The Zambia Revenue Authority, in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies, has apprehended prominent businessman Shawki Fawaz over alleged tax-related offences involving more than K100 million.

ZRA Manager for Corporate Communications Oliver Nzala said preliminary investigations indicate that Mr Fawaz, in his capacity as director and beneficial owner of several companies, allegedly acted with others to defraud the State.

Mr Nzala said the alleged offences include fictitious Value Added Tax (VAT) claims, under-declaration of income and submission of false tax returns.

“He is currently in lawful custody and is expected to appear in court soon,” he said.

According to ZRA, Mr Fawaz is linked to multiple companies that have been under investigation for various tax fraud activities amounting to millions of kwacha.

Mr Nzala reiterated the Authority’s commitment to safeguarding public revenue and ensuring strict compliance with tax laws, noting that efforts are ongoing to seal revenue leakages caused by economic sabotage and illicit financial flows.

“The Authority further warns taxpayers and individuals involved in tax malpractices that they will be pursued and brought to justice. Members of the public are therefore encouraged to report any suspected tax-related offences,” he said.

The court case in which Independent Nkana lawmaker Binwell Mpundu is facing a seditious matter has taken a new twist after the lawyers representing him have withdrawn their services.

The Lawyers Norman Siwila and Leone Lemba told Lusaka Magistrate Webster Milumbe today.

This was after Mr Mpundu instructed the lawyers to undertake a certain assignment to which they allegedly failed to execute.

This means that the outspoken Nkana Lawmaker will now represent himself in court.

Mr Mpundu, a vocal critic of the government, maintained a calm composure as he appeared in court, however asked the Court for sometime to prepare himself.

Lusaka Magistrate Webster Milumbe granted the application in favour of Mr Mpundu.

Magistrate Milumbe adjourned the matter to 20^th April, 2026 for continuation of trial.

Earlier, Mr Milumbe instructed the second witness, Simon Simweenda to be present on April 20 to testify.

This follows after the first witness Malindi Chongo successfully gave his submission during cross examination to the Court.

The accused, Mr Mpundu pleaded not guilty to the charge of seditious practices relating to remarks he made over self-defense.

The lawmaker is charged with one count of seditious practices relating to an incident that occurred on December 20, 2024.

After the court session, Mr Mpundu addressed his supporters and called for calm in what he described as ‘tough times’.

Chipolopolo midfielder Prince Mumba is facing a race against time to be fit for Zambia’s high-profile international friendly against Argentina national football team.

Mumba sustained a facial injury during training in Buenos Aires after colliding with a teammate, raising doubts over his availability as head coach George Lwandamina finalises his squad.

The Power Dynamos midfielder was immediately attended to by medical staff before being rushed to a nearby hospital for further treatment.

Team doctor George Magwende confirmed that the player remained conscious throughout the incident and sustained a cut near his right eye.

“He got a cut on the outer angle of his right eye during training. The bleeding was controlled on the pitch before he was taken to hospital,” Dr Magwende said.

He added that Mumba received stitches under local anaesthesia and returned to the team hotel later in the evening.

“After about three hours, with the normal medical procedures, Prince returned to the hotel and was able to have his meal in his room,” he said.

Despite the injury scare, Dr Magwende assured that Mumba is in stable condition, although a late decision will be made on whether he will feature in the match.

Zambia is set to face the world champions in Buenos Aires on Tuesday, March 31, at 14:15 local time (01:15 Zambian time on April 1).

 First Secretary for Political and Consular Affairs at the Zambian Embassy in Brazil, Batseba Ngwenya has urged the Chipolopolo Boys to rise to the occasion ahead of the FIFA International friendly against world champions Argentina.

Speaking after paying a courtesy call on the team at EFE Hotel & Cowork in Buenos Aires yesterday, Ngwenya said the match is a chance for the 2012 African champions to prove themselves on the International stage.

“It will be a tough match playing the world champions, but I want to remind you that football is played on the pitch and is not always determined by reputation,” she said.

Ngwenya urged the players to believe in themselves, remain disciplined and approach the match with confidence and determination.

Speaking at the same event, Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) president Keith Mweemba said the fixture is more than just a friendly but a moment that could be a turning point for Zambian football.

Mweemba explained that while there is no need to dwell on past shortcomings, the current state of the game falls below expectations.

“Zambian football has dropped to levels where no one can be proud. But we must unite and rebuild the game through what I am calling ‘Operation Making Zambia Great Again,” he added.

 FAZ Technical Committee Vice chairperson, Kalusha Bwalya said the invitation from the Argentine FA is a sign of growing confidence in Zambia’s rebuilding efforts.

Chipolopolo captain Fashion Sakala thanked Ngwenya for her encouragement and assured the nation that the team is ready for the challenge.

Zambia faces Argentina on Tuesday at 20:15 local time (01:15 Wednesday, Zambian time) at La Bombonera in Buenos Aires.

The Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU), has distributed 795 by 50 kilograms bags of rice as relief food to over 300 flood-affected households in Lavushimanda district in Muchinga Province.

The distribution exercise targets households affected by floods during the 2025/2026 rainy season and forms part of government and cooperating partners’ efforts to ensure that no life is lost due to hunger.

Speaking in an interview with the media , Lavushimanda District Commissioner, Terries Kunda said through DMMU’ s mandate each affected household is receiving a 25Kg bag of rice from the consignment.

He added that, in addition to the rice, flood victims will also receive other essential relief items including 225 x 3kg bags of soya chunks, 225 x 25kg bags of mealie meal, 225 by five litres boxes of cooking oil, and 12 x 250mls boxes of liquid chlorine.

The District Commissioner explained that the government is working in collaboration with cooperating partners, including the Chinese Government and other stakeholders, to respond to disasters.

“We want to thank the Zambian and the Chinese Governments for their continued support and commitment to assisting vulnerable communities,” he said.

And Muchinga Province DMMU Regional Coordinator Micheal Muyoba reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting flood victims across the country.

“Government remains committed to providing food assistance to flood victims, and I can confirm the distribution of the consignment in Lavushimanda District,” he said.

Meanwhile, speaking on behalf of the affected households, Mirriam Chikonde of Chief Chiundaponde’s Chiefdom commended the government for its timely intervention.

“I want to thank the government for always coming to our aid whenever we experience hunger due to floods here,” Ms Chikonde stated.