Venezuela’s Defence Minister has announced an immediate deployment of military forces across the country.
Speaking in Spanish in a video address, Vladimir Padrino López called for a united front of resistance in the face of “the worst aggression” ever against Venezuela, adding that Venezuela was following “Maduro’s orders” that all armed forces will be deployed.
“They’ve attacked us but they will not subdue us,” says the defence minister.
He said Venezuela is currently gathering information about the number of people killed and wounded, and confirmed the Fort Tiuna military installation in Caracas was attacked.
Lopez insisted the country would resist the presence of foreign troops in the country.
“This invasion represents the greatest outrage the country has suffered,” he added.
NOT DEC VS THE CHURCH: WHY ZAMBIA MUST REJECT FALSE NARRATIVES
Lawyer Simon Mwila Shares….
As a lawyer, I understand and respect the mandate of law enforcement institutions. As a Catholic, I also understand the role of the Church and its shepherds in speaking to the conscience of the nation. It is from these two positions that I reflect on the recent matter involving Archbishop Dr. Alick Banda and the Drug Enforcement Commission.
On the legal side, Mr. Nason Banda, the Director General of DEC, is carrying out a difficult national duty. The fight against financial crime, corruption, and illicit activities demands firmness and resolve. The law gives the Commission authority to summon any citizen where necessary, and exercising that authority does not, on its own, amount to wrongdoing. Institutions must be allowed to function without fear or undue pressure.
On the side of faith, Archbishop Dr. Alick Banda is not just another citizen. He is a spiritual leader whose voice carries moral guidance for many Zambians. The Catholic Church has, over time, played an important role in peace building, national reflection, and dialogue. When such a figure becomes part of a legal process, public reaction is naturally heightened, not because he is above the law, but because people listen to him and trust his moral voice.
This is where wisdom becomes critical.
When law and faith intersect in a politically sensitive environment, procedure alone is not enough. How authority is exercised, and how it is communicated, matters deeply. Calm, quiet professionalism reassures the nation. Noise and speculation unsettle it.
Sadly, this is also the space where some politicians rush in to manipulate events. Instead of allowing institutions to do their work with sobriety, they frame the issue for political gain, inflame emotions, and divide citizens along religious and political lines. Pushing a narrative that DEC is fighting the Catholic Church is irresponsible, dishonest, and dangerous. It cheapens both the law and faith, and it insults the intelligence of the Zambian people.
This matter is not a contest between institutions or individuals. It is not DEC versus the Catholic Church. It is two men, both serving Zambia in different ways, caught at a difficult moment. One is charged with enforcing the law. The other is charged with guiding conscience. Both roles are necessary. Neither diminishes the other.
What this moment calls for is restraint, humility, and mutual respect. The law must remain firm, but it must also be wise. The Church must speak, but it must also promote peace. And politicians must resist the temptation to exploit every situation for short term political gain.
Zambia does not need heightened tension at the moment. It needs sober citizens, mature institutions, and leaders who put the country above politics. 📌 .
Simon Mulenga Mwila – Aspiring Mayor of Lusaka. (DBA-Candidate, MBA, LLM, LLB, Legal Practitioner, Commissioner for Oaths, Notary Public, Staunch Catholic)
WEEKEND DIGEST | Church, State and the Election Year Fault Line
Zambia enters into the new year with an old tension resurfacing: where does the Church’s prophetic role end, and where does partisan politics begin.
At the centre of the storm is the Drug Enforcement Commission’s decision to summon Lusaka Archbishop Alick Banda over an allegedly irregularly acquired vehicle linked to the Zambia Revenue Authority. The DEC insists the move is procedural, investigative, and non-political. Opposition figures and sections of the Catholic clergy say otherwise.
⚫ What was Said, and Why it Matters
Rev. Fr. Augustine Mwewa, President of the Local Catholic Clergy, has taken the strongest public position so far. He framed the summon not as an isolated legal matter but as part of a broader pattern of intolerance by the UPND government toward the Catholic Church.
“This is not just about a vehicle,” Fr. Mwewa said. “This is about intimidating the Church for speaking truth to power… a declaration of war against the Catholic Church.” He went further, urging citizens to “protect their voters’ cards” and warning of shrinking democratic space as the country approaches the 2026 general elections.
This language is significant. Once a religious leader moves from moral critique into electoral mobilisation, the line between prophecy and politics begins to blur.
⛔ The State’s Position
The DEC has been consistent in its response. Director General Nason Banda has said the summon relates to a specific individual named in official records, not to the Catholic Church as an institution. He has stressed that it is not a charge, that vehicles linked to the case are already in DEC custody, and that the process is meant to allow explanations before conclusions are drawn.
In short, the State is arguing law, not doctrine.
The Unresolved Gap
What remains unanswered publicly is the substance. The debate has shifted quickly from what happened to what it represents. Very little has been said about how the vehicle was acquired, under what authority, or whether procedures were followed. Until that factual gap is filled, both sides will continue to speak past each other.
Are Some Priests Calling for Regime Change?
Not explicitly. But undertones matter. When a senior cleric links an investigation to “war,” urges citizens to guard voters’ cards, and frames the moment as a democratic struggle ahead of elections, the message inevitably takes on political colour. In many jurisdictions, such statements would place the speaker squarely in the political arena, even if wrapped in religious language.
This does not invalidate the Church’s right to speak. It does, however, change how the State is likely to interpret the posture. Governments tend to treat overt political mobilisation, even from pulpits, as opposition activity rather than neutral moral guidance.
Historical Context Zambia Cannot Ignore
Zambia has walked this road before. Churches played a decisive role in the transition from Kaunda to Chiluba, and later in moments of constitutional crisis. But history also shows that when religious leaders are perceived to align too closely with partisan causes, their moral authority fractures along political lines.
Globally, Catholic clerics have been investigated, prosecuted, and even jailed without it being framed as persecution of the Church itself. Locally, Pentecostal leaders have faced courts and prisons without triggering claims of Christianity under siege. This inconsistency is now part of the public debate.
Where This Leaves the Country
This episode sits at the intersection of law enforcement, faith, and election-year politics. The risk is escalation: investigations framed as persecution, accountability recast as oppression, and faith mobilised as a political shield.
The test for institutions is restraint and clarity. The test for the Church is whether it can defend its prophetic voice without collapsing into partisan campaigning. And the test for citizens is to separate evidence from emotion.
As Zambia inches toward the elections, this will not be the last collision between law and politics. How this one is handled will set the tone for those to come.
At The People’s Brief, we will continue to track facts, interrogate gaps, and provide context over slogans.
CONDEMNING THE ARBITRARY SUMMONING AND HUMILIATION OF THE ARCHBISHOP OF LUSAKA BY THE DRUG ENFORCEMENT COMMISSION
By Dr. Sebastian C. Kopulande Aspiring Presidential Candidatet- People’s Party | Catholic | Former Seminarian Date: 3 January 2026
I wish to express my deep concern, outrage, and unequivocal condemnation of the decision by the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) to summon the Archbishop of Lusaka, His Grace Dr. Alick Banda, for questioning on Monday, 5 January 2026.
As a Catholic, conscious of the Social Doctrine of the Church, a former Seminarian, and a citizen deeply committed to constitutionalism, the rule of law, and freedom of conscience, view this action not as an innocent administrative procedure, but as a politically motivated act of intimidation aimed at embarrassing and silencing the Catholic Church and its clergy.
This development fits into a clear and disturbing pattern that has been pursued by the UPND Government since assuming office, a pattern marked by hostility toward the Catholic Church whenever it speaks truth to power, defends constitutionalism, or stands with the suffering poor.
Yes we have never forgotten the closure and locking out of Archbishop Banda from his Cathedral of the Child Jesus and statements such as “Archbishop Banda is the Lucifer of Zambia”, which, to date, has gone uncondemned and unpunished.
The Catholic Church and indeed other Christian Churches in history, have, for decades, played a vital role in Zambia’s moral, social, and democratic life. They have educated our children, healed our sick, mediated political conflicts, and spoken courageously against injustice regardless of which party is in power. To now subject a Catholic Archbishop to the coercive machinery of the State, without transparency and in a politically charged environment, is a grave assault on religious freedom and moral authority.
The UPND Government’s long-standing antagonism toward Archbishop Banda and the Catholic Church is well documented in public discourse. What is deeply troubling is the apparent instrumentalisation of a law-enforcement institution to pursue what appears to be a personal or political agenda. This undermines public confidence in the independence and professionalism of the DEC and erodes the very foundations of democratic governance.
Let me be clear:
• The Church is not an enemy of the State, it has never been and it will never be as it carries out its prophetic mission. • The clergy, in both the Catholic and other Christian Churches, are not criminals for preaching justice, peace, and accountability.
• Criticism of government excesses is not subversion; it is a democratic and moral duty of every citizen of the Republic.
Zambia is not, and must never become, a State where religious leaders are harassed for holding moral positions that are inconvenient to those in power. History, both in Zambia and beyond, teaches us that when governments begin to persecute the Church, civil society, and independent voices, democracy itself is in grave danger. I therefore call upon:
1. The Drug Enforcement Commission to immediately explain, with full transparency, the legal basis and necessity for this summons beyond simply stating that “no one is above the law” which we all know, although we are also aware of incidences of departure from this principle.
2. President Hakainde Hichilema to publicly distance himself from any action that undermines religious freedom and the independence of State institutions and re-assure the nation as he did on 29th December 2025 on the collaborative relationship between the Church and the State; and
3. All Zambians of conscience, regardless of faith or political affiliation, to stand in defence of the Church, constitutionalism, and the rule of law.
Kindly stand well advised that: • Silencing the Church will not silence the truth. • Intimidation will not erase moral authority. • And history will judge harshly those who abuse State power to settle scores or
KWACHA ENDED 2025 AMONG WORLD’S STRONGEST CURRENCIES- KAPATA
By: Agness Nakazwe
The Zambian kwacha closed 2025 as one of the world’s strongest-performing currencies, a development attributed largely to soaring global copper prices.
According to Ministry of Information and Media Director and spokesperson Henry Kapata, the kwacha’s appreciation was directly linked to copper prices rising sharply to near-record levels of about US$13,000 per tonne.
He explained that the surge was fuelled by tight global supply and increasing demand from electrification projects, renewable energy systems, electric vehicles, and artificial intelligence–driven infrastructure.
By late December 2025, the kwacha had appreciated by 24% against the US dollar. On December 29, it strengthened further by 0.6% in a single trading session, reaching one of its strongest levels of the year.
Mr Kapata noted that as of December 31, the currency was trading at approximately K22.55 per dollar, reflecting relative stability at mid-market levels. #SunFmTvNews
NJOBVU APPEALS TO PRESIDENT HICHILEMA TO PARDON 34 CHIWEMPALA YOUTHS
Democratic Union President Ackim Antony Njobvu has appealed to President Hakainde Hichilema to pardon the 34 youths from Chiwempala in Chingola who are facing serious criminal charges following last year’s unrest.
Speaking in the spirit of love, forgiveness and national reconciliation, Njobvu said the appeal is in line with President Hichilema’s New Year message which emphasized unity, dialogue and healing.
REDUCING LOAD-SHEDDING HOURS IS NOT DUE TO THE UPCOMING GENERAL ELECTIONS – LEVY NGOMA
By: Thomas Afroman Mwale
Special Assistant to the President for Political Affairs, Levy Ngoma, has assured Zambians that the improved and stable electricity supply across the country represents a permanent solution to the load-shedding crisis that has plagued the nation over the past two years.
Speaking at a campaign rally in Chawama ahead of the upcoming parliamentary by-election, Mr Ngoma dismissed speculation that the improvements are politically motivated in the run-up to the 2026 general elections.
He emphasized that President Hakainde Hichilema’s leadership is focused on long-term solutions rather than temporary fixes.
The former Sinda MP highlighted consistent government policies, including the continuation of the Cash for Work Program and Constituency Development Fund (CDF) initiatives, as key drivers of ongoing development efforts.
HOUSE OF CLERGY BACKS RULE ofLaw, URGES DISCRETION IN DEC SUMMONS
The House of Clergy of Zambia has reaffirmed that no individual—regardless of clerical status, public office, or social standing—is above the law.
National Executive Director Jimmy Ng’ambi says the organisation has taken note of the Drug Enforcement Commission’s decision to summon Archbishop Alick Banda to appear before its Anti-Money Laundering Investigations Unit.
Mr. Ng’ambi says the House of Clergy supports government and investigative institutions in carrying out their lawful mandate without fear or favour, stressing that the enforcement of the law must apply equally to all citizens.
However, he has raised concern over the growing practice of publicising investigative summons on social media. Mr. Ng’ambi warns that premature disclosure can create unnecessary division and damage reputations, even where individuals are later cleared of wrongdoing. He emphasises that the presumption of innocence must always be protected.
He adds that there is nothing unusual or improper in the DEC inviting any citizen, including senior clerics, to assist with investigations, and cautions against politicising or sensationalising such processes.
Mr. Ng’ambi has called on government, the church, political actors, and the public to allow due process to take its course, guided by fairness, professionalism, and discretion.
He says Zambia’s collective interest lies in upholding the rule of law, safeguarding human dignity, and ensuring justice is done without bias, intimidation, or public spectacle.
CHITIMUKULU WELCOMES DELIMITATION, CALLS FOR UNDERSTANDING OF BILL 7
January 3, 2026
Kasama- Senior Chief of the Bemba people, Chief Chitimukulu (Mwine Lubemba), has expressed support for the delimitation provisions in Bill 7, saying the move will help address challenges faced by vast constituencies.
The traditional leader made the remarks when Mr. Levy Ngoma, the Special Adviser to the President for Political Affairs, paid a courtesy call at his palace, where he conveyed goodwill messages from President Hakainde Hichilema.
Speaking on behalf of the Head of State, President Hakainde Hichilema, Mr. Ngoma wished Chief Chitimukulu long life and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to national governance.
Mr. Ngoma revealed that Bill 7 has been enacted into law following approval by a majority of Members of Parliament, despite earlier misinformation about the Bill.
He explained that one key clause provides for constituency delimitation to ensure fair sharing of national resources, especially in large areas.
“One important clause is delimitation so that development resources are shared fairly,” Mr. Ngoma said.
He further revealed that the number of constituencies will increase from 156 to 226, with 70 new constituencies.
In response, Chief Chitimukulu welcomed the law and noted that constituencies such as Malole are too vast and would benefit from delimitation. He emphasized the need for civic education.
“People must be informed so they can appreciate the Bill,” the Chief said. He called on government and stakeholders to engage communities to build public confidence.
Mr. Ngoma is in Northern Province to check on various government developmental projects.
When receiving the Hilux in very suspicious circumstances from his PF friends, Bishop Alick Banda was alone.
When ownership of the vehicle was changed and the white book there, the details there it’s Alick Banda not even the Church name is appearing.
Please let’s not drag the Church and its members into this questionable back door dirty deal. The Catholic Church is rich and capable of buying its own brand new vehicles.
Now why should he get a crowd and entire Church involved to answer questions that are personal, that’s abuse of the church – Dillon Mayangwa
Trump says US has ‘captured’ Venezuelan President Maduro amid large scale strikes
US President Donald Trump says the US has carried out “large scale strikes against Venezuela” and “captured its leader, President Nicolas Maduro” and his wife.
Here’s the statement from Truth Social in full:
“The United States of America has successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country.
“This operation was done in conjunction with U.S. Law Enforcement. Details to follow. There will be a News Conference today at 11 A.M., at Mar-a-Lago. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP.”
TRUMP THE “PEACEMAKER” LITS THE SKIES OF THE VENEZUELAN CAPITAL WITH EXPLOSIONS
BREAKING NEWS: CNN is reporting multiple explosions over Caracas as President Nicholas Maduro accuses the US of the military invasion of his country.
It’s an act straight from the US playbook of its foreign policy – if you can’t secure regime change through political means, send in the military.
Noriega of Panama knows this play very well.
When he tried to shake off America’s hold on him, the US government manufactured a war on drugs with Noriega as the villain.
Being the most powerful military on earth, the US moved in and extracted Noriega from the Vatican embassy where the tanks parked outside while blasting loud rock and roll music into the mostly quiet premises of the Papa Nuncial.
What arrogant and abusive display of power!
Now, here is the mother of all ironies: Trump has cast himself as the peacemaker.
He even campaigned for a Nobel Peace Prize which, luckily, he didn’t get.
Ever since he went back to the White House, he has been searching for peace in the Russia/Ukraine 4yr-war.
At the same time, he has been working round the clock to restore a permanent peace in the Middle East.
But how does a man who has invested all he could in ending wars start one where there has been not even a remote suggestion that the US could be attacked?
Clearly, this is not a man genuinely committed to peace.
No wonder Putin doesn’t take him seriously! Or else, how do you explain that despite several peace overtures, Putin is showing no signs of backing down?
With no clear genuine arbiter for peace, how shall peace come to troubled regions of the world?
With the powerful nations disrespecting the UN Charter and other international laws, how is the global system expected to serve as the foundation for co-existence and world peace?
Or, is planet earth doomed and headed for self-destruction?
🇿🇲 EDITORIAL | Archbishop Banda & Church Persecution Narrative
Zambia is drifting into a dangerous argument, one that confuses institutions with individuals and accountability with oppression. The summoning of Archbishop Alick Banda by the Drug Enforcement Commission has now been framed by sections of the opposition as a full-scale war by President Hakainde Hichilema against the Catholic Church.
This framing is not only inaccurate, it is intellectually dishonest and politically reckless.
Let us begin with the facts. The DEC has summoned Archbishop Banda in connection with a specific matter: a motor vehicle belonging to the Zambia Revenue Authority that was irregularly disposed of and later found in his possession. The Commission has stated, on record, that the summon is procedural, investigative, and not a charge. It is issued to a named individual whose name appears in official records, not to the Catholic Church as an institution. The vehicle is in DEC custody. The paper trail exists. These are verifiable facts, not political opinions.
What the opposition has done since is to deliberately blur this line. Statements from Fred M’membe, Harry Kalaba, and others recast a legal process into a religious crusade. Language such as “Calvary,” “carrying the cross,” and “war against the Catholic Church” is emotionally powerful but analytically hollow. It shifts the conversation from evidence to symbolism, from law to mobilisation. This is not accidental. It is strategy.
This is where the framing collapses. The Catholic Church is not Archbishop Alick Banda. No church, Catholic or otherwise, enjoys immunity from the law through its clerics. Across the world, Catholic priests, bishops, and even cardinals have been investigated, prosecuted, and convicted for financial crimes, abuse, and corruption.
The Vatican itself prosecuted Cardinal Angelo Becciu, once a powerful papal adviser, and sentenced him to prison. No one claimed the Vatican was persecuting the Catholic Church. Accountability of a cleric was treated as accountability of a person.
Zambia is not an exception to this global reality. Pentecostal pastors, prophets, and church founders have appeared in Zambian courts, some convicted and jailed. At no point did the nation erupt into claims that Christianity itself was under attack. The silence then, contrasted with the outrage now, exposes the inconsistency. If the principle is that summoning a cleric equals persecution, then every prosecution of a religious figure in Zambia’s history becomes suspect. This position is untenable.
The opposition’s narrative also suffers from selective memory. The Patriotic Front, now loudest in accusing the State of persecution, presided over an era in which public institutions were looted, assets irregularly disposed of, and state property handed out as patronage.
It was under PF that vehicles from ZRA and other agencies found their way into private hands. It is those very transactions that are now under scrutiny. To demand accountability while in power, then cry persecution when accountability arrives out of power, is not moral consistency. It is political convenience.
What is happening now mirrors an older PF habit: framing every challenge through identity. When Hichilema was in opposition, it was tribe. Tonga versus the rest. That framing poisoned national politics and permanently damaged PF’s standing in large parts of Southern Province and beyond. Today, the same logic is being repurposed. Not tribe, but religion. Not Tonga, but Catholic. It is the same tactic, dressed differently. And it carries the same risk of backlash.
The truth is simpler and less dramatic. Archbishop Alick Banda is a Zambian citizen. He has rights. He also has obligations. If his name appears in records relating to irregular disposal of public assets, the law requires explanation. Appearing before investigators does not strip him of his priesthood, nor does it diminish the Church’s prophetic role. It affirms a basic democratic principle: no one is above the law, and no one is beneath its protection.
Turning a summons into a street procession may energise supporters, but it does not answer questions. It also risks dragging the Church into partisan warfare, something the Catholic Church itself has historically resisted, even while speaking boldly on governance. The Church’s moral authority is strongest when it stands above political games, not when it is conscripted into them.
Zambia needs clarity, not confusion. The DEC must follow the law professionally and transparently. Archbishop Banda must be treated with dignity and fairness. And the opposition must stop weaponising faith to shield individuals from scrutiny. A church is an institution. A cleric is a person. Accountability is not persecution.
At The People’s Brief, our position is simple. Facts matter. Context matters. History matters. And truth is not improved by noise.
Don’t pit DEC against Church, they are not fighting, lawyer tells divisive politicians
OPPOSITION-inclined lawyer Simon Mwila Mulenga says it is irresponsible, dishonest and dangerous for some politicians to champion a narrative that the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) is fighting the Catholic Church.
Mwila’s comments come in the wake of calls by some opposition leaders for citizens to come out in numbers and accompany Lusaka Diocese Archbishop Alick Banda who has been summoned by DEC for questioning over a Zambia Revenue Authority Toyota Hilux he dubiously received as a personal gift from his political comrades, the PF, before their fall from power back in 2021.
Weighing in on the issue, the youthful lawyer observed that some politicians were now shamelessly rushing to manipulate the matter for cheap political mileage.
Mwila said instead of allowing law enforcement institutions to soberly carry out their duties, certain politicians were deliberately inflaming emotions and dragging the nation into unnecessary religious and political divisions.
According to a statement posted on his Facebook page, Mwila warned that framing the ongoing DEC process as an attack on the Catholic Church was not only dishonest but dangerous to national unity.
“Sadly, this is also the space where some politicians rush in to manipulate events. Instead of allowing institutions to do their work with sobriety, they frame the issue for political gain, inflame emotions, and divide citizens along religious and political lines,” Mwila said.
He described claims that DEC is fighting the Catholic Church as reckless propaganda meant to score political points at the expense of national stability.
“Pushing a narrative that DEC is fighting the Catholic Church is irresponsible, dishonest and dangerous. It cheapens both the law and faith, and it insults the intelligence of the Zambian people,” he said.
Mwila stated that the matter before DEC is a legal process involving an individual and not a battle between institutions, warning that politicizing it risks eroding public trust in both the justice system and the Church.
He said Zambia has previously paid a heavy price when politicians weaponised sensitive national issues, adding that the current situation calls for maturity, restraint and responsible leadership.
The lawyer cautioned that exploiting faith for political survival was a dangerous path that could leave lasting scars on the nation.
On Thursday, DEC director general Nason Banda publicly warned Archbishop Banda against bringing a group of followers when he reports to the commission.
Addressing journalists in Lusaka, Banda confirmed that the Archbishop had been summoned in connection with investigations surrounding a Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) Toyota Hilux vehicle that was allegedly gifted to him several years ago.
Banda stated that the summon was not politically motivated and dismissed claims that the government was targeting the Catholic Church.
But some opposition leaders have issued statements urging Catholics to accompany the Bishop for the interview.https://kalemba.news/…/dont-pit-dec-against-church…/
SHOULD HICHILEMA BE CONCERNED ABOUT HOW HISTORIANS WILL REFLECT HIS LEGACY?
He should and he must. He owes it to the Zambian people who made him President. He also owes it to his children.
The office of President is, theoretically, an expression of the collective aspirations of a whole nation.
So, the office holder can’t afford to be selfish not to think about the implication of their decisions and actions on the rest of the country.
If Hichilema doesn’t think about his legacy, perhaps someone must ask him how he feels about how his six predecessors are remembered.
This is not a rhetorical question. It’s meant to ascertain what reference material he will leave behind to inform decisions by those that will step into his shoes.
This is also important for how his children negotiate the social contours of life where their father’s story will be invoked from time to time.
If he wants his children to have less controversy to navigate, he must honestly interrogate his current record in office.
Some of the men that have occupied the office of President are fondly remembered while others are not.
I can only imagine how their children feel when they hear how their fathers are remembered.
Frankly, honestly and fairly, you want your children to inherit a good legacy, a good name.
How Hichilema is going to be remembered is exactly how different people have and continue to experience his rule.
Some will remember him for the jobs he will have created for them while others for forcing their fathers into exile.
Others will remember him for his solar projects while others for the loss of their small businesses due to power deficits that dominated the better part of his term in office.
Others will remember him for driving away cadres from bus stops and markets while others will remember him for his mingalato which led to the legal death of the Patriotic Front.
Others will remember him by the political conflicts that defined his relationship with his predecessor culminating in one of the culturally and morally bizarre standoff in history when the latter could not be buried for months!
For professional historians, I don’t know which aspects of Hichilema’s rule will receive emphasis.
But the President has the opportunity to invest in the construction of the kind of legacy he wants to be remembered by.
One of the reasons why it’s an established tradition for former US Presidents to put in writing their time in office is because their legacy is important as a point of reference for future generations.
Hence the importance of taking good care of one’s record while in office.
IN DEFENCE OF MAYOR CHILANDO CHITANGALA: FACTS OVER FICTION
Yesterday, I came across social media content by blogger Simon Mwewa – popularly known as Simon Mwewa Lane (SML) – in which he portrayed Lusaka Mayor Chilando Chitangala as a leader allegedly focused on building a private empire at the expense of her mayoral responsibilities.
To begin with, Mr. Mwewa is well within his democratic rights to express his opinion and to state that Lusaka needs a new mayor. His voter’s card entitles him to vote for himself or anyone else of his choosing. However, I have always maintained that in trying to market Person A, one should not heap falsehoods on Person B.
Performance can be assessed through different lenses, and in this era of social media – where platforms can either illuminate the truth or dangerously distort it – we sometimes attack those who deserve praise and applaud those who least deserve it, especially when judging political leadership.
Mayor Chitangala may not be as visible on social media as her predecessor, Hon. Miles Sampa, nor as vocal as some of her critics, including Mr. Mwewa. This relative restraint may have fueled calls from SML TV suggesting that “in 2026, Lusaka needs a mayor who loves the city,” a statement that implicitly suggests the current mayor does not. That implication is what necessitates this response.
Ask any councillor at the Civic Centre – whether UPND, PF, or Independent – and they will confirm that it is not easy to pass a motion or application without clearly demonstrating to the mayor how it benefits the council and the city. Councillors, myself included, will also attest that when it comes to dedication to duty, Mayor Chitangala is second to none. Even at meetings or workshops some might casually officiate and leave, she remains fully engaged, attentive, and expects the same level of participation from those accompanying her.
A simple review of council minute books will reveal that almost every council meeting details Mayor Chitangala’s packed daily schedule – often stretching late into the night – reflecting her commitment to duty. These minute books can be accessd easily through room 300 at civic centre.
I have often joked with Mayor Chitangala that her academic background – two Master’s degrees – has made it difficult for councillors to pursue deals which do not fall under the functions of the council as she scrutinizes every comma and full stop in council minutes, making it nearly impossible for anyone, including herself, to selfishly benefit or advance personal empires through council processes.
It is also important to clarify how council decisions are made. Resolutions originate at committee level, where the mayor does not vote but attends as an ex-officio member. These resolutions are then presented to the full council, which the mayor chairs while superintending over 38 councillors. While she may guide discussions, dissatisfied councillors can always push matters to a vote. Where a two-thirds majority is required, neither PF nor UPND can act unilaterally. This underscores the fact that the mayor’s office does not operate in isolation but functions collectively with councillors.
Therefore, an attack on Mayor Chitangala – accusing her of prioritizing a private empire over council functions – is effectively an attack on the entire council, as mayoral functions are carried out through delegated structures involving councillors, the board, and management.
The mayor’s deep love for Lusaka may not be apparent to Mr. Mwewa and others, largely because she is not a “social media presenter.” Alternatively, some may deliberately ignore her work due to political considerations as we approach August 2026. However, history will record that while she was “social media shy,” she delivered results that some “social media-excited” leaders never achieved.
Beyond many other initiatives delivered in collaboration with the board and management, Mayor Chitangala has personally played a key role in securing the following resources for the benefit of the council – not her family or private interests:
1. Youth Climate Fund – Bloomberg Philanthropies: USD 150,000
2. Early Childhood Development (ECD) Project – Big Win Philanthropy: USD 10,000,000
8. City GAP Fund – Drainage Improvement Project – GIZ & African Development Bank: USD 100,000
9. CityGAP Programme (Drainage System Improvement) – USD 100,000
10. DRR4Africa Project – ICLEI: USD 2.4 million Strengthening disaster risk reduction in unplanned settlements across Lusaka.
I have listed only ten examples to illustrate the point. This is not an attempt to silence Mr. Mwewa. He may have posted his comments emotionally – perhaps influenced by past issues between his firm and the Lusaka City Council over an unsuccessful lease bid – or based on information supplied by individuals at the Civic Centre who view the mayor as an obstacle to advancing their private business interests through the local authority.
I therefore invite Mr. Mwewa to return to the drawing board, conduct thorough investigative journalism using verifiable records available at the Civic Centre and the Ministry of Local Government, and then present a comprehensive and evidence-based analysis demonstrating how Mayor Chilando Chitangala has failed to love Lusaka or to perform her mayoral duties due to an alleged focus on a private empire… as for voting for another Lusaka mayor this year, that right remains entirely his!
Patrick Mwamba Salubusa Councilor – Kapwepwe Ward 29 Chief Whip – Lusaka City Council (LCC) Facilitator – Inclusive Political Leadership
Colonel Mwizukanji Namwawa has been promoted to the rank of Brigadier. She is currently the Director of Legal Services in the Zambia Army.
She was promoted alongside other deserving officers who were elevated to higher ranks in recognition of their service and dedication to duty. The promotions were marked by a colourful rank insignia pinning-on ceremony held yesterday at Army Headquarters.
Before joining the army, Brigadier Namwawa was well known in the early 2000s for her music career, with hit songs such as Mr Big Star. She later enlisted in the Zambia Army and made history as the country’s first female and youngest full Colonel.
She is a qualified lawyer, having graduated from the University of Zambia, and previously worked at the Attorney General’s Chambers. Brigadier Namwawa also supports initiatives that promote and celebrate women’s achievements.
ZAMBIA IS BACK ON THE MAP – MR. ALEXANDER MUMBA SAKALA CALLS ON MATERO TO PREPARE FOR OPPORTUNITY
Lusaka, Matero – January 2026
By Wagon Media
Mr. Alexander Mumba Sakala, United Party for National Development (UPND) aspiring Member of Parliament for Matero Constituency, says Zambia has once again captured global attention following recent international recognition of the country’s leadership under His Excellency President Hakainde Hichilema. This recognition sends a clear and powerful message to the world: Zambia is trusted again. Trust is the foundation of national development. When a country regains trust on the global stage, investors return, businesses expand, jobs are created, and government development plans become achievable. This renewed confidence is good news not only for Zambia as a nation or for Lusaka as the capital city, but also for communities like Matero.
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR MATERO
Economic stabilisation at national level has direct benefits for communities. When Zambia’s economy is steady and trusted, Constituency Development Fund (CDF) resources become more reliable and effective. More resources reach communities, local councils function better, and youth empowerment programmes stand a real chance of succeeding. This is how development works — from national leadership down to constituency and community level. Matero must therefore be positioned to benefit from this progress, not to watch opportunities pass by.
OPPORTUNITY IS COMING – ARE WE READY?
Zambia’s growing global importance is anchored on several key factors: its rich copper and mineral resources, its strategic geographical location, and its stable and credible leadership. As new opportunities open up, preparedness becomes critical. Our youths must be equipped with skills, our small businesses must be organised and supported, and our leadership must remain focused on results. Development does not reward those who wait — it rewards those who prepare.
CHOOSING BUILDERS
Ba Matero, development is built, not wished for. The time has come to prioritise leadership that understands how resources work, knows how to attract investment, and can translate policy into tangible outcomes such as clinics, roads, skills centres, and sustainable jobs. Communities progress when they choose builders — leaders who deliver results and focus on long-term development.
HOPE FOR OUR YOUTHS
To the youths of Matero, your future matters. A stable economy brings more training opportunities, increased business activity, and greater chances to work, grow, and thrive. Your role is not to waste energy in unproductive online conflicts, but to prepare yourselves to seize the opportunities that are coming.
MY COMMITMENT TO MATERO
As your aspiring representative, Mr. Alexander Mumba Sakala pledges to focus on development, not drama. He will ensure that CDF works for the people, fight for jobs, skills development, and opportunity, and work tirelessly to ensure that Matero is never left behind.
CONCLUSION
Ba Matero, the future is opening before us. Let us move forward with unity, discipline, and vision. Let us believe in progress, believe in ourselves, and commit to building a better Matero together. God bless you. God bless Matero. 🙏🏽
THREE MONTHS LEFT: SHOULD LT GEN NHLANHLA MKHWANAZI BE SOUTH AFRICA’S NEXT NATIONAL POLICE COMMISSIONER?
KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lt Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has just three months left in office, with his contract set to end in March 2026. Behind the scenes, discussions are already taking place about whether his term should be extended.
But many South Africans are asking a bigger question:
👉 Why stop at an extension? 👉 Why not appoint him as National Commissioner of Police from 1 January 2026?
If the Government of National Unity (GNU) is genuinely serious about restoring safety, dismantling criminal syndicates, and protecting ordinary citizens, then this is the moment to act decisively.
🔍 WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING
Across communities, social media, and civil society, there is growing sentiment that:
South Africa needs firm, visible, and fearless leadership in policing
Crime syndicates have become too powerful and too organised
Policing needs a leader who acts, not one who manages press statements
🏆 WHAT MKHWANAZI HAS ACHIEVED
Under Lt Gen Mkhwanazi’s leadership in KwaZulu-Natal:
Police operations became more aggressive against organised crime
High-profile criminals and syndicate-linked suspects were tracked and arrested
Officers were pushed to reclaim authority in crime hotspots
There was a noticeable shift from reactive policing to intelligence-driven operations
He openly confronted corruption and political interference, something few are willing to do
He built a reputation as a commissioner who: ✔ Is hands-on ✔ Commands respect from officers on the ground ✔ Is not afraid of powerful interests ✔ Understands organised crime, taxi violence, political killings, and gang networks
⚠️ WHAT HE IS CAPABLE OF DOING NATIONALLY
If appointed as National Commissioner, many believe he could:
Restructure SAPS leadership and restore discipline
Strengthen intelligence and crime prevention units
Target drug lords, construction mafias, and extortion syndicates
Restore public confidence in the police
Protect honest officers while isolating corrupt ones
❓ THE BIG QUESTIONS SOUTH AFRICANS ARE ASKING
Why let a tough, effective commissioner leave at such a critical time?
Can South Africa afford another “caretaker” police leadership?
Will President Cyril Ramaphosa listen to public sentiment on crime?
Is political comfort being placed above public safety?
🎁 A NEW YEAR’S GIFT SOUTH AFRICA DESPERATELY NEEDS
Appointing Lt Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi as National Police Commissioner from 1 January 2026 would send a clear message: 👉 Crime will no longer be tolerated 👉 Criminal syndicates will be confronted head-on 👉 The lives of ordinary South Africans matter
As communities remain under siege from crime, this decision could define whether 2026 becomes another year of fear — or the beginning of real change.
A heart warming video showing Emirates cabin crew celebrating a couple’s wedding anniversary mid flight has gone viral on social media, drawing widespread appreciation for the airline’s thoughtful gesture.
Emirates cabin crew surprised a couple with a mid air wedding anniversary celebration.(Instagram/napkin786) Emirates cabin crew surprised a couple with a mid air wedding anniversary celebration.(Instagram/napkin786) The clip was shared by a user with the handle @napkin786 and captures the special moment aboard an Airbus A380 cruising at 40,000 feet. In the video, members of the Emirates cabin crew are seen bringing out a cake and surprising the passenger’s wife, turning an ordinary journey into a memorable celebration.
A surprise above the clouds According to the caption accompanying the video, the celebration took place during a long haul flight when the crew decided to mark the couple’s wedding anniversary. The user wrote, “40,000 feet in the sky on the Airbus A380, celebrating our wedding anniversary with a surprise cake for my wife. Thank you Emirates for making this flight a lifelong memory. Thank you Emirates for making our sky high anniversary so special.”
The brief video shows smiling crew members presenting the cake, with the couple appearing visibly touched by the unexpected gesture.
Social media reacts The video quickly attracted attention online and sparked a wave of positive reactions from users who praised both the airline and its staff. One user commented, “This is such a beautiful gesture, moments like these make journeys unforgettable.” Another wrote, “Emirates crew always go the extra mile, this is pure class.”
A third reaction read, “Celebrating an anniversary in the sky, what more could anyone ask for.” Another user said, “This is why people love flying with Emirates, it is not just a flight, it is an experience.” One comment noted, “Small surprises like this leave a lifelong impact.” Yet another added, “Truly heart warming to see such care and attention at 40,000 feet.”
A bizarre theft at a vintage guitar store in the US state of New Jersey has taken an unexpected turn, ending not with an arrest but with remorse and a handwritten apology. Two mandolins stolen earlier this month from Lark Street Music were quietly returned days later by the man who took them, apparently after realising the gravity of his actions.
The store revealed the development in a Facebook post, saying the instruments were brought back in two shopping bags and left at the front door. Alongside them was a handwritten note, partly written in capital letters, that read, “SORRY, I BEEN DRUNK, MERRY CHRISTMAS. You are good man.”
Dramatic return caught the owner off guard The return unfolded in dramatic fashion. In the same post, the store described how the man slipped back to the premises unnoticed before fleeing down the street.
“The thief surreptitiously opened the front door and returned them in two shopping bags. I ran up to the door and saw him running down the street, so summoning all my feet fleetness, I took off after him. Not so smart, I lost him, called 911, and they are in pursuit. Your re-posts and pressure definitely made him realise the walls were closing in. Thank you all! I feel like I’m in a TV movie,” the post read.
Store owner left stunned The mandolins belonged to the shop’s owner, Buzzy Levine, who has run the business since 1981. Speaking to ABC News, Levine said he was left astonished when the instruments reappeared.
“I couldn’t believe it. I said, ‘this is insane.’ This is like, some kind of weird movie that has a happy ending or something,” Levine told ABC News.
Earlier, the store had released surveillance footage showing the suspected thief hiding the mandolins
under his parka before leaving the shop on December 22. The appeal for public help in identifying the suspect was widely shared.
Police continue investigation According to ABC News, the stolen mandolins were valued at $3,500 and $4,250. Despite their safe return, the case is not officially closed.
Christopher Kurschner, captain of investigations for the Teaneck Police Department, said authorities are still investigating the incident and that no arrests have been made so far.
Anthony Joshua cheated de@th by making a last-minute decision.
Two of Joshua’s friends were k!lled in the fatal crash on Monday, Dec. 29 with the boxer taken to hospital with minor injuries.
The driver of his car has been charged with causing de@th by dangerous driving and his lawyer revealed the twist of fate.
It has now been revealed that Anthony Joshua escaped de@th by swapping seats minutes before embarking on the journey.
“My client has pleaded not guilty and what happened was an accident, I haven’t had a full chance to speak with him yet but I know he is saying the brakes did not work,” Joshua’s driver, Olalekan Abiodun told the Daily Mail.
“I also understand that the journey started in Lagos and that initially Anthony had got into the front seat but the driver asked him to swap seats. He did this because Anthony is a big fellow and he couldn’t see the wing mirror properly so he asked him to move and he sat behind the driver. From what I understand Latif was in front after he changed seats with Anthony.”
Earlier on Friday, Jan. 2, the Ogun State Police Command confirmed Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, 46, had been charged at the Sagamu Magistrate Court, with the case adjourned January 20. Police brought four charges against the driver; causing de@th by dangerous driving, reckless and negligent driving, driving without due care, and driving without a valid driver’s licence.
“The Ogun State Police Command wishes to inform the general public that the driver of the Lexus SUV involved in the Anthony Joshua accident case, Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode (male), aged 46, was charged to the Sagamu Magistrate Court today, January 2, 2026 and the case has been adjourned to January 20, 2026,” a statement on the force’s official X account read.
In addition to being long-term friends of Joshua, Ghami acted as his strength and conditioning coach, while Ayodele was a trainer. Joshua, who was born in Watford to Nigerian parents, was on holiday in Nigeria following his win over Jake Paul in Miami on December 19.
Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn – who has promoted 36-year-old Joshua since he turned professional, after he won gold at the London 2012 Olympics – posted a tribute to Ghami and Ayodele, highlighting the mens’ “energy and loyalty”.
Joshua was released from hospital on New Year’s Eve and is yet to comment on the accident.
In a joint statement with Ogun state, which he posted on X, Lagos state commissioner for information Gbenga Omotoso said Joshua was “deemed clinical fit to recuperate from home”.
The statement said: “Anthony and his mother were at the funeral home in Lagos this afternoon to pay their final respects to his two departed friends as they were being prepared for repatriation scheduled for later this evening.”
The Chinese government has reportedly introduced a 13% sales tax on contraceptives from 1 January, while exempting childcare services, in a bid to address its declining birth rates.
According to BBC News, Official figures show China’s population has shrunk for the third year in a row, with just 9.54 million babies born in 2024, roughly half the number recorded a decade ago.
From January 1, contraceptives that were exempt from value-added tax (VAT) for over three decades are now subject to a 13% levy. The exemption dated back to 1994, when China was firmly enforcing its one-child policy.
The revised structure, announced in late 2025, removes these legacy concessions while extending VAT relief to childcare services, elderly care, and marriage-related expenses.
Alongside tax changes, authorities also rolled out measures including longer parental leave and cash handouts.
But the decision to tax contraceptives has sparked widespread debate – and ridicule online.
Daniel Luo, 36, who has one child and has no plans to have more, doesn’t believe raising tax on contraceptives will lead to more babies.
‘It’s like when subway fares increase. When they go up by a yuan or two, people who take the subway don’t change their habits. You still have to take the subway, right?’ the 36-year-old, who lives in the eastern province of Henan, told the BBC.
Others, meanwhile, worry the tax could have unintended consequences.
Rosy Zhao, who lives in the central city of Xi’an, warned that making contraception more expensive could push students or people struggling financially to take risks.
She said this would be ‘the policy’s most dangerous potential outcome’.
Some experts question whether boosting birth rates is the real reason behind the tax introduction.
Demographer Yi Fuxian suggests the government is instead looking to raise revenue as it grapples with rising debt and a property downturn.
Piper Rockelle started 2026 with a bang, claiming she earned over $1 million in under an hour after launching her OnlyFans account. The influencer shared a screen grab from her dashboard showing $896,000 in subscriptions, $299,711 from messages, and $63,342 in tips.
She celebrated the milestone on X, writing, “We broke the record!!! $1,000,000 in less than an hour, you guys are the best, thank you for changing my life.”
The post sparked a mix of reactions online. While some fans praised her achievement, others criticized the platform’s connection to young audiences. Comments under her announcement ranged from concern over her age to admiration for the business milestone.
“Kind of disturbing people follow child youtubers and pray for the day they do OF…” wrote one social media user.
Who is Piper Rockelle? Rockelle, born in Georgia, first gained attention at the age of 8 when she began posting videos on YouTube alongside her mother, Tiffany Smith.
The content quickly attracted millions of followers, and Rockelle later formed a group of teen influencers known as the “Piper Squad.” The group produced collaborative videos and helped Rockelle rise to prominence as one of the most recognizable teen creators in the United States.
Her early success was accompanied by controversy. In January 2022, 11 former members of the Piper Squad filed a lawsuit against Smith, alleging that they were not fairly compensated for their work and subjected to inappropriate treatment. Smith denied the claims, and the lawsuit was settled in October 2024 for nearly $2 million.
The family’s story was later featured in the Netflix documentary Bad Influence: The Dark Side of Kidfluencing, which showed the challenges and allegations surrounding Rockelle’s rise as a young influencer. Rockelle herself declined to participate in the documentary but has spoken about the impact the events had on her life and career.
Now 18, Rockelle has taken steps to gain control over her career and business affairs.
In an interview with Teen Vogue, she explained that she planned to transfer ownership of Piper Rockelle, Inc., from her mother to herself, describing it as a way to protect her family and manage her life independently.
With millions of followers across TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram, Rockelle has built a loyal fan base.
Elon Musk has reacted sharply after a Somali TikToker said during a livestream that he was “about to die,” a comment widely interpreted as a threat to the billionaire’s life. The remark was made during a livestream by a creator identified online as “Dowza.z”, whose account has since been deleted, according to a Fox News report.
The remark was made during a livestream by a creator identified online as “Dowza.z”.(Bloomberg; X/@cb_doge) The remark was made during a livestream by a creator identified online as “Dowza.z”.(Bloomberg; X/@cb_doge) In the livestream, the TikToker switched between Somali and English while discussing Musk’s recent criticism of alleged fraud linked to Somali-run businesses in Minnesota. Referring to Musk, she said in English, “I wouldn’t worry too much about him, he about to die.”
The clip quickly drew backlash online, with several social media users interpreting the comment as a death threat. Musk himself appeared to take the comment as a threat, responding to the video on an X post in which he wrote, “Then it is war.”
Conservative figures weighed in as well. Republican Senator Mike Lee of Utah wrote, “Deport her immediately. She shouldn’t be here,” although it remains unclear where the TikTok user resides or what her citizenship status is.
DogeDesigner, an X account with over 1.7 million followers, wrote, “Protect Elon Musk at all costs.”
Libs of TikTok, an account with some 4.5 million followers, wrote, “The somali tiktoker who mocked Americans had a meltdown over Elon Musk and appeared to threaten his life.”
Minnesota Somali fraud Notably, the controversy comes amid heightened scrutiny of alleged large-scale fraud in Minnesota involving members of the Somali American community. According to a Fox News report, authorities have charged at least 77 people in the “Feeding Our Future” case, a $250 million scheme that allegedly exploited pandemic-era waivers in federal child nutrition programmes. Another investigation concerns alleged fraud within the state’s Housing Stability Services Program under Medicaid.
The cases have triggered political reactions, including US President Donald Trump’s announcement of plans to end Temporary Protected Status for Somali migrants in Minnesota and renewed enforcement actions by the Department of Homeland Security targeting those accused of participating in fraud.
Musk has also been highly vocal about the fraud being uncovered in Minnesota. In a post on Saturday, the billionaire said that the fraud scheme going on in Minnesota is “one of the many” and that while leading the Department of Government Efficiency under President Donald Trump, his team “found hundreds of fraud schemes.”
“There was massive fraud in every government program, especially Federal funds sent as block grants to the states,” said Musk.
Former White House adviser Steve Bannon on Friday launched a sharp round of criticism at Donald Trump, arguing that the president’s threat to intervene if Iran violently suppresses anti-government protests closely mirrors warnings once issued by his onetime opponent, Hillary Clinton, and other Obama-era officials.
Speaking on his “War Room” podcast alongside CDM.press editor-in-chief Todd Wood, Bannon mocked Trump’s comments as identical to Clinton’s foreign policy position while she was Barack Obama’s secretary of state, as well as to former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations Samantha Power.
“Aren’t people teasing right now that Samantha Power and Hillary Clinton must somehow have gotten invited to the Mar-a-Lago New Year’s Eve celebration?” Bannon said on the podcast, as reported by The Hill. “Because the president coming out today saying, ‘Hey, we’re locked and loaded,’ isn’t that straight from the Samantha Power and Hillary Clinton playbook?”
ALSO READ: This is why MAGA will die when Trump is gone
Power served as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations from 2013 to 2017 and later led the U.S. Agency for International Development from 2021 to 2025.
Bannon argued Friday that the Trump administration should instead focus on maintaining economic pressure on Tehran and “let the mullahs try to run the economy as they’re running it because they don’t know what they’re doing.”
“The economy will crash, and the Persian people will overthrow these guys just like they overthrew the shah,” he added.
Earlier Friday, Trump wrote on Truth Social that the United States would “rescue” demonstrators if Iran “shots and violently kills peaceful protesters.”
Iran has seen its largest protests unfold since 2022 in recent days, according to The Hill. The Hengaw Organization for Human Rights reported that at least 29 demonstrators had been detained, while the semiofficial Fars News Agency said three protesters were killed and 17 others injured during an attack on a police station, the publication added.
FROM BUSINESSMAN MURDER TO WORLD CUP HOST: IS MEXICO SAFE FOR SOUTH AFRICA AND THE WORLD? ⚽
A shocking killing in Mexico has reignited global fears about safety ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Mexican businessman Alberto Prieto was brutally assassinated after allegedly refusing to pay a protection fee demanded by criminal cartels.
Prieto was attacked while driving his Lamborghini Urus, which was sprayed with more than 200 bullets in a calculated and ruthless execution. The attack was not just meant to kill — it was meant to send a warning to anyone who dares defy organised crime.
What is happening in Mexico?
Mexico continues to battle deeply entrenched cartel violence. Criminal syndicates control territories, extort businesses, and target those who refuse to comply. Entrepreneurs, shop owners, transport operators, and even professionals are often forced to pay “protection money” to survive. When they refuse, violence follows — publicly and mercilessly.
Despite ongoing security operations, cartel power remains strong in several regions, raising concerns about everyday safety for locals and visitors alike.
Why this matters for the World Cup
Mexico is set to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, welcoming millions of fans, teams, and officials from around the globe. Countries like South Africa, hoping to qualify, could soon be sending players, staff, journalists, and supporters into this environment.
This killing has sparked serious questions:
Can Mexico guarantee the safety of visiting teams and fans?
Will players and supporters be protected beyond stadium walls?
Are authorities truly in control of cartel-dominated areas?
Possible impact on the tournament
Heavy security presence in host cities
Restricted movement for fans and teams
Increased international scrutiny and pressure
Concerns from football associations, sponsors, and broadcasters
What must be done now
Strong, visible security operations around World Cup venues
International intelligence cooperation
Targeted action against cartel networks near host cities
Clear safety assurances to all participating nations
Football brings the world together — but it cannot thrive in fear. The killing of Alberto Prieto is a stark reminder that the road to the World Cup is not just about stadiums and matches, but about human lives and real security.
⚠️ The world is coming. Mexico must prove it is ready.
The FBI has announced that it disrupted a “potential terrorist attack” planned for New Year’s Eve at a grocery store and a fast-food restaurant in North Carolina.
Authorities said the suspect, 18-year-old Christian Sturdivant of Mint Hill, North Carolina, was directly inspired by the Islamic State group. He was arrested on December 31 and charged with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization.
According to prosecutors, Sturdivant planned to carry out the attack using hammers and knives at a grocery store and a nearby restaurant in Mint Hill.
“It was a very well-planned, thoughtful attack,” officials said, adding that innocent lives would likely have been lost if the plot had not been disrupted.
The FBI said the operation undoubtedly saved lives, noting that the suspect had pledged loyalty to the Islamic State group and intended to carry out the attack as an act of jihad.
Authorities revealed that Sturdivant had been on the FBI’s radar since 2022, when he was still a minor. At the time, he had communicated online with an individual believed to be affiliated with the Islamic State group, who allegedly encouraged him to attack neighbors with a hammer. Although he left his home dressed in black and carrying a hammer, family members intervened before any harm occurred.
Following that incident, Sturdivant reportedly underwent psychiatric care, his access to social media was restricted, and weapons in the home were secured. No charges were filed at the time.
Investigators said the New Year’s Eve plot was uncovered after Sturdivant made contact with two undercover law enforcement officers posing as Islamic State supporters. During the conversations, he allegedly shared detailed plans for the attack.
A search of his residence reportedly uncovered hammers and knives hidden under his bed, along with written notes outlining the planned assault.
Officials said the suspect acted alone but believed he was working with other Islamic State supporters online and had requested assistance in obtaining additional weapons. He was described as highly active on social media platforms, where investigators believe he became self-radicalized.
“This investigation highlights the very real threat posed by individuals who self-radicalize online,” the FBI said.
The charge against Sturdivant carries a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison.
iShowSpeed EXPOSES the Truth in South Africa, SHATTERS “White Genocide” Claims and PROVES TRUMP WRONG After Seeing the Reality on the Ground
After finally setting foot in South Africa, global internet sensation iShowSpeed experienced the country for himself — and what he saw on the ground directly contradicted the alarming narratives often pushed by some foreign politicians and commentators, including Donald Trump, about so-called “white genocide”.
During his visit to Cape Town and Johannesburg, Speed was openly surprised by the racial diversity and social integration he witnessed everywhere he went. In sports venues, restaurants, shopping areas and public spaces, he saw Black, White, Coloured and Indian South Africans interacting freely, laughing together, watching sports together and enjoying everyday life side by side.
In Cape Town, iShowSpeed met with the Mayor, where discussions touched on the city, tourism, youth culture and South Africa’s global image. After the meeting and moving around the city, Speed spoke positively about the country, expressing admiration for the hospitality, vibrant culture and the mix of people he encountered.
As his tour continued into Johannesburg, the same reality followed him — mixed communities, shared spaces and ordinary people just living their lives. This firsthand experience left Speed shocked, especially considering the extreme picture often painted overseas. His reactions made it clear: the reality on the ground does not match the fear-based claims repeatedly shared by Trump and others abroad.
Speed’s visit did not deny that South Africa faces serious challenges — crime, inequality and economic pressure are real issues. But what his trip highlighted is that manufactured racial panic and claims of racial extermination do not reflect everyday South African life.
From Cape Town to Johannesburg, his unfiltered reactions told a powerful story:
Different races attending and enjoying sports together
Restaurants filled with mixed groups of friends and families
https://youtu.be/qP9K12o0ER8?si=XGx-GhQ-7ypPJ1N9
Coloured and Indian communities thriving alongside Black and White South Africans
A society far more complex, diverse and connected than foreign headlines suggest
Sometimes the loudest myths collapse not through politics, but through one honest visit, real people, and lived experience. iShowSpeed came, he saw, and the narrative changed.
🚨 Pretoria Farmer Overpowered, Tied to a Tree and Robbed on His Own Land – How Many More Farm Attacks Before Rural Communities Are Properly Protected?
A disturbing attack on a farmer outside Pretoria has once again raised serious concerns about the safety of people living and working in rural areas.
According to police, the incident happened on a smallholding on the outskirts of the city when the farmer agreed to meet a man who claimed to be interested in buying the property. What was supposed to be a routine property viewing quickly turned into a violent crime.
The suspect allegedly took advantage of the farmer’s trust, overpowered him, stole his personal belongings, tied him to a tree, and escaped. The farmer was left helpless on his own land until help arrived. Police have confirmed that investigations are ongoing, and no further details about the suspect or vehicle have been released at this stage.
❗ FARM ATTACKS CONTINUE
This attack is not an isolated incident. Farmers across South Africa continue to face robberies, assaults, and violent crimes, often in remote areas where police response times are slow. Criminals increasingly use deception, posing as buyers, workers, or service providers to gain access to farms.
Farmers are among the most vulnerable communities, yet they play a critical role in feeding the nation, creating jobs, supporting rural economies, and contributing to food security not only in South Africa but across parts of the African continent.
❓ WHO IS PROTECTING FARMERS?
How many more farmers must be attacked before rural safety is taken seriously? Where are the specialised rural safety units? Why are criminals able to target farms with such ease?
Protecting farmers is not a political issue — it is a national security and food security issue. When farmers are unsafe, food production is threatened, prices rise, and the entire country feels the impact.
📢 CALL FOR ACTION
Authorities are urged to strengthen rural policing, improve intelligence, and ensure visible patrols in farming areas. Communities are also encouraged to remain alert and report suspicious activity.
Anyone with information related to this attack is urged to contact SAPS.
BREAKING: The Kim Porter Doc That Finally Exposes Diddy With 50 Cent
A new documentary about the late Kim Porter is sending shockwaves through the entertainment world, revealing previously unseen moments involving Sean “Diddy” Combs and 50 Cent. Fans are calling it a must-watch, as it allegedly exposes sides of both hip-hop icons that have never been publicly documented.
The film, which chronicles the life and legacy of Kim Porter, Diddy’s former partner, reportedly includes candid interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, and personal stories that shed light on her relationships with some of the biggest names in music.
Sources say the documentary touches on Diddy and 50 Cent’s interactions in ways that highlight both collaboration and tension, offering a glimpse into the complex dynamics of their friendship and business dealings.
Fans have expressed amazement over the footage, claiming it presents a side of Diddy rarely seen outside his public persona. Meanwhile, 50 Cent’s role in the documentary has sparked discussions online about loyalty, friendship, and the inner workings of the music industry. Social media is buzzing with reactions, with viewers dissecting every moment for clues about their private interactions and the influence Kim Porter had on the lives of those around her.
Netflix and other platforms hosting the documentary have not commented on the controversies, but interest in the film has skyrocketed. Entertainment insiders note that the documentary could change public perception of Diddy, 50 Cent, and the late Kim Porter, highlighting the personal connections behind the glamour and fame.
The Kim Porter documentary is being hailed as a defining moment in hip-hop storytelling, providing fans with unprecedented access to the private lives of some of the biggest figures in the industry.
You’re probably thinking what on Earth is a ‘banished words list’ and why has it been an annual thing for half a century?
Well, Lake Superior State University (LSSU) in Michigan, US, took what started as a ‘whimsical New Year’s Eve party idea in 1976’ to a yearly reflection on slang words ‘that wear out their welcome’.
LSSU say they have ‘carried the torch’ ever since former public relations director W.T. (Bill) Rabe showcased the first ‘List of Words Banished from the Queen’s English because of mis-, mal-, over-use, or general uselessness’.
After over 1,400 submissions were sent in, the university compiled their top 10 list of the most popular annoying words used in 2025.
Here is LSSU’s 50th annual ‘banished words list’ and if you’ve got kids, you can probably guess the top one.
We’ve all seen those mad AI videos of Cristiano Ronaldo shouting ‘6-7’ without knowing what it actually means.
Apparently, it originated from a song called ‘Doot Doot (6,7)’ by American rapper Skrilla.
“There are six or seven reasons why this phrase needs to be stopped,” one participant said.
Demure Demure means to be intentionally low key or classy online.
“She didn’t argue, didn’t brag, just showed up and won. Very demure,” is an example of it being used on social media.
However, a second person said overuse ‘waters down the real meaning’, used to describe someone who is reserved, modest and shy.
Cooked If you’re cooked, you’re essentially out of options, or losing badly – a phrase used not only on TikTok but during a bit of sports trash talk.
A third observer suggests to ban ‘all forms of the word cook’.
Massive Massive is perhaps something millennials – born from 1981 to 1996 – still say, and personally speaking, use all the time.
“Way overused! (often incorrectly),” a fourth thought.
Incentivise “What’s wrong with motivate?” a fifth person asked, as the word appears to be used online as a verb, rather than a noun.
Full stop We all need full stops, but actually saying ‘full stop’ to end a sentence appears to get on people’s nerves, as it’s ‘redundant punctuation’.
Perfect Perfect is the kind of thing you say in an email to an important client, but don’t actually mean.
“There are very few instances when the word actually applies,” a sixth participant pointed out.
“How do they know it’s perfect…what does that mean?” another added.
Gift/gifted “I found this on the 1994 list, but it will make me feel better to recommend that it be included once again,”an eighth person explains, adding that it’s another case of a noun being used as a verb.
My bad Not only does ‘my bad’ sound very American, it does immediately scream 90s rom com apology.
Reach out “What started as a phrase with emotional support overtones has now become absurdly overused,” someone else said.
American Instagram model, Celina Powell, has taken to her page to share a video of her in bed with rapper Offset, completely knocked out.
She also went on to insinuate that they allegedly recorded an explicit tape together.
“made a tape last night & all u heard was him in the video lol offset you sleepy boy @celinagonewild,” Celina captioned her post.
This is not the first time Celina has made claims about Offset.
In 2017, she alleged that he fathered a child with her. This was when the rapper was still with Cardi B. She later admitted that she lied about the whole thing during a conversation with DJ Akademiks.
Later in 2021, she also alleged that he offered her $50K to get an abortion, which Cardi B herself clapped back at.
50 Cent is one of many expressing shock over this lawsuit against Will Smith from a former tour violinist for alleged wrongful termination. 50 Cent is a massive troll, and previous instances prove that he’s not afraid of joking about fellow massive celebrities like Will Smith.
However, when news broke of sexual harassment and wrongful termination allegations against Smith in a new lawsuit from Brian King Joseph, he instead showed support for the actor and musician.
Via Instagram, Fif shared a screenshot of a news report about former tour violinist Brian King Joseph’s lawsuit against the Fresh Prince. In his caption, he offered a wild reaction and expressed that he was looking forward to possibly working with Smith in the future.
“WTF is going on, I got a movie I want will for, this fool just mad he got fired,” the G-Unit mogul captioned his post. Amid other 50 Cent drama happening online, he found a break to react to this bombshell lawsuit. We’ll see how it continues to develop.
That other drama relates to 50 Cent’s beefs with other big names in hip-hop, the entertainment business, and beyond. For New York rap heads, the big story is about his feud with Fabolous, Jim Jones, Maino, and Dave East, which continues to garner interest. Other recent targets include Papoose, Dame Dash, and of course, Diddy.
50 Cent is one of many expressing shock over this lawsuit against Will Smith from a former tour violinist for alleged wrongful termination. 50 Cent is a massive troll, and previous instances prove that he’s not afraid of joking about fellow massive celebrities like Will Smith. However, when news broke of sexual harassment and wrongful termination allegations against Smith in a new lawsuit from Brian King Joseph, he instead showed support for the actor and musician.
Via Instagram, Fif shared a screenshot of a news report about former tour violinist Brian King Joseph’s lawsuit against the Fresh Prince. In his caption, he offered a wild reaction and expressed that he was looking forward to possibly working with Smith in the future.
“WTF is going on, I got a movie I want will for, this fool just mad he got fired,” the G-Unit mogul captioned his post. Amid other 50 Cent drama happening online, he found a break to react to this bombshell lawsuit. We’ll see how it continues to develop.
That other drama relates to 50 Cent’s beefs with other big names in hip-hop, the entertainment business, and beyond. For New York rap heads, the big story is about his feud with Fabolous, Jim Jones, Maino, and Dave East, which continues to garner interest. Other recent targets include Papoose, Dame Dash, and of course, Diddy.
For those unaware, Brian King Joseph’s lawsuit against Will Smith accuses the Philadelphia native of sexual harassment and wrongful termination. Will’s company Treyball Studios Management is also a part of this legal pursuit.
Joseph was reportedly a violinist for Smith’s “Based On A True Story” tour and alleged a specific incident when returning to his Las Vegas hotel room in March. He allegedly found a sexual note along with wipes, someone else’s HIV medication, and more. “Brian, I’ll be back no later [sic] 5:30, just us [drawn heart],” the note from “Stone F” allegedly read.
When Joseph allegedly reported this to hotel and tour staff, the latter booted him three days later. The lawsuit alleges that tour management justified this as “moving in a different direction,” whereas he claims this was retaliatory for reporting the incident.
Also, the violinist’s allegations accuse Will Smith of “grooming and priming [him] for sexual exploitation” since they met in 2024. They allegedly spent more time together alone before the tour, and Smith allegedly told him, “You and I have such a special connection, that I don’t have with anyone else.”
Brian King Joseph reportedly seeks personal and financial damages. Will Smith has reportedly not responded to these allegations at press time.
NASON MSONI EXPRESSES WORRY ABOUT STATE OF TONSE ALLIANCE
Tonse Alliance no longer represent the idea of a potent movement that was envisaged to unseat the UPND
PF wrangles have overshadowed the Tonse Alliance movement and rendered it into a stillborn political grouping.
The APC has previously participated in many other political alliances but the Tonse experience is not inspiring to say the least.
A political Alliance cannot be held to ransom by one political party.
We therefore give notice to you our colleagues that the APC will soon be holding an emergency meeting to review its further participation in the Tonse alliance and decide on the way forward.
There is no time for further procrastination in the new year.
Political events are more likely to precipitate very quickly and we don’t have the luxury of time of sitting and watching political wrangles.
Zambians are looking for political leaders who are not driven by Personal egos or the insatiable appetite for political power.
We will not be mere political spectators in a game of leadership.
Ideally by putting on-hold our own political ambitions is not a sign of weakness but patriotism.
Nigerian Police has provided an update on the accident involving Anthony Joshua. According to a statement released on January 2, 2026, the driver of the Lexus SUV involved in the incident, Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, a 46-year-old man, has been formally charged.
Police spokesperson DSP Oluseyi B. Babaseyi confirmed that Kayode was arraigned before the Sagamu Magistrate Court on Friday. The case was subsequently adjourned, with the next hearing scheduled for January 20, 2026.
The statement was issued by the Ogun State Police Command headquarters in Eleweran, Abeokuta, and assured the public that further updates would be communicated as the legal process continues.
He wrote:
“Update: The Ogun State Police Command wishes to inform the general public that the driver of the Lexus SUV involved in the Anthony Joshua accident case, Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode (male), aged 46, was charged to the Sagamu Magistrate Court today, 2nd January, 2026 and the case has been adjourned to 20th January, 2026.”
THERE IS UNDECLARED ‘WAR’ AGAINST THE CATHOLIC CHURCH SAYS FR MWEWA
A Chingola-based Catholic priest, Fr. Augustine Mwewa, has urged Catholics in Zambia to safeguard their voters’ cards in preparation for the upcoming general elections, encouraging them to use their votes as a form of protest against the recent summoning of Archbishop Alick Banda by the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC).
Fr. Mwewa, who serves as the president of the Local Catholic Clergy in Zambia, expressed that the action against the Archbishop represents a hostile move by the UPND administration, which he accused of ‘declaring war’ on Catholics.
He criticized the government’s tactics, which he referred to as ‘mingalato’, aimed at suppressing dissenting voices.
Fr. Mwewa emphasized that Catholics should not succumb to intimidation and lamented the government’s stance, stating, “It is a pity the government has chosen to declare war against the Catholic Church,” asserting that the current administration’s performance deserves a mere one out of ten since taking office in 2021.
He remarked that the government’s failure to accept divergent opinions stems from its lackluster performance, countering its claims of success.
Furthermore, he cautioned that the government might resort to using cyber laws against Christians, yet urged them to remain steadfast in their beliefs and actions, underscoring the importance of voicing their grievances through the electoral process.
Kalaba stands with Bishop Banda over dubious Hilux gift
OPPOSITION Citizens First (CF) president Harry Kalaba who has strong roots in the PF says his party will stand in solidarity with anti-government Lusaka Diocese Archbishop Alick Banda.
The opposition clergyman is due to appear for interrogations before the Drug Enforcement Commission on Monday over a Toyota Hilux he dubiously received from the fallen PF while in power.
Although DEC grabbed the Hilux from Bishop Banda back in 2023, the commission announced yesterday that they had few questions for him on Monday.
The commission urged the Bishop not to create drama and report to headquarters alone.
But Kalaba who feels the Bishop needs company come Monday.
Despite having no parliamentary or local government representation, Kalaba who emerged third in the 2021 elections with slightly over 24,000 votes announced that; “The CF stands with ArchBishop Alick Banda and the Catholic Church and will escort His Grace to the DEC on Monday”.
Besides Kalaba, Socialist Party leader Dr Fred M’membe has also indicated that he will walk with Bishop Banda on Monday and has since urged Catholics and Zambians of good will to do the same.
