MAN FOUND BATHING NAKED INSIDE THE UTH MORTUARY APPREHENDED
POLICE in Lusaka are investigating an incident involving a man found bathing naked at the University Teaching Hospitals (UTH)’s mortuary.
The man, who has only been identified as Michael, is believed to be aged between 25 and 30 years.
He was found in the early hours of Tuesday.
A police source quoting an eyewitness said Michael was found bathing inside the mortuary where dead bodies are washed.
Police were immediately alerted, and they apprehended the man and took him to Kabwata Police Station where he is currently detained.
The eyewitness narrated: “At first we were all scared but when we went closer, we discovered that he was so scared, we did not find any officers but we apprehended him and started looking for the officers at the mortuary. Together, we dragged the suspect to the police post at the hospital.”
Zambia Police Service public relations officer Godfrey Chilabi confirmed the incident in an interview.
“The story is that the person has got a mental health condition according to his relatives. This person was found, indeed, bathing where bodies are cleaned in the mortuary. When the relatives were contacted, they went to Kabwata Police Station, where they identified the person as their relative and revealed that he has a mental condition,” Mr Chilabi said.
SURVEY FINDS MEN SPEND UP TO SEVEN HOURS A YEAR USING BATHROOMS TO ESCAPE FROM NOISE, STRESS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
By: Home Boyz Radio
Men spend an average of up to seven hours a year lingering in bathrooms to seek quiet time away from stress and responsibilities, according to a survey commissioned by UK bathroom retailer Pebble Grey.
The poll of 1,000 British men found that many use the bathroom as a private escape, citing solitude, phone use, and brief mental breaks as primary reasons.
The survey found that nearly one-third of men intentionally retreat to the bathroom for alone time, while 23 percent described it as a personal “safe place.” Respondents reported that only one in ten bathroom visits went uninterrupted, with men experiencing an average of 171 interruptions per year, reinforcing the bathroom’s role as one of the few lockable spaces in the home.
Researchers conducting the survey also found that 45 percent of men said finding time to themselves was difficult, and 25 percent said their partner did not fully understand how busy or stressed they felt.
Another 25 percent reported they “wouldn’t know how they’d cope” without these bathroom breaks, highlighting the behavior as a coping mechanism rather than a habit of convenience.
A spokesperson for Pebble Grey said the findings reflect broader pressures of modern life, noting that the bathroom has become a socially acceptable space for brief withdrawal.
“We all need a little time to ourselves to switch off,” the spokesperson said, adding that bathrooms now function as “sanctuaries” for many people. #SunFmTvNews
10 KENYANS DEAD IN UKRAINE – TRICKED INTO RUSSIAN MILITARY, FAMILIES NEVER TOLD
Duncan Chege survived what 10 of his countrymen didn’t. They were promised DRIVER JOBS in Moscow.
Instead, they were forced into the RUSSIAN MILITARY, shipped to Ukraine’s frontlines and KILLED. Their families? Never informed.
President William Samoei Ruto and President Putin WHOSE RESPONSIBILITY IS THIS?
They signed military contracts at GUNPOINT.
They fought for Russia in a war they knew NOTHING about. Chege pretended to be INSANE just to escape the battlefield. That’s how desperate it got.
He’s home now with a message: “No amount of money is worth dying for a war that’s not yours.”
But here’s the REAL question: If Kenya had JOBS for its young men, would they be dying in Russian military uniforms?
When your own government can’t employ you, stranger’s promises start sounding like opportunities.
10 FAMILIES ARE MOURNING IN SILENCE.
10 KENYANS DIED WEARING RUSSIAN MILITARY GEAR.
10 BODIES MAY NEVER COME HOME.
President Ruto unemployment is now a DEATH SENTENCE. Young Kenyans shouldn’t have to choose between poverty at home and dying for Russia’s war. CREATE JOBS or keep losing citizens to foreign battlefields!
AN OPEN LETTER TO HIS EXCELLENCY PRESIDENT HAKAINDE HICHILEMA
Date: 9 January 2026
Mr. President,
I write this letter not out of hatred, tribal animosity, or personal grievance, but out of concern for our country and respect for the office you hold. Zambia deserves honest leadership, sober reflection, and accountability grounded in reality not narratives designed to deflect responsibility.
Mr. President, leadership demands courage: the courage to accept failure, the courage to correct course, and the courage to tell the truth even when it is uncomfortable.
Unfortunately, the growing tendency to associate government failures with alleged tribal hostility particularly claims that certain communities are unloved or targeted does not heal the nation. It divides it.
Zambia is one nation. No tribe is hated. No region is cursed. What citizens are reacting to is not tribe, but performance. Hunger, unemployment, high living costs, debt distress, shrinking civic space, and the failure to pay farmers affect Zambians across all provinces, languages, and ethnic identities.
These are not tribal problems they are governance problems.
The Constitution of Zambia is clear. Under Article 8, national values and principles include democracy, constitutionalism, good governance, transparency, accountability, and national unity. Further, Article 9 obliges those exercising executive authority to be guided by these principles in the formulation and implementation of public policy. Leadership failure, therefore, cannot be excused by political narratives, nor can accountability be replaced with grievance politics no Mr President.
It is deeply troubling to suggest, directly or indirectly, that criticism of leadership amounts to hatred of a tribe. Such a narrative is deceptive and dangerous. It risks misleading well-meaning citizens into believing they are victims when, in truth, they are fellow Zambians equally entitled under the Constitution to demand better governance.
Mr. President, the Tonga people like all Zambians do not need to be shielded by political narratives of hurt or exclusion. They need honest leadership, economic opportunity, national unity, and respect for democratic accountability.
They should not be mobilized emotionally to defend failure. No tribe should ever be used as a political shield. You cannot run a country on propaganda and expect results. You cannot govern through blame and expect progress. Nations move forward when leaders confront reality, accept responsibility, and adjust policy accordingly.
Lies may delay accountability, but they do not create development. History has shown that leaders who refuse to acknowledge failure often deepen it.
Zambia is bigger than any individual, party, or tribe. The Presidency is not a platform for grievance politics, it is a constitutional responsibility to serve all citizens equally and truthfully.
Mr. President, the time has come to soberly face the bitter reality the challenges Zambia faces today cannot be solved through narratives of tribal hurt, imagined enemies, or selective truths. They can only be addressed through humility, honesty, and competent governance, as demanded by our Constitution.
Zambians cannot be held hostage in perpetuity by narratives that do not exist, used merely to mask leadership incompetence. Eventually, the truth will remain long after propaganda fades.
May wisdom guide your leadership, and may Zambia always come first, kanabesa.
Yours faithfully, Simpamba Abraham Together We Can Ichalo Bantu!
United Chemicals Zambia Limited has been ordered by the Economic Financial and Crimes court to pay the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA), over K10.7 million for tax evasion.
Details of the case are that between 1st July 2022 and 31st March 2023, in Ndola, the Company, in collusion with others unknown, allegedly submitted false declarations to the Zambia Revenue Authority and misrepresented that several containers of cooking oil were exported from Zambia using different motor vehicles to Choice Services (Sarl) in the Democratic Republic of Congo, thereby violating the provisions of the Customs and Excise Act.
It is also evidenced that the Company submitted falsified returns and statements that included zero-rated sales totalling over K19.1 million, resulting in a loss of government revenue in the form of Value Added Tax amounting to over K10.7 million.
When the matter was presented for plea on 19th January 2026 before Honorable Tamara Kakusa sitting as Economic and Financial Crimes Court Ndola, the accused pleaded guilty to eight (8) Counts of Furnishing False Returns and Statements. The Court convicted and sentenced the convict to a fine of K40,000 to be paid within 14 days from the date of conviction, and warrant of distress will be issued in default.
The convict was further ordered to pay the evaded Value Added Tax of K10.7 million and compensate the State K400,000 for the prosecution expenses incurred which have since been paid.
ZRA encourages all taxpayers to pay their fair share of taxes and remain compliant with tax laws to avoid punitive enforcement measures including prosecution and imprisonment.
We also appeal to members of the public to continue providing information on tax malpractices so that we grow the revenue base and encourage fair competition.
ZRA remains vigilant to curb all forms of economic crimes aimed at denying the country of the much-needed revenue.
Issued by:
Oliver Nzala Manager- ZRA Corporate Communications
FIVE SUSPECTED UPND CADRES ARRESTED FOR CHANGING LOCKS AT KALULUSHI DC’S OFFICE
Five UPND cadres have been arrested and charged after allegedly breaking into the District Commissioner’s office in Kalulushi and changing the locks.
This incident occurred on, January 19, 2026. The suspects, identified as Dickson Makeche, Chimbini Mwewa, Netrida Mupeta, Marina Kaira, and Alice Chola, were protesting the appointment of a new DC from outside Kalulushi District.
In a statement availed, Copperbelt Police Commanding Officer, Mwala Yuyi says the five were charged with Conduct Likely to Cause Breach of the Peace.
Mr. Yuyi says the suspects admitted guilt and were released after paying a fine. He warned that, the law must be followed, and the police will not tolerate acts of lawlessness.
EASTERN PROVINCE COUNCIL OF ELDERS CALLS ON ALL EASTERNERS TO MOURN THE BEMBA QUEEN ACCORDING TO TRADITION
The Eastern Province Council of Elders is deeply saddened by the passing of Musamilo wa Mfumu ya Bemba, Achitimukulu, the beloved wife of the Bemba King.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to His Royal Highness the Chitimukulu, the Royal Family, and the entire Bemba clan during this painful and difficult moment. Tikuti pepani. May the Almighty God grant you strength.
As the Eastern Province Council of Elders, we hereby direct all Easterners to mourn our dear Queen with dignity and befitting royalty by ensuring that we smear every Northerner with white powder, mealie meal or any other white substance, in accordance with tradition.
Mwambo ni Mwambo. We must ensure that people are able to distinguish between us who are mourning and mfwiti (witches).
May the soul of our departed Queen rest in eternal peace. Issued by: Tom Njovu Chairman Eastern Province Council of Elders #SunFmTvNews
Donald Trump’s desire to subsume Greenland into United States territory has set a precedent for other world leaders, a political commentator has said.
Sabrina Haake believes the president’s rhetoric and subsequent actions against Greenland and NATO members will only bolster the likes of Vladimir Putin. Writing in her Substack, Haake suggested the tensions between Trump’s administration and Denmark are empowering Russia’s aims in Ukraine.
She wrote, “Russia is hyperventilating with excitement. Breathlessly describing a scenario in which ‘one NATO member is going to attack another NATO member,’ Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov noted earlier this week that, ‘It was hard to imagine before that such a thing could happen.'”
“Lavrov said Trump’s threats against Greenland ‘have upended’ the Western concept of the ‘rule-based global order,’ a concept Putin has long loathed.”
Haake went on to say Trump’s comments on Greenland and disinterest in NATO’s long-standing protection of peace in the Western hemisphere had an immediate impact, not on Greenland, but on Ukraine.
She wrote, “Putin knows that Trump’s threats against Greenland have permanently debunked the west’s criticism of Russia’s aggression in Ukraine. Greenlanders may pay the price for Trump’s insanity in the near future, but Ukrainians are paying for it today.
“By creating a vacuum where the rule of international law and respect for sovereignty once reigned, Trump has invited all rogue actors—not just Putin—to do their worst.”
Haake also suggested the threat against Greenland was a wider threat to Europe and NATO, with decades-old relationships with countries across the globe put at risk by the president’s comments.
She added, “By threatening Greenland, an semi-autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, Trump is issuing a direct threat against Europe and NATO, deliberately weakening the alliance that fought to defeat Hitler and fascism in WWII. Apparently Trump considers attacks against fascism generally, and attacks against Hitler specifically, too on the nose to let pass.”
GERMANY THREATENS TO BOYCOTT 2026 WORLD CUP OVER TRUMP’S GREENLAND
REMEMB
ER WHEN JULIUS MALEMA SAID THIS? 🇿🇦
Julius Malema called for South Africa to BOYCOTT the 2026 World Cup, and many Africans were AGAINST him! They criticized him, mocked him, said he was being extreme. Now GERMANY – a European powerhouse – is saying the EXACT SAME THING Malema said!
Malema saw this coming. He warned us. And now Europe is following his lead. Maybe it’s time we listened!
German politician Jürgen Hardt just dropped a BOMBSHELL – Germany could boycott the 2026 World Cup in the United States as a “LAST RESORT” to pressure President Trump over his threats to annex Greenland!
This is NOT a joke. A senior CDU foreign policy spokesperson is seriously considering pulling Germany out of the World Cup because of Trump’s aggressive stance on Greenland (which belongs to Denmark).
HERE’S WHAT’S HAPPENING:
Hardt told German newspaper BILD that the boycott would be used “to get Trump to see sense on the Greenland issue.” The U.S., Canada, and Mexico are co-hosting the 2026 World Cup, and now it’s under threat because of political tensions!
A recent poll shows 47% of Germans SUPPORT boycotting the World Cup if the U.S. annexes Greenland, with only 35% opposed. This isn’t just one politician talking – nearly HALF of Germany is ready to skip the tournament!
THINK ABOUT THIS:
– The World Cup has survived world wars, pandemics, and countless conflicts – But Trump’s Greenland obsession might be what breaks it? – This would be the biggest FIFA boycott in modern history
Germany vs USA isn’t supposed to happen OFF the pitch!
Will other European nations follow Germany’s lead? Could the 2026 World Cup turn into a political disaster before it even starts?
EFF Leader Julius Malema Warns Elon Musk’s Starlink Push in South Africa Is Not About Connecting Communities but Could Be a Threat to National Sovereignty and Local Economic Empowerment
EFF President Julius Malema has raised serious concerns about Elon Musk’s plan to bring Starlink satellite internet services to South Africa, arguing that it is not primarily about improving connectivity for ordinary South Africans, but about foreign influence and control over the country’s critical digital infrastructure.
Malema insists that Starlink’s arrival could bypass South African laws designed to protect historically disadvantaged communities, including Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) requirements that ensure foreign companies contribute meaningfully to local ownership and economic transformation.
He warns that failing to enforce these laws could allow foreign entities to dominate key technological and communications networks, posing risks to national security and sovereignty.
https://youtu.be/UmfWNUyA5oQ?si=OKQpf20PHQ_14ypt
The EFF leader framed the issue as a broader struggle to protect South Africa’s independence and transformation agenda, warning that powerful foreign tech companies cannot be allowed to influence or undermine the country’s political and economic systems.
Malema emphasized that technology and internet services should serve the needs of South Africans, especially in rural and underserved areas, rather than acting as a tool for external control or economic exploitation.
While supporters of Starlink argue that satellite internet could provide faster, more reliable connectivity for remote areas and help bridge the country’s digital divide, Malema maintains that these benefits cannot come at the expense of South Africa’s laws, local ownership, and national security.
He calls on the government to resist foreign pressure and ensure that any new technology entering the country aligns with the nation’s development goals and safeguards the rights of South Africans.
South African Influencer Couple Shock Fans with Public Breakup Amid Explosive Paternity Controversy, Emotional TikTok Posts, and Viral Roadside Videos
South African social media stars Athini “Bash” Bashe and Ntandokazi “Mzamo” Mzamo have officially ended their relationship, sending shockwaves through their followers and fans across TikTok and Instagram. The couple announced their split on January 10, with Bash posting that he was “not okay”, though he offered no further details about the reasons behind their breakup.
Almost immediately, rumors began circulating online suggesting that Mzamo’s reported four-month pregnancy might not be Bash’s child. These claims intensified after videos emerged of a man alleged to be Bash visibly distressed and crying on a roadside in Bryanston, prompting bystanders to call paramedics. The clips quickly went viral, sparking intense discussion and sympathy from fans, while also raising questions about privacy and mental health in the public eye.
Following the breakup and the circulation of these emotional videos, Bash deactivated all of his social media accounts, removing himself from the intense public scrutiny. Mzamo, on the other hand, has remained silent, choosing not to comment publicly about the rumors or the breakup.
Observers note that this story is part of a growing trend of high-profile South African influencer controversies, where personal relationships, scandals, and emotional breakdowns become viral content online. Many fans have expressed concern for both individuals’ well-being, emphasizing the toll that public scrutiny can take on personal lives.
The couple’s breakup highlights not just the end of a high-profile relationship, but also the broader impact of social media fame, online gossip, and the pressures influencers face when private matters are thrust into the spotlight.
KENYAN MAN SHARES HORROR STORY OF BEING FORCED TO FIGHT IN UKRAINE WAR
A Kenyan man, Duncan Chege, has shared his harrowing experience of being laced into the Russia-Ukraine war after being promised a well-paying job as a driver in Moscow. Chege was among 11 Kenyans who traveled to Russia, only to be taken to a military camp and forced to sign contracts to fight in Ukraine, Kenyan media reported .
Within a month, 10 of his fellow Kenyans were killed in the war, and their families were never informed. Chege survived by pretending to have gone mad and was eventually evacuated from the battlefield.
He escaped with the help of the Kenyan Embassy and returned home with a warning: “No amount of promised money is worth being deceived into a conflict you may never come back from.”
BRIEFING | Chief Chitimukulu’s Wife Dies in Road Accident
Government has confirmed the death of Abasano ba Mfumu, wife to Mwine Lubemba, Paramount Chief Chitimukulu of the Bemba people, following a road traffic accident.
In a statement, Information and Media Minister Cornelius Mweetwa said Government learnt of the passing “with deep sorrow and grief,” describing the loss as one that extends beyond the Royal Family to the nation at large.
“The President of the Republic of Zambia, Hakainde Hichilema, and the entire Government join the Royal Family and all the Bemba people in mourning this great loss,” Mr Mweetwa said.
He noted that the passing of Abasano ba Mfumu is “a profound loss not only to the Paramount Chief and the Bemba people but also to the nation at large,” adding that wives play a critical role in national development through strong families, economic contribution, and social stability.
Government has conveyed heartfelt condolences to the Paramount Chief Chitimukulu and the entire family, and has joined them in mourning and prayer “for God’s strength, comfort and solace during this period of grief.”
🚨 “I WAS TRICKED, FILMED AND EXPOSED” – 20-YEAR-OLD SOUTH AFRICAN WOMAN BREAKS HER SILENCE ON ALLEGED FAKE ‘AFRICAN AUDITION’ SCAM, ACCUSES ORGANISERS OF LURING WOMEN WITH JOB PROMISES THEN RECORDING INTIMATE CONTENT FOR ONLINE PROFIT 🚨
A 20-year-old South African woman has finally come forward to confirm that she is the person seen in the controversial video linked to a so-called casting platform known as “African Audition,” allegedly run by a man called Ivo Suzee.
According to her statement, she was approached with what looked like a legitimate job or modelling opportunity. She says she was told it was an audition that could open doors in the entertainment industry. Like many young people struggling to find work, she believed it was a real chance to change her life.
She now claims the “audition” was a trap.
The young woman says she was never properly informed that intimate content would be recorded or distributed online, and she insists she never signed any legal contract giving consent. After the video began circulating on adult platforms and social media, her life changed overnight. She says her dignity, privacy and future were put at risk.
In her message to the public, she pleaded with people to stop sharing the footage, warning that every repost causes further humiliation and emotional damage. She says what happened to her should be treated as exploitation, not entertainment.
Law enforcement sources have indicated that such operations may violate South Africa’s cybercrime laws and sexual offences legislation, especially if consent was unclear, manipulated or obtained under false pretences. Recording and distributing explicit material without lawful agreement can carry serious criminal consequences.
However, public opinion is sharply divided.
Some people online say she is a victim of a cruel system that preys on poverty, unemployment and the dreams of young women. They argue that fake agencies and “audition scams” deliberately target vulnerable girls, promising fame, money or modelling work, only to turn them into content for profit.
Others are sceptical. They point to the full-length footage, claiming she appeared to agree during the recording. Some also bring up her old social media posts where she spoke openly about adult content, arguing that this weakens her claim. These critics say the truth will only be known once courts and investigators examine all the evidence.
So far, no official arrests have been confirmed, but the case has triggered a national conversation about:
• Fake casting agencies and online recruitment scams • How consent can be manipulated through deception • The dangers young people face when chasing opportunities online • The responsibility of viewers who share explicit videos
This story is no longer just about one woman. It is about how easily dreams can be used as bait, how quickly lives can be exposed on the internet, and how thin the line is between “choice” and “exploitation” when power, money and desperation collide.
The big question South Africans are now asking:
Is this a case of a young woman being trapped and used by a fake audition syndicate… or Is it a situation where consent is being disputed after the damage is already done?
One thing is certain: the internet never forgets, and the truth – whatever it may be – will eventually come out.
Yet another of deceased wealth manager and accused sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein’s victims has come forward to slam President Donald Trump’s Justice Department for refusing to comply with the legal timeline for releasing all of the FBI’s files on the case.
Epstein, who was accused of running an extensive operation to traffic underage girls, has been a massive focal point of conspiracy theories on both the left and right for years. Now, the Trump administration, after uproar from his own base and a massive bipartisan vote in Congress, has reluctantly agreed to release files in the case.
So far, however, only a small fraction of the files have been released, despite the deadline to release them all passing last month, and many of the files that have been released appear to dance around Trump’s own friendship with Epstein.
In her letter to a pair of federal judges in New York urging them to appoint a special master to force the release of the remaining files, Haley Robson laid bare her pain and the indignity of the situation.
“As survivors, this failure is not merely procedural — it is deeply personal,” she wrote. “Continued noncompliance perpetuates the same secrecy that allowed these crimes to continue unchecked for years. It reinforces the painful and all too familiar message that while the law governs ordinary people, it does not govern the government and the wealthy, powerful individuals whose actions enabled widespread abuse. We do not seek vengeance. We seek accountability, transparency, and equal application of the law, just like our Congress promised us through the Act.”
“Each survivor has already paid a tremendous price,” she continued. “Coming forward has required extraordinary courage, exposing ourselves to public scrutiny, retaliation, and lifelong emotional consequences. We did so with belief in our government and trusting that when Congress passed this law, the Executive Branch would honor it. Instead, we are met with continued delay, silence, and ongoing protection of identities that should no longer remain hidden.”
“The way that your Courts have correctly enforced the Crime Victims’ Rights Act is something that we appreciate,” Robson added. “We now respectfully ask the Courts to intervene and require the Department of Justice to comply with the Epstein Files Transparency Act as enacted by Congress. The judiciary serves as a vital safeguard to ensure that no branch of government is above the law. When statutory mandates are ignored — particularly those intended to bring justice and transparency to victims — the integrity of our legal system is placed at risk.”
TRUMP MOVES TO DISMANTLE THE UN: AFRICA’S SEAT AT THE GLOBAL TABLE UNDER THREAT
President Donald J. Trump has declared: “The UN just hasn’t been very helpful. I’m a big fan of the UN, but it has never lived up to its potential.”
Now he says his “Board of Peace” “might” REPLACE the United Nations the very organization that has given Africa and developing nations a voice in global affairs for nearly 80 years.
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR AFRICA :
➡️ The UN where Africa has 54 votes could be replaced by Trump’s exclusive club
➡️ Membership costs $1 BILLION – pay to play global politics
➡️ Trump alone decides who gets a seat at the table
➡️ Putin invited, but which African leaders will be chosen?
For decades, the UN has been Africa’s platform to demand justice, climate action, and fair treatment on the world stage. Now one man wants to replace it with his own creation where HE picks the members, HE sets the rules, and HE remains in charge even after leaving office.
The question every African must ask: Who will speak for us in Trump’s new world order?
Police in Portugal are hunting a vandal who set light to a Cristiano Ronaldo statue on the footballer’s home island of Madeira and shared the video online.
The man filmed himself pouring a flammable liquid over the bronze replica of the former Manchester United and Real Madrid striker before putting a lighter to it.
And as the flames took hold of the sculpture, he went on to perform a crazy dance to rap music blaring out on a speaker he had brought along for the act
He posted the video on his Instagram where he identifies himself with the username zaino.tcc.filipe and describes himself as a ‘person, freestyler and local man.’
He captioned the footage of his stunt, writing: “This is God’s last warning.”
The statute, famous for its large bulge in the trouser department, was moved to its current spot by the CR7 Museum nearly a decade ago after the attack on it by alleged Messi fans.
Cristiano, now playing for Saudi Pro league club Al-Nassr, returned to Madeira to pose in front of the bronze effigy with his family by his side for the end of the unveiling at the end of 2014.
He said at the time: ‘This is a very special moment, to have a statue of me.’
A CR7 Museum spokesman said earlier on Tuesday the matter was being handled by police, adding: ‘We have nothing further to add at this stage.’
A source from the PSP police force in Funchal told local press: ‘The author of this crime has been identified.
‘He is known here because of similar earlier situations.’
Instagram user 'zaino.tcc.filipe' filmed himself setting fire to Cristiano Ronaldo's statue outside the CR7 Museum in Funchal.
Madeira's PSP (Public Security Police) says it is "trying to identify the perpetrator of the crime of damage." pic.twitter.com/A1GIuMszpQ
Lucas Hernandez and his wife are facing serious allegations of human trafficking and illegal employment.
Accusations of human trafficking and illegal employment have surfaced against French footballer Lucas Hernández and his wife following an investigation by Paris Match.
The report claims a Colombian family was exploited by the couple over more than a year, from September 2024 to November 2025.
The family allegedly included a husband and wife, their two adult children, and the grandmother, all of whom were reportedly brought to France under promises of legal work and residency.
According to the investigation, the family was made to work without formal contracts and was paid far less than required under French labour law.
They were also reportedly forced to work long hours and were not given proper rest or compensation.
One of the victims told Paris Match: “We were exploited and humiliated, paid well below what we were owed. They exploit immigrants and their families, promise legal status that never comes, and treat us like slaves.”
She added that immigrants were lured with false hopes of legal status and then treated “like slaves.” The report says the family lived under constant pressure and fear of deportation.
So far, no official charges have been announced. Authorities are reportedly reviewing the allegations.
An Accra-based businessman has expressed shock after a woman he financially supported allegedly used the startup funds he gave her to marry another man.
The story surfaced on the anonymous social media platform Jodel, where the man shared his experience.
According to him, he returned to his hometown and met a young woman living in poverty with no stable job or skills.
He said he was moved by her situation and decided to help her start a Mobile Money business.
WATCH: The two 2 minutes university guy video
After returning to Accra, he borrowed money from his mother to fund the project.
He reportedly bought two mobile phones, merchant SIM cards, a Mobile Money vendor structure, and added GH¢10,000 as working capital.
READ ALSO: Grown woman reveals how wives should treat their cheating husbands
He said the woman began operating the business and made steady progress. In the first year, the business reportedly generated a profit of GH¢13,000.
The man said he took only GH¢400 and allowed her to keep the rest to grow the business. After that, communication between them stopped.
He claimed the woman stopped answering his calls and later shut down the business due to lack of funds.
She allegedly told his mother that she had misused the money but did not explain how. Concerned, he asked his brother to check on her
That was when he reportedly discovered that she had used the business money and profits to marry her boyfriend.
According to the post, the woman became pregnant for the man, who is said to be unemployed. She allegedly used the remaining funds to organise the marriage.
US President Donald Trump has threatened to blow up the entire country of Iran when asked about the threats to his life airing on Iranian state television.
Trump disclosed this to NewNation’s Katie Pavlich after the new 10 p.m. show host asked the president about Iran’s assassination threats.
Iranian state television aired clips of the July 13, 2024, Butler, Pennsylvania, rally in which Trump was nearly k!lled by an assassin’s bullet, with the words, ‘this time it won’t miss.’
‘Well, they shouldn’t be doing it, but I’ve left notification,’ the president told Pavlich. ‘Anything ever happens, we’re going to blow the – the whole country is going to get blown up.’
Trump pointed a finger at his predecessor, President Joe Biden, suggesting that Biden should have been more forceful against the Iranians when they continued to threaten Trump and other Trump administration figures’ lives.
The Islamic regime stayed angry at the Trump White House after the January 2020 k!lling of Qasem Soleimani, a top general in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
But a president has to defend a president like, if I were here and they were making that threat to somebody even, not even a president, but somebody, like they did with me, I would absolutely hit them so hard,’ the president continued. ‘But I have very firm instructions – anything happens, they’re going to wipe them off the face of this earth.’
Last week, Trump appeared to be poised to launch a military strike against the regime, who have k!lled thousands of civilians protesting against the Islamic government.
On Sunday, an Iranian official told Reuters that the de@th toll had increased to at least 5,000 people.
Iranians have been protesting since last month over a faltering economy.
On January 2, Trump said the U.S. was ‘locked and loaded’ and ready to strike Iran if the killings continued.
But on Wednesday, the president suggested that he believed the regime’s line that they had stopped killing civilians.
‘We’ve been told that the killing in Iran is stopping, and it’s stopped and stopping, and there’s no plan for executions or an execution,’ Trump told reporters gathered in the Oval Office for a bill signing event that would allow whole milk into public school lunch rooms.
The president added that if he finds out that’s not the case, he would be ‘very upset.’
During his hour and 45-minute-long press conference on Tuesday, marking his one-year in office for a second time, the president was asked if a military option remained on the table.
Trump replied that ‘they were going to hang 837 people.’
‘We let them know if that happens, that will be a very bad day for them, and they decided not to do it. They didn’t hang the people. I can’t tell you what’s going to happen in the future, but supposedly they’re taking that off the table,’ he said.
‘So we’re just gonna have to see what happens with Iran,’ Trump said.
A Danish lawmaker has sparked controversy after using profanity to tell US President Donald Trump to “f*** off” during a debate in the European Parliament.
The outburst came during a heated session on the European Union’s response to Trump’s renewed threats to acquire Greenland.
Speaking on the floor of parliament, Danish MEP Anders Vistisen addressed the US president directly.
“Let me put it in words you might understand, Mr President. F*** off,” Vistisen said. His remarks were met with gasps inside the chamber.
The vice president of the European Parliament, Nicolae Stefanuta, immediately intervened. He interrupted the debate and told Vistisen that such language was unacceptable.
“You cannot use this kind of wording in this house,” Stefanuta said. He added that the parliament must maintain respect and decorum, even during tense political debates.
The exchange followed renewed comments by Trump suggesting the United States should take control of Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark.
Vistisen later defended his statement, saying Europe must send a clear message that its sovereignty is not negotiable.
US President Donald Trump’s suggestion that his newly created Board of Peace “might” replace the United Nations is deepening concerns among diplomats that the body meant to oversee the reconstruction of Gaza could instead be used to sideline the global organization established nearly eight decades ago to maintain international peace.
Even before Trump’s remarks, diplomats had raised questions about the board’s structure, its potential membership, and the controversial provision allowing countries to buy permanent seats for $1 billion.
The concerns come as Trump travels to the World Economic Forum in Davos and faces growing frustration from NATO allies over his insistence that the United States should own Greenland.
The White House announced a founding Executive Board that includes Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, special envoy Steve Witkoff and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. According to a draft charter obtained by CNN, Trump will serve as the board’s chairman indefinitely, with removal possible only through voluntary resignation or incapacity determined by a unanimous vote of the Executive Board. A future US president may appoint an additional US representative to the board, a US official said.
Trump has sent invitations to dozens of countries and is expected to host a signing ceremony in Davos. While some nations, including the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, have confirmed participation, others have not committed, and some, such as France, have declined.
Russia is among the countries invited, raising alarm over the inclusion of a nation actively engaged in war. China and Belarus have also received invitations.
“Putin would certainly use Russia’s membership on the Board of Peace to undermine the UN and, by extension, sow further divisions in America’s alliances,” said Robert Wood, a former deputy US ambassador to the United Nations.
“Putin is not a man of peace, and I don’t think he belongs in any organization with peace in the name,” British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said.
Officials say the board’s broad charter appears to go far beyond Gaza and does not even reference the territory directly. The document describes the Board of Peace as “an international organization that seeks to promote stability, restore dependable and lawful governance, and secure enduring peace in areas affected or threatened by conflict.”
Trump appeared to confirm suspicions about the board’s broader ambition when he criticized the UN during a White House briefing.
“The UN just hasn’t been very helpful. I’m a big fan of the UN’s potential, but it has never lived up to its potential,” Trump said. “The UN should have settled every one of the wars that I settled. I never went to them, I never even thought to go to.”
France cited concerns that the board would create a parallel system to the UN when explaining its decision not to join.
“When you read the charter, it doesn’t only apply to Gaza, whereas the resolution that we had voted [on] at the Security Council of the United Nations was really targeting Gaza and the Middle East,” a French Foreign Ministry spokesperson said. “Point two is that it raises very important concern regarding the rationality with the charter of the United Nations.”
Irish Foreign Minister Helen McEntee said her country would give the invitation “careful consideration” but warned that the proposed body would have a mandate broader than the implementation of a Gaza peace plan.
“The United Nations has a unique mandate to maintain international peace and security, and the legitimacy to bring nations together to find common solutions to shared challenges,” she said. “While it may be imperfect, the UN and the primacy of international law is more important now than ever.”
The UN’s top humanitarian official, Tom Fletcher, said the Board of Peace would not replace the United Nations.
Former US Middle East negotiator Aaron David Miller expressed skepticism about the board’s viability.
“The whole thing is tethered to a galaxy far, far away, not to the realities back here on planet Earth,” he said. “I just don’t see how you instrumentalize it.”
Miller argued that even with the UN’s flaws, it cannot realistically be replaced.
“You can’t rival this organization,” he said. “It’s too big, it’s too durable, and it’s too integral to so many different pieces of the international landscape.”
Wood said any attempt to supplant the UN would face strong resistance.
“Whether the Board of Peace has any future internationally as a conflict-resolution mechanism will depend on what it can accomplish in Gaza,” he said.
Under the board’s rules, members serve three-year terms, but countries seeking permanent seats must pledge $1 billion. US officials insist the contribution is not an entry fee and say the funds would be directed toward rebuilding Gaza. However, rebuilding plans remain preliminary, according to sources familiar with early discussions.
“Not every country that has the ability to fork out $1 billion is necessarily best-suited to oversee peace and security in the international arena,” Wood said.
North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un has dismissed his vice president over problems linked to a factory modernization project, a move seen as part of his effort to tighten discipline among senior officials ahead of a major ruling party congress.
The country’s media said Kim blamed Yang Sung Ho, a vice premier overseeing the machine-building industry, for failures in the modernization of the Ryongsong Machine Complex in northeastern North Korea. The project reportedly suffered setbacks and economic losses due to what Kim described as irresponsible leadership.
Speaking at a ceremony marking the completion of the first phase of the factory’s modernization, Kim said the project caused “not a small amount of economic loss” and accused officials of incompetence. He added that Yang had already been criticized during a party meeting in December but showed no sense of responsibility afterward.
“To speak figuratively in simpler words, he was like a goat yoked to pull an ox cart,” Kim said. “We should see this as an incidental mistake in our practice of personnel appointment. Could we expect a goat to pull a cart for an ox?”
Publicly reprimanding and removing officials has long been a hallmark of Kim’s leadership style. Analysts say such actions are meant to heighten pressure on top officials and force stronger performance ahead of the upcoming Workers’ Party congress, the first in five years and one of the country’s most important political events.
The congress is expected to review past policies, set new political and economic priorities, and reshuffle leadership positions. Observers say Kim is likely using high-profile dismissals to reinforce loyalty and accountability within the ruling elite.
Some experts argue the factory’s problems are rooted in deeper structural issues rather than the failures of a single official. They point to North Korea’s heavy focus on nuclear and missile development, chronic resource shortages, and the impact of international sanctions.
“Kim Jong Un has gone all-in on nuclear and missile programs but he’s mismanaged the economy,” said Moon Seong Mook, a South Korea-based analyst. “He’s just passing the blame for his fault to a subordinate.”
North Korea’s economy suffered severe setbacks during the
pandemic. Although modest growth has been reported recently, analysts say long-term recovery remains unlikely due to the country’s centralized economic system, sanctions, and prioritization of weapons development. Much of the limited growth, they add, has benefited the ruling elite and the defense sector rather than the general population.
The party congress, expected to open later this winter, is also likely to focus on economic management, nuclear weapons policy, and closer cooperation with Russia and China.
Observers are watching closely for any signal of renewed diplomacy with the United States, especially amid speculation that shifting global dynamics could reopen channels for talks.
China said on Wednesday, January 21, it would continue to defend the international system with the United Nations “at its core,” a day after confirming it had been invited to join US President Donald Trump’s proposed “Board of Peace.”
Beijing acknowledged on Tuesday that it had received an invitation from Washington to join the board, which is aimed at resolving global conflicts, according to its charter.
China has not said whether it will accept the invitation. However, Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun told reporters on Wednesday that China’s position on the UN-led international order remains unchanged, regardless of global political shifts.
“No matter how the international situation changes, China firmly upholds the international system with the United Nations at its core, and international relations based on the objectives and principles of the UN Charter,” Guo said.
China, the world’s second-largest economy and a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, has long positioned itself as a defender of the UN system, while also calling for reforms to better reflect current global realities.
A$AP Rocky has shared the story of how he first met his longtime partner, Rihanna, and it was far from glamorous
The 37-year-old rapper appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, where he revealed that their first encounter happened outside a New York nightclub at a time when he was not yet famous.
According to Rocky, he was being turned away by bouncers alongside his friends, the late Virgil Abloh and Matthew Williams. While the group was arguing with security, Rihanna stepped out of the club.
Rocky said they locked eyes immediately, but admitted he felt embarrassed that she saw him in the middle of a heated exchange with the guards.
When Jimmy Fallon jokingly asked if Rihanna helped him get into the club, Rocky’s response was simple: no.
Despite the awkward first meeting, the pair have since built a life together. Rihanna and A$AP Rocky, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, have been dating since 2020 and share three children.
Rocky was on the show to promote his new album, Don’t Be Dumb, his first studio project in eight years.
US President Donald Trump’s plane was forced to make a U-turn about an hour after departing its base for the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
Air Force One was grounded due to a “minor electrical issue”, according to the White House. Journalists travelling with the president also said the lights went out briefly in the press cabin.
The plane returned to Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, and Trump left for Switzerland on another aircraft.
The president is expected in Davos, where he is due to deliver a speech at the World Economic Forum around three hours later than his planned 10:00 local time (09:00 GMT) arrival.
The two planes currently used as Air Force One have been flying for nearly four decades. Boeing has been working on replacements, but the programme has faced a series of delays.
The planes are equipped with radiation shielding and antimissile technology, and include a variety of communications systems to allow the president to maintain contact with the military from anywhere in the world.
Last year, the ruling family of Qatar gifted Trump a luxury Boeing 747-8 jumbo jet to be added to the Air Force One fleet, which is currently being retrofitted to meet security requirements.
Leavitt joked to reporters on Tuesday night that the Qatari jet was sounding “much better” now.
TRUMP ISSUES NUCLEAR-LEVEL WARNING TO IRAN: “YOUR ENTIRE COUNTRY WILL BE WIPED OFF THE FACE OF THE EARTH”
In a shocking declaration that has sent shockwaves across Africa and the globe, U.S. President Donald Trump has issued his most explosive warning yet to Iran:
“Anything ever happens, we’re going to blow the whole the whole country’s going to get blown up.”
Trump’s warning comes after intelligence reports revealed Iranian plots to assassinate the American leader. The President made it crystal clear: any attack on him would result in Iran being completely obliterated.
“If they do it, they get obliterated,” Trump declared, leaving no room for interpretation.
This unprecedented threat raises the stakes in U.S.-Iran tensions to dangerous new heights. For Africa, this could mean:
➡️ Regional instability spreading across the Middle East and beyond
➡️Global security crisis impacting trade routes vital to African commerce
The world watches nervously as Trump draws the reddest of red lines. Will Iran back down, or are we witnessing the beginning of a catastrophic confrontation?
The “Board of Peace” was an idea initially proposed by Trump last September as part of his plan to end the war in Gaza, although the initiative now seems to be aimed at mediating global conflicts more broadly. US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose a 200% tariff on French wine and champagne after an aide for French President Emmanuel Macron said France “does not intend” to accept an invitation to join his new international “Board of Peace.”
“Nobody wants him because he’s going to be out of office very soon,” Trump said after hearing from a reporter that Macron would likely not join the board.
“I’ll put a 200% tariff on his wines and champagnes and he’ll join, but he doesn’t have to join,” he said.
Macron’s five-year presidential term is due to end in May 2027 and he cannot run again for a third term in accordance with French law.
The “Board of Peace” was an idea initially proposed by Trump last September as part of his plan to end the war in Gaza, although the initiative now seems to be aimed at mediating global conflicts more broadly.
A draft charter sent to about 60 countries by the US calls for members to contribute $1 billion in cash if they want their membership to last more than three years, according to the document seen by Reuters.
The charter suggests Trump would serve as the board’s inaugural chairman and would preside over membership decisions.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has been invited to join the board, as well as UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and others.
There are fears that the Board could undermine the United Nations framework and the large number of invitations that have been sent out also raises questions about the board’s mandate and decision-making processes.
The US president also published a private text message from Macron on his Truth Social platform, in which the French president invited Trump to have dinner in Paris on Thursday.
In the messages, Macron told Trump he could invite the Ukrainians, the Danes, the Syrians, and the Russians to participate on the margins of a G7 meeting on Thursday.
The French president also told Trump he did not understand what the US President was “doing on Greenland.”
Washington announced that eight European countries would face a 10% tariff on their US exports from 1 February unless they support the US’ proposal to purchase the semi-autonomous Danish territory. This rate will rise to 25% in June if no deal is reached.
Specifically, the threat targets Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, and Finland.
Standing firm in their support for Greenland’s right to self-determination and Denmark’s sovereignty, EU member states are weighing their options.
One possibility is the use of retaliatory tariffs on €93bn of US goods, a measure that was floated then abandoned last year during an earlier trade stand-off with Washington. Another proposal includes the activation of an anti-coercion tool, which enables the EU to impose punitive economic measures on a country seeking to force a policy change.
“I don’t think they’re going to push back too much,” Trump said of the European nations. “We have to have it…They can’t protect it.”
Hot Mic Diplomacy: Thabo Kawana Upstages His Boss on Diamond TV While Mweetwa Stews in Silence
TV take-21 Jan. 26.
Thabo Kawana is the man who can turn a microphone into a Molotov cocktail without breaking a sweat, the spokesperson who is not a minister, not a special advisor, not even the comms czar of State House, yet somehow manages to eclipse them all with one hot mic stunt on Diamond TV that makes the president himself look like a call in guest on his own show.
Mr. Cornelius Mweetwa, the actual minister of information, must have felt the sting of junior envy, watching his subordinate steal the limelight with a trick he himself never dared attempt.
Clayson Hamasaka, they call him Comms Specialist at State House too, the presidential comms specialist, has never pulled such a stunt, preferring the quiet dignity of scripted statements. Mostly funny.
But Thabo, ah Thabo, he thrives in the theatre of familiarity, calling the president live on air as if HH were his drinking buddy from Chibolya.
This is not random, it is choreographed, and therein lies the satire: the President of Zambia reduced to a prop in his own spokesperson’s show.
I must know this; I am a former newspaper CEO and Editor in Chief.
The pros are obvious—Kawana shows courage, loyalty, and a willingness to bite the bullet for his boss, much like Trump’s Steve Miller or Pete Hegseth in America.
The cons, however, drip with danger. Familiarity can backfire. In Africa, we saw how Mugabe’s spokesperson George Charamba often over performed his loyalty, sometimes making the president look smaller than the office itself, feeding resentment among ministers who felt sidelined.
Abroad, Sean Spicer in the US tried to defend Trump with theatrical loyalty, only to become a punchline and lose credibility, dragging the administration’s messaging into chaos.
Kawana risks the same fate: his boldness could make HH look like a man hiding behind his spokesperson instead of leading from the front. When the bow breaks!
And the timing could not be worse. Farmers are unpaid, food and fuel costs are soaring into double digits, discontent is simmering six months before the polls. A hot mic stunt may entertain, but it does not feed hungry stomachs or calm angry voters.
The PR could have been done better. In the US, after the BP oil spill, President Obama did not rely on a spokesperson’s theatrics; he addressed the nation directly, showing empathy and control.
President HH could have done the same—speaking to farmers, acknowledging their pain, promising concrete relief—rather than letting Kawana’s familiarity overshadow the crisis.
I love Thabo as a brother and admire his courage, but satire demands I ask: is this the best strategy now? Should Thabo do this again?
Perhaps not. His loyalty is unquestionable, but his timing is catastrophic.
What will brother Cornelius parambulate 😂
Mweetwa’s jealousy over his junior is palpable, the minister forced to watch as Kawana plays star while he remains a supporting actor. In the end, familiarity may win applause in the studio, but it risks losing votes in the field.
In Part 1, I addressed the character of Emmanuel Mwamba and his questionable history. Now, I turn to the specific accusations he has made against me. claims that are not only false but are intended to distort the historical record and serve narrow political interests.
LIE #1: NEVERS MUMBA OPPOSED MULTIPARTY DEMOCRACY IN 1991 BY GIVING A FAKE PROPHECY Mwamba has chosen to resurrect a long-debunked narrative that I opposed the introduction of multiparty democracy and predicted bloodshed if the MMD won the 1991 elections. Let me be clear: this is a lie.
I did not oppose multiparty democracy. What I did was issue a warning, not a prophecy. In the run-up to Zambia’s transition, I warned that if the Church did not play an active role in prayer, promoting peace and national reconciliation, the political transition could become volatile. This was not a prediction of bloodshed; it was a call for unity, urging the Church to help calm the nation during a fragile period.
Anyone who doubts this can consult the ZNBC archives, where my words were recorded and have remained a part of Zambia’s history. What I said in 1991 was a call to action, not a doomsday prophecy, thankfully the church was equal to the task. We prayed and God gave us a safe transition.
LIE #2: NEVERS MUMBA FOUGHT THE RETURN OF DEMOCRACY Another false claim that Mwamba continues to circulate is that I fought against the return of democracy in Zambia. The truth is the opposite. I fully supported Zambia’s transition to multiparty democracy, and I actively encouraged President Kenneth Kaunda to make that difficult decision in 1990.
When President Kaunda struggled with the decision to reintroduce multiparty politics, he called me to State House. I prayed with him and counseled him to trust the people of Zambia. This was not the record of a man opposing democracy; it was the record of a man who encouraged and supported the peaceful transition that followed. My contribution to Zambia’s democratic journey is well-documented, and history bears witness to the peaceful transition we experienced.
LIE #3: NEVERS MUMBA BETRAYED THE OPPOSITION TO SECURE THE VICE PRESIDENCY Mwamba’s accusation that I betrayed the opposition parties to negotiate myself into the Vice Presidency is malicious, cheap and a distortion of the truth.
My role as opposition spokesperson was temporary, given to me after the 2001 elections. It was never about personal ambition; it was a responsibility shared by multiple parties. After the elections, the electoral dispute was resolved through the courts, and the coalition of opposition parties was dissolved. A year later, President Levy Mwanawasa reached out to me to serve in his government, just as he did with others.
Mwamba’s claim that I “negotiated” my way into office completely disregards the fact that President Mwanawasa had the sole authority to choose his Vice President. This was a decision made by the President, who sought to bring together a team that could serve the nation; an inclusive team, not one built on personal negotiations.
It is important to note that several other figures from outside MMD and the established political structures such as Hon. Ngandu Magande and Dr. Caleb Fundanga, were also appointed to key positions by President Mwanawasa. They, too, were not “negotiating” for their positions; they were chosen based on merit and national interest.
LIE #4: NEVERS MUMBA DESTROYED HIS OWN DESTINY Mwamba’s “wish” that I destroyed my own destiny is rooted in an attitude of ungodliness, misunderstanding of ambition and leadership. Let me be clear: my vision has never been about seeking just one single office, but about serving my nation and making a difference in people’s lives. The presidency is not the ultimate measure of one’s legacy and success.
For over forty-five years, I have been driven by two guiding principles: my love for God and my commitment to Zambia. Destiny is not defined by a single moment or position. My journey has been marked by faith, service, and sacrifice. I have contributed to Zambia’s national life spiritually, politically, and publicly. The fact that I have not yet occupied the presidency does not mean I have failed, it means I have continued to serve Zambia in other significant ways.
If we reduce a person’s life to whether they’ve held a single office, then we deny the very essence of leadership and service to a nation. By the way, destiny does not take effect when you become president, but as you faithfully and relentlessly you serve the nation.
LIE #5: NEVERS MUMBA IS THE ULTIMATE BETRAYER Mwamba’s accusation that I am the “ultimate betrayer” is an offensive claim that requires serious scrutiny. He has failed to provide any proof of who I allegedly betrayed. Let’s get this straight: my political journey has always been guided by a vision to serve Zambia, not by personal ambition or the desire to outmaneuver others. The cry of Zambia shall be saved has been my life’s vision and battle cry.
I challenge Emmanuel Mwamba to produce the list of individuals or political entities I supposedly betrayed in my pursuit of a vision for a better Zambia. Who have I betrayed by seeking to serve the nation? He must show evidence, or he must stop making baseless claims.
Moreover, I challenge Mwamba to compile a list of political figures in Zambia who have been betrayed the most by the very people they expected to stand with them, political figures who, despite their loyalty and sacrifice, have been cast aside, marginalized, or betrayed by those closest to them. I can tell you this: my name often comes up in these discussions as one of the most betrayed men in Zambia’s political history.
However, I will not start listing the betrayals I have faced and the names of those who have turned their backs on me, because I have already forgiven them and moved on. My focus has always been on building Zambia and reconciling our nation, not on seeking revenge or seeking to keep score.
This is not a matter for petty accusations or personal grudges, it is a matter of historical record.
IN CONCLUSION Mwamba’s lies and distortions are designed to achieve one thing: to rewrite the historical record for political gain. His accusations are not grounded in fact; they are tools of manipulation meant to distract and confuse the public. But the truth is resilient, and it will stand.
I have always acted in the best interests of Zambia, and I will continue to defend my actions, my integrity, and my legacy.
In Part 3, I will wrap up this rebuttal, addressing the remaining lies and accusations, including the false narrative surrounding my firing by President Levy Mwanawasa. I will also shed light on Mwamba’s self-styled political exile, his years living abroad while seeking to undermine the very system he once served.
The final installment will pull back the curtain on Mwamba’s own contradictions, leaving no stone unturned as we close the chapter on his falsehoods. Stay tuned.
As I sign off, I leave you with this verse for reflection:
“BUT THE WICKED SHALL DO WICKEDLY: AND NONE OF THE WICKED SHALL UNDERSTAND; BUT THE WISE SHALL UNDERSTAND.”
A DEMOCRATICALLY elected president or leader can easily become a dictator, former Attorney General Musa Mwenye has said.
Speaking in Lusaka on Friday during the launch of the LCK Freedom Foundation, Mwenye said democracy in Zambia had faced serious threats despite the nation’s democracy surviving for over 34 years.
He urged lawyers to employ their training and expertise to publicly advocate against the entrenchment of power in one person or a group of persons.
“Examples abound as to where else this has happened, and therefore, eternal vigilance is extremely necessary. Laws that erode free expression and other rights that impede the freedom of the press and shrink the civic space must be resisted,” Mwenye said.
He said it was a constitutional duty for lawyers to prevail and resist all acts the breaches the constitutional order.
“It is our constitutional duty as lawyers to resist all acts that infringe upon constitutional rights, and it is the lawyer’s duty to do so through both courtroom and public advocacy,” Mwenye said. He warned that countries were under serious threats of creating dictators whom they would have no mechanisms to remove at once in power.
“Any country, the problem with a dictatorship is that there is no mechanism to correct and remove that person,” Mwenye said.
He said the advantage of democracy was that when people realised that their elected official was a wrong choice, they would always use the next election to correct the mistake by voting out such persons from power.
Mwenye said for democracy to work, people must have a chance to vote in a free and fair election to elect or remove leaders.
He reminded citizens that holding regular elections alone was not enough for democracy, warning that even some dictators hold regular elections.
“But they [dictators] operate in what have come to be known as illiberal democracies or hybrid regimes which have the veneer or appearance of democracy, but are really competitive autocracy or soft authoritarian regimes,” he said.
It was unfortunate that a few soft authoritarian regimes were cropping up in Zambia.
“The soft authoritarian regimes are characterised by manipulated elections, erosion of checks and balances through executive capture of the judiciary and parliament, propaganda and manipulation of information and the media, and suppression of dissent,” he said.
Mwenye commended newly launched LCK Freedom Foundation executive director Linda Kasonde for her consistent efforts in fulfilling her role as a lawyer in guarding the Constitution and defending democracy.
Meanwhile, Kasonde said Bill 7, now Act Number 13 of 2025, would stand as an unfortunate and troubling example of what many have described as ‘legal authoritarianism’.
She said while the bill was presented under the guise of reform, its implications for accountability, democratic participation and the balance of power raised serious concerns among lawyers, civil society and ordinary citizens.
“We must not be complacent in safeguarding democracy. We must interrogate laws, challenge abuses of power, and ensure that constitutional safeguards are not weakened under the pretext of efficiency or stability,” Kasonde said.
Matero Member of Parliament, and Patriotic Front Deputy Secretary General, Hon. Miles Sampa remain incarcerated following his arrest.
Police Charge, Arrest and Detain Miles Sampa
…President Hakainde Hichilema accused Miles Sampa of committing a crime…
The Zambia Police have charged Matero Member of Parliament and Patriotic Front Presidential Aspirant, Hon. Miles Sampa of transmitting deceptive communication under the Section 19 of the Cyber Crimes Act No. 4 of 2025 Transmission of deceptive electronic communication.
This is in relation to a Facebook post he made accusing the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) of setting up an illegal polling staion.
Police have refused to grant him police bond and Sampa remains detained at Lusaka Central Police Station.
In his phone-in interview with Diamond TV Live, President Hakainde Hichilema accused Miles Sampa of committing a crime by his allegations that the ECZ set up an illegal polling station.
Sampa later apologised stating that he relied upon deep concerns about an ungazzetted polling station mounted in Lilayi.
The residents also complained that only bused voters from Chilanga area were using the facility expressing further anxieties that the polling station could have been mounted illegally for the benefit of the ruling UPND.
Infact when results came, they demonstrated Sampa’s concern. This is the only place where the UPND candidate was leading(Morgan Muunda 74, Bright Nundwe 7, Mohammad Mutete 4, other candidates got zeros 0).
The Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD) has announced plans to lodge a formal complaint against the United Party for National Development (UPND) and its candidate in the recently held Chawama by-election.
FDD spokesperson Anthony Chibuye says the party is concerned that UPND officials prematurely declared their candidate, Mr. Morgan Munda, as the winner before the Electoral Commission of Zambia announced the official results.
Mr. Chibuye adds that celebrations which followed, including loud music and other activities, had the potential to disturb public peace, undermine the electoral process, and threaten state security.
He says the matter will be taken up with the relevant authorities.
🇿🇲 VIEWPOINT | Illegal Miners, National Security, and Why the Army Has Entered the Conversation
The statement by the Zambia Army Commander that soldiers will “exterminate” illegal miners has ignited a sharp national debate. Critics have framed the remarks as excessive, arguing that the matter falls within the mandate of the Zambia Police Service and immigration authorities, while others have invoked unemployment and survival as justification for illegal mining. Supporters, however, read the statement through a national security lens rather than a labour or livelihoods argument.
This distinction matters.
Across Africa, conflicts rarely begin with ideology. They begin with resources. The Democratic Republic of Congo and Sudan offer sobering lessons on how loosely regulated extraction evolves into armed groups, territorial control, and eventually militias that challenge the state itself. Illegal mining rarely stays informal. It grows. It arms. It hardens. Once that line is crossed, policing becomes ineffective and the cost of restoring order multiplies.
Zambia has already seen early warning signs. Gold rush zones such as Kasempa have attracted not only Zambians but foreign nationals, including individuals from conflict-prone regions. Many local youths lack mining expertise, while organised groups with capital and technical know-how dominate operations. Entry routes, documentation, and enforcement gaps remain unanswered questions.
What is clear is that the scale and coordination of these operations point beyond casual subsistence activity.
The argument that this is solely a police matter ignores Zambia’s own history. During the Patriotic Front era, illegal Mukula trade overwhelmed civilian enforcement. The response was not rhetorical restraint but deployment of the Zambia National Service to secure timber routes and protect national resources. That decision was justified then on grounds of sovereignty and economic security. The same logic applies now.
Military involvement in internal security is not new. Zambia’s armed forces have previously been deployed to halt politically connected land seizures when civilian institutions faltered. The constitutional mandate of the military extends to internal threats where public order, territorial integrity, or strategic assets are at risk.
Illegal mining also carries a humanitarian cost. Operations often run without safety standards, equipment, or oversight. Collapses and fatalities quickly become national crises, not private misfortunes. Regulation is not only about control but about preventing avoidable loss of life.
The economic argument is equally stark. Illegally mined gold leaves the country untaxed, unrecorded, and unaccounted for. No royalties. No export controls. No benefit to the Treasury. Over time, this erodes state authority and normalises parallel economies that answer to no law.
Political discomfort with the Army’s language has been loud, but it is not neutral. Many of the strongest critics are political actors who indirectly benefit from illegal mining networks, either through mobilisation, financing, or influence. This context cannot be ignored. When Hakainde Hichilema was stoned in Chingola, reports linked the incident to anger from illegal mining groups facing disruption. That was not random unrest. It was resistance to enforcement.
The Army Commander’s statement should therefore be read less as a threat and more as deterrence. The intent, as clarified, is to work alongside the Ministry of Mines to restore order, remove illegal operators, and regularise small-scale mining through licensing that prioritises genuine Zambians. That approach separates survival-driven artisanal mining from organised illegality that threatens national stability.
Preventive action is always cheaper than crisis response. Waiting until illegal miners morph into armed groups, gangs, or regional militias would be strategic negligence. Zambia has watched that movie elsewhere on the continent. The ending is never good.
This moment is not about militarising poverty. It is about drawing a firm line before disorder becomes permanent. On that score, the security argument is not only valid. It is overdue.
UNITED Church of Zambia St. Bartholomew Congregation Minister-in-Charge, Rev Aaron Simukonda has expressed support of Christian couples undergoing paternity testing, emphasizing that it should be viewed as a tool for clarity rather than a danger to marriage.
His remarks follow a revelation by the Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security that out of 123 paternity tests conducted at the National Forensic DNA Laboratory, 48 returned negative results while 75 were confirmed positive.
Speaking in an interview with RCV News in Lusaka today, Rev. Simukonda said the availability of paternity testing is beneficial, particularly in situations where factual clarity is needed.
“DNA testing should not be seen as a cause of marital breakdown but as a way of promoting accountability between partners,” said Rev. Simukonda.
Meanwhile, he advised men who discover they are not the biological fathers of children they have been raising to seek counselling and prayer before making any decisions, in order to avoid choices, they may later regret.
Rev. Simukonda further encouraged couples considering DNA testing to first seek guidance and counselling from the church both before and after the tests are conducted, saying this support would help them make informed and rational decisions.
IMPROVED GRADE 12 RESULTS LINKED TO FREE EDUCATION AND TEACHER RECRUITMENT – ACTIVIST
Education stakeholders have attributed the improved Grade 12 examination results to deliberate government interventions aimed at supporting underprivileged learners.
Human rights activist Laura Miti said the positive outcomes were largely a result of free education, increased teacher recruitment, and the use of Constituency Development Funds (CDF) to support learners.
Ms. Miti explained that free education had significantly reduced absenteeism in schools.
She noted that many learners were no longer sent out of class to search for school fees, allowing them to focus on learning.
According to her, this had enabled more pupils to complete the syllabus and benefit fully from teachers throughout the entire senior secondary school period.
“Free education has ensured that more children remain in class and complete their studies without disruption,” she said.
She further pointed out that the recruitment of teachers had improved the quality of learning, as subjects were now being taught by appropriately trained educators.
Ms. Miti observed that the reduction in cases where teachers handled subjects outside their areas of specialization had positively impacted examination performance.
“When the right teachers handle the right subjects, learners are bound to perform better,” she stated.
In addition, Ms. Miti highlighted the role of CDF in placing learners in boarding schools, saying this had created a conducive learning environment.
She said boarding schools allowed pupils to concentrate on their studies and enabled brilliant learners from remote areas, who might otherwise have dropped out, to sit for their examinations and excel.
“CDF support has given vulnerable but talented children a real chance to succeed,” she added.
Ms. Miti asserted that these combined efforts represented significant educational progress for disadvantaged communities, noting that the investments were now yielding visible results in national examination performance.
WHY IS THE NAME ‘MPEZENI’ A WRONG ONE? By Gumbi Kaziguda Jele Over the past 7 decades or so, the name ‘Mpezeni’ has been a popular one among the Zambian mainstream media. Most of us have grown up knowing this name as the correct name for the amaNgoni Nation’s leader. But you see, the name has actually evolved over time. Depending on the early writers of Ngoni history, different versions exist of the name.
However, none of the earlier Ngoni historians ever tried to understand the meaning of this name. Worse more, no one ever thought the name was not confined to Zambia alone. Ignoring this aspect entailed people spelling the name based on how they heard the locals spell it. Over time, we got stuck with ‘Mpezeni’.
When Ngonis began to write their own books, mostly after 1975, they also began this task of trying to understand the meaning of the name. And by then, ‘MPEZENI’ was the popular version. So they assumed the name is of Nyanja/Chewa origins and interpreted it to mean ‘FIND HIM’. However, when further pressed to explain the historical root of this name which meant, ‘Find Him’, they rushed to refer to the 1898 British-Angoni war.
This was a big mistake! Again what was ignored was the fact that the name had been in use and even documented decades before the 1898 war. The new breed of Zambian journalists, the political face and historians still continued to use this wrong name of the Ngoni King. So what is the correct spelling and what is its historical foundation?
The correct name is in fact MPHEZENI from the verb UKUPHEZA meaning to ‘leave off’ or ‘discontinue’. The name has its roots in the flying heir incident of 1826 when most family members of his mother were killed and their
EMULATE ZANACO’S PAYMENT PROCESS OF PAYING FARMERS – PS KAWANA URGES OTHER BANKS
Chisamba, Zambia 20th January 2026
By Jack Makayi
Information and Media Permanent Secretary Thabo Kawana has called on other financial institutions to emulate Zanaco Bank’s efficient payment system for farmers supplying maize to the Food Reserve Agency (FRA), describing it as timely, organised and farmer-friendly.
Mr. Kawana made the remarks today during a visit to the Zanaco Chisamba Branch in Chisamba District, where he was assessing the progress of payments to farmers under the FRA maize marketing programme. He commended Zanaco for implementing a well-coordinated, depot-by-depot payment approach supported by a Cash-in-Transit model, which allows the bank to reach farmers in remote areas.
Under this system, cash is delivered directly to villages, enabling farmers to be paid at their respective depots without travelling long distances to banking halls. Mr. Kawana noted that the approach significantly reduces transport costs and inconvenience, particularly for farmers in far-flung rural communities.
“The efficiency of this system is commendable. Each transaction takes less than two minutes, which allows queues to move steadily and ensures that farmers are served in a timely manner,” he said, urging other banks involved in FRA payments to adopt similar models.
While acknowledging that some farmers remain anxious due to personal and operational commitments, the Permanent Secretary assured them that payments are ongoing and expected to ease their concerns.
He emphasized that there is no shortage of funds, clarifying that the money has already been released to the banks and that the process currently underway is the scheduled payment of farmers.
“Funds are with the banks and payments are continuing. What we are seeing is not a funding challenge, but the normal processing of payments, ” Mr. Kawana said.
Turning to the upcoming farming season, the Permanent Secretary expressed optimism, noting that farming inputs have been supplied on time. He said most farmers have already prepared their fields and planted their crops. Early indications, he added, point to a promising yield and the possibility of a bumper harvest in the next agricultural season.
Mr. Kawana further disclosed that he will continue touring other areas to monitor the payment process and ensure that farmers across all depots are paid smoothly and efficiently.
The government has repeatedly reaffirmed its commitment to supporting farmers and ensuring timely payments as part of broader efforts to strengthen food security and rural livelihoods.
I CAN ONLY DATE A HIGH STANDARD MAN NOT JUST A BARE MINIMUM MAN NEVER – GRACE CHILUFYA
PATSON DAKA’s ex fiancé Grace Chilufya, says can never lower her standards just to be in a relationship with a man.
Chilufya says she is highly selective when it comes to men and refuses to accept the bare minimum, a stance that has even left her mother worried about her chances of marriage.
“My mum honestly believes I’ll never get married at least not anytime soon,” she said. “I think my level of pickiness with men worries her.”
Speaking via her TikTok account, Chilufya explained that her standards are the product of years of self-growth and intentional personal development.
“I have done so much work on myself, so much that I can’t settle for the bare minimum,” she stated, adding that accepting less would feel like betraying her own progress.
She stressed that her selectiveness is not rooted in arrogance, but in self-respect, clarity, and knowing exactly what she wants regardless of societal pressure.
IVU SUZEE MY PHONE WON’T STOP RINGING, CALLS, SMS ETC FROM WOMEN EAGER TO COME TO THE AUDITION
Foreign adult-content creator Ivu Suzee has found himself at the center of growing attention in South Africa—attention he says has become overwhelming.
Since the now-viral Lerato Molwelang video began trending online, Suzee claims his phone has not stopped ringing, with calls and messages pouring in from women eager to audition for future projects.
According to Suzee, despite the controversy and online debate surrounding his work, he is not in any trouble with the law.
His legal team has been quick to clarify that no one involved in his productions was forced, misled, or tricked into participating.
His lawyer maintains that all the women featured in the videos are fully aware of the nature of the content before taking part…
