Speaker of the National Assembly, Nelly Mutti has described the demise of the late Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV as a great loss not only to the Ngoni people but the nation as a whole.

Dr Mutti says late Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV dedicated his life to preserving the rich customs and identity of his people while promoting peace and unity across the country.

She said the late traditional leader focused on harmony and mutual respect regardless of tribe, region or political affiliation.

Dr Mutti said Paramount Chief Mpezeni leaves a legacy that will continue to inspire future generations and remain deeply imprinted in the history of Zambia’s traditional leadership.

“I learnt of the passing of His Majesty Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV of the Ngoni people with profound sorrow and grief. Zambia has lost a revered traditional leader, a respected custodian of culture, heritage and a unifying figure whose leadership commanded admiration across the country,” she said.

Dr Mutti noted that Zambia has lost a revered traditional leader, who respected custodians of culture, heritage and a unifying figure whose leadership commanded admiration across the country.

She extended her condolences to the Ngoni Royal Establishment, bereaved family and the Ngoni people and nation at large during the difficult period of mourning.

This is according to a statement issued to the media today by National Assembly Deputy Clerk for Procedure, Stephen Kawimbe.

Paramount Chief Mpezeni died on Saturday, May 30, 2026, in Lusaka.

North-Western Province Police Commissioner, Brighton Siwale has directed Police Officers across the province to act firmly and professionally against perpetrators of political violence and public disorder.

Speaking during a media engagement meeting on election preparedness organised by the North-West Press Club in Solwezi, Mr Siwale said the Police Service in North-Western Province will not condone any form of lawlessness before, during and after the elections.

He emphasized that political violence poses a serious threat to the country’s democratic governance, national unity, economic stability and international reputation.

Mr Siwale noted that violence erodes public confidence in institutions, weakens democratic legitimacy and creates fear and instability within communities, a situation that could also discourage potential investors.

He further disclosed that Police in the province has developed and operationalised an electoral security plan aimed at safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process.

Mr Siwale stated that the plan focuses on preventing electoral violence through proactive policing, intelligence gathering and timely interventions among other measures.

Meanwhile, Provincial Permanent Secretary, Grandson Katambi reaffirmed government’s commitment to protecting the rights and safety of journalists.

Col. Katambi (Rtd) urged media practitioners to uphold professionalism, ethics and accuracy in their reporting before, during and after the elections, warning against the spread of misinformation.

And North-West Press Club president, Chaibu Nkhoma said such engagements are vital in strengthening collaboration between the Zambia Police Service and the media in the province.

He said enhanced cooperation between the two institutions will contribute to peaceful and credible elections.

Former Office of the President (OP) Chief of Intelligence Xavier Chungu has been charged with 11 offences, including multiple counts of communication of classified information and seditious practices, following his arrest in Lusaka.

Police say Chungu was arrested on May 28, 2026, and has since been formally charged for allegedly disclosing sensitive information obtained during his official duties while appearing on a named podcast.

According to police spokesperson Godfrey Chilabi, the alleged offences occurred on May 24, 2026, between 16:00 and 18:00 hours in New Kasama, Lusaka, where Chungu is said to have revealed confidential information relating to state security operations.

Chungu has been slapped with seven counts of communication of certain information, contrary to Section 4(1) of the State Security Act, Chapter 111 of the Laws of Zambia. The offence relates to the unlawful disclosure of classified information obtained through official capacity.

Police further allege that he committed three counts of seditious practices under Section 57 of the Penal Code, Chapter 87, by making statements considered to be of a seditious nature during the same podcast appearance.

In addition, Chungu faces one count of prohibition of publication or disclosure of information to an unauthorised person under Section 11(1) of the Zambia Security Intelligence Service Act, Chapter 109, for allegedly revealing protective measures relating to a vital national installation.

Authorities say the offences carry severe penalties, with some charges attracting a minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum of up to 25 years imprisonment if convicted.

Chungu remains in police custody and is expected to appear in court in the coming days as investigations continue.

People’s Empowerment Party (PeP) leader Sean Tembo has abandoned his bid to serve as a running mate in the 2026 General Election and has instead turned his attention to the Roma Constituency parliamentary seat.

Tembo’s move follows the failure of his party’s presidential candidate, Chanda Katotobwe, to successfully file nomination papers for the presidential race due to concerns surrounding the party’s status.

Speaking in an interview, Tembo said he decided to contest for Parliament because he still wanted an opportunity to serve the people of Zambia despite being unable to participate in the presidential contest.

“Many will question why parliamentary instead of presidential, but since we cannot be on the presidential ballot, I thought I should represent the people at parliamentary level because of the love I have for the people of Zambia,” Tembo said.

The PeP leader has since outlined a number of development plans for the newly created Roma Constituency, saying he intends to focus on addressing community needs on a ward-by-ward basis if elected.

Although the Registrar of Societies clarified that the People’s Empowerment Party remains a registered political party, Tembo has opted to seek election as an independent candidate.

The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) is yet to officially confirm whether Tembo’s nomination for the Roma parliamentary seat has been successfully accepted.

Tembo’s decision marks a significant shift in his political strategy as the country prepares for the August 13, 2026 General Election.

The Constitutional Court has set June 19, 2026, as the date to hear a petition challenging President Hakainde Hichilema’s eligibility to contest in the 2026 General Election.

The petition was filed by UPND founding member Charles Longwe, who argues that the ruling party did not hold a valid national convention before President Hichilema’s nomination as the party’s presidential candidate.

The hearing date was agreed upon during a scheduling conference held in chambers, attended by legal representatives for both parties.

Speaking to journalists in Lusaka after the conference, State Counsel Mulambo Haimbe, who is representing President Hichilema, confirmed that the Constitutional Court had scheduled the matter for hearing on June 19.

Another member of the President’s legal team, Michael Moono, said the court is expected to provide guidance on the judgment date after the hearing.

Meanwhile, Charles Longwe’s lawyer, Benjamin Mwelwa, also confirmed the hearing date, stating that the scheduling conference was conducted before Constitutional Court Judge Martin Musaluke.

The petition seeks to challenge the validity of President Hichilema’s candidature ahead of the August 13, 2026 General Election, with the court expected to determine whether the nomination process complied with the requirements of the UPND constitution and relevant electoral laws.

The Zambia Police Service in Sinda district are investigating a case of alleged child sexual abuse involving a 15-year-old girl.

Eastern Province Police Commanding Officer, Robertson Mweemba has confirmed the incident, saying the matter was reported to Sinda Police Station on June 2, 2026, by the girl’s father, a resident of Kasinje Village in Chief Nyanje’s area.

According to information made available to the media by Mr Mweemba, the alleged incidents are said to have occurred at different times during the month of May this year.

Brief facts of the matter are that the victim had an affair with the suspect and this came to light when the victim was being interviewed by her parents and the wife of the suspect Catherine Sakala who raised alarm.

“The girl said male Keyala Tembo used to have carnal knowledge of her in the bush and this happened on four different occasions when she was returning home from School, “Mr Mweemba said.

The Eastern Province Police Chief said it is alleged that an adult male identified as Keyala Tembo of unknown age, residing in Chimtima 2 village in the same chiefdom had inappropriate relations with the juvenile on several occasions.

“The matter came to light after concerns were raised by family members, prompting further discussions with the girl, who is reported to have disclosed the alleged incidents, “he said.

Mr Mweemba said following the report, officers opened a docket and issued a medical report form to facilitate further investigations.

“No arrest has been made so far as the suspect is reported to be on the run.

Police have since instituted investigations and efforts are underway to trace the suspect, “he said.

Mr Mweemba has reiterated the importance of safeguarding children and encouraged members of the public to promptly report any suspected cases of abuse to law enforcement agencies.

He said that the case remains under investigation.