Since his swearing-in on June 10 last year by President Hakainde Hichilema, Cyber Security Agency Director General Dr. Schmidt Chintu had been operating without a full support structure.

That situation has now changed following the swearing-in of 15 senior management officials, including directors, deputy directors, and heads of units, by Constitutional Court Deputy President Justice Arnold Shilimi.

During the ceremony, Justice Shilimi urged the appointees to carry out their duties diligently, emphasizing their responsibility as custodians of Zambia’s cyberspace. He noted that their work must contribute to protecting the public and securing critical information infrastructure.

“I’m pleased to note that you are the new statutory body under the Office of the President responsible for the administration of the Cyber Security Act No. 3 of 2025,” he said.

Speaking after the ceremony, Dr. Chintu described the appointments as a major milestone in the Agency’s efforts to fully execute its mandate. He said the new team would strengthen operations and improve coordination in addressing cyber threats.

Among those sworn in were Deputy Director General Garry Akalemwa Mukelabai, Director Legal and Licensing Maureen Banda, Director Finance Obert Ngandu, and Director of Strategy Affairs and Engagements Namuya Maureen Jangulo.

Others included Director of Human Capital and Administration Mutinta Muchindu, Director of Critical Information Infrastructure Nalucha Imasiku, Director of Threat Intelligence and Investigations Taslim Mukabe, and Deputy Director of Threat Intelligence and Investigations Lwiimbo Kasweshi.

Also appointed were Deputy Director of Critical Information Infrastructure Mutinta Chilobe Esther Cholwe, Deputy Director of Human Capital and Administration Chonzi Mulenga, Deputy Director of Research, Education and Awareness Edgar Mlauzi, and Deputy Director of Policy and Standards Abel Bihinda.

The heads of units sworn in included Head of Corporate Communication Lusubilo Gondwe, Head of Procurement Muna Mweemba, and Head of Strategy Monitoring and Evaluation Akokwa Liwena.

Dr. Chintu said the Agency had previously relied on staff seconded from institutions such as the Zambia Information and Communication Technology Authority (ZICTA), which limited its effectiveness.

“Today, I have gotten a support system,” he said. “For a long time, I did not have these members and we were working with officers from other institutions, but now we have almost a full directorate.”

He noted that with most director-level positions now filled, the Agency is better positioned to stabilize Zambia’s cyber ecosystem and deliver on its mandate.

Dr. Chintu explained that the institution is responsible for securing financial systems, protecting citizens from cyberbullying and online abuse, and ensuring a safe and business-friendly digital environment.

“We are the prime institution for cyber security in Zambia. It is our responsibility to regulate, oversee and set standards,” he said.

He warned that cybercrime remains a significant threat, revealing that Zambia has lost hundreds of millions of kwacha in recent years due to cyberattacks, including ransomware incidents targeting major institutions such as banks.

He cautioned that without strong systems in place, key sectors like health, education, and finance remain vulnerable to disruptions and data breaches.

Despite these challenges, Dr. Chintu expressed confidence that the newly appointed team would enhance coordination and strengthen efforts to combat cybercrime.

He also issued a warning ahead of the upcoming general elections, cautioning against the misuse of digital platforms and artificial intelligence to spread misinformation or attack others.

“People must be aware that they would have themselves to blame if they are found on the wrong side of the law,” he said.

A 20-litre bucket of water has led to the death of one of 10-month-old twins after the infant drowned.

The incident occurred yesterday in Lumezi when the twins’ mother, Enala Phiri, 22, had briefly gone to visit her aunt, a few metres from her home in Tiyeseko Village in the Mwasephangwe area.

At the time, the twins were playing outside the family’s compound with their four-year-old sister while their father was asleep.

Moments later, the older sibling left the twins unattended. When she returned, she found one of the infants floating in a bucket of water.

The girl raised an alarm and attempted to rescue her sibling but was unable to do so.

A passerby responded to her cries and rushed to assist, but it was too late.

The father, who had been asleep, woke up during the commotion and found the child unconscious and unresponsive.

Eastern Province Police Commanding Officer Robertson Mweemba confirmed the incident, stating that it occurred around 15:00 hours.

“The child was quickly rushed to Mwasephangwe Mini Hospital where the child was pronounced dead,” he said.

Police conducted a physical inspection of the body and ruled out any foul play.

The body has since been handed over to the family for burial.

A 16-year-old girl in Nalolo District was attacked by a mob following allegations that she had stolen K200.

The incident occurred on the night of March 31, 2026, in Mushukula Section of Muoyo Royal Village.

The teenager was severely beaten and nearly killed by the mob after she was accused of taking the money.

According to police, the girl had spent the night at a friend’s house when the K200 went missing, leading to suspicion being directed at her.

After being questioned, some identified individuals allegedly assaulted her, accusing her of theft. The situation escalated as more community members joined in, turning the incident into a mob attack.

Police responded after receiving a distress call and managed to rescue the victim. She was taken to Nalolo Police Station and placed in protective custody.

The mob later followed officers to the police station, where they threw stones and demanded that the girl be handed over to them.

Police fired warning shots into the air to disperse the crowd.

Three suspects—Sitali Sitali, 20, Mulemwa Wamundila, 24, and Mukela Mufalo, 19—were arrested and are in custody, facing charges of Assault Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm.

The victim sustained injuries and was issued a medical report form before spending the night under police protection.

Western Province Police Commanding Officer Rae Hamoonga confirmed the incident and said investigations are ongoing, with a manhunt launched for other individuals involved.

“The Zambia Police Service strongly condemns acts of mob justice and wishes to remind members of the public that taking the law into their own hands is a criminal offence,” Hamoonga said.

He urged members of the public to report suspected criminal activities to the police and allow the law to take its course.

Government has released K23 million to improve sanitation conditions at the University of Zambia (UNZA) Great East Road Campus.

According to the Ministry of Education, the funds were released following a directive from President Hakainde Hichilema, who acknowledged students’ concerns after recent unrest triggered by sanitation challenges.

Ministry of Education Permanent Secretary for Technical Services, Kelvin Mambwe, announced the development when he addressed students at the Great East Road Campus.

Dr. Mambwe said the funds are intended to address sanitation issues at the institution, as well as improve the campus water reticulation system.

“The money that the President has ordered to be released is to ensure that we bring sanity and improve the sanitation situation here,” he said.

He assured students that the funds would help improve sanitary conditions at the campus.

As an interim measure, Dr. Mambwe said government will provide mobile toilets across the campus to ensure students have access to proper facilities.

He added that the mobile toilets would be made available on April 2, 2026, as a temporary solution.

Earlier this week, UNZA students at the Great East Road Campus protested over ongoing water disruptions, blocking roads in response to the situation.

The sanitation and water challenges were further highlighted by the death of a second-year student who drowned in a pit that had been dug as part of efforts to resolve the crisis.

President Hichilema expressed his grief over the incident and extended condolences to those affected.

President Hakainde Hichilema has stated that no further loss of life at any higher learning institution will be acceptable, emphasizing that no family should have to receive such tragic news.

The President’s remarks follow the death of 18-year-old University of Zambia (UNZA) student Emmanuel Bwalya, who drowned in an open pit that had been dug to repair a blocked sewer system at the institution.

Earlier, the Head of State had directed immediate action after the university experienced sanitation challenges linked to blocked and ageing sewer lines.

In a statement issued after learning of the incident, President Hichilema said there is a need to address the sanitation challenges not only at the University of Zambia but across all higher learning institutions and colleges.

“No further loss is acceptable. No family should ever receive this kind of news again,” he said.

The President also urged students who protested following the incident to remain calm and engage through dialogue.

State House Chief Communication Specialist Clayson Hamasaka said the Head of State was deeply saddened by the incident.

“President Hakainde Hichilema has learnt with profound sadness of the death of Emmanuel Bwalya, a second-year student in the School of Humanities at the University of Zambia. Emmanuel was a young Zambian with a bright future ahead of him. His loss is truly a tragedy for his family, his fellow students, and the nation at large.

“The Head of State extends his deepest condolences to Emmanuel’s family, the entire University community, and all who had the privilege of knowing him,” he said.

The President has urged the nation to keep Emmanuel’s family in prayer as they mourn their son.

“Let this be a moment where we come together with a shared commitment to resolving the challenges facing not only the University of Zambia, but all higher learning institutions and colleges,” Hamasaka stated.