UKRAINE AND PORTUGAL SIGN PARTNERSHIP FOR MARITIME DRONE PRODUCTION
Zelensky announced a new defense partnership with Portugal during Prime Minister Luís Montenegro’s first visit to Ukraine:
“Today, Ukraine and Portugal issued a joint statement on establishing a partnership for the production of maritime drones. This is one of the most promising areas of our defense efforts at present.
Across all parts of our Europe, there must be sufficient strength to counter any threats, and modern drones are a real tool of defense.”
Ukraine’s maritime drones have been one of the war’s great success stories, crippling Russia’s Black Sea Fleet and forcing it to retreat from Crimean ports.
PORTUGAL’S CONTRIBUTIONS:
-Partnership for maritime drone production
-Support for the PURL initiative enabling Ukraine to purchase American weapons
-Backed the €90 billion European financial security guarantee for Ukraine
-Restoration of Ukrainian schools in Chernihiv and Cherkasy
-Support for the Ukrainian community in Portugal
Zelensky:
“€90 billion for Ukraine, which is very tangible.”
This comes as Ukraine secured a $105 billion EU loan covering two-thirds of its financial needs for the next two years, averting a budget crisis.
Nigerian investor Michael J. Prest is challenging the Bank of Zambia over the liquidation of Investrust Bank Plc, a dispute that has raised broader questions about investor protection in Zambia’s financial system.
Prest’s firm, BONI Global, says it legally acquired a 24.8% stake in the listed lender on the Lusaka Securities Exchange in 2021 through a licensed broker, using the exchange’s settlement process. The investment, BONI says, was part of a wider strategy that included talks with development finance institutions and a proposed partnership with an Asian fintech firm.
However, Zambia’s central bank later declined to recognize BONI as a shareholder, citing approval requirements for bank ownership. BONI says it submitted the required documents but spent nearly three years without shareholder recognition or board representation.
In January 2024, the Bank of Zambia formally said it did not recognize BONI’s stake. Three months later, the regulator placed Investrust into liquidation, a move BONI says effectively wiped out its investment. The firm is now seeking the return of its capital and compensation estimated at about $40 million.
The case has drawn attention beyond Zambia, particularly in Nigeria’s investment circles, at a time when African governments are pushing for greater cross-border capital flows and stronger investor confidence.- Billionaires.Africa
President Donald Trump once again dove into familiar grievances during a rally-style speech on Friday in which he relitigated the 2020 election – and complained at length about the FBI search of Mar-a-Lago, including what he said happened to First Lady Melania Trump’s underwear drawer.
As he has repeatedly done, Trump returned to his false, five-year-old claims that the 2020 election was “rigged,” telling the crowd that Americans went to bed believing he had won, only to wake up to a different result. He again suggested the outcome was fraudulent, adding: “By the way, you have not heard the last of that.”
Trump then pivoted to the 2022 FBI search of his Mar-a-Lago beach resort, framing it as a personal and political attack. He told the audience he was not home when agents arrived to conduct “a raid of a popular president, a former president,” before launching into an unusual digression about his wife.
Describing Melanie Trump as “a very meticulous person,” Trump told the crowd of rallygoers that the First Lady makes sure “everything is perfect” with her belongings.
“Her undergarments – always nice, sometimes referred to as panties – are folded perfect, wrapped. They’re like, so perfect. I think that she steams them, makes sure they’re just sitting.”
According to the president, that order was disrupted during the search. “She opened the drawers, and it was not that way,” he said. “They were a mess. It was all over the place.” He claimed agents also went into his son’s room, declaring, “These thugs are disgusting, and we cannot let them get away with this stuff.”
“We have all the evidence now,” Trump added. “We have to do something about it! It’s illegal, and it’s disgusting.”
As Trump’s speech passed the one-hour mark, people in the crowd began to walk out, The New York Times reported Friday. Some rallygoers on stage behind the MAGA leader could also be seen on a live feed leaving the stage as Trump continued to speak for nearly 90 minutes.
“If I didn’t get elected, our country would be ruined; we would’ve not have had a country,” he told the crowd. “I’m not bragging about myself; I’m saying we would not have had a country. And now we have the greatest country in the world. I’m telling you – we’re the hottest.”
Trump made no mention of the release of records related to Jeffrey Epstein during his Friday night remarks in Rocky Mount, North Carolina.
PEARL THUSI BREAKS SILENCE ON DJ WARRAS: “WE WERE NEVER ROMANTIC – HE WAS FAMILY”
Actress and media personality Pearl Thusi has finally addressed long-standing rumours about her relationship with the late DJ Warras, making it clear that there was nothing romantic or inappropriate between them.
According to Pearl, the two shared a deep friendship built on trust and sibling-like love, especially during work trips and industry events. She revealed that during one Castle Lite gig, Warras was extremely anxious about missing his early-morning flight and insisted they stay close so he wouldn’t oversleep or mess up his travel plans.
Pearl explained that while Warras jokingly asked for comfort in a very innocent, emotional way, she immediately shut down anything that could be misunderstood — not because something was happening, but because she was aware of how quickly public perception can twist situations, especially for women in the spotlight.
«“People always assume the worst,” Pearl suggested, adding that the entertainment industry often sexualises platonic friendships, especially between men and women.»
She stressed that Warras was never a lover, but someone she viewed as a brother, and that their bond was rooted in care, safety, and mutual respect. Her decision to speak out now, she says, is about protecting the truth, honouring Warras’ memory, and shutting down harmful speculation that has resurfaced following conversations around his life and death.
https://youtu.be/zmnpUPISqZs?si=s0bqqikW01tXTokY
Pearl’s honesty sheds light on an uncomfortable reality: men and women can share close, emotionally supportive friendships without romance, yet society often refuses to accept that.
This clarification, she believes, was necessary — not for gossip — but to set the record straight and ensure that Warras is remembered for who he truly was, not for rumours or assumptions.
A 39-YEAR-OLD man of Kitwe has committed su!c!de after his wife rejected his proposal to enter into a polygamous marriage.
Gasper Kunda, of Ipusukilo Township, took his life on Wednesday morning after his wife, Josephine Mwandu, refused to accept his decision to marry another woman.
The couple had been living together until December 6, when Mwandu left the matrimonial home after her husband informed her of his intention to take a second wife.
Copperbelt Province police commanding officer Mwala Yuyi said in an interview that after leaving for her parents’ house, Mwandu was informed that her husband had begun selling chairs from their home.
Mr Yuyi said the information prompted her to call her husband, but he did not answer her calls.
“On the fateful day, the wife went to her matrimonial home and found it locked,” he said.
Mr Yuyi explained that she later asked her brother-in-law to enter the house through the window. Upon entry, the brother found Kunda lying dead beside a pesticide bottle.
DATELINE | The Longest Week in Opposition Politics
Zambia closes one of the most politically charged weeks in its recent history with the opposition in visible disarray, and a constitutional amendment now firmly part of the country’s supreme law. What began on Monday as a parliamentary vote on Bill 7 has, by the weekend, cascaded into a full-blown confrontation over party authority, constitutional power, and the future shape of the opposition.
On Monday, December 15, the National Assembly passed the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Bill No. 7 in dramatic fashion. The Bill sailed through Second Reading with 131 votes and was confirmed at Third Reading with 135 votes, clearing the two-thirds constitutional threshold. The numbers told a deeper story.
More than 20 Patriotic Front MPs, alongside independents, broke ranks and voted with the ruling UPND, fracturing the opposition’s public posture against the Bill.
The immediate political aftershock was sharp. Constitutional lawyer John Sangwa described the proceedings as “abnormal” and warned that Zambia’s constitutional order had been “gravely wounded.”
PF presidential aspirant Makebi Zulu rejected the legitimacy of the process and promised that, if elected in 2026, he would reverse the amendments.
“The Constitution says we the people give unto ourselves,” Zulu said, accusing the government of converting a people’s charter into an executive project. This promise, however, collided with political reality within hours.
On Thursday, December 18, President Hakainde Hichilema formally assented to Bill 7 at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre, sealing it into law. Addressing a packed hall of students, youths, civic leaders, MPs and even some opposition figures, Hichilema declared the debate closed.
“These reforms are not for me,” he said. “They are for you, your children, and generations yet to be born.”
Hichilema urged the country to move on and focus on jobs, electricity supply and economic growth.
By Thursday late afternoon, the battlefield shifted from Mulungushi International Conference Centre to opposition microphones. Given Lubinda, acting president of one PF faction, announced the expulsion of all PF MPs who voted for Bill 7, calling their conduct “a stab in the back.”
“This decision is final. It is irreversible,” Lubinda said, accusing the lawmakers of betraying both the party and the people.
Lubinda’s declaration triggered the next escalation.
On Friday, Government Chief Spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa stepped in, not to defend the vote, but to draw a legal boundary. Speaking at a press briefing in Lusaka, he dismissed the expulsions as “startling and hair-raising” and “an affront to the law.”
Citing the Constitution and the Parliamentary Privileges and Immunities Act, Mweetwa argued that MPs cannot be punished by party leaders for votes cast on the floor of the House.
“When Members of Parliament are on duty, no political party, not even the courts, can interfere with their conduct,” he said.
Mweetwa went further, calling the expulsion letters “just paper,” adding bluntly, “There shall be no by-elections.” He said the affected MPs remain “in situ” until Parliament adjourns, expected around May, and accused PF leaders of engaging in “political cosmetics” to mask internal defeat after Bill 7’s passage.
Friday night deepened the fracture. Robert Chabinga, the legally recognised PF president and Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, publicly rejected Lubinda’s authority, insisting that “no one can fire my MPs.”
He accused Lubinda of impersonation and signalled legal action, promising to challenge the expulsions in court. Several of the affected MPs echoed that position, saying Lubinda had no constitutional or legal mandate over them.
By this Saturday morning, the PF base is openly split. Some supporters accuse the government of hijacking the party through Chabinga. Others have turned their anger inward, blaming leadership failures and broken discipline. Copperbelt PF chair Stardy Mwale resigned, Friday, citing unconstitutional decision-making and lack of consultation, while more MPs went silent, declining calls from party officials.
The broader political picture is now stark. Bill 7 is law. Parliament remains intact. The opposition’s largest party is locked in a public authority war, with competing leaders issuing parallel commands. Promises to reverse the amendments coexist with participation in a system created by those same amendments, raising unresolved questions about strategy, coherence, and credibility.
As 2026 election period moves closer, this week has redrawn the terrain. The governing party has consolidated a constitutional victory. The opposition has exposed its internal fault lines in real time. And the country now turns from legislation to consequence.
The People’s Brief moves into focused analysis segments examining Cornelius Mweetwa’s legal argument, Robert Chabinga’s counter-move, and the shifting mood inside the PF base after the most combustible political week of the year.
Nelly Mutti’s Bill 7 celebratory dance concerning – TIZ
Transparency International Zambia (TI-Z) has expressed concern on the video of Speaker of the National Assembly Nelly Mutti dancing in parliament, after Nill 7 went through yesterday.
TI-Z acting executive director Raymond Mutale, stated that the office of the Speaker carried a unique responsibility, which should be seen to rise above partisan outcomes.
“Further, TI-Z is concerned by reports and a video circulating on social media of the Speaker of the National Assembly engaging in celebratory conduct following the passage of the Bill. While Parliamentarians can only celebrate the outcome of the issue being debated on, the Speaker should not be seen to participate in such celebrations,” Mutale stated.
“The Office of the Speaker carries a unique responsibility, should uphold impartiality and should be seen to rise above partisan outcomes. The Speaker is the custodian of order, fairness, and neutrality in the House, and public actions that may be perceived as celebratory or partisan risk creating perceptions that undermine the credibility and independence of the office.”
Mutale stated that in a politically sensitive environment such as the one involving the constitutional amendments, public confidence in democratic institutions depended on the conduct and restraint of those entrusted with high constitutional offices..
“Leaders must therefore remain mindful that symbolism, tone, and perception matter just as much as legality. TI-Z calls on all stakeholders, including Parliament, political parties, civil society, and the Executive, to ensure that the post-passage phase is characterised by openness.
📰 Bill 7 and the Erosion of Constitutionalism: A Call to Vigilance An Op-Ed by Rev Walter Mwambazi
On 18th December 2025 (yesterday), the Oasis Forum issued a sobering statement in response to President Hakainde Hichilema’s assent to Constitution (Amendment) Bill No. 7. Their message was clear, principled, and deeply unsettling: the bill, passed just days earlier by the National Assembly, is unconstitutional – not merely in content, but in the very manner of its conception and passage.
The Forum’s critique strikes at the heart of democratic integrity. They argue that Bill 7 was birthed through a process that violated constitutional requirements, ignored binding rulings from the Constitutional Court, and failed to engage the public meaningfully. In their words, “an unlawful process cannot yield a lawful statute.” This is not mere rhetoric – it’s a legal and moral indictment of a system that appears to be drifting from its foundational commitments.
But the concerns go deeper. Bill 7 expands the size of Parliament without transparent delimitation, raising alarms about gerrymandering and political entrenchment. Instead of enhancing accountability, the increase in Members of Parliament risks consolidating control and weakening Parliament’s role as a democratic safeguard. It’s a move that, according to the Forum, marks a retreat from constitutionalism and a troubling shift in the balance of power.
The Oasis Forum’s call to action is not passive. They urge citizens to remain vigilant – not just about the bill’s passage, but about its implementation. Sequencing, delimitation, subsidiary legislation, and the use of expanded nomination powers are all potential flashpoints for abuse. The Forum reminds us that the most dangerous manipulations often occur not in the drafting of laws, but in their operationalisation.
In reaffirming their commitment to constitutionalism, the rule of law, and good governance, the Oasis Forum positions itself as a moral compass in turbulent times. Their statement is more than a protest – it’s a prophetic warning and a rallying cry for every Zambian who believes in the promise of democracy.
As the nation watches the unfolding implications of Bill 7, one thing is certain: silence is complicity. Vigilance is not optional – it is the duty of every citizen who values freedom, fairness, and the future of Zambia.
Check the first comment for a detailed breakdown of the salient points raised by the Oasis Forum, broken down for ease of understanding.
MWEETWA INSISTS PF MPs WHO VOTED FOR BILL 7 SHOULD NOT BE EXPELLED
By Makasa chanda Lusaka 19 December 2025
Chief Government Spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa has disputed claims that Members of Parliament from the Patriotic Front (PF) who supported Constitution Amendment Bill No. 7 should face expulsion, insisting that recent threats of disciplinary action carry no legal force.
Mr. Mweetwa said that lawmakers who participated in the passage of Bill 7 were merely fulfilling their constitutional duties and should not be penalised for doing so. He questioned why MPs should be expelled from their party or their seats simply for voting in favour of the legislation.
Addressing the media, Mr. Mweetwa reiterated that the government will not recognise expulsions that arise solely from internal party disagreements, saying that constitutional provisions protect members who act in the interests of their constituents.
His comments come amid claims by PF acting president Given Lubinda that MPs who defied party directives by backing Bill 7 had been expelled from the PF with immediate effect. However, the division list from the National Assembly confirming individual votes has not yet been published, and questions remain over the legal enforcement of such expulsions.
Political analysts say the enforcement of party disciplinary action depends on whether the leadership that issued the expulsions is formally recognised under law a status currently clouded by internal PF leadership disputes
The Constitution Amendment Bill No. 7 was passed by Parliament and subsequently assented to by President Hakainde Hichilema, bringing it into law despite ongoing debate and controversy over the process and its implications for governance.
As the political climate intensifies ahead of the 2026 general elections, the debate over Bill 7 and the fate of MPs who supported it underscores mounting tensions within opposition ranks and broader questions about party authority versus constitutional duties.
CHAWAMA BYELECTIONS – THE ANATOMY OF AN ELECTION IN ZAMBIA
With advances in technology, law enforcement can put together the portrait of a criminal from the crime scene.
This approach seeks not to disregard even the minutest detail in and around the scene.
It’s like what quantum physics is doing to the understanding of both social and natural phenomenon.
The smallest atom of any object must be identified to facilitate understanding of a given subject matter.
The elected officials – the President, the MP and the Councilor are reflections of the voter.
The outlook of Zambia is the evidence of the performance of these elected officials.
To this day, Zambia is a poor third world country courtesy of the elected officials and by extension, the voter.
The Zambian voter does not have a correct understanding of what a government must do or else he or she will vote differently.
The Zambian voter has very low expectations hence the continued deterioration in the quality of life for the majority.
The same public policy challenges Zambia has been contending with since independence – poor public housing, economic growth that can’t impact poverty levels, employment opportunities that can’t outpace the growing population of job seekers, etc.
If you want to learn more about the anatomy of an election in Zambia, just go to Chawama where a byelection is imminent.
The living conditions you see in Chawama are a microcosm of the whole Zambia.
The profile of candidates there is a reflection of every election.
The campaign language there is what you hear in every election.
With a few exceptions, the articulation of issues is often below average and the understanding of the role of an MP by both the candidate and the voter is often defective.
The Zambian vote is generally so cheap, it can be pawned for a few tins of chibuku, a bag of meali-meal, a campaign T-shirt, etc.
The factors that could win one an election in Zambia include: go low; sound authentic like one of the voters; let them know you are a poor person like them; but, ironically, don’t say you are broke; don’t make a mistake of telling them you are educated; don’t share your CV; don’t go dressed bling bling; mingle especially with those outside your official campaign circles, and talk like local folks do.
In other words, blend in. But make no mistake, they can spot fakes.
This is more important to them than your manifesto.
That is why a candidate can promise anything no matter how outlandish it might sound.
All they want most importantly is the now and you blending in.
Ever wondered why Zambia continues to be poor?
An MP doesnt need to worry much. There will be tokens of development sprinkled here and there through CDF and cash for work.
Then the State PR machinery will massage these tokens and present them as game-changers.
The voter won’t argue. When poverty has been a way of life for far too long, your expectations are so low, you accept your plight as normal even singing along with Lucky Dube happily, “Born to suffer”!
Noisemakers won’t distract us as we chase 1,000 megawatts – Chikote
ENERGY Minister Makozo Chikote has dismissed critics who are attempting to politicise ongoing power projects, saying Government will not be distracted by ‘noisemakers’ as it works towards fulfilling President Hakainde Hichilema’s 1,000 megawatts energy directive.
Speaking during the groundbreaking of the over US$70 million worth Chisamba 100 megawatts Solar Power Plant Phase two in Chief Chamuka’s area, Chikote said the New Dawn administration is guided by a clear roadmap and long-term planning, not election pressure as claimed by some critics.
He said the Chisamba solar project, which comes barely six months after the commissioning of Phase One by President Hichilema, is evidence that Government is steadily implementing its energy reforms and delivering results on the ground.
“The noisemakers will always be there, but our focus remains firmly on delivering the 1,000 megawatts under the Presidential directive,” Chikote said.
“So it’s not about an election for 2026, but it’s our plan as a new dawn administration. Make sure that noisemakers get clear information on how we have planned for the energy sector.”
The minister explained that Zambia’s shift towards solar energy is part of a deliberate strategy to reduce overdependence on hydropower, which has been heavily affected by climate change and recurrent droughts in recent years.
He said instead of lamenting of challenges brought about by low water levels in hydro power stations, Government chose to explore alternative energy sources such as solar, coal, wind and biomass in order to stabilise the power supply and support economic growth.
Chikote described the Chisamba Phase Two project, which will sit on 204 hectares of land, as a strategic national investment that will significantly contribute to the national grid once completed, adding that the area has become a pace-setter in Zambia’s renewable energy drive.
He further praised traditional leaders for releasing land for the project, noting that their cooperation has made Chisamba a role model in the country’s energy landscape.
The project, Chikote said must prioritise locals for employment in such projects, stating that development must directly benefit the communities hosting it.
Chikote said as solar projects continue to be rolled out across the country, Zambians will begin to see tangible improvements in the energy sector, stressing that while critics make noise, Government remains focused on delivering sustainable power solutions for the country.
ECZ MEETS YOUTHS OF CHAWAMA CONSTITUENCY AHEAD OF THE PARLIAMENTARY BY-ELECTION
The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) hosted a youth engagement meeting with youths from Chawama Constituency under the theme, “Youth Participation in the Electoral Process.”
The meeting aimed to empower youth to engage in constructive discussions on the electoral process, create a safe environment for addressing the causes of violence, and work together on initiatives to prevent violence during elections.
Assistant Lusaka District Electoral Officer (A-DEO), Mr. Victor Kagoli, emphasized that young people are not merely participants in elections; they are decision-makers, advocates, and architects of a brighter future. We no longer regard youth as tomorrow’s leaders, because tomorrow is already here. This is why the Commission has been intentional in implementing policies that empower young people at every stage of the electoral process.
During a presentation delivered by the Human Rights Commission, Mr. Mweelwa Muleya highlighted the fundamental rights that participants hold within the electoral process. He underscored the importance of safeguarding these rights as a cornerstone of democratic governance, emphasizing that every eligible citizen must be empowered to engage freely, fairly, and meaningfully in shaping the nation’s future.
The polls will take place from 06:00 hours to 18:00 hours on Thursday, 15th December, 2025.
NELLY MUTI’S DANCE SEEN THROUGH THE LENSES OF INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION
The Speaker has taken so much bashing for her dance on the day Bill 7 passed 2nd and 3rd Reading.
Critics bashed her for “celebrating” the passing of the Bill thus demonstrating her “partisanship”.
Someone posted on my page that contrary to what critics were saying, she was celebrating the end of the session.
“It was her way of telling MPs that they give her too much headaches, she couldn’t wait to go and rest”, the commentator further said.
While studying communication, I did a strand of the program called Intercultural Communication.
To understand it’s basic principles, I came across this phrase, “You can’t understand the hunger of a lion unless you spoke the language of lions”.
Understanding and appreciating the actions of the other person requires that you have lived their life or like they say walked in their shoes otherwise whatever conclusions you draw may be wrong.
One example I remember from notebooks is a story of a cocktail party between Americans and folks from a country in Far East Asia.
It was taking place in Far East Asia. At the end of the function, one American said to an Asian, “It was a nice event, we should do this again soon”.
The Asian literaly waited for a call from the American to announce the date of yet another cocktail which of course never came.
Intercultural communication means that same sentences may mean different things to other people.
In Zambia, other tribes may call us Bembas as thieves which might be offensive, even hate speech, from the perspective of the western civilization but not so in the Zambian cultural setting.
Against this backdrop, do you still believe Speaker Nelly Muti acted inappropriately when she danced at the end of the just-ended sitting of the 13th Session of Parliament?
SPEAKER NELLY MUTTI HONOURED WITH DOCTORATE FOR CONTRIBUTIONS TO LAW AND GOVERNANCE
SPEAKER of the National Assembly Nelly Mutti has been awarded an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree by Gideon Robert University in recognition of her contributions to the legal profession and her dedication to democratic governance.
Expressing appreciation to the institution, Ms. Mutti said the recognition serves as a reminder of the responsibility and sacrifice associated with public service. She reflected on her journey from humble beginnings to her current role as evidence of determination, hard work, and perseverance.
Ms. Mutti emphasised that leadership goes beyond titles or positions, centering instead on influencing others while serving with integrity. She added that her role as Speaker requires firmness, impartiality, courage, and personal sacrifice, noting that she has remained focused on placing Zambia first.
Meanwhile, Lusaka Province Minister Sheal Mulyata said an educated population is key to national development, as it equips citizens with the capacity to assume leadership roles and contribute to economic progress.
She highlighted government’s continued investment in education through initiatives such as free education and the expansion of the student loan scheme to all public universities. Her remarks were delivered on her behalf by Lusaka Province Permanent Secretary Alex Mapushi during Gideon Robert University’s 15th graduation ceremony in Lusaka.
Gideon Robert University Vice Chancellor Professor Ronald Kaulule also noted that the institution has strengthened its academic framework, improved research capacity, and expanded partnerships with government, industry, and technical institutions.
ACTIONAID ZAMBIA URGES GOVT TO APPOINT AUDITOR GENERAL.
By Nelson Zulu
ActionAid Zambia Country Director Faides Tembatemba has expressed concern over the over two-year absence of a substantive auditor general, saying it undermines transparency and accountability in the country.
Speaking to Phoenix News in an interview, Ms. Tembatemba notes that while there is an Acting Auditor General, the prolonged period in an acting capacity raises concerns about the institution’s authority and effectiveness.
She has urged government to take this seriously and appoint an auditor general to restore confidence, strengthen accountability, and reinforce institutional authority, adding that Zambia has qualified professionals capable of assuming the role.
Ms. Tembatemba has also criticized local authorities for disregarding findings in the Auditor General’s report, attributing it to the lack of a permanent office holder.
She has emphasized the need to respect the office’s findings, saying delays weaken governance systems.
The current Acting Auditor General Dr. Ron Mwambwa was appointed in September 2023 after Dickson Sichembe’s resignation in July 2023, leaving the country without a substantive Auditor General.
The Lusaka Magistrates Court has for the second time rescheduled judgement in a matter where independent Chienge Member of Parliament Given Katuta is accused of threatening violence against a Times of Zambia photojournalist.
When the matter came up before court for judgement this morning, Lusaka Principal Magistrate Idah Phiri said the judgement in the matter is not ready to be delivered and will only be ready on Monday next week.
The charge arises from an incident on 21 July 2023 in Lusaka in which the prosecution alleges that Ms. Katuta threatened to cause injury to Times of Zambia photo-journalist Henry Chunza and spat at him while ordering that he deletes photos he took of her after she was suspended from the National Assembly.
The alleged conduct followed parliamentary proceedings during which Ms. Katuta had been suspended by the speaker.
In her defense, Ms. Katuta denied the allegations and told the court the claims were unfounded, explaining she was confused and ashamed after being ordered out of the house.
The initial judgment was set for 16 December 2025 for judgment after written submissions were conducted by both legal representatives.
THE University of Zambia Lecturers and Researchers’ Union yesterday failed to have a scheduled protest march to State House, after they were stopped by police.
UNZALARU had planned to protest over unpaid gratuities dating as far back to April, 2026, pensions dating back to 2016, remittance of statutory obligations such as NHIMA, NAPSA, ZRA, and Union subscriptions which have not been remitted for some time.
The Union argued that this has affected its internal affairs as they cannot address the welfare of its members.
Earlier, UNZALARU wrote to police, notifying them of the planned protest but were advised against going ahead.
Speaking after police stopped them from marching to State House, Friday, UNZALARU Secretary General Dominic Liche explained that the demonstration was aimed at seeking an audience with President Hichilema, to bring to his attention the long standing issues affecting his members.
“So, today we had a scheduled protest march to State House, where we wanted ourselves, as UNZALARU members, as well as other affected or aggrieved members, to have an audience with the Head of State. Having this audience with the Head of State, is to simply bring to his attention the long-standing issues that are affecting our members, namely; gratuities that have not been paid as far back as April 2016, pensions that have not been paid as far back as 2021 ZISK superannuation scheme that has not been paid as far back as 2012.
We also have problems with, remittance of statutory obligations, where NHIMA, NAPSA, even ZRA, are not being remitted on time. What this means is that some of our members who may want to use the NHIMA health insurance are unable to actually use this service, because NHIMA contributions are not being remitted on time,” he said.
“Also, we have problems with union subscriptions, which have not been remitted for a while now, what this means is that we cannot seriously address the welfare of our members, because we cannot, for example, guarantee their health through our in-house medical scheme. We cannot attend to emergencies should some arise, and so on, even just to operate as a union is a challenge. So, we feel that most of these problems can only be dealt with by government intervention in the institution.
If government can intervene, either through an increase in yearly annual grant or even liquidating the whole terminal benefits that are owed to members of staff at the University of Zambia, this would be helpful. As it stands now, our calculation is that if UNZA was to use internally generated resources to deal with most of these problems, it will take tens of years before these benefits are paid”.
He added that they were stopped by police and were told to the campus gate.
“The police, when we notified them they told us not to proceed. Today, we thought we could still exercise our freedom of expression and assembly and proceed, as such, but just here at the entrance of, Great East Road and UNZA, we have actually been stopped by the police, who have also advised us to go back and so now we are going back into campus,” he said.
Liche further disclosed that the members had resolved to withold student results due to the university owing them.
“So, if we know a different issue the thing is that there are certain union subscriptions that are owed to us, allowances that are owed to us, we thought since we have already worked for these allowances, what would be prudent is that, management pays us these allowances, so that we can move on also. We cannot just be owed and nothing is being done. So, the decision to withhold results was as a result of that,” said Liche.
ZIPAR PREDICTS 6.4% GROWTH FOR ZAMBIA’S ECONOMY IN FIRST QUARTER OF 2026
THE Zambia Institute for Policy Analysis and Research has projected that Zambia’s economy will grow by 6.4% in the first quarter of 2026.
Speaking during a media briefing in Lusaka today, ZIPAR Interim Executive Director Zali Chikuba has attributed the projected growth to strong performance in the manufacturing, agriculture and mining sectors, supported by increased investment and improved production capacity.
Mr. Chikuba notes that while economic growth slowed in 2025 largely due to the energy deficit, the outlook has improved following investments in the energy sector, additional release of special drawing rights by the International Monetary Fund and stronger export earnings driven by favorable copper and cobalt prices.
He further indicated that if these gains are sustained into 2026, inflation could decline to single-digit as a result of structural and transformative investments across key sectors of the economy.
Mr. Chikuba has however cautioned that the positive outlook depends on strict adherence to fiscal discipline, particularly during the election period, warning that any fiscal slippage could undermine growth prospects and broader development objectives.
Julius Malema has never tiptoed around global powers, and Trump’s visa politics proved no exception. When talk emerged of possible U.S. visa bans, the EFF leader responded with trademark defiance. His fiery response turned a diplomatic slight into an opportunity to preach African pride and self-reliance.
Defiant Response to Trump’s Visa Politics Malema dismissed the supposed privilege of visiting America, insisting that Washington could keep its burgers and bright lights. Instead, he reminded supporters that Africa offers richer experiences than any fast-food queue in New York.
Even if America blocked him, he vowed to walk proudly through Zimbabwe, Botswana, Nigeria and beyond. As leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters, he thrives on confronting symbols of Western dominance.
Choosing African Food Over American Burgers Malema contrasted greasy American burgers with Africa’s hearty dishes, praising Nigerian jollof rice and goat pepper soup. He argued that these meals nourish both body and pride, unlike diets that chase convenience over culture.
By choosing African kitchens over U.S. diners, he linked everyday food choices with political independence. He joked that American portions only inflate waistlines, whereas African plates strengthen communities and shared stories.
Africa First, Visas Later Beyond the tasty soundbites, Malema framed Trump’s stance as proof of America’s discomfort with assertive African voices. He portrayed travel bans as political tools, not neutral security measures, designed to discipline outspoken leaders.
Therefore, refusing to beg for U.S. access became, for him, an act of continental solidarity. Malema’s remarks also challenged young Africans to rethink whose approval they chase, and whose tables they honour.
While critics dismissed his comments as grandstanding, supporters heard a rare celebration of African self-sufficiency. In that moment, burgers versus jollof symbolised something bigger than cuisine; it symbolised competing visions of power. For Washington, such rhetoric complicates diplomatic engagement; for many Africans, it sounds refreshingly uncompromising.
“NO MORE BEGGING!” Namibia’s President Fires Defiant Message to the World
Namibia’s President, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, has delivered a bold and uncompromising message to the international community, declaring that her country will no longer play the role of a beggar while sitting on vast natural resources.
Speaking with striking clarity, the President insisted that Namibia has the means to stand on its own feet and chart its own economic destiny. “We cannot be a beggar in the international community when we have resources,” she said, a statement that has quickly resonated at home and beyond Namibia’s borders.
Her remarks signal a strong push for economic self-reliance, value addition and fair partnerships, rather than dependence on aid. Supporters have hailed the stance as a proud assertion of national dignity, while critics say it raises tough questions about how resources are managed.
Either way, the message is clear: Namibia wants respect, not handouts and the President is drawing a firm line.
Mthuli Ncube Removes Controversial Tax On USD Cash Withdrawal After Public Backlash Zimbabwe’s Finance Minister, Professor Mthuli Ncube, has been forced into a dramatic climbdown, completely scrapping a proposed tax on United States dollar cash withdrawals. The sudden reversal, announced on Wednesday, 18 December 2025, comes just three weeks after the levy was announced.
Minister Ncube announced the wholesale repeal of the measure during a marathon parliamentary session, directly citing the intense criticism from lawmakers and citizens alike. The proposed tiered tax on USD cash withdrawals, introduced in his 2026 National Budget on 27 November 2025, has been withdrawn.
A Surrender To Public Fury The finance minister stood in the National Assembly and acknowledged the overwhelming opposition that had mounted since the budget announcement. He stated that the Treasury had been listening to the furious debate.
“I have listened to the argument. Treasury has been listening,” Professor Ncube told the House. He further conceded that the proposed levy risked becoming a major deterrent to using the formal banking system. In a definitive move, he declared, “I have listened closely to the debate from Honourable Members and the public regarding the cash withdrawal levy proposals. Therefore, I hereby propose that we repeal that whole Clause 7.”
This policy U-turn marks a significant victory for public sentiment and parliamentary pressure over the Treasury’s initial plans. The tax would have applied a charge of 2% on individual monthly USD cash withdrawals over US$500 (approx. ZAR 9,500), with higher rates for corporate entities.
The Backlash That Forced The Hand The minister’s hand was decisively forced by an immediate and vocal uprising from economists, political figures, and ordinary Zimbabweans. The outcry played out prominently on social media and in news analyses, arguing the tax would cripple ordinary citizens and push the economy further into informality.
Prominent lawyer and politician Fadzayi Mahere captured the mood of disbelief on 27 November 2025, challenging the policy’s fundamental logic on X. She wrote:
“Why are you introducing a tax for withdrawing cash when bank charges are already so extortionate? Can you not see that you’re going to disincentivise use of the banking system?”
Economist Professor Gift Mugano also voiced severe criticism, highlighting a contradiction with earlier government promises to reduce banking costs. Following the minister’s reversal, Professor Mugano praised the government’s responsiveness in a post on 18 December 2025.
“Thumps up to @ZimTreasury for taking heed of our submissions on the 2026 budget,” he stated, confirming the tax’s removal. He added, “This is a clear demonstration of being a listening Government.”
What The Scrapping Means For You The immediate effect of the repeal is that Zimbabweans can access their US dollar savings from banks without the threat of an additional withdrawal tax. The swift demise of the policy spares citizens from a new layer of cost on top of existing bank charges and the 2% Intermediate Money Transfer Tax (IMTT), which remains in place.
The government’s stated goal of encouraging digital transactions now continues without what the public successfully argued was a counterproductive financial penalty.
Anthony Joshua marked his return to professional boxing with a knockout victory over Jake Paul, stopping the YouTuber-turned-boxer in the sixth round of their highly anticipated bout streamed live on Netflix.
The former heavyweight champion went into the fight as an overwhelming favourite, with anything other than a knockout widely expected to rank among the biggest shocks in boxing history.
While Paul came into the contest with 12 wins from 13 professional fights, including seven knockouts, most of those victories had come against ageing fighters or MMA converts, with his lone bout against an established professional boxer ending in defeat.
Joshua’s class and experience were always expected to prove decisive at the Kaseya Center in Miami.
That view was shared by his promoter Eddie Hearn, who had described Paul as “petrified” and “deluded” in the build-up, insisting the fight was designed to boost Joshua’s profile in the United States while delivering one of the biggest paydays of his career.
The plan, according to Hearn, was simple: knock Paul out early and move on. While the knockout did come, it took longer than many expected.
Joshua was repeatedly frustrated by Paul’s movement and durability, but he remained patient, gradually breaking his opponent down before finally ending the contest in the sixth round.
Joshua had insisted before the fight that there was “zero chance” it would go the distance, and although he may have preferred a quicker finish, the emphatic stoppage ensured there was no room for embarrassment.
Paul, who had talked confidently about pulling off a shock victory and even challenging for a world title, was ultimately outclassed as the fight wore on.
There had been some concern about Joshua’s sharpness, given this was his first bout in over a year following the loss of his heavyweight title to Daniel Dubois. Those doubts were eased as the Watford-born boxer showed composure, power and intent, promising beforehand to show “no mercy” and delivering on that pledge under the lights in Miami.
After several tense rounds, Joshua finally found the opening he needed, sending Paul to the canvas and bringing an end to the spectacle. It was a dominant, if occasionally frustrating, performance that underlined the gulf in experience between the two fighters and set the stage for Joshua’s return to elite-level competition.
Prominent conservative voices clashed at Turning Point USA’s annual AmericaFest conference on Thursday night, as Ben Shapiro criticized Tucker Carlson for hosting controversial guests, such as white nationalist Nick Fuentes and divisive influencer Andrew Tate, on his show.
Shapiro repeatedly evoked Charlie Kirk, the conservative activist and founder of Turning Point USA who was assassinated in September, while calling members of the conservative movement “charlatans,” “frauds” and “grifters.”
“[Kirk] knew that Nick Fuentes is an evil troll and that building him up is an act of moral imbecility, and that is precisely what Tucker Carlson did. He built Nick Fuentes up, and he ought to take responsibility for that, just as he ought to take responsibility for glazing pornographer and alleged sex trafficker Andrew Tate,” Shapiro said.
Speaking at the end of the conference, Carlson made a jab at the earlier calls for what he described as “denouncing and deplatforming.”
“I hope I didn’t miss anything meaningful. … I don’t think I did,” Carlson said of the previous segments. “No, I’m just kidding. I watched it. I laughed. I laughed the kind of bitter, sardonic laugh that emerges from you when upside-down world arrives.”
Carlson added that “the whole point” of Kirk’s public life had been “to usher in a new time where you could have an actual debate.”
Shapiro warned the conservative movement that Kirk helped build was “in serious danger” during his speech.
He condemned right-wing podcaster Candace Owens’s social media inquiries into the assassination of Kirk, and he knocked media personality Megyn Kelly and others for “shying away” from condemning Owens’s actions.
https://twitter.com/i/status/2001827269195764063
“The conservative movement is also in danger from charlatans who claim to speak in the name of principle, but actually traffic in conspiracism and dishonesty, who offer nothing but bile and despair, who seek to undermine fundamental principles of conservatism by championing enervation and grievance,” Shapiro said. “These people are frauds, and they are grifters, and they do not deserve your time.”
The Turning Point event memorialized Kirk, who was killed while speaking with university students in Utah in September. Tyler Robinson was arrested and charged in connection with the shooting.
Tucker Carlson slams Ben Mossad Shapiro for calling a young student who asked about the USS Liberty as a “Hitlerite”
The clash between Shapiro and Carlson underscores competing visions for the future of the conservative movement as President Trump wraps up the first year of his second term in the White House — and as the party prepares for tough midterm elections next year.
Erika Kirk, the widow of Charlie Kirk and Turning Point’s new CEO, met this week for what she called a “productive” meeting with Owens amid concerns about her fueling of conspiracy theories swirling around the assassination.
Owens on Thursday responded to the onstage jabs from Shapiro, who is Jewish, by suggesting on the social platform X that Israel was involved in the killing.
“You may not agree with everyone on this stage this weekend, and that’s okay,” Kirk said in her opening remarks at the conference. “Welcome to America. Charlie would’ve welcomed that.”
Reality TV matriarch Kris Jenner has sparked conversations online after saying she believes her grandson, Tatum, can communicate with her late ex-husband, Robert Kardashian Sr.
The 70-year-old made the revelation on a recent episode of The Kardashians while visiting her daughter Kylie Jenner’s home, which the family jokingly (and nervously) discussed as possibly being haunted.
Khloé Kardashian and Scott Disick were also present when the conversation took a deeper, emotional turn.
According to Khloé, three-year-old Tatum once said he wanted to “call Honey” — a nickname Kris says no one ever taught him.
Kylie, visibly surprised, asked if Tatum actually calls Kris “Honey.” Khloé confirmed it, adding that no one had ever used that name around him.
That’s when Kris connected the dots.
She explained that “Honey” was exactly what her late ex-husband, Robert Kardashian Sr., used to call her when he was alive.
Things became even more emotional when Kris revealed that Tatum didn’t just say the name — he described Robert.
She said Tatum told her a full story, describing his grandfather as funny, and even said he was crying.
When Kris asked why, Tatum reportedly replied, “Because he loves you,” while pointing to her face.
In a confessional, an emotional Kris described the experience as extraordinary.
She said it’s difficult to ignore a three-year-old talking about detailed interactions with a grandfather he never met, adding that Tatum sometimes says goodnight to Robert as if he’s right there in the room.
Robert Kardashian Sr., a prominent attorney best known for being part of O.J. Simpson’s defence team, died from oesophageal cancer in September 2003 at the age of 59, just two months after his diagnosis.
While some viewers see the moment as deeply spiritual, others remain sceptical. Still, the family’s reaction made it clear that the experience felt very real to them.
A woman and her lover have been jailed for conspiring to murd£r her husband and claim £124,000 in life insurance.
Michelle Mills, 46, was sentenced today, Dec. 19, at Swansea Crown Court to 19 years in prison for conspiring with Geraint Berry, a 46-year-old former marine, to murd£r Christopher Mills.
Berry was sentenced to 19 years in prison for the same offence, with the judge saying the pair hatched a “devious, callous and murd£rous plot”.
Two masked men armed with imitation firearms attacked Mr Mills in a caravan he shared with his wife at a holiday park in Cenarth, Carmarthenshire, in September 2024. He managed to disarm and fight off the intruders, who then fled, the court previously heard.
The incident was treated as an armed robbery before a manhunt was launched.
Gas masks, cable-tie handcuffs and a fake suicide note purportedly written by Mr Mills to his wife were found in Berry’s rucksack. Officers also found messages between him and Mills sent immediately before and after the caravan attack.
Following the sentencing, Georgia Jones from the Crown Prosecution Service said: “This was a devious, callous and murd£rous plot devised by a wife and her lover to k!ll her husband. The evidence painted a clear picture, showing that the two defendants had been discussing different ways of k!lling Mr Mills over the weeks leading up to the attack.
“However, their plans fell apart when Mr Mills managed to bravely fight off his attackers. We would like to thank Mr Mills, and the other witnesses, for their support throughout this case, enabling us to bring these offenders to justice.”
During her three-month affair with Berry, Mills discussed ways to carry out the murd£r, including smothering her husband with a pillow, poisoning his salad with foxgloves and adding antifreeze to his gravy, the court heard.
The plot is said to have been hatched just weeks after Mr Mills’ £124,000 Help For Heroes life insurance policy came into effect.
Berry began an affair with Mills in the summer of 2024 and the attack occurred at the end of September 2024.
Cheating wife and lover jailed for plot to k!ll husband and claim the insurance
In text conversations shown to jurors, Mills, a former charity worker, and Berry spoke of their love for each other and desire to be together.
In a victim impact statement, Mr Mills told how he was “devastated” to learn of the “calculating” nature of the incident, which he described a a “complete shock” as he always thought he had a “comfortable and happy life”.
He said he continues to suffer with stress and anxiety, adding: “This has pretty much ruined my life,” Wales Online reports.
Mr Mills said that the allegations of domestic abuse made against him by his now former partner concerned him, adding that he has since lost his job as a case manager with Help for Heroes and feels he has lost his “purpose”.
He says the scars on his forehead from the attack are a “permanent reminder” of what happened. His hearing has also been affected as a result of the assault in the caravan, according to the statement.
Detective Inspector Sam Gregory, of Ceredigion CID, said: “We’d had a report of two masked men attempting to gain access to a caravan and assaulting the owner, and we had arrested two suspects. On the surface it appeared that this case would be fairly straightforward.
“However, when our officers searched Berry and Thomas, it was discovered that they were in possession of gas masks, imitation firearms, and most bizarrely a typed suicide note purporting to have been written by Christopher Mills. With this development, the case was referred to CID to investigate, and the full extent of what had been planned began to unfold.”
Despite denying the charges, Michelle Mills, from Llangennech, Carmarthenshire, was found guilty of conspiracy to murd£r and perverting the course of justice following a two-week trial in October. Berry, from Clydach, Swansea, was also found guilty of the first charge, which he denied.
But both he and a third suspect, Steven Thomas, a former marine, had previously pleaded guilty to possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear.
On Friday, Dec. 19, Davids Elias KC, defending Berry, said a psychiatric report provided to the court detailed the defendant’s post-traumatic stress disorder and showed that he takes anti-depression and anti-psychosis medication.
During their sentencing, Jonathan Rees KC, for the prosecution, told the court that Mills has no previous convictions and that Thomas has one conviction for an offence of drug-driving. Berry has 11 convictions for offences including harassment, breach of a restraining order, battery, burglary and motoring matters.
Mills was sentenced to 19 years and 18 months concurrent for perverting the course of justice. She will serve two-thirds of the sentence in custody before being released on licence to serve the remainder in the community.
In addition to his 19 year-term, Berry must serve an 18-month jail term for possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear.
Thomas was sentenced to 12 months in prison for possession of a firearm. The judge said Thomas played a “subservient role” in the caravan attack, adding that given the length of time Thomas has spent on remand, his release is imminent.
In a rare incident, Passengers on an Air Congo flight were seen jumping from a Boeing 737-800 onto the tarmac at Kindu Airport in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
According to reports, the aircraft landed without any stairs available to help passengers disembark the plane.
The incident occurred on Thursday, December 19, following the flight’s arrival from Kinshasa. Passengers were left sitting on board for several hours.
It was later explained to them that ground handlers did not provide air stairs, the usual equipment used for deplaning when an airplane.
Frustrated by the delay and heat inside the cabin, some travelers were eventually encouraged to exit through the forward door.
However, the Boeing 737 sits about 3–4 meters (10–13 feet) above the ground. Passengers were seen passing down luggage and then making the jump themselves onto the tarmac.
In a viral footage shared on social media, passengers are see dropping bags and stepping down at Kindu Airport.
Air Congo is a new national carrier launched in late 2024 as a joint venture between the DRC government and Ethiopian Airlines.
A 24-year-old Nigerian national, Oluwadamilola Ogooluwa Bamigboye, and his 23-year-old girlfriend, Rekeya Lionesha Lee Frazier, have been arrested on federal charges in Minnesota.
A Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agent was allegedly assaulted and briefly transported him in a vehicle during an attempted arrest over a suspected visa overstay.
According to criminal complaints and local reports, HSI agents were conducting surveillance on December 10 at an apartment complex in Plymouth, Minnesota, as part of an effort to question Bamigboye about allegedly overstaying his student visa.
The agents allege they identified themselves and showed badges before approaching the vehicle in which Bamigboye was sitting, driven by Frazier.
Bamigboye reportedly reacted by jumping into the back seat of the SUV and telling Frazier to drive off. One agent tried to block the vehicle from moving, and another tried to pull Bamigboye from the car.
Prosecutors say Bamigboye pushed one agent out of the vehicle, while the other became trapped inside as Frazier began driving away.
The SUV was driven to the New Hope Police Department, where the agents were ultimately freed without serious injury.
During the drive, the trapped agent reportedly feared he was being abducted because he was unfamiliar with the area.
Frazier told authorities she believed the agents were not legitimate law enforcement, a claim noted in court filings.
Bamigboye allegedly fled on foot after the vehicle stopped and was apprehended in a nearby store.
Both he and Frazier are now in federal custody and face charges that include assault on a federal officer and related offenses.
Some reports describe the incident as involving a brief “kidnapping” because an agent was transported without consent during the attempt to flee.
The case is being prosecuted in federal court in Minnesota.
Nigerian Actress, Doris Ogala, has reportedly dropped bedroom photos of Pastor Chris Okafor for dumping her to marry another woman after almost a decade of being in a romantic relationship.
According to reports, the 2 have been in a relationship for more than 9 years, and some months after they became official in 2017.
The Actress claims it started as pastoral guidance, but one thing led to the, and she fell in love, so it has been love until recently.
There was no news about their fallout out but in the second week of December 2025, Pastor Chris Okafor posted news about his engagement with another woman, and this obviously did not sit well with Ogala.
She ranted non-stop for days on social media and even threatened to harm herself by exiting earth because she cannot bear the shame and pain.
She promised to ruin Mr Okafor if he doesn’t stop that engagement, and as you read this, Doris Ogala has shared private footage of Pastor Chris Okafor, which she took during one of the times their relationship had the spark.
After the Pastor posted his engagement announcement on his socials and it got crazy attention, it made the actress more furious.
Doris Ogala revealed that she has sacrificed a lot to be dumped like this, so she will either win Okafor back or destroy his relationship with his newly found love.
She clearly gave the Pastor an option, but he refused to choose because he seemed to have gotten over Ogala, even though they were still together.
The Pastor used some of her ranting videos for a sermon in his church and said that Doris Ogala’s behaviour is one of the reasons why he did not settle with her.
President Peter Mutharika has officially returned to Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe.
State House Press Secretary Cathy Maulidi confirmed that the President moved into the official residence this evening.
Mutharika relocated from Sanjika Palace in Blantyre, where he had been staying prior to the move.
The President arrived back in Malawi on Monday through Bakili Muluzi Airport following a private trip to South Africa.
Government had earlier indicated that he would only return to Kamuzu Palace after targeted maintenance works were completed.
There had been reports that the state residence was vandalised during the transition period between the outgoing Malawi Congress Party (MCP) administration and the incoming Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) government.
Madlanga Commission delivers interim report to the president, vows to continue despite witness murder
The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has reached a pivotal moment, submitting its Interim Report to President Cyril Ramaphosa on 17 December 2025.
The report comes after three months of intense hearings sparked by the explosive allegations made by Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi in July. To date, the commission has heard testimony from 37 witnesses over 45 days, amassing over 8,000 pages of transcripts and 120 bundles of evidence.
In a stark reminder of the high stakes involved, the commission’s statement condemned the “brutal killing” of witness Marius van der Merwe outside his home in early December. Labelling it an “inflection point,” spokesperson Jeremy Michaels stated the murder highlights the “determination of certain criminal elements” to obstruct justice. The commission defiantly vowed it “will not be intimidated” and called for law enforcement to bring the perpetrators to book.
Despite the intimidation, the commission reports renewed vigour, with more witnesses coming forward. Its work has been supported by extensive public and media engagement, with live streams reaching millions.
The commission will now break over the festive season, with essential staff preparing for a resumption of public hearings in January 2026. Dozens more witnesses are scheduled to testify next year as the high-profile inquiry continues its pursuit of accountability.
🇷🇺🇪🇺 PUTIN TO EU ON RUSSIAN RESERVES: “NO MATTER WHAT THEY STEAL – SOMEDAY THEY WILL HAVE TO GIVE IT BACK”
Putin is trying to turn Europe’s frozen-asset debate into a global “your money isn’t safe” warning.
With the EU weighing ways to use immobilized Russian reserves to fund Ukraine, he argues that once Brussels normalizes confiscating sovereign assets, the target list can expand-potentially even to Muslim, oil-producing states over culture-war politics like anti-LGBT laws.
It’s less about one pot of Russian money and more about the precedent: who gets to declare a government “bad” and then grab its cash.
“Now someone does not like the implementation of special military operations and the struggle against neo-Nazism in Ukraine.
And then someone may not like politics in the field of the LGBT community.
So here is a pretext for the withdrawal of sovereign funds, sovereign resources and money.
And most importantly, no matter what they steal, no matter how they do it, someday they will have to give it back.
But, among other things, we will defend our interests… first of all, in the courts.
We will try to find such a jurisdiction that will be independent of political decisions.”
AJ vs Jake Paul: A Circus Disguised as Boxing – Why the Fight Fell Flat and What Comes Next for Anthony Joshua & Jake Paul
The much-talked-about clash between Anthony Joshua (AJ) and Jake Paul delivered massive headlines, huge paydays, and global attention — but for many boxing fans, it failed the sport itself.
Despite the hype, this fight was more entertainment than real competition.
❌ Why the Fight Wasn’t “Good Boxing”
Let’s be honest:
Anthony Joshua is a former two-time heavyweight world champion, Olympic gold medallist, and elite professional boxer.
Jake Paul, despite improvements, is still a YouTuber-turned-boxer whose resume is built largely on non-elite opponents.
The skill gap was obvious. AJ never needed to reach top gear, while Jake Paul’s defensive flaws, footwork limitations, and lack of elite ring IQ were exposed. The fight looked controlled, cautious, and commercially calculated, designed more for Netflix views, social media clips, and sponsorships than for boxing purists.
Many fans felt:
The pacing was slow
The outcome felt predictable
The spectacle outweighed sporting merit
💰 In short: big money, big noise, low stakes for boxing history.
🎭 Why It Still “Worked” as Entertainment
That said, the fight succeeded where it was meant to: ✔️ Millions watched ✔️ Social media exploded ✔️ Jake Paul stayed relevant ✔️ AJ collected a massive payday with minimal risk
This was cross-over boxing — not championship boxing.
🔮 What’s Next for Anthony Joshua?
For AJ, this fight was a detour, not a destination.
Likely next steps:
A serious heavyweight showdown against Tyson Fury, Deontay Wilder, Filip Hrgović, or Zhilei Zhang
A chance to rebuild credibility with hardcore fans
One final run at world title contention
Joshua must now decide: 👉 Legacy fights or luxury exhibitions?
🔮 What’s Next for Jake Paul?
For Jake Paul, the loss doesn’t end his boxing journey — it reshapes it.
Possible paths:
Drop back to fighting natural cruiserweights
Face names like Tommy Fury (rematch), KSI, or other crossover stars
Continue being boxing’s biggest disruptor, not its best technician
Jake Paul remains a business success, even if he’s not an elite boxer.
🧠 Final Verdict
AJ vs Jake Paul will be remembered not for greatness, but as a symbol of where boxing is today — caught between sport and spectacle.
👀 Fans wanted a fight. 📺 They got a show.
🗣️ Your take? Was this good business but bad boxing — or exactly what modern fans want? 👇 Drop your thoughts.
Country music star Jelly Roll has received a full pardon from Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, officially clearing his criminal record and marking a major milestone in the artist’s long-public redemption journey.
The pardon was granted on Thursday, December 17, wiping away the singer’s past felony convictions, which stemmed from a troubled youth marked by repeated run-ins with the law. Jelly Roll, whose real name is Jason DeFord, was in and out of jail for nearly a decade starting at age 14, with convictions including aggravated robbery, drug possession, drug dealing, and shoplifting.
Among the most serious offences was a robbery committed when he was a teenager, for which he was tried as an adult, as well as drug-related charges at the age of 23.
With the pardon, those felonies have now been removed from his record, allowing the “Need a Favor” hitmaker to travel more freely for international tours and engage in faith-based and community work without the legal restrictions that previously followed him.
Jelly Roll has never shied away from discussing his past, often using his life story to inspire others struggling with crime and incarceration, emphasising that transformation is possible.
Governor Bill Lee praised the musician’s journey, describing it as an example of rehabilitation and hope.
“His story is remarkable, and it’s a redemptive, powerful story, which is what you look for and what you hope for,” Lee said. The pardon follows a unanimous recommendation by the Tennessee Board of Parole, which endorsed Jelly Roll for clemency back in April.
The decision has been widely welcomed by fans and supporters, many of whom see the move as recognition of the artist’s commitment to personal growth, accountability, and positive impact beyond music.
Russian President, Vladimir Putin’s annual marathon press conference once again unfolded as a mix of local governance complaints and sweeping geopolitical commentary, signalling his red lines on the war haven’t shifted during his annual press conference, on the heels of Europe’s $105 billion lifeline for Ukraine
This year’s event followed Europe’s decision to extend a $105 billion interest-free loan to Ukraine, aimed at sustaining Kyiv’s resistance against Moscow. While European leaders stopped short of diverting frozen Russian assets to Ukraine, the loan effectively provides Ukraine with both time and resources as the war, launched by Putin in February 2022, nears its fourth year.
With the aid package in mind, Putin struck a hard tone on the conflict, listing what he described as Russia’s incremental gains on the battlefield. He claimed Russian forces were “advancing across the whole of the front line,” naming towns and villages that Moscow says are now under full or partial control.
The press conference, which lasted more than four hours, also saw Putin deflect responsibility for the heavy loss of life, insisting that Russia “did not start this war.” At the same time, he hinted at conditional openness to negotiations, saying Moscow was ready to end the conflict peacefully based on principles previously outlined, while addressing what he repeatedly referred to as the “root causes” of the crisis.
That phrase remains central to Russia’s long-standing demands, including Ukraine’s withdrawal from the Donbas region, a halt to NATO expansion, and fundamental political changes in Kyiv.
Putin again revisited grievances over NATO’s eastward expansion after the Cold War, arguing that Russia would not resort to further “special military operations” if it were treated with respect.
Critics note that Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine directly contributed to NATO’s expansion in Northern Europe, undercutting that argument.
The remarks come as US President Donald Trump’s administration pushes ahead with an unconventional diplomatic effort to bring both sides to the negotiating table.
Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, is expected to hold talks with senior Russian figures, including Kirill Dmitriev, head of Russia’s sovereign wealth fund and a key Putin ally, as discussions continue on possible pathways to end the war.
Putin publicly praised Trump’s role, saying the American president was “making serious efforts to end the conflict.” However, it remains unclear how sincere the Russian leader is about ending the same war, as his core demands and red lines appear largely unchanged
In a statement, the palace said recent medical tests carried out over the autumn showed a clear decline in the crown princess’s health.
“It has not yet been decided when the crown princess will be placed on the transplant waiting list,” the statement noted.
Professor Are Martin Holm of Oslo University Hospital’s pulmonary unit said preparations were already underway.
“We are approaching the time when a lung transplant must be performed, and we are making the necessary preparations so that it will be possible when that time comes,” he said.
The announcement has drawn widespread attention and concern, as Norwegians continue to follow updates on the crown princess’s health.
The United States has approved an unprecedented $11.1 billion weapons package for Taiwan, including 82 HIMARS launchers and 420 ATACMS long-range missiles.
China responded sharply, warning that the sale risks turning Taiwan into a “powder keg” and could drive the region toward military confrontation. While Washington frames the deal as essential for Taiwan’s self-defense and regional stability, Beijing accuses the US of using the island to “contain China”.
This marks the largest arms sale of its kind as tensions continue to escalate across the Taiwan Strait. The package now enters a 30-day congressional review period before production begins Source: Fox News
Russia’s Oil Tankers Are Now Guarded by Armed Military Personnel
Sweden’s Navy has confirmed what intelligence agencies suspected: armed guards in military uniforms are now aboard Russia’s “shadow fleet” oil tankers operating in European waters.
These aging vessels help Russia circumvent Western sanctions, shipping oil worth hundreds of millions annually. Western intelligence sources also reveal that Russian operatives with military ties have been conducting espionage activities while working covertly on these ships.
This represents a major escalation in how Russia protects its sanctioned oil exports—shifting from covert operations to openly militarized shipping operations.
What do you think this development means for global maritime security and energy markets?
Police identify former Zambesi Building tenant as person of interest as manhunt intensifies in DJ Warras murder
Police have identified a woman previously residing in the Zambesi building in Johannesburg’s Central Business District (CBD) as a person of interest in the murder of popular media personality Warrick “DJ Warras” Stock, as the manhunt for suspects linked to the fatal shooting continues to intensify.
Johannesburg MMC for Public Safety Dr Mgcini Tshwaku told MDN News that the woman, who is alleged to have been a former tenant at the Zambesi building the location where DJ Warras was ambushed and shot on Tuesday is believed to be a kingpin in ongoing disputes surrounding hijacked inner-city buildings. She is also cited in a protection order that DJ Warras had obtained against individuals linked to the property prior to his death.
Police have so far questioned five people in connection with the killing, and efforts are underway to locate and detain others believed to be involved. Tshwaku said law enforcement agencies were working “around the clock” to follow up on multiple leads as they attempt to establish the motive behind the attack.
Investigators have also analysed CCTV footage showing a man with dreadlocks opening fire on DJ Warras as he exited the building near the Carlton Centre shortly after midday, before fleeing on foot. Authorities say no items were stolen, and cartridges were recovered at the scene, suggesting a targeted hit rather than a random act of violence.
Tshwaku noted that DJ Warras had obtained multiple protection orders against individuals allegedly threatening him in the weeks before he was killed, with one hearing taking place just days before the shooting. The ongoing probe is reportedly questioning those named in these orders as potential links to the murder are explored.
The high‑profile case has drawn public attention to the wider issue of hijacked buildings and violent crime in Johannesburg’s inner city, with authorities urging anyone with information to assist with the investigation.
Fadiel Patel sentenced to life in prison for wife’s killing
The Polokwane High Court has sentenced Rameez Patel to life imprisonment after he was found guilty of murdering his wife, Fatima Patel.
Fatima, 28, was fatally shot at their home in Nirvana, Polokwane, in April 2015.
During the trial, evidence showed that there were no signs of forced entry, contradicting Patel’s claim that intruders were responsible.
Witness testimony and forensic findings directly linked him to the crime. In addition to the life sentence for murder, Patel was handed five years for unlawful possession of a firearm and three years for possession of ammunition, and he was declared unfit to own a firearm.
The court heard that Patel had asked his brother to hide a firearm and had threatened him if he spoke out.
Judge Joseph Raulinga noted that Patel showed no remorse, ruling that there were no circumstances to justify a lesser sentence.
The verdict marks the conclusion of one of the country’s most high-profile femicide cases and sends a strong message about accountability for gender-based violence.
