A clergy in Kafue District has welcomed the enactment of the Criminal Procedure Code (Amendment) Act No. 4 of 2026, describing it as a positive measure in the fight against defilement.

In an interview with the media,Apostle Eusebio Muloshi of Life-Ways Church said the decision to remove bail for suspects in sexual offence cases marks a significant step towards strengthening the justice system and protecting victims.

Apostle Muloshi said the amendment addresses a long-standing concern, the withdrawal of cases by victims who face intimidation or undue influence from suspects released on bail.

“The amendment law is progressive in addressing defilement cases, as it is a step towards protecting victims,” he said.

He said denying bail to such suspects would create a safer environment for victims to pursue justice without fear of reprisal, and expressed hope that the law would encourage more survivors to come forward.

“This law will help restore confidence among victims of sexual abuse to report cases and follow through with the legal process without intimidation,” Apostle Muloshi said.

While commending Government, he urged law enforcement agencies to conduct thorough investigations before making arrests, particularly in rape cases, to guard against wrongful accusations and protect innocent individuals.

“While we commend Government for this progressive move, it is important that investigations are handled carefully to avoid implicating innocent individuals,” he cautioned.

He warned that sexual offence cases carry serious consequences and must be handled with care to prevent miscarriages of justice.

Apostle Muloshi further reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to promoting moral values and providing support to victims of Gender-Based Violence.

Cross-border traders in Eastern Province are looking forward to the completion and operationalisation of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), trading centre in Chipata.

The construction of the COMESA market, valued at K25 million started in March, 2024 and is expected to be concluded this month.

Eastern Province Cross Border Traders Association (CBTA) Vice president Goodson Mbewe says traders are highly expectant that trade activities will significantly improve between Zambia and countries within COMESA.

Mr Mbewe also said that the modern market infrastructure has the capacity to enhance business opportunities and strengthen regional trade linkages, especially now that Zambia has transitioned into a 24-hour economic model.

He explained that the facility will enable traders to operate beyond traditional business hours, increasing volumes of trade and improving access to regional markets.

The regional CBTA vice president was speaking after inspecting construction works of COMESA small scale cross boarder market being constructed with support from the European Union Development Fund in partnership with Small Scale Cross Boarder Trade Initiative

He said the infrastructure, specifically designed to support cross-border trade, is expected not only to boost trade within COMESA but also to enhance economic activities within the province.

“The market is also intended to promote small-scale cross-border trade and support businesses across the COMESA region as it comes with essential facilities aimed at promoting safe, healthy and efficient trading condition,” he said.

Mr Mbewe said the trade facility design, uniquely caters to traders from Zambia and neighboring countries, particularly those near border areas, providing them with easier access to a centralized trading hub.

He said once operational, the facility was expected to generate multiple economic benefits due to increased trader activity and the anticipated influx of people.

“The structure has been designed to accommodate various categories of trade, including fresh agricultural produce, meat products, fish both fresh and dry, vegetables, grains, and non-consumable goods,” he said.

He also mentioned that priority will be given to products manufactured within the COMESA region, giving them a competitive advantage in the market.

In addition, he said the infrastructure comes with essential facilities aimed at promoting safe, healthy, and efficient trading conditions provisions for value addition, enabling traders to enhance the quality and marketability of their goods.

“It is also pleasing that this market serves as a key entry and trading point for traders coming from Malawi. It has amenities such as ablution blocks, shower rooms, and dedicated spaces for breastfeeding mothers, ensuring inclusivity and comfort for traders,” he said.

He said as the project nears completion, there was need for collaboration between transport sector, local authorities, and security agencies to ensure traders will be safely transported from the market premises, especially under the extended hours of a 24-hour economy.

Meanwhile, Site Engineer Mutale Chishimba reported that construction works were nearing completion, with only final touches, including the car park, remaining.

Mr Chishimba said interior works such as painting, ceiling installation, and water connections have been completed, while electrical installations are done pending final connection by the electricity utility company.

He added that all remaining works are expected to be completed by April 30, 2026.

And a cross-border trader, Ambrose Mukwese, welcomed the government’s pronouncement of a 24-hour economy, describing it as a long-awaited measure that will transform trade for the better.

He noted that relying on a 12-hour trading system was not sustainable for national growth.

He added that extended trading hours will increase revenue generation and boost money circulation within the economy.

He further said the shift-based system required for a 24-hour economy is expected to create employment opportunities, particularly for young people.

Meanwhile, traders at Mwami border post have also expressed optimism on the 24-hour economy model.

Charles Phiri, described the running of a 24-hour economy as a catalyst for economic development.

He noted that in border areas, trade will no longer be restricted by time, creating more opportunities for all stakeholders.

He urged the government to intensify sensitisations so that more traders can fully benefit from the flexibility and opportunities presented by round-the-clock trading.

Copper Queens coach Charles Haalubono says Zambia’s heavy 6-1 defeat to Brazil in this morning’s FIFA Series tournament match was a difficult but valuable learning experience for his side.

Speaking in a post-match interview, Haalubono said the team has struggled to fully adapt due to limited preparation time and travel constraints, noting that the squad arrived in Brazil shortly before the competition began.

He explained that the technical bench had to prioritise player recovery over acclimatisation, leaving little room for the team to adjust to the environment or experience the host country.

Haalubono, however, stressed that the exposure gained from playing against top-ranked opposition such as Brazil and Korea was crucial for the development of the team.

And Soccer Analyst, Joshua Machona attributed Copper Queens poor results to poor team structure and over-reliance on key players such as Barbara Banda.

In an exclusive interview with ZANIS, Machona said the team’s performance had consistently been affected by a lack of a clear playing system, a problem he noted has persisted across different coaching regimes.

He explained that the team relies heavily on striker Barbra Banda, making it difficult for Zambia to perform effectively in her absence or when she is tightly marked.

He said analysis of recent matches, including the loss to Brazil, showed weaknesses in tactical decisions, particularly in player positioning and selection.

Machona urged the technical bench to improve team coordination and ensure players are deployed in their natural positions against South Korea.

President Hakainde Hichilema is tomorrow expected in Kabwe District in Central Province to re-open the US$140 million Zambia-China Mulungushi Textiles.

Central Province Minister Mwabashike Nkulukusa said at a media briefing in Kabwe that the Head of State is expected to touch down at Kalonga Secondary School grounds at 09:00 hours.

He said Mr Hichilema will pay a courtesy call on traditional and church leaders before proceeding to Mulungushi Textile upon arrival for the long-awaited operationalisation of the textile company.

“I would like to confirm that President Hichilema will be in Central Province tomorrow to re-open the Mulungushi Textile after a huge investment of US$140 million. The textile will grow the economy of the country,” Mr Nkulukusa said.

Mr Nkulukusa said the textile company is expected to create over 500 jobs and empower over 2,500 cotton farmers.

He said the revival of the textile company comes with the US$100 million investment into the cotton out-grower scheme to ensure constant supply of cotton for the effective operation of the firm.

He said the re-opening of the textile company is a clear demonstration of government’s commitment to job creation and economic development.

The revival of Mulungushi Textile, after two decades of stagnation and neglect, is a fulfilment of President Hichilema’s campaign promise to revamp the firm.

Meanwhile, Mr Nkulukusa disclosed that President Hichilema will use his visit to Kabwe to also meet party officials and interact with the residents of Kabwe.

He said the Head of State is also expected to receive some defectors from various political parties before returning to Lusaka upon conclusion of his one-day working visit to Kabwe.

A coalition of youth organisations, including the Young Professionals Network and the Tobacco Control Consortium of Zambia among others, have applauded the government for the strides made on Tobacco Control Bill No. 40 of 2025.

Tobacco Control Consortium of Zambia Secretary General, Blessings Kasenge, says the bill’s advancement to second reading in Parliament demonstrates the country’s commitment to safeguarding public health.

The media reports that Dr Kasenge made the remarks in Lusaka when Youth Tobacco Control Advocates presented a petition pushing for the enactment of the bill.

Dr Kasenge also praised President Hakainde Hichilema for his continued dedication to promoting citizens’ wellbeing on health issues.

He noted that the government’s progress in moving the bill forward marks a significant step in efforts to protect children, young people and future generations from the dangers associated with tobacco use and exposure.

Dr Kasenge added that the petition reflects the unified voice of students, young professionals and youth activists advocating for the bill’s successful final adoption.

Meanwhile, Parliamentary Committee on Health Member, Sydney Mushanga commended the youth for their boldness in advancing the anti-tobacco campaign.

Mr Mushanga, who is also Bwacha Member of Parliament, assured the petitioners of Parliament’s support towards the bill.

Kazungula District Commissioner, Elias Siamibila, has instructed handlers of the Cash for Work (CfW) Programme at Kazungula Town Council to be proactive and ensure that going forward, the initiative should leave an impact in the district.

Mr Siamibila says it was unacceptable that from the time the implementation of the CFW programme started in the district, nothing visible can be pointed at to indicate that the programme has really worked.

ZANIS reports that the District Commissioner made the remarks during a District Disaster Management Committee (DDMC) review meeting on how Cash for Work programme was previously handled, as the district graduates into the revised model of its implementation.

Mr Siamibila regretted that the government has so far spent huge sums of money towards the programme, noting that if the funds were were channeled to construct a classroom block for example, the building would have been constructed at the Central Business District and stood as a good example.

Mr Siamibila suggested that the DDMC should be given a mandate to choose the scope of works to be done by those willing to work in the revised programme.

“The DDMC should take ownership of the programme in order to see transparency and accountability in the manner works are executed by those willing to work under CfW. There is a need to manage the process very well starting from an engagement level to the time beneficiaries are paid,” he said.

Mr Siamibila further emphasised that supervision of community works should be undertaken in collaboration with someone from the council instead of just relying on those given the mandate to supervise the works at ward level.

He said the move will address the issue of shoddy works that have been observed in the previous works done by beneficiaries of the programme.

“People who are readily available to work and are not beneficiaries from other government programmes should be engaged for the exercise. Going forward, there should be an impact after the works are done, ensuring that resources are utilised prudently.

“I direct the council to take the issue of supervision seriously so that there can be value for money,” said the District Commissioner.

At the same meeting, Kazungula Town Council Public Relations Officer, Lwando Kabundi assured the DDMC members that sensitisation will be conducted to community members for them to understand the programme better.

During the meeting, the District Disaster Management Committee members also expressed dissatisfaction in the manner the Cash for Work Programme was previously handled, as no effect was seen on the ground, despite the programme being adequately funded.