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Gender Based Violence cases reduce in the last quarter of 2021-Zambia Police

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Gender Based Violence cases reduce in the last quarter of 2021-Zambia Police

The Zambia Police Service says it has recorded a reduction in Gender Based Violence (GBV) cases in the last quarter of 2021.

Police spokesperson Rae Hamoonga said during the Fourth Quarter of 2021 a 7.4 % reduction was recorded in reported GBV cases compared to the same period in 2020.

Mr. Hamoonga disclosed that a total of 7,920 cases of GBV were reported countrywide during the Fourth Quarter of 2021 compared to 8,557 cases of Gender Based Violence (GBV) cases recorded in the Fourth Quarter of 2020 showing a reduction of 637 cases translating to 7.4 %.

He said police data indicates that 1,814 child victims were abused countrywide representing 22.9% of all the victims of Gender Based Violence.

“A total of 7,920 cases of Gender Based Violence were reported Countrywide during the Fourth Quarter of 2021 compared to 8,557 cases of Gender Based Violence (GBV) cases recorded in the Fourth Quarter of 2020 showing a reduction of 637 cases translating to 7.4% reduction. Out of 7,920 reports, 4,948 were criminal cases while 2,972 were non-criminal reports translating to 62.5% and 37.5% respectively. The 2021 Fourth Quarter Gender Based Violence Disaggregated Data indicates that 1,814 child victims were abused countrywide representing 22.9% of all the victims of Gender Based Violence. Out of the 1,814 children, 1,342 were girls representing 74% while 472 were boys representing 26%of all abused child victims respectively,” Mr. Hamoonga said.

“4,790 women and 1,316 men were abused countrywide representing 60.5% and 16.6% respectively. In terms of gender vulnerability, a total of 6,132 women and girls representing 77.4% while 1, 788 men and boys representing 22.6% were abused during the period under review countrywide. Under forms of violence in the criminal data category, the highest reports filed were under Physical Violence with 3,055 Physical abuse cases translating to 61.7%, 881 Sexual Offences translating to 17.8%, 728 Economic Violence translating to 14.7% and 272 emotional abuse translating to 5.5%,” Mr. Hamoonga said.

He said Lusaka Province recorded the highest GBV reports totaling to 1,004 followed by Copperbelt with 928 GBV reports.

“Lusaka Province recorded the highest GBV reports totaling to 1,004 translating to 20.3%, followed by Copper belt with 928 GBV reports translating to 18.8%, Airport Division recorded the lowest number of GBV reports with 15cases translating to 0.3%. Others are Central Province recorded 684 reports translating to 13.8%, Eastern Province 563 reports translating to 11.3% Western Province 543 cases translating to 10.9%, Mchinga Province 380 cases translating to 7.7%, North-Western Province 318 cases translating to 6.4%, Southern Province with 203 cases translating to 4.1%, Northern Province 190 cases translating to 3.8%, Luapula Province 78 cases translating to 1.5% and Tazara Division with 42 cases translating to 0.8%,” Mr. Hamoonga said.

“The 2021 Fourth Quarter Crime Statistical Report indicates that 6,840 victims and offenders were counseled in police Stations countrywide. Out of which 4,787 were criminal cases comprising 3,090 victims and 1,697 offenders while 2,053 were non- criminal reports. Out of the 4,787 counseled in the criminal case category, 2,007 were female victims, 602 girl victims, and 331 victims were men while 150 victims were boys. Out of the 1, 697 offenders, 1,108 were females, 303 girls, and 181 men while 105 were boys,” he said.

Mr. Hamoonga added:”Under Physical Abuse, during the period under review, the country recorded 3,055 cases translating to 62% of all the criminal reports made. Out of these, 2,228 were women translating to73%, 540 were men translating to 18%,152 were boys translating to 5%, while 135 were girls translating to 4% of all the criminal reports made compared to 2,369 cases in 2020 showing an increase of 686 cases translating to 28.9% increase.”

“Out of 3,055 Physical Abuse cases, 2,691 Assault Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm (O.AB.H) cases were recorded country wide representing 88%. Out of the 2,691 Assault OABH cases, 2,179 were females translating to 81%, while 512 were men translating to 19 %.”

“During the period under review, the country recorded 2,691 Assault OABH cases compared to the Fourth quarter of 2020 in which 2,049 cases of Assault OABH were recorded showing an increase of 642 translating to 31% increase,” he concluded.

President Hichilema to update Africa’s Heads of States on Zambia’s preparedness to host the AU mid-year coordinating summit

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President Hichilema to update Africa’s Heads of States on Zambia’s preparedness to host the AU mid-year coordinating summit

President Hakainde Hichilema is scheduled to participate in the 35th ordinary session of the assembly of the African Union scheduled for 5th to 6th February 2022, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Stanley Kakubo has said that President Hakainde Hichilema is expected to update the assembly of heads of state and government at the African Union Summit on Zambia’s preparedness to host the African Union mid-year coordinating summit in July 2022.

In a statement released to the media today, Mr. Kakubo said that the president is expected to deliver his maiden speech along with other new heads of state and government on the continent, adding that this will be the first time president Hichilema will be attending the annual summit since taking office in august 2021.

The ordinary session of the assembly of the African Union, which is normally attended by heads of state and government from the continent, will be convened under the theme “building resilience in nutrition and food security on the African continent: strengthen agriculture, accelerate human capital, social and economic development”.

The summit is expected to deliberate on, among other issues, the African union’s response to the covid-19 pandemic in Africa; the African union institutional reforms; the implementation of the African union agenda 2063; the African continental free trade area (AFCFTA), and the African union financial institutions.

The assembly is also expected to consider the state of peace and security in Africa as well as the implementation of the African union master roadmap of practical steps to silence the guns in Africa.

Mr. Kakubo said that government remains committed to ensuring that the country continues to be an active member of the African Union.

Mr. Kakubo said that president Hichilema has continued to emphasize the importance of promoting Intra African trade and collaboration for the beneficial economic and social development of the continent.

Fashion Loses In Glasgow Derby

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Chipolopolo striker Fashion Sakala was on the losing side on Wednesday night when Rangers lost their Old Firm derby clash against Celtic.

The Scottish champions lost 3-0 away to arch foes Celtic in their mid-week derby date.

Fashion came off the bench at the start of the second half for 19-year-old Ivorian striker Amad Diallo after Celtic had wrapped-up the game with all three goals coming in the opening 44 minutes of the first half.

This was Fashions second derby after also coming on as a substitute in Rangers 1-0 first leg win on August 28 when he came on in the 84th minute but is still without a goal in the big showdown.

Meanwhile, Celtic have replace Rangers at the top on 57 and 56 points respectively following their  triumph.

Asanovic: No Bench-Warmers Stars in My Team

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Chipolopolo coach Aljosa Asanovic has disclosed his player selection philosophy.

The Croatia-born coach said in an interview with ZNBC TV that he has roughly 30 players on his list that he is going to work with.

“Players must know that professional football is very hard work, discipline. Most players must play in the clubs which is most important because I will not invite guys who are not playing, who do not have clubs, I do not care about the name because I need a player who is playing every week and every game,” Asanovic said.

“This is the only way we are going on top again.

“Of course, I have the time; I have already selected the players. I have a few new names, but I have almost 25-30 players and maybe another coach in my place will say I do not have the time.

“Do not worry, I do not have enough time to make a good team.”

Why did president Hakainde Hichilema choose to spend two days in South Africa?

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Why did president Hakainde Hichilema choose to spend two days in South Africa?

By Venus N Msyani

President Hakainde Hichilema, nicknamed the modern Vasco da Gamma by the opposition PeP leader Sean Tembo, was in South Africa recently.

The purpose of the trip has left people confused. Initially, media had reported that the president was travelling to South Africa to meet the South African president, Cyril Ramaphosa. The current Chair of the SADC on matters of politics, defense and security cooperation.

It was reported that the president was travelling to go and discuss security and trade between the two nations and the region at large.

While the president was in South Africa, the opposition Socialist Party president Fred M’membe alleged that the main reason HH travelled to South Africa was to launch a book written by his friend named Greg Mills, the CEO of the Brenthurst Foundation.

Forgetting about the nature of the media, United Party for National Development (UPND) tried to refute the allegation.

After realizing that media is everywhere and will not hesitate to report HH presence at Greg Mills’s book launch event, the government changed its tone. Started arguing that there is nothing wrong with the president attending his friend’s book launch.

Whether the president travelled to meet president Ramaphosa or attend his friend’s book launch, it makes no difference. The trip was too long.

South Africa is a 45minutes travel from Lusaka. Meaning, in this modern world one can live in Zambia and go for work in South Africa every morning and return in the evening or vice versa.

In one day if not hours, president Hichilema could have met president Ramaphosa, attended his friend book launch, and returned back home.

Why did he choose to spend two days in South Africa? Could it be leisure! This is the person who continuously accused the previous government of overspending on unnecessary trips.

His trip to South Africa was necessary, but it should have been a day trip to save Zambia some money for medicine in hospitals and other country need. As an economist, the president knows better.

By the way, here is a little bit about the author. He is not affiliated with any political party. Some accuse him of being opposition sympathizer.

They are right, the author is called to promote fairness. He reflects on actions, decisions, language, and behavior of politicians in the country.

He is among the people who made sure that UPND was treated fairly when it was the main opposition party. Those who are now accusing him of being anti-UPND are invited to revisit the Author’s work from the beginning.

ZANACO- PLC becomes first Zambian Bank to post K1 billion profit after tax

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ZANACO- PLC becomes first Zambian Bank to post K1 billion profit after tax

Zambia National Commercial Bank -ZANACO- PLC has posted K1 billion profit after tax in its 2021 financial year prudential results, the highest profits ever achieved by any commercial bank in Zambia.

The K1 billion profit after tax in the 2021 financial year, becomes the largest profit, for the bank, which has in the last five years posted solid results.

Announcing the development in Lusaka today, ZANACO Chief Executive Officer Mukwandi Chibesakunda said despite the effects of covid-19, which continue to affect Zambia and the rest of the world, Zanaco PLC managed to post a 208 percent profit jump, placing the bank as the leading bank in Zambia.

In a speech read on her behalf by bank chief commercial officer Chali Mwefyeni, Ms Chibesakunda says these results have been driven by prudent risk management, solid market share and strategic customer solutions.

she says during the period under review, Zanaco’s revenue increased to k3.9 billion from k2.4 billion recorded in the financial year ended December 2020, largely due to increased interest income in loans and overdrafts and investments in securities, which stood at K1.9 billion and K1.6 billion from K1.1 billion and K986.7 million respectively.

Ms. Chibesakunda says trading income stood at K614.6 million and commission fees at K695.1 million from K377.3 million and k569.7 million respectively.
She says the bank also witnessed growth in its balance sheet to K26.4 billion from K19.5 billion and the bank’s loans and advances grew by 31 percent to K9.8 billion from K7.5 billion in 2020 while investments in securities also grew from K6.1 billion to K9.4 billion.

Ex-Nkana goalkeeper Moses Mapulanga is Dead

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Ex-Nkana and Zambia Under-20 goalkeeper Moses Mapulanga has died.

Mapulanga died last night at Mazabuka General Hospital in Southern Province after an illness.

He was 29.
Nkana Chief Executive Officer Kelvin Mutafu said Mapulanga’s death was confirmed to Kalampa by his father on Thursday morning.

Mutafu said Mapulanga served Nkana with dedication after joining the club from Nakambala Leopards in 2017.

“We received the sad news from the father that he (Mapulanga) passed on around 23:00 hours last night,” Mutafu said.

“Mapulanga has been there for Nkana. He was one of the oldest players at the club for over five seasons. He was a very dedicated player and as Nkana we have lost one of our own in good and bad times,” he said.

Mutafu confirmed that Mapulanga left Nkana last December following the expiry of his contract.

“Actually his contract came to an end so I would say when he passed on he was already out of the club. His contract came to an end in December last year,” Mutafu said.

Mapulanga established his career at Nakambala Leopards before joining Nkana.

He was part of the Keegan Mumba coached Zambia Under-20 squad that won the COSAFA Junior Championship in 2011.

Mapulanga won the FAZ Super Division title with Nkana in 2020.

I Strongly Doubt President Bally is still opposed to Mining in the Lower Zambezi, he is Merely Mocking the Public

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I Strongly Doubt President Bally is still opposed to Mining in the Lower Zambezi, he is Merely Mocking the Public

The Greens Party President Peter Sinkamba has said that he strongly doubts if republican President Hakainde Hichilema is truly opposed to Mining in the Lower Zambezi despite his presidential spokesperson Anthony Bwalya saying that the president is still opposed to the project.

In a post on his Facebook page, Mr Sinkamba said that if the President is really opposed to the Mining in the Lower Zambezi, he would have invoked executive authority to direct the committee responsible for issuing mining licences to revoke the licence pursuant to Section 72(1) (i) of the Mines and Minerals Development Act No. 11 of 2015 which empowers the Committee to suspend or revoke a licence in the public interest.

Mr Sinkamba said that the majority of the members of the public are opposed to mining, as is demonstrated by the statement issued by the Fourth Republican President H.E. Rupiah Banda.

Mr Sinkamba urged President Hichilema to act now in the public interest before he travels to Addis Ababa for the AU Summit as he has the power to stop the rot.

Below is the full post

PRESIDENT BALLY HAS POWER TO DIRECT THE REVOCATION OF LOWER ZAMBEZI MINING LICENCE IF HE IS SERIOUS
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Spokesperson Anthony Bwalya says the President Bally is still opposed to mining in the Lower Zambezi.

I strongly doubt that President Bally is still opposed. I think he is merely mocking the public.

For if really he is still opposed, President Bally would have invoked executive authority to direct the committee responsible for issuing mining licences to revoke the licence pursuant to Section 72(1) (i) of the Mines and Minerals Development Act No. 11 of 2015 which empowers the Committee to suspend or revoke a licence in the public interest.

There is no doubt that the majority of the members of the public are opposed to mining, as is demonstrated by the statement issued by the Fourth Republican President H.E. Ruphia Banda. If this is not highest level of proof of public interest, then what is it?

So, to cut the whole story short, President Bally, stop the pretence. Act now in public interest before you travel to Addis Ababa for the AU Summit. You have the power to stop the rot.

Cause Section 72(1)(i) of the Mines Act to be invoked. Blaming mischief of previous regime at this point is irrelevant.

The EIA is said to have been approved on 7th May 2021. This was barely five days before Parliament was dissolved. Thereafter, there was no minister. How could members of the public submit their appeal against the ZEMA approval to the minister responsible for environment when there was no minister at the time? ZEMA acted treacherously, and is good reason for the President to direct revocation of the mining icence under the said Section 72(1)(i) in public interest.

ZDA Applauds United Capital Fertilizer Zambia Limited for Actualising Pledged Investment.

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ZDA Applauds United Capital Fertilizer Zambia Limited for Actualising Pledged Investment.

The Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) is elated with the speed at which United Capital Fertilizer Zambia Limited which is part of the Wonderful Group of Companies is moving at in constructing the Fertilizer Plant.

The company acquired an Investment Certificate from the ZDA in the last quarter of the year 2021 for the construction of a Fertilizer Plant at a projected cost of USD 308 million and already they have hit the ground running in constructing the Plant.

Speaking during a familiarization tour of the construction works, ZDA Acting Director-General Albert Halwampa said the Agency is happy with the progress and that it will continue to support the project till its fruition.

Mr. Halwampa said the Agency is also pleased that the company is not only looking at servicing the local market but is also looking at the export market which will increase the country’s foreign exchange reserves.

“We want to make sure together we create wealth and employment for the people of Zambia,” he stated.

Mr. Halwampa noted that the Agency does not want to see the project fail as everybody was waiting for the commissioning of the project.

The ZDA chief added that what makes the project more appealing is the fact that it is environmentally friendly without carbon emissions and makes it eligible for the Green Fund.

Meanwhile, United Capital Fertilizer Company Limited Board Member Roy Mwamba said the company is way ahead of the planned schedule.

Mr. Mwamba said the test operations of the plant are expected to start in June this year adding that the plant is scheduled for an official launch in July this same year.

He revealed that the company intends to manufacture fertilizers that are customized to cater for the specific needs of the soils in the three agro-ecological regions of the country.

He stated that currently, the company has created 450 jobs for local Zambians and will need an additional 150 workers by March this year.

The Plant whose capacity is about 300, 000 metric tons per annum is expected to reduce the cost of fertilizer on the local market as the key raw materials in the production process will be sourced locally.

It is hoped that the reduced cost will ensure that local farmers are able to easily access affordable agricultural inputs.

The ground-breaking ceremony of the United Capital Fertilizer Zambia Company Limited was graced by the Republican Vice President Mutale Nalumango in November 2021.

Voting for UPND in Kabwata is giving the Party Green Light to increase Prices-Kambwili

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Voting for UPND in Kabwata is giving the Party Green Light to increase Prices-Kambwili

Patriotic Front (PF) party member Chishimba Kambwili has said that the Kabwata by-election outcome will determine how the standard of living will be for the Zambian people going forward.

Mr. Kambwili said voting for the UPND Candidate in the Kabwata by-election on Thursday will mean the people have given Government a go-ahead to increase electricity tariffs among other things.

He said it is for this reason that the people of Kabwata should speak on behalf of other Zambians that they are not happy with the increase in commodity prices by not voting for UPND candidates.

“You have got the power to show the UPND Government that you are not happy with all the lies that have characterized their stay in office. They promised cheap mealie meal, cheap electricity but none of these is happening,” he said.

He has cautioned the residents that voting for UPND will mean the increase in prices of commodities will continue under the current Government.

Hon Kambwili has also noted that pressure piled by the PF has made the UPND government to reduce fuel pump prices by K1.

“Once you vote for them, it means you have given them the green light to increase electricity tariffs in June. If you don’t vote for them, they will know that things are not okay. They will further reduce the fuel prices beyond the K1,” he said.

Meanwhile, PF Kabwata by-election Deputy Campaign Manager Hon Mwimba Malama has urged Kabwata residents to vote for PF Candidate Clement Tembo on Thursday.

“When we were telling you that things will become worse when you vote for the UPND you thought we were joking?…The people of Kabwata Mwitusebanya pantu batila ati ukukokola panengo, Malole,” he said.

UPND Government should be supported to do good and correct things, Former PF MP

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UPND Government should be supported to do good and correct things, Former PF MP

Former Patriotic Front (PF) Kwacha Member of Parliament Boniface Mutale says the UPND Government should be supported to do good and correct things as it governs the nation.

Mr. Mutale, who served as Kwacha MP in Kitwe from 2011 to 2016, said the new Government has so far done well.

He said it was too early for people to antagonize the New Dawn Government.

“We will support those who are ruling now. We will support the Government of the day that they do good things because we cannot start fighting them now. We have not seen how far they have gone so it’s better to give them the support they deserve because you will learn from mistakes,” Mr. Mutale said.

“So everybody must accept defeat, they must accept change and let others who are there work. We have got nothing to offer at the moment. I can’t go and work against the current Government. For what reasons, they are in office and let’s support them and see how they will work. People will judge the UPND by their performance,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mr. Mutale said some people rushing to join the UPND were not genuine.

“As a Zambian citizen I am here as Bonny Mutale and watching what is happening and I will decide where to go because I can’t just say ok let me do this. This is what happened to PF, some people jumping from other parties and they brought confusion. Today they are jumping back to UPND in order to create confusion. Why didn’t they go there when UPND didn’t have power? Nobody wanted to join UPND now that they have power everybody wants to rush there. These are ba muselela kwakaba. You see if I have to move I have to move genuinely wholeheartedly not because I have seen that honey dripping there. I have to move because I have seen that they have principles, they have good ideologies and they mean well. I should move because I want to benefit bukandile. That’s what a lot of people are doing. So it’s very easy to make a decision to say I support them and I am supporting them because what they are doing is ok. Some of the things they are doing are ok,” Mr. Mutale said.

He also lamented how the PF allegedly sidelined him after the death of party founding President Michael Sata in preference to former MMD leaders.

Mr. Mutale said the PF stopped listening to the people prior to being defeated in the August elections.

“Some of us who were active in politics some time back we didn’t go in politics for gain but we went there to serve. Probably that’s what made us unpopular, not unpopular amongst the people but unpopular among some fellow leaders because when you speak the truth and you want to speak for the people we were sidelined. Personally I feel that the PF didn’t listen to the people. PF didn’t listen to the people in the sense that when people wanted to say something to them they changed their numbers or switched off their phones. They were unreachable until there were elections. Political life should not be like that,” he said.

“People should not take for granted that we will go back; they will vote for us. People can only vote you back in office if you deliver. You can deliver things like good roads, good water and sanitation but there are personal issues that should be paid attention to like job creation. The youths were looming in the streets. They were promised that they will give them employment. If the youths don’t see employment they will revolt through the ballot because they are in numbers and they are in numbers they will vote the way they want to vote and that’s what happened. At the end of the day I am just looking and watching because I don’t know what is going to happen,” Mr. Mutale said.

He further questioned the reported rebranding of the PF.

“I hope the PF members and former Ministers can see where they went wrong. They are calling it rebranding but I don’t know what they are rebranding because rebranding comes with a lot of changes. Since I am not involved in what they are doing, nobody speaks to us, some of us are just watching from the fence and we wish them the best because I can’t say much. I don’t know what they are doing. I have never been engaged nor have I engaged them.”

“We just say hello to each other, nobody speaks to us. Some of us are just watching from the fence and we wish them the best. Even before PF came out of office the majority of leaders had sidelined us. They were not talking to me and some people who came and joined PF from MMD will not even greet us like we are sworn enemies for reasons I don’t know. Some people lost elections to me and I became an enemy to them. Up to today nobody greets me for that reason. So I am just watching. I don’t know what they are doing and where they are going,” Mr. Mutale said

Government Should Revisit The Cyber Security and Crimes Act and Make Amendments To Some of its Problematic Provisions

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Government Should Revisit The Cyber Security and Crimes Act and Make Amendments To Some of its Problematic Provisions

By Luyando Muloshi, CTPD Legal Researcher

With the advancement in science and rights technology, the world has gradually transformed itself into a digital space with increasing use of the internet, mobile devices, social networking, and computing data. Zambia has been no stranger to this modern digital era and the cyber space has become an increasingly large part of our day to day lives. However, the digital world can be prone to abuse and harbour potentially dangerous consequences such as cyberbullying, harassment, hacking, scamming, espionage, and other illegal cyber activities. For this reason, countries have moved towards introducing laws that can help curb the potentially dangerous consequences of the modern digital era.

In 2021, Zambia introduced its first cyber law, the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act, No.2 of 2021 (“the Act”). The aim of the law, amongst other things, is to provide for cyber security, to protect persons against cybercrime, promote child online protection, and to facilitate identification, declaration and protection of critical information infrastructure, the collection of and preservation of evidence of computer and network related crime as well as the admission in criminal matters of electronic evidence.

While the stated aims of the law are progressive and the law contains positive provisions that could potentially contribute to prevention of cybercrimes, enhance online access to criminal justice, and prevent online violence against children. However, there are several provisions that, if not addressed, could have a negative impact on the enjoyment of digital rights in Zambia.

The Centre for Trade Policy and Development (CTPD) notes that the Act in particular falls short on the protection of individual rights to privacy and freedom of expression online. This can be attributed largely in part to the manner in which the Act was enacted into law; it was a rushed process without any proper consultation with relevant stakeholders and appears to have been enacted with the view of protecting the interests of the then ruling party as the country approached the 2021 General Elections.

While there are several provisions of the Act that need to be addressed, for the purposes of this article we will look at the following few examples. Under sections 27 and 28 of the Act, the Central Monitoring and Co-ordinations Centre (CMCC) and law enforcement officers are authorized to intercept communication when there are reasonable grounds to believe that an offence has been committed, is likely to be committed or is being committed, and for the purpose of obtaining evidence of the commission of an offence after an interception order (valid for three months but subject to renewal for an unspecified period) has been obtained from the High Court.

However, our position as CTPD is that the failure to limit the period of validity of an interception order could subject individuals, especially government critics and political opponents, to continued surveillance.

Furthermore, we also think the failure under section 27 (3) of the Act to specify the department of the government responsible for the management, control, and operation of the CMCC could provide yet another avenue for abuse of process associated with the handling of personal data and state surveillance. These provisions with limited safeguards over interception of communication have the potential to violate privacy rights and are contrary to established principles of limitations to privacy under international law.

In addition, section 59 of the Act criminalizes amongst other things the production of any objects tending to corrupt morals. The lack of the definition of what constitutes “corrupt morals” under the Act leaves it open to wide interpretation and consequently a chilling effect on freedom of expression and speech potentially inhibiting artistic, journalistic, research and educational works on the basis of undefined obscenity and corruption of morals.

Therefore, while cyber security is critical in the highly evolving technological era, CTPD thinks that it is important that a rights-based approach is employed in the development of policies and laws to ensure that the adopted laws and policies do not wantonly limit individual rights and freedoms. The Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act, 2021 in its current state offers some solutions to emerging challenges in the digital space. However, it still has some negative impacts on the protection, promotion and enjoyment of digital rights and freedoms. There is need for the Government to revisit the Act and make the relevant necessary amendments to some of its problematic provisions.

Stop Pricing Cartels and Allow each Bus Operator to determine their own Bus Fares

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Stop Pricing Cartels and Allow each Bus Operator to determine their own Bus Fares

THE Zambian Roads & Highway Safety Group (ZRHSG) is urging the Zambian Government to stop the pricing cartels within the public passenger bus sector and allow each bus operator to determine their own bus fares.

The Highway Safety Group has noted with concern the continued existence of this pricing cartel for many years that only benefit the bus owners and tend to hold to ransom public bus passengers who have no choice but to pay the fixed bus fare. This pricing cartel has always left passengers disadvantaged as they have no choice when it comes to bus fares as all fares are pegged at the same cartel price and bus fare regardless of the type and standard of bus services being provided.

This pricing system also makes it hard for passengers to benefit from reduced fuel prices or increased competition in the passenger bus sector.

The Highway Safety Group notes that Zambia being a free market economy should allow each and every public bus company to determine their own bus fares and pricing of the services they provide.

As things stand, the pricing cartel in the passenger bus sector is also stopping innovations in the provision of bus services as bus owners get rewarded even for a bad service they provide.

The Highway Safety Group therefore urges the Government through relevant line ministries like Ministry of Transport, Commerce and agencies like Road Transport and Safety Agencies to review all old laws and policies that have led to these pricing cartels operating and free the passenger bus sector from manipulation and collusion. Let the passenger bus sector be treated to the same anti price controls and price fixing legislation.

The Highway Safety Group looks forward to safer, efficient and cheaper modes of passenger transport as better and newer models of buses are introduced on our roads.

Asanovic Vows Win Over Doubters

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New Chipolopolo coach Aljosa Asanovic insists he has not come to be statistical appointment on the bench and is very hungry to take Zambia to Cote d’Ivoire AFCON 2023.

The 56-year-old Croat was appointed on January 18 on a four-year deal with the prime objective of ending Zambia’s seven-year absence from the AFCON.

“I am not coming here just to be one of the coaches that passed by Zambia, no,” Asanovic said on ZNBC TV1 on Wednesday.

“I want to be a winner because I am a winner. I am a man who is not scared, I am sure I will make big things here.

“I want to go there with my boys not just to participate but to win the AFCON.

“Maybe people think Asanovic is crazy no I am not crazy I just believe in my players so much.”

Chipolopolo have failed to qualify for the last three AFCON’s.

We have deployed enough police officers to maintain law and order throughout the voting process-Kajoba

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We have deployed enough police officers to maintain law and order throughout the voting process-Kajoba

Zambia Police have said that they have deployed enough Police officers Kabwata Constituency which will go into a by-election tomorrow.

In a statement released to the media, Inspector General of Police Lemmy Kajoba stated that political parties should adhere to the Electoral code of conduct.

“In view of the forthcoming Parliamentary by-election for Kabwata Constituency in Lusaka Province scheduled for Thursday, 3rd February, 2022, we wish to advise all Political players to adhere to the provisions of the Electral Process Act and other related pieces of legislation.
As Zambia Police Service, we have deployed enough police officers on the ground in order to maintain law and order throughout the voting process at all polling stations under Kabwata Constituency,” Mr Kajoba stated.

He wanted the police will not to tolerate illicit activities such as violence.

“With regard to policing elections, it is our duty to create a safe and secure environment for all participating electoral stakeholders irrespective of their political affiliation or organisations. We will not tolerate illicit practices such as political violence and other electoral related offences. It is gratifying to mention that so far we have not recorded any political violence or malpractice related case as campaigns by all Political party players have been going on peacefully and incident free. We commend the various Political party leadership taking part in the Kabwata By-Election for exhibiting high levels of maturity, tolerance and respect for the law,” Mr Kajoba stated.

He stated that it is the duty of every Zambian to promote peace.

“To the citizenry, it is the duty and responsibility of every individual to see to it that peace prevails at all times even after this By-Election. We would like to warn all those that would want to cause confusion to reconsider their intentions as the Police will not tolerate any form of lawlessness and perpetrators and all those involved will be dealt with accordingly. The rule of law shall and will always be applied firmly and fairly, all culprits found wanting must be dealt with sternly,” Mr Kajoba stated.

Below is the full statement

STATEMENT BY THE INSPECTOR GENERAL OF POLICE ON THE FORTH COMING BY-ELECTION FOR KABWATA

2nd February 2022 – In view of the forthcoming Parliamentary by-election for Kabwata Constituency in Lusaka Province scheduled for Thursday, 3rd February, 2022, we wish to advise all Political players to adhere to the provisions of the Electoral Process Act and other related pieces of legislation.

As Zambia Police Service, we have deployed enough police officers on the ground in order to maintain law and order throughout the voting process at all polling stations under Kabwata Constituency. With regard to policing elections, it is our duty to create a safe and secure environment for all participating electoral stakeholders irrespective of their political affiliation or organisations. We will not tolerate illicit practices such as political violence and other electoral related offences.

It is gratifying to mention that so far we have not recorded any political violence or malpractice related case as campaigns by all Political party players have been going on peacefully and incident free. We commend the various Political party leadership taking part in the Kabwata By-Election for exhibiting high levels of maturity, tolerance and respect for the law.

To the citizenry, it is the duty and responsibility of every individual to see to it that peace prevails at all times even after this By-Election. We would like to warn all those that would want to cause confusion to reconsider their intentions as the Police will not tolerate any form of lawlessness and perpetrators and all those involved will be dealt with accordingly.

The rule of law shall and will always be applied firmly and fairly, all culprits found wanting must be dealt with sternly.
LEMMY KAJOBA
INSPECTOR GENERAL OF POLICE

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