peace, unity and democratic governance.

Mr Haamaundu said defence personnel have a constitutional obligation to remain professional, disciplined and loyal to the government of the day, adding that the country needs unity, dialogue and patriotism as key ingredients for maintaining national stability.

Speaking during the 50th Defence Forces Day commemorations held under the theme “Unity in Service, Strength in Form, Friendship Through Sport”  held at Olympic Youth Development Centre (OYDC) in Lusaka ,  Mr Hamaundu further called on political leaders, citizens and other stakeholders to conduct themselves responsibly before, during and after elections.

Mr Haamaundu said the military remains a critical pillar in promoting peace, protecting the country’s sovereignty and contributing to national development.

“The period we are in calls for unity rather than division, dialogue rather than violence and patriotism rather than political selfishness. We must all work together to preserve peace and national unity,” he said.

He noted that beyond its traditional security mandate, the Zambia Defence Force continues to play a significant role in agriculture, infrastructure development, disaster response and international peacekeeping operations.

Mr Haamaundu further paid tribute to the pioneers of the unified command structure established in 1976, describing the formation of the Zambia Defence Force as a landmark achievement that strengthened coordination among the Zambia Army, Zambia Air Force and Zambia National Service.

Mr Haamaundu commended members of the defence force for their professionalism, patriotism and sacrifice in safeguarding Zambia’s sovereignty, upholding the Constitution and supporting socio-economic development.

He also encouraged defence personnel and members of the public to fully participate in the commemorative activities, stating that sport remains an effective platform for promoting unity, friendship and cohesion within the military and the wider community.

And Ministry of Defence Director of the International Military Council of Sports, Priscilla Katoba, said this year’s Defence Forces Day was being commemorated through sporting activities aimed at strengthening friendship, teamwork and camaraderie among members of the three defence services.

Col Katoba said sport remains an important component of military life and a powerful tool for fostering unity among service personnel while contributing to national sports development.

“At national level, the defence force contributes a lot of athletes and players. We are ambassadors of sport and many of our personnel represent the country in various sporting disciplines,” she said.

She explained that the sporting activities brought together teams from Green Buffaloes, Red Arrows and Eagles, with the Zambia Police Service also participating in an effort to strengthen cooperation among the country’s security wings.

Col Katoba further highlighted the growing role of women in the military, noting that their participation in the tournament reflects the defence force’s commitment to gender inclusion and equal opportunities.

She said female personnel continue to excel both within the military and on the national sporting stage, demonstrating the progress made in promoting gender equality in the defence services.

Col Katoba added that the sporting activities provided an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of men and women in uniform while promoting physical fitness, discipline and healthy competition.

President Hakainde Hichilema is tomorrow, Sunday, expected in Chinsali District, Muchinga Province, on a working visit.

Muchinga Province Permanent Secretary Tuesday Bwalya has announced the development at a media briefing in Chinsali today.

Dr Bwalya said the Republican President who is also UPND Presidential candidate in the August 2026 general election is expected to meet party officials and all UPND adopted candidates from Muchinga Province.

The Permanent Secretary has since called on Chinsali residents to turn up in huge numbers and welcome the Republican President at the Chinsali Airstrip on Sunday morning.

“I urge every resident of Chinsali and the entire Muchinga Province to turn up in overwhelming numbers to receive our Republican President with the warmth, respect, and energy that Muchinga Province is renowned for.” He said

Dr Bwalya stated that the need for people to demonstrate the peace, unity and unwavering commitment to the developmental agenda being spearheaded by the new dawn administration.

He adds “Let us come to Chinsali in the morning at the airstrip and welcome the President and give him a heroic welcome.”

President Hakainde Hichilema says four UPND Members of Parliament — Gary Nkombo, Robert Muchima, Samakayi and Mubanga — did not vote in support of Bill 7.

Speaking in Solwezi shortly after arriving in North-Western Province for a one-day working visit, President Hichilema urged citizens to vote for all UPND candidates in the upcoming elections, saying Parliament needs representatives who will support government motions and legislation.

The President linked his appeal to the vote on Bill 7, arguing that party discipline in the National Assembly is important for the implementation of the government’s legislative agenda.

Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha has asked the Constitutional Court to dismiss, with costs, a petition challenging the eligibility of President Hakainde Hichilema to contest the 2026 General Election.

In submissions filed before the Constitutional Court, Kabesha argued that President Hichilema fully satisfies the requirements set out under Article 100 of the amended 2016 Constitution regarding presidential nominations.

He further contended that the President’s nomination for the 2026 election is consistent with Article 52(4) of the amended Constitution and does not violate any constitutional provisions governing presidential candidature.

Kabesha also submitted that internal disputes within the ruling United Party for National Development concerning the legitimacy of its convention cannot invalidate President Hichilema’s candidature.

According to the Attorney General, Article 60(1) of the Constitution allows political parties to sponsor candidates for presidential elections, whether those candidates are members of the party or not. He argued that any disagreements within the UPND regarding party processes do not affect the constitutional validity of the President’s nomination.

The petition was filed by UPND senior member Charles Longwe, who is challenging President Hichilema’s eligibility to contest in the upcoming general election.

Meanwhile, UPND Secretary General Batuke Imenda has also urged the court to dismiss the petition, arguing that the issues raised concern the interpretation of the UPND constitution rather than the Constitution of Zambia.

Imenda maintained that questions regarding the mandate of the current UPND leadership should be resolved through the party’s internal constitutional framework and do not fall under Articles 52 and 60 of the national Constitution.

The Constitutional Court is expected to hear the matter as part of ongoing legal challenges related to the 2026 General Election.

The National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA) says its US$300 million commitment to the Lusaka-Ndola Dual Carriageway was based on commercial considerations and extensive due diligence, dismissing suggestions that it was directed by Government to finance the project.

NAPSA Director General Cephas Sinyangwe said the pension fund became involved after the concessionaire approached the institution with a financing proposal as part of a broader US$650 million funding package.

The clarification comes amid heightened public interest in the financing structure of the dual carriageway, one of Zambia’s largest infrastructure projects and a key transport corridor linking Lusaka to the Copperbelt.

According to Mr Sinyangwe, the proposal underwent detailed evaluation before approval, with particular attention given to repayment arrangements, revenue projections and security mechanisms designed to protect contributors’ funds.

“The concessionaire approached us with a proposal. We assessed the project, evaluated the risks and examined the available safeguards before making a decision,” he said.

NAPSA maintains that participation in the road project followed the same investment principles applied across its portfolio, where capital preservation and long-term returns remain central considerations.

The authority said the financing arrangement includes recovery mechanisms and security provisions intended to minimise exposure while allowing contributors to benefit from returns generated over the life of the facility.

Mr Sinyangwe said infrastructure remains an important asset class for pension funds because of its potential to generate stable long-term income while supporting economic activity.

He noted that the Lusaka-Ndola corridor carries a significant share of Zambia’s passenger and commercial traffic and has long been viewed as critical to trade, mining and industrial activity.

Supporters of the project argue that upgrading the route will improve road safety, reduce travel times and strengthen connectivity between the capital and the Copperbelt.

The Director General said NAPSA’s responsibility is not only to safeguard pension contributions but also to ensure that funds are invested in opportunities capable of delivering sustainable growth.

As a result, every major financing proposal is subjected to rigorous assessment before approval.

The authority believes the dual carriageway meets that threshold and expects the financing arrangement to deliver value over the long term while contributing to national infrastructure development.

The Lusaka-Ndola road remains one of the country’s most closely watched infrastructure projects, with public attention increasingly focused on financing arrangements, implementation timelines and expected economic benefits.

For NAPSA, however, the central message remains unchanged: the decision to participate was a commercial one, supported by due diligence, structured safeguards and an expectation of sustainable returns for pension contributors.

The Chisamba Magistrate’s Court has set June 16, 2026, as the date for its ruling in a case involving a 21-year-old Lusaka man accused of unlawfully wounding a fellow miner at a gold mining site in Chief Chamuka’s chiefdom.

Magistrate Litungi Litungi adjourned the matter after the prosecution closed its case against Andrew Mwiimbu of Makeni Villa in Lusaka.

Mwiimbu has pleaded not guilty to a charge of unlawful wounding contrary to Section 232 of the Penal Code, Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia.

It is alleged that on May 26, 2026, Mwiimbu unlawfully wounded 22-year-old Boniface Lyamboka using a broken bottle, causing injuries to his left eye.

During the trial, the State called three witnesses and tendered a medical report as evidence.

The court heard that at around 23:00 hours on the material day, Mwiimbu, who was in the company of three colleagues, allegedly broke a bottle and used it to attack Lyamboka, who was also accompanied by three other people.

According to testimony presented before the court, Lyamboka sustained a cut on the upper left eyelid, bruising beneath the eye, and swelling to the left eye.

The complainant later reported the matter to Chipembi Police Post, obtained a medical report form, and received treatment at Chipembi Clinic.

The court further heard that officers from the Community Crime Prevention Unit (CCPU), who allegedly witnessed the incident, apprehended Mwiimbu and handed him over to police for further investigations.

Following the close of the prosecution’s case, Magistrate Litungi adjourned the matter to June 16, 2026, for ruling and remanded the accused in custody.

Central Province Police Commanding Officer Lemekani Chirwa has warned police will act firmly against individuals or groups involved in violence, intimidation or any unlawful conduct, stressing that no one is above the law.

Mr Chirwa says this is because electoral violence threatens the country’s stability, democracy and the safety of citizens.

Mr Chirwa was speaking during a meeting, in Kabwe, aimed at promoting peaceful campaigns ahead of the August 13 general election.

He underscored the service’s commitment to safeguarding peace and security during the electoral process and protecting the rights of all citizens regardless of political affiliation.

The Central Province Police chief said that no one is above the law and urged political parties to encourage their members and supporters to respect differing views and avoid acts of provocation.

Mr Chirwa further called on political players to refrain from using inflammatory language that could incite violence and to adhere to regulations governing campaigns, rallies, and political messaging.

He said the Zambia Police Service will continue working closely with the Electoral Commission of Zambia, political parties, and civil society organisations to maintain peace throughout the electoral period.

Mr Chirwa said that officers will be deployed across the province to monitor campaign activities, respond to security threats, and protect citizens, ensuring that voters are able to cast their ballots freely and without intimidation.

Mr Chirwa reminded political parties that elections are a democratic process and not a battlefield, emphasizing the need to safeguard Zambia’s democracy and preserve peace.

“Together, let us commit to peaceful campaigns and credible elections,” he said.

Meanwhile, Central Province Divisional Criminal Investigations Officer Eric Sindandumuna has warned that police will not tolerate tribalism and that anyone found promoting it will face the full force of the law.

Mr Sindandumuna said the police are determined to maintain law and order during the campaign period and on election day to ensure a peaceful, free, and credible electoral process.

The Forestry Department in Chilanga District raised K72, 120 in revenue, during May, 2026, Chilanga District Forestry Officer, Emelda Luchele has revealed

Most of the revenue came from issuance of conveyance licences for export, which generated K48, 000 after the inspection and clearance of 80 truckloads of Guibourtia coleosperma for export to China and Vietnam. A further K720 was raised from clearance of one truckload for local conveyance.

Ms Luchele explained that the department also collected K20, 000 in penalty fee for carrying charcoal without a production and conveyance license and K2, 500 from the sale of confiscated charcoal.

In an Interview with the media, Ms Luchele said K900 was raised from production and conveyance licences for firewood.

“In timber clearance for export inspected and cleared, 80 truckloads of Guibourtia Coleosperma (Rosewood) for export translated to 1, 200 cubic meters.  A Sum of K48, 000 was raised from the issuance of conveyance licences for export to China and Vietnam. Also cleared, 1 truckload for local conveyance, 20 cubic meters, raising a total amount of K720,” she explained.

Under the Nursery Establishment and Management Programme, Ms Luchele stated that 5, 674 assorted seedlings are being raised at the nursery, with activities such as seed collection, seed sowing and root pruning ongoing.

She attributed the development to the availability of labour, which contributed to efficient operations.

Ms Luchele noted challenges that affected performance, including a reduction   in timber export by timber – exporting companies resulting in reduced revenue, limited patrol coverage and inadequate operational funding.

She pointed out that the factors directly impact implementation of planned activities, revenue generation and enforcement coverage within the district.

Ms Luchele added that the department is committed to strengthening sustainable forest management, enhancing compliance with forestry regulations, improving stakeholder collaboration, and optimising available resources to ensure effective service delivery and alignment with district, provincial, and national developmental objectives.