MORNING WIRE | Mwamba admits false intelligence as Banda probe stirs anxiety, Govt warns civil servants
Opposition mouthpiece Emmanuel Mwamba has acknowledged receiving false information from people he trusted within government circles, as the capture of former Petauke Central MP Emmanuel Jay Jay Banda fuels anxiety over suspected informants and financial backers.
Speaking on his public programme, Mwamba recounted claims that soldiers shot Banda twice to disable him, broke his legs, stripped him and confiscated his rosary during the operation. He also relayed allegations that state agents worked with witch doctors.
The extraordinary accounts remain unverified. Opposition figures have described Banda’s capture as an ‘abduction’, while Zambia Police confirmed on Friday that he had been ‘arrested.’
Comment on Jay Jay’s probe, UPND Media Director Mark Simuuwe claimed that an examination of Banda’s phones is exposing collaborators, including an alleged financier claiming membership of the ruling party.
The controversy unfolds against a wider shake-up of government institutions. Before Friday’s parliamentary sitting, State House’s Clayson Hamasaka had already distanced President Hakainde Hichilema from decisions to retire civil servants in the national interest, following changes in the police service and other government offices.
Vice-President Mutale Nalumango subsequently told Parliament that more retirements could follow as institutions undergo realignment, while stressing that retirement did not necessarily imply wrongdoing.
She also warned public officers against leaking government information to fugitives or concealing their whereabouts, saying those involved would face the law.
In the economy, Bank of Zambia Governor Denny Kalyalya says Chinese buyers will begin paying for some Zambian copper purchases in yuan from 2027, starting with Chinese mining companies already settling certain tax obligations in the currency.
“That’s the starting point,” Kalyalya said.
He also indicated that Zambia was exploring yuan-denominated borrowing from China.
“We also hope that new lending could also be denominated in renminbi. That would help a great deal,” he said.
Meanwhile, a forensic audit at the Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency has exposed procurement irregularities involving contracts worth K1.4 billion.
Health Minister Roma Chilengi told Parliament that 4,996 shipments had disappeared from agency records, while 3.34 million units of medicines and medical supplies worth approximately K290 million could not be verified.
The audit also uncovered prices inflated by as much as 1,613%, unexplained distribution discrepancies worth K42 million and a K16.1 million contract awarded to an unregistered supplier. Investigations have already led to arrests.
Zambians planning to travel to the United States have also been urged to check new visa restrictions covering certain immigrant and non-immigrant categories, including business, tourism, study and exchange visas.
In a public notice issued on Friday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the restrictions took effect on January 1, 2026, but exemptions apply to certain travellers, including US permanent residents, qualifying dual nationals and diplomatic officials.
The ministry advised affected travellers to consult the US Embassy before paying visa fees or finalising travel plans.
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The People’s Brief | Ollus R. Ndomu
October 17, 2026