Withdraw Criminal Complaint against Zumani Zimba, Dr. Canisius Banda Requests Hon. Given Lubinda
Somewhere, I have read a statement issued by Ray Hamoonga regarding a police report purported to have been lodged by our acting president.
I am deeply troubled by this report if it is indeed true. I am assuming that Zumani is an opposition member like all of us, who’d give us not just a vote but vital strategic contributions.
I am also thinking that Zumani is an insider in this opposition family who should be sat down by the acting president should there be disagreements between them.
Resolving our challenges internally may help us build confidence among ourselves.
However, reporting him to police may cause the police to pounce on him.
This certainly would take away from all of us.
We may consider realising that should police move in on him, it is us who are expected to offer him solidarity.
How then are we going to do so if or when the report is made by our own leader?
This is likely going to put the whole opposition undertaking in a very awkward position.
This may be time for reconciliation and more reconciliation within ourselves.
Let us consider looking at the events of the last few days.
Our own supporters violently disrupted a meeting, which we were meant to attend. None of us reported those youths to police for the abuse we suffered. Even though some of our youths were calling for us to be arrested instead, we have all ignored this, and we are waiting for an optune time to discuss with our youths and hopefully reconcile with them.
If this report is true, I sincerely and strongly call upon the acting president to withdraw the report and pursue a more uniting route of reconciliation. The acting president could even consider deploying third parties who are abundantly available at his disposal to mediate.
We are and should be one family in spite of opposition politics.
LUBINDA REPORTS DR. CHRIS ZUMANI ZIMBA OVER ALLEGED FAKE FACEBOOK POST
PRESS STATEMENT
IDENTITY THEFT C/S 14(1)(a) AND HARASSMENT C/S 22(1)(a) OF THE CYBER CRIMES ACT NO. 2 OF 2021 – WOODLANDS POLICE STATION
October 09,2025-Woodlands Police Station is investigating a case of identity theft and Harassment contrary to Sections 14(1)(a) and 22(1)(a) of the Cyber Crimes Act No. 2 of 2021.
The Station today, October 09, 2025, at 15:00 hours received the report from Mr. Given Lubinda, aged 62, of Plot No. 21840 Hill View Park, Libala, who is the Chairperson for the Tonse Alliance. He reported that Dr. Chris Zumani Zimba allegedly published a false article about him on social media. The incident is believed to have occurred on an unknown date in October 2025, at an unknown time, via a Facebook page titled “DR CHRIS ZUMANI ZIMBA.”
Brief facts of the matter are that, on an unknown date in October 2025, while the complainant was browsing on social media, he came across an article allegedly authored by Dr. Chris Zumani Zimba. In the said article, Mr. Lubinda was accused of secretly appointing members of the Patriotic Front and other individuals to positions within the Tonse Alliance — allegations he denies.
Further, the post was accompanied by Mr. Lubinda’s photograph and screenshots of purported WhatsApp conversations between him and Dr. Zimba, suggesting that Mr. Lubinda shared and approved a list of appointed members dated October 03, 2025. Mr. Lubinda has denied any knowledge of such communications or consent.
Upon reading the post, he decided to report the matter to the police. An inquiry file has been opened, and investigations have since been instituted.
Members of the public are reminded that the publication of false information, impersonation, and harassment through social media platforms are serious offences under the Cyber Crimes Act. The Zambia Police Service remains committed to ensuring that individuals abusing cyberspace to injure the reputation of others are held accountable in accordance with the law.
More details will be availed as investigations progress.
It’s a BIBLICAL appointment just like DAVID only those with spiritual eyes can see what’s coming in 2026.
By Maxwell Chongu – CF National Youth Chairman
LUSAKA, THURSDAY, OCTOBER , 09, 2025 : President Harry Kalaba* will be the one to unseat *President Hakainde Hichilema* this has nothing to do with the flesh but everything to do with the spirit.
He is the chosen one by God to unite Zambia
Many Alliances, Political Parties and Presidential Candidates will come, some will look exactly what Zambians think can take over from President Hakainde Hichilema, others will come prepared with huge amounts of money and influence but God’s anointing is on *President Harry Kalaba* just like we read in the bible about David.
Many will position themselves ahead of 2026 just like David’s brothers did, destiny can be delayed however prophecy can’t but to be fulfilled.
You will ignore *President Harry Kalaba* , calling him young, others will try to harm, scandalize, demean and disrespect him but Divine intervention, protection and speed will be with him to ensure prophecy is fulfilled.
Himself will feel lonely sometimes just like David felt without knowing God is preparing him to be able to make decisions alone without people’s influence when he seats on the throne so that Zambians will benefit regardless of political affiliation unlike what is happening.
He is the chosen one that many can’t see coming because they are preoccupied with earthly things and no time with the word of God.
I’am not a prophet neither a priest, apostle, pastor but remember God has a strange way of using people you least expect to deliver his message.
PF ministers succeeded because Lungu chose on merit – Mundubile
MPOROKOSO member of parliament Brian Mundubile has credited former president Edgar Lungu’s leadership and strategic approach to ministerial appointments as the reason behind the PF government’s ‘successful’ performance during its tenure.
Speaking to Hot FM this morning during a radio programme, Mundubile said president Lungu’s decision to appoint ministers based on merit rather than political convenience, laid the foundation for a results-driven administration.
“PF ministers succeeded because President Lungu chose on merit, he took his time in selecting his team and believed that those he appointed would perform in their areas of responsibility,” stated Mundubile.
He explained that Lungu’s leadership style gave ministers the freedom to think independently, introduce new ideas and execute their duties without unnecessary interference.
“He gave us room to work, to bring in fresh ideas, and because of that, we were able to deliver. He believed in us, and that motivated us to perform.”
The Mporokoso lawmaker also commended Lungu for promoting fairness and reconciliation within government, saying those values created a strong, collaborative working environment.
“He believed in fairness, reconciliation, and above all, hard work. That created the environment we needed to succeed.”
He further described Lungu as a unique kind of leader, noting that what set him apart was his quiet confidence and ability to empower those around him.
Meanwhile, Mundubile appealed to President Hakainde Hichilema to show compassion and allow the family of the late former president Edgar Lungu to proceed with his burial, saying the delay has taken an emotional toll on those closest to him.
“[President Hichilema] must reconsider his position and allow the family to do what they believe is best for them,” added Mundubile.
It’s been over four months since Lungu died in South Africa but his body is yet to be buried due to the family’s instance of giving the former head of state a private burial while Government wants a State Burial as a befitting honour.
Talks between the Government and the family have been ongoing with near conclusions, court resolutions and appeals…https://kalemba.news/politics/pf-ministers-succeeded-because-lungu-chose-on-merit-mundubile/
Nakacinda challenges Sean Tembo to leave Tonse Alliance
THE Patriotic Front has challenged its politically-charged alliance partner Sean Tembo to parachute out of the wrangle-hit Tonse Alliance if he thinks he has superior ideas.
The challenge was made by PF secretary general Raphael Nakacinda yesterday as he spoke during a Tonse Alliance presser which shunned by Tembo the spokesperson but attended by acting chairperson Given Lubinda and his co-chair Danny Pule.
“If they have better ideas on how this thing can be done, persuade each other, come up with a common position and move forward. And for us, we are saying an olive branch has been extended to everybody, including those who may have insulted us. And we are also saying, like the president said, I felt offended by anything that could have been done or said,” he stated.
Nakacinda however said this camp was ready to reconcile with anyone from the alliance who felt offended by the current alliance happenings.
He also wondered how Tembo who is not a PF member can think he has powers to control and appoint PF leaders as Tonse Alliance council of leaders.
Meanwhile, Pule claimed that he together with Nakacinda and Lubinda were the only true leaders of the alliance and anything coming from Tembo was to be ignored.
“Besides me and honourable Nakacinda, there’s no other genuine leadership of the Tonse Alliance. We are the top leadership of the Tonse Alliance. Any meeting convened without me, Nakacinda and Lubinda is not a genuine meeting. You need to ignore it,” said Pule.
NEWLY elected Zambia We Want President Kapembwa Simbao says the party is willing to work with other opposition political parties in order to try and make the country better
Simbao also says the Zambia We Want party is going to task itself with providing what the Zambian people want.
Speaking in an interview, Simbao said the only way the opposition could work together was when they became strong.
“The answer is yes. Now, when I say yes, the idea here is to try and make Zambia better. The opposition exists to check the party in power so that Zambia, or any country, can become better. Meaning there is only one divide: the ruling and the opposition. If you’re in the opposition, you can’t detach yourself from the other opposition. You can’t. However, it is important that each opposition party grows. Each one becomes strong, not to let one of them become strong alone, no,” Simbao said.
“For the Zambia We Want Party, we are going to see how we can become strong. And we pray and hope that all the other opposition parties will make that their task, to become strong. Not to be looking at one opposition party as the only strong party, no. [When] every one of us is becoming strong, that’s the only way the opposition can work together”.
Simbao said the party was preparing to contest and win seats, but acknowledged that this was easier said than done.
“Yes, we are gearing ourselves to take our seat[s]. Now, it’s easier said than done. [The] first thing we’re going to do is get to work. Get to make people know us, understand us. We have come together as a group of people with integrity. And people can do whatever they want to do to find out who we are. We have made sure that we have become a collection of people of integrity. We don’t want to be in a position where again we take people for granted, just to let them usher us into office and then we forget about them,” Simbao said.
“For once, we want to change the narrative of politics. For once, we want people to stop calling politicians liars, crooks, whatever they call us. For once, we think that the Zambia We Want can provide that opportunity of people beginning to trust in the people who present themselves as the leaders. So that’s what we think will happen. And we need to grow our party first. And we believe we can take on the ruling party”.
Simbao added that the opposition party was going to task itself with providing what the people wanted.
“I’m saying I’ve been voted as the Zambia We Want party president. First of all, it is very good for the whole country. Not just the opposition, but the whole country. What we want to bring to the Zambian people is, we want, for the first time, to have a system which is top-down. The Zambian people will say what they want.
And if we’re in the position to provide, we’ll provide that. We’re not going to enforce things that they don’t even think about and bring them to their minds. For example, right now, the cry of the Zambian people, I’m just giving an example, the cry of the Zambian people is, an end to load shedding. That’s what the Zambian people want to see.
The Zambia We Want party is going to task itself to provide what the Zambian people want. That is, we’ll make sure that the vision of the Zambian people ranks very high on everything that we think we should be doing,” said Simbao.
Lusaka… Thursday October 9, 2025 – The Socialist Party (SP) has announced plans to increase salaries for civil servants if elected in the upcoming general elections, saying the move is part of its broader strategy to address economic hardship and the high cost of living affecting ordinary citizens.
Speaking on behalf of the party, Stanley Muba’sa, the SP National Youth Secretary, said the party remained committed to improving the welfare of civil servants, describing them as essential to the nation’s service delivery system.
He stated that civil servants had long been neglected while politicians continued to adjust their own salaries and allowances.
Mr. Muba’sa explained that the proposed salary increase was part of a people-driven agenda, aimed particularly at supporting young people and women who have been disproportionately affected by poverty and inequality.
He emphasized that civil servants deserved fair compensation for their vital contribution to the functioning of the public sector.
According to the SP, improving the wages of civil servants would not only enhance service delivery but also help curb corruption.
The party argued that fair pay would motivate workers to perform better, boost productivity, and strengthen accountability within the public service.
The Socialist Party revealed that the salary increment would be financed through several key measures.
These include introducing a progressive tax system to ensure that the wealthy and corporations contribute their fair share, reducing wasteful government spending and corruption, and renegotiating mining contracts to ensure that the country’s natural resources benefit all citizens.
Additionally, the party said it would pursue public-private partnerships to raise revenue and attract investment in critical sectors.
Mr. Muba’sa further stated that the proposed salary increase would have multiple benefits, such as improving morale among civil servants, reducing poverty, stimulating economic growth through increased consumer spending, and decreasing corruption by ensuring fair compensation.
He called on all civil servants to rally behind the Socialist Party, saying it was time for workers to demand a government that prioritizes their welfare.
“It’s time for civil servants to be treated with dignity and respect,” he said, urging them to unite for a better future under an SP-led administration.
Meanwhile, Mr. Muba’sa reaffirmed the Socialist Party’s commitment to building a just and equitable society where every citizen has access to opportunities and resources needed to thrive.
As Zambia approaches another pivotal election season, aspiring presidential candidates—both in government and opposition—must be reminded of their sacred duty to speak truthfully and responsibly to the people. The energy sector, a cornerstone of our national development and regional influence, cannot be reduced to political slogans or wishful promises. Misleading Zambians with unrealistic manifestos that promise cheap electricity and an end to load shedding without a clear, technically sound roadmap is not only irresponsible—it is dangerous.
*The Danger of Building Castles on Sand*
Promises of “affordable electricity for all” and “complete eradication of load shedding” are seductive. But without a credible plan backed by technical feasibility, financial modeling, and stakeholder consultation, such pledges are castles built on sand. They collapse under the weight of reality, leaving citizens disillusioned and the energy sector destabilized.
Electricity generation, transmission, and distribution require massive capital investment, long-term planning, and regional cooperation. Zambia’s energy challenges—aging infrastructure, limited generation capacity, and financial constraints—cannot be solved overnight. Politicians who ignore these realities risk undermining public trust and setting back progress.
*Why Exporting Electricity Matters*
Zambia is a proud member of the Southern Africa Power Pool (SAPP), a regional energy trading platform that enhances grid stability, economic integration, and diplomatic cooperation. Calls to halt electricity exports in favor of domestic consumption may sound patriotic, but they are short-sighted and economically reckless.
Stopping exports would: – Jeopardize regional agreements and Zambia’s reputation as a reliable power supplier. – Reduce foreign exchange earnings critical for reinvesting in our energy infrastructure. – Disrupt the delicate balance of supply and demand across Southern Africa, potentially triggering retaliatory measures.
Energy diplomacy is not a zero-sum game. We must meet domestic needs and honor regional obligations.
*Consult Before You Commit*
Manifestos must be grounded in facts, not fantasies. Politicians must consult energy experts, engineers, economists, and regional stakeholders before making public declarations. The energy sector is too complex and too vital to be shaped by populist rhetoric.
We urge all candidates to: – Engage with the Energy Regulation Board (ERB), ZESCO, IPPs, and technical advisors. – Understand the implications of cost-reflective tariffs and why they are essential for attracting investment and ensuring sustainability. – Present realistic timelines and budgets for infrastructure upgrades, rural electrification, and renewable energy integration.
*Cost-Reflective Tariffs: A Non-Negotiable Truth*
No government can sustainably provide electricity below the cost of production. Previous administrations have struggled to implement cost-reflective tariffs, often delaying reforms due to political pressure. This has led to: – Mounting debt within the energy sector. – Reduced investor confidence. – Inadequate maintenance and expansion of the grid.
Overpromising and underdelivering has eroded public trust. It’s time to reverse that trend with honesty, transparency, and strategic planning.
*A Sovereign Reminder*
Let us not forget the Zambian proverb: “Imiti ikula empanga.” The young trees will one day become the forest. What we plant today—truth or deception—will shape the Zambia of tomorrow.
The eagle on our flag still soars because we have endured, innovated, and stood firm. Zambia is majestic, resilient, and capable of greatness—provided our energy security is not compromised.
Let the world remember who we are: One Zambia. One Nation. United we stand. Divided we fall.
POLICE NAB THREE FOR STEALING K200,000 CASH FROM PS MWANAKAMPWE’S VEHICLE AT CAR WASH
POLICE have arrested three people, linking them to the theft of K200,000 cash from Central province Permanent Secretary Milner Mwannakampwe’s vehicle at the carwash in Luangwa township in Kabwe on Monday.
The money was later recovered buried within the carwash premises.
Impeccable sources have told Cloud FM Investigative wing that the total amount was One million Kwacha from which K200,000 was stolen, thinking he would not notice.
They also said the PS’s driver, Andrew Simukonda, who is the complainant in the matter may have not known about the huge amounts of money in the car until he was alerted that part of it has been stolen.
The carwash management says, clients are always advised to deposit cash and other valuables at the reception, unlike leaving them in the vehicles
But Central province Police Chief Charity Munganga has denied the One million Kwacha claim, insisting that their interest as police was in the K200,000 that was reported stolen.
Mwanakampwe also refuted claims of possessing one million Kwacha in his car.
Munganga however confirmed the theft and added that three people had been arrested.
Meanwhile, police are reported to have used torturous methods to ensure that the suspects confess, leaving one lady terribly injured.
Earlier police denied the suspect a medical report to enable her seek medical service but after a Cloud FM query, they were released on bond and given a medical report.
It is not clear whether the matter will proceed to court or will be settled outside.
Cloud FM news will keep you updated on this development.
Madagascar holds Govt accountable as President pleads to be given 1-year to end loadshedding … failure to which he will resign
Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina invited various groups from civil society to hold talks in the presidential palace on Wednesday.
The initiative was an attempt to regain control and ease the country’s crisis amid a nationwide protest movement that has been ongoing since 25 September.
Over 1,500 people responded to the call, including high representatives of the church, university presidents, students, youth associations, entrepreneurs, companies affected by looting, unions, medical personnel, teachers, athletes, artists and journalists.
Rajoelina assured he would resign if power outages continued in Antananarivo in a year’s time.
“I swear before God,” he told the crowd. “I ask you for one year! I will succeed!”
To complete his promise, the president is relying on several ongoing projects, including the commissioning of a 105-megawatt thermal power plant, 100 megawatts of solar parks, and the arrival of 60 megawatts worth of generators.
“We will even transport [the generators] by plane if necessary, so that there will be no more outages here in Antananarivo and throughout Madagascar,” he said.
SPAIN – A Brazilian couple tragically died while celebrating their four-year-old daughter’s birthday. Jeferson Luiz Sagaz, a 37-year-old military police officer, and Ana Carolina Silva, a 41-year-old nail salon owner, were found dead in a motel hot tub in São José, Santa Catarina.
The couple had spent the day drinking at a food park, went to a nightclub, and checked into the Dallas Motel late that night.
They were last seen around 11:30 p.m., and failed to pick up their daughter the next day from Jeferson’s sister.
Concerned relatives reported them missing, prompting a search. Their bodies were found in a bathtub filled with 50°C water, with a space heater running at high temperature.
An autopsy revealed exogenous poisoning caused by extreme heat, leading to heatstroke, dehydration, and organ failure. Toxicology reports showed high alcohol levels and traces of cocaine.
Investigators ruled out foul play, electric shock, drowning, or gas poisoning after extensive forensic analysis.
Ana Carolina’s family denied she was a regular drug user and raised questions about potential forced substance use.
The opposition Malawi Congress Party (MCP) is facing internal pressure as 42 constituency chairpersons and three regional chairpersons have written to party leader Lazarus Chakwera, demanding an emergency general meeting to elect new leadership by the end of November.
In the letter, the chairpersons cite the party’s constitution, specifically Part II, Article 30, which grants the National Executive Committee the authority to oversee leadership transitions. They argue that following the MCP’s defeat in the recent national elections, it is both constitutional and necessary to open up all leadership positions, including that of party president, to democratic contest.
The letter, signed by grassroots representatives from across the country, warns that if Chakwera fails to respond within 14 days, the district committees will move forward and call for a general meeting themselves.
Former Kasungu West MP and MCP member, Alex Major, speaking on behalf of the group, emphasized that the current leadership has failed and that “their time has come to an end.” He accused some party leaders of violating constitutional provisions by clinging to positions despite the electoral loss.
MCP spokesperson Jessie Kabwila confirmed that the party is aware of the letter but said a formal response has not yet been issued.
If the call for new elections proceeds, Chakwera, already weakened by his loss in the national polls, could face the additional blow of losing his position as party leader.
A former nun has married a Catholic seminarian after the two fell in love while praying together.
Lais Dognini, who later became a social media influencer, met Jackson Dognini when he offered to pray for her during a period of depression.
At the time, Jackson was still in seminary training for the priesthood, and Lais had recently left a Carmelite convent where she had lived for two years.
Though they had been in the same missionary circles for over six years, they had never spoken until Jackson reached out to offer prayers.
The two began exchanging messages and eventually became close friends.
After a long period of reflection, Jackson decided to leave the seminary, and the couple began dating in April 2024.
They got engaged in October of the same year and were secretly married in March 2025.
On October 7, Lais shared the news publicly, writing on Instagram, “We’re adults now and we know what we want in life.”
Republican congressional leaders have been quietly warning the White House not to move forward with plans to decimate the federal workforce and shred the social safety net under cover of the government shutdown.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) and other senior Republicans have advised President Donald Trump and his aides against far-reaching cuts and firings – all Project 2025 priorities – that could turn voters against them, and GOP lawmakers are growing uneasy with the White House strategy as Democrats are refusing to play along, reported the Wall Street Journal.
“The Republican hand-wringing reflects discomfort among some in the party over the president’s shutdown strategy,” the Journal reported. “Soon after government funding lapsed last week, Trump said the shutdown gave him an ‘unprecedented opportunity’ to make cuts at agencies. White House officials have said they are considering firing thousands of federal workers and have raised the possibility that some workers won’t get back pay.”
“The White House strategy is aimed at putting pressure on Democrats to reach a deal to reopen the government,” the report added. “But Democrats have refused to budge, arguing that Republicans first need to agree to extend expiring healthcare subsidies upon which millions of Americans rely.”
The administration so far hasn’t carried out the layoffs Trump threatened, although he said this week that option was still on the table, and his advisers have pledged to use tariff revenue to preserve funding for a food program for women, infants and children, but the president rattled Republicans by claiming he was working with Democrats on a deal to extend Affordable Care Act subsidies.
“Democratic lawmakers quickly said no such talks were under way and Trump later clarified on social media that he was ‘happy to work with’ the Democrats, but only after the government reopens,” the Journal reported. “The mixed messaging from the president has frustrated some Republicans, who have said they are eager for Trump to chart a clear path forward for dealing with the shutdown.”
The White House and Republicans are united around the message that Democrats are solely to blame for the shutdown, and GOP lawmakers insist negotiations shouldn’t even start until they vote to reopen the government, but they also understand that strategy carries real risks.
“The simmering tension among Republicans comes as Democrats, who for months have struggled to recover from their losses in the recent election, have united around a shutdown message focused on healthcare,” the Journal reported. “White House officials and some Republicans have privately acknowledged that they could take a political hit if voters blame them for higher healthcare costs. Ending the subsidies would result in higher premiums for more than 20 million people.”
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) has been waiting for Republicans to blink, as hundreds of thousands of federal workers are furloughed and others have been working without pay, and some of them – including military service members – could soon start missing paychecks.
“Presidents have some discretion over the effects of a shutdown, including which agency functions are given priority and which workers get furloughed,” the Journal reported. “But if the shutdown continues, the pain from the shutdown will be difficult to avoid. People close to Thune and top Republicans said they acknowledge that without a spending deal, the government will be forced to make hard decisions.”
President Donald Trump on Wednesday sparked new controversy by calling for the arrest of Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. He accused them of refusing to support his plan to deploy National Guard troops for immigration and crime crackdowns in Chicago. Both officials rejected his remarks and vowed to stand their ground.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump claimed the two Democrats “should be in jail for failing to protect ICE officers,” though he offered no specific allegations or legal basis. The statement is the latest in a string of inflammatory remarks in which the president has urged prosecution of his political opponents, defying long-held norms that separate the White House from the Justice Department.
Mayor Johnson responded on X, writing, “This is not the first time Trump has tried to have a Black man unjustly arrested. I’m not going anywhere.” Governor Pritzker also fired back, accusing Trump of authoritarian behavior: “I will not back down. Trump is now calling for the arrest of elected representatives checking his power.”
When asked about what crimes the officials had committed, White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson offered none, instead accusing Pritzker and Johnson of having “blood on their hands” after a violent weekend in Chicago in which five people were killed and 25 wounded. “Instead of taking action to stop the crime, these Trump-Deranged buffoons would rather allow the violence to continue,” Jackson said.
Meanwhile, National Guard troops from Texas remain stationed outside Chicago, despite legal action from the city and state to block the deployment. The exact mission of the troops is unclear, though the Trump administration has launched an aggressive immigration enforcement push in the region.
Chicago, which Trump has often called a “hellhole,” has actually seen a decline in most violent crimes, according to police statistics. Tensions escalated further over the weekend when a Border Patrol agent shot a woman during a confrontation in the suburb of Broadview.
The controversy intensified as former FBI Director James Comey appeared in a Virginia court to face charges that critics say are part of Trump’s broader effort to target his political opponents. The Justice Department has also opened criminal probes this year into prominent Democrats, including Sen. Adam Schiff, New York Attorney General Letitia James, and former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, all of whom deny wrongdoing.
Governor Pritzker, who has long clashed with Trump, has labeled him a “wannabe dictator” and compared his leadership style to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s. He argues that Trump’s troop deployments are politically motivated attempts to intimidate Democratic voters ahead of the 2026 elections.
“Certainly there’s a lot more going on in the world than for him to send troops into Chicago,” Pritzker told The Associated Press in August.
Pritzker, now in his second term and a potential 2028 presidential contender, has repeatedly opposed any federal intervention in Illinois. Johnson, for his part, has fortified Chicago’s status as a sanctuary city, banning immigration agents from using city-owned property for operations and accusing Trump of violating constitutional boundaries.
“He’s a monster,” Johnson told reporters earlier this year. “Period.”
Turkish Super League side Trabzonspor are reportedly ready to make a permanent move for goalkeeper Andre Onana, following his exceptional start to life at the club.
The Cameroonian shot-stopper has impressed both fans and officials since his arrival, becoming one of the standout performers in the early part of the season.
Onana joined Trabzonspor on a short-term arrangement but his impact has been immediate.
In just four games, he has already managed to record two clean sheets, delivered one assist and scooped two Man of the Match awards a record that speaks volumes about his influence on the pitch.
Club insiders reveal that Trabzonspor’s board is now keen to turn the loan move into a permanent deal before other clubs begin to show interest.
The management believes Onana’s experience and quality could play a vital role in their long-term ambitions to challenge for domestic and European honors.
Head coach Abdullah Avcı has been full of praise for the former Inter Milan and Manchester United goalkeeper, describing him as “a leader both on and off the pitch.”
According to Avcı, Onana’s calmness, confidence and ability to play out from the back have completely transformed the team’s defensive structure.
Fans have also taken notice of his performances, flooding social media with praise and calling him one of the best goalkeepers the club has seen in years.
Many Trabzonspor supporters believe Onana has brought a new sense of stability to the squad, something the team has been missing for quite some time.
In one of his most memorable moments so far, Onana provided an assist with a long-range pass that led to a crucial winning goal a rare achievement for a goalkeeper.
The club suggest that discussions with Onana’s representatives could begin soon with Trabzonspor eager to finalize terms before the January transfer window.
The club is reportedly prepared to offer a lucrative contract that reflects his growing importance in the team.
However, securing Onana’s signature might not be an easy task.
Several European clubs are said to be monitoring his situation closely, impressed by his resurgence and consistent performances in Turkey.
Police in the United States have arrested 20-year-old Jonathan Rinderknecht in connection with the massive wildfire that swept through Pacific Palisades, a residential area of Los Angeles, earlier this year.
Rinderknecht was taken into custody after investigators gathered substantial evidence linking him to the fire that started on January 1, 2025 and raged uncontrollably for several days before reaching full scale on January 7.
Authorities say the wildfire left 12 people dead and destroyed more than 6,000 homes, making it one of the most destructive fires in California’s history.
Thousands of residents were forced to flee their homes as strong winds spread the flames across Los Angeles County, leaving a trail of devastation and power outages.
Investigators from the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) have been working jointly on the case for months.
They reportedly used satellite imagery, surveillance footage and witness testimonies to trace the origin of the fire back to a location where Rinderknecht was allegedly seen moments before the blaze began.
Legal affairs adviser Bill Essayli confirmed on Tuesday that the suspect was arrested in Florida, where he had reportedly relocated after the fire
Essayli stated that Rinderknecht will be extradited to California to face charges of arson, manslaughter and destruction of property.
The arrest has brought relief to many families who lost loved ones and homes in the tragedy.
However, questions remain about how a single individual could have triggered such a large-scale disaster without early detection from local authorities.
Environmental experts have also weighed in, emphasizing the growing link between human negligence and climate change, which continues to intensify wildfire conditions across the western United States.
As California begins to rebuild, officials say the tragedy serves as a reminder of the urgent need for stronger disaster preparedness, community education and accountability for those who endanger public safety.
The suspect, Rinderknecht, remains in custody awaiting his first court appearance later this month.
Ronald Exantus, an African American man who killed 6-year-old Logan Tipton during a violent home attack in Kentucky, was released from prison more than 10 years early. The White House has now launched an investigation into why he was freed ahead of schedule.
According to WLBT, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed on X that the federal officials are “looking into” Exantus’ early release. “It’s wholly unacceptable for a child killer to walk free after just several years in prison,” she said.
In 2015, Exantus broke into the Tipton family’s home in Versailles, Kentucky. He stabbed Logan, his father, and two of Logan’s sisters as they slept. The children’s older sister, Koral, said she and her siblings witnessed the attack.
“He did it in front of me,” Koral said. “He did it in front of my siblings. And being an older sister, who has the obligation anyway to protect her younger siblings, it’s just, he ruined, he messed us up.”
Although Exantus was found not guilty by reason of insanity for Logan’s death, he was convicted of assaulting the rest of the family. He received a 20-year sentence, made up of two consecutive 10-year prison terms. The Kentucky Supreme Court upheld his conviction in 2020, and parole was denied multiple times afterward.
However, last month, Exantus was unexpectedly released 13 years early under Kentucky’s Mandatory Reentry Supervision law. State officials said the law requires some inmates to move to supervised reentry before completing their full sentence.
The Kentucky Justice Cabinet clarified that the parole board did not approve his release, but that state law made it mandatory. Exantus is now under probation and parole supervision in Florida until June 2026.
For Logan’s mother, Heather Tipton, the federal review offers a small sense of justice. “Finally,” she said. “People are finally finding out about this.”
Uche Nnaji, Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, has resigned only days after allegations were made that he had forged his academic credentials.
The resignation comes after a newspaper investigation that alleged that Nnaji submitted falsified certificates to President Bola Tinubu during his ministerial appointment in 2023.
On Tuesday, in an X post, Bayo Onanuga, the presidential spokesperson, confirmed the news, quoting the Nigerian minister, who said he resigned after “a target of blackmail by political opponents.”
Nnaji denies the forgery accusations and has insisted that he did graduate from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) with a degree in Microbiology/Biochemistry.
Online and within the country, the forgery allegations have sparked outrage among multiple Nigerians, following a two-year investigation by the Premium Times newspaper.
Only a week ago, UNN reportedly told the publication that it had no records confirming that the minister had indeed graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1985, as Nnaji claimed.
The paper received information from a senior university official that Nnaji was admitted in 1981 but did not complete his studies or receive a certificate.
Also, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) said the mandatory certificate of national service Nnaji presented in April 2023 could not be verified.
In Nigeria, the suspension of a minister is a rare case, as Nnaji is now the second to leave office or resign since President Tinubu came into office in May 2023.
Last January, the then Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Minister Betta Edu was suspended after public outrage over a corruption scandal. At the time, Dr Edu, 37, denied any wrongdoing, per the BBC.
Before he died Stephen Hawking gave us a warning about the dangers of AI which is looking remarkably prescient given some new videos.
His final warning for humanity before he died in 2018 was against artificial intelligence, with him saying he was afraid it would ‘replace humans altogether’.
It was by no means the only time the respected scientist had spoken about the dangers of AI, having told the BBC in 2014: “The development of full artificial intelligence could spell the end of the human race.
“Humans, who are limited by slow biological evolution, couldn’t compete, and would be superseded.”
Hawking had also sounded the alarm over humanity creating something more intelligent than ourselves which could outthink us at every level.
“We may face an intelligence explosion that ultimately results in machines whose intelligence exceeds ours by more than ours exceeds that of snails,” he wrote in his book Brief Answers to the Big Questions, which was published posthumously.
“It’s tempting to dismiss the notion of highly intelligent machines as mere science fiction, but this would be a mistake – and potentially our worst mistake ever.”
Those warnings about AI have resurfaced after OpenAI’s Sora 2 video generation software was released recently and people have been making AI slop videos featuring Stephen Hawking himself.
Various videos involve him being beaten up, trampled by animals, attacked by a crocodile and skateboarding in his wheelchair.
In other words, one of the main critics of AI is now being subjected to it himself.
Lots of other people have been using the AI video technology to depict dead celebrities, and OpenAI told PC Mag they ‘do allow the generation of historical figures’ even if they’ve promised to ‘block depictions of public figures’ in their statement about ‘launching Sora responsibly’.
Living public figures are only supposed to be depicted if they consent to using the Cameo feature, which may make it difficult to subject Sora 2 to the Will Smith spaghetti test.
Those who have died, however, are getting a bunch of AI-generated videos made about them.
There are so many warnings about the dangerous and irresponsible ways AI could be used to warp our future into something the majority of people don’t want.
The ‘Godfather of AI’, Geoffrey Hinton, warned that AI would soon become smarter than humans and asked people how they intended to stay in control of something which could outthink them.
Meanwhile, a Harvard study has sounded the alarm that AI is manipulating us to stay engaged when it looks like someone is about to stop interacting.
Other experts have been warning that artificial intelligence is going to shred the jobs market and put lots of people out of work.
And further reports have suggested it is willing to let humans die to stop itself from being shut down and could try to persuade us to create intelligent robots.
Dolly Parton Dismisses Health Rumours After Sister’s Prayer Request Sparks Concern
Country music icon Dolly Parton has set the record straight about her health after her sister Freida Parton’s social media post asking fans to pray for her sparked widespread concern.
Sister’s Post Sparks Speculation Freida Parton took to social media to share that Dolly had not been feeling well and asked fans to keep the legendary singer in their prayers.
“She’s strong, she’s loved, and with all the prayers being lifted for her, I know in my heart she’s going to be just fine,” Freida wrote.
The post quickly went viral, with fans around the world expressing worry and sending messages of support for the beloved star.
Dolly Parton Addresses Fans Directly
“Do I look sick to you? I’m working hard here. Anyway, I wanted to put everybody’s mind at ease – those of you who seem to be really concerned, which I appreciate. And I appreciate your prayers because I’m a person of faith,” she said.
The 78-year-old explained that she had taken some time off to focus on her health after a demanding period spent caring for her late husband, Carl Dean.
‘I’m Not Ready to Die Yet’ Parton revealed that she was receiving minor treatments at Vanderbilt University Medical Centre in Nashville but assured fans that there was no cause for alarm.
“I wanted you to know that I’m not dying,” she added. “There are just a lot of rumours flying around. I’m not ready to die yet. I don’t think God is through with me, and I ain’t done working.”
Freida Clarifies Her Post
Following Dolly’s statement, Freida clarified that her earlier post had been misunderstood and was never meant to cause panic among fans.
“She’s been a little under the weather, and I simply asked for prayers because I believe strongly in the power of prayer,” she said. “It was nothing more than a little sister asking for prayers for her big sister.”
A Los Angeles Lakers fan has reportedly sued LeBron James over the NBA legend’s ‘The Second Decision’ announcement, alleging that it duped him out of hundreds of dollars.
Andrew Garcia, 29, filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles County, claiming that he believed that the Lakers icon had hinted that he would be retiring when he teased the incoming big announcement.
On Monday, James shared a video that teased ‘The Second Decision’ – a clear nod to the announcement over his move from Cleveland to Miami back in 2010, convincing many basketball fans that the 40-year-old was preparing to announce the end of his playing career ahead of his 23rd NBA season
However, when the news eventually broke on Tuesday, it was revealed that James’s post was, in fact, an advert for his new collaboration with Hennessy, having signed a creative partnership with the brand last year.
Now, Garcia claims that James owes him $865.66 after he raced to Ticketmaster following Monday’s teaser to snatch up tickets to what he believed would be the basketball star’s final matchup against his former team, the Cleveland Cavaliers, according to TMZ.
Garcia says that he purchased two tickets worth $432.83 for the matchup, which is slated for March 31, 2026.
He has now accused James of ‘fraud, deception, misrepresentation, and any and all basis of legal recovery.’
‘I wouldn’t have purchased it if he wasn’t going to retire. Plain and simple,’ Garcia told TMZ.
James will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the 2026 season, when he will be 41, leaving many to believe that it could be his final year in the league.
ZAMBIANS WON’T FUND YOUR AMBITIONS, KABUSWE TELLS SANGWA
MINES Minister Paul Kabuswe has told Constitutional lawyer John Sangwa that Zambians cannot fund his ambitions, arguing that the UPND and PF were not funded by foreigners.
Kabuswe has also advised Sangwa to abandon his “ka accent” and instead travel to the country’s remote areas and speak to the people normally.
On Tuesday, Sangwa said citizens should fund his campaign if they want him to stand for the presidency, as he believes campaigns should not be funded by external forces.
In an interview, Wednesday, Kabuswe said if Sangwa had presidential ambitions, he must be ready to mobilise resources.
He added that there was nothing wrong with getting help from foreigners who genuinely want to support with no strings attached.
“I don’t understand which world he is coming from because if you want Zambians to fund your ambition… Zambians cannot fund his ambitions, he must be ready if he has ambitions.
President HH ran UPND single-handedly for over 15 years; he was funding activities of the party and he was not being funded by foreigners, no. President HH has been a hard worker, a businessman and he used his own resources to run UPND for over 15 years. President Sata [was the] same, president Lungu, everyone. PF was run by its members as a family at the time, but anyway, I don’t want to talk about PF,” he said.
“As a party, you mobilise resources. How do you mobilise resources? You have to be creative; it’s not just about foreign funders. Even a foreign funder, if someone is a foreign funder and he genuinely wants to support your [party] without strings attached, why not? What is wrong with that? We have a lot of friends who are not Zambians who genuinely help me.
Can I refuse help because somebody lives in Congo? No, I can’t. I think he has a very strange understanding of Zambian politics. He’s the wrong guy to fit Zambian politics. He doesn’t understand what he’s doing. And he wants to go to other organisations. You can see that already somebody is thinking he is so marketable that any political party will just grab him and say, ‘come and stand for us’”.
Kabuswe also advised Sangwa not to go around the country with just his accent, but with a message.
“No, that’s not the way it works. Let him join a political party, go through the internal democratic processes of any political party, that’s the way it works. If not, let him form his own, that is the way it works.
So, I don’t want to really be talking about him, but let me tell you, he will lose wherever he will stand. Let him come, he will find us in the political field.
For you to be elected by Zambians, you have less than a year to go around the country, to go to places like… to go to all these places right across the country, to the remote parts, and he shouldn’t go with that ka accent of his; let him go there and talk to the people normally, not just speaking English in that accent,” said Kabuswe.
⬆️ EXPLAINER | WHAT’S REALLY HAPPENING INSIDE THE TONSE ALLIANCE AND PF
Zambian opposition politics has entered a confusing phase. Two weeks ago, it looked like the Patriotic Front (PF) and its partners in the Tonse Alliance were moving toward unity ahead of the 2026 elections. Today, they are locked in a public power struggle that has split the alliance in two. Here is what is happening, why it matters, and where it may lead.
The Tonse Alliance was originally created as a coalition of opposition parties loyal to the late former president Edgar Chagwa Lungu. It was meant to bring together the PF and smaller parties like People’s Party for Prosperity (PeP), ZMP, and others under one umbrella. When Lungu died in June, the alliance lost its only figure who commanded universal authority among its members. What followed was a vacuum — and now, open war.
At the centre of the storm are two rival factions. One is led by Raphael Nakacinda, Given Lubinda, and Danny Pule. The other is led by Sean Tembo and Chris Zumani Zimba. Both claim to be the legitimate leadership of the Tonse Alliance, both claim to have Lungu’s blessing, and both insist that the other side is acting illegally.
The Nakacinda camp controls the PF Secretariat and has the backing of most senior PF structures. It argues that the Tonse Alliance cannot exist outside PF headquarters because the PF was the dominant partner and official face of the alliance. They insist that Lubinda remains the rightful acting president of the PF and that Nakacinda is the legally recognised Secretary General of both PF and the alliance.
The Tembo camp rejects this claim. It says the alliance is broader than the PF and must not be run like a party wing. Tembo and Zumani Zimba argue that the PF’s internal divisions have paralysed the alliance and that their group is trying to restore credibility through elections. On Tuesday, they held a meeting in Lusaka and announced that the Tonse Alliance will hold a General Congress on November 29 to elect its own chairperson and presidential candidate for 2026.
Nakacinda and Lubinda immediately responded, calling Tembo’s meeting fake, unconstitutional, and a ploy to confuse the public. They held a parallel press briefing at the PF Secretariat, where they declared that the “real Tonse Alliance” remains under PF leadership. The PF camp accused Tembo of hijacking the alliance and using Lungu’s name to legitimise his ambitions.
To make matters worse, Tembo has banned ZNBC, Kalemba, and News Diggers from covering his alliance’s events, accusing the media houses of misreporting Lungu’s death. The decision has drawn criticism from media groups who say it violates freedom of the press.
The standoff has now left the Tonse Alliance with two headquarters, two spokespersons, two constitutions in practice, and no clear leadership. A committee of bishops has been asked to mediate, but both sides continue to hold separate meetings and issue conflicting statements.
Inside the PF itself, things are no better. The party is split between those loyal to Lubinda and Nakacinda, those pushing for Kelvin Bwalya Fube and Brian Mundubile, and those still rallying behind Lungu’s family and close associates, such as Makebi Zulu and Tasila Lungu. While some members say Lubinda should take over formally as PF president, others argue he cannot because of “regional imbalances.” That dispute has opened a tribal debate within the party that has unsettled its base and tarnished its image.
In short, the opposition alliance that once aimed to challenge the ruling UPND in 2026 is now consumed by infighting. The PF is fragmented, and the Tonse Alliance is operating under two parallel authorities. Political analysts say the ruling party could benefit from this chaos, as it divides the opposition vote and drains their energy months before campaigns even begin.
The key takeaway is this: the Tonse Alliance was supposed to unify the opposition after Lungu’s death. Instead, it has become a battleground for control of his legacy. The PF’s internal wars have spilled into the alliance, and what was meant to be a platform for strategy has turned into a stage for ego.
Until the bishops’ mediation succeeds or one side concedes, Zambia’s opposition remains at war with itself. For voters watching from the sidelines, it is becoming harder to tell who speaks for whom. The only certainty is that unity has become the rarest commodity in Zambian politics today.
Former ZRA Director for Internal Audit Laughs at Kingsley Chanda
Kwibisa Siyuni, the husband to the former Director of Public Prosecutions , Lillian Shawa Siyuni has penned a mocking note after the conviction of Kingsley Chanda, former Zambia Revenue Authority Commissioner General.
Kwibisa Siyuni was fired in 2019 from ZRA after he alleged exposed the irregular purchase of furniture at ZRA. ZRA said his contract was not renewed .
He wrote What a day it was! The experience of the ‘last laugh’ if you may call it that.
You called me names, incompetent, made my life miserable to the point of insanity. I used to wonder whether there was anything wrong with me. I lost companions because I had to stand firm to safeguard the systems, processes and assets and ensure their useful efficiency and effectiveness. But you broke them all to have your way. Sometimes right but mostly wrong. My companions were scared to challenge you but I was not. It was a lonely ‘fight’, though you won the battle, you didn’t win the war.
I did all my best to make the Authority improve but alas, with without following the same procedures that were designed to protect and defend you, you broke them all to throw me under the bus. You even threatened and even got the Board members fired to so they could not renew my contract. I walked away without a logical conclusion to my cause for the sake of my own sanity and peace.
You, at least after the fact, had the humility to follow me and tender an apology that you should have heeded my advice. You also now realized, a bit too late, that the same people that you thought were with you were the same ones that ‘sold’ you out and not me. That is how life is. Of all the people I have helped, developed and defended professionally or otherwise, only a handful have come back to say thank you. But you did even though we were on opposing sides of the profession.
This is written as a dedication for all my colleagues in the Audit Profession that have stood to defend their cause but have been thrown out of their systems or institutions. It is indeed a lonely profession but it is always important to do the right thing regardless of the consequences
There’s “99 days for a thief and just 1 day for the owner” as the saying goes.
All the best to you my former Boss, one KC.!
By Kwibisa Siyunyi former ZRA Director-Internal Audit
DPP’S HUSBAND FIRED FROM ZRA FOR UNCOVERING THEFT OF K1 MILION BY ZRA BOSS
Effects of corruption, outright theft and nepotism. has hit the household of Director of Public Prosecutions Lilian Shawa Siyuni.
Her husband has just been fired from the Zambia Revenie Authority (ZRA).
According to intelligence sources Mr. Kwibisa Siyuni the husband to DPP Lilian Shawa Siyuni was last week dismissed as ZRA Chief Internal Auditor for not only being Lozi but for uncovering a scandal in which ZRA Commissioner General Kingsley Chanda’s wife bought furniture at East Park Mall for K1million which was paid for by ZRA.
The furniture might have been put in the wife’s name but the thief here is Kingsley Chanda himself.
The source said Mr. Siyuni, a qualified Auditor who had recently returned from the United Kingdom where he worked for Globally reknowned Auditing Firm KPMG discovered that Mrs. Chanda bought furniture at one of the Furniture Shop at East Park Mall at K1million which was paid for by ZRA. Being the Chief Internal Auditor, he presents audit querries to the audit committee of the ZRA board and not management.
A month ago Mr. Siyuni who probably thought Zambia is like the United Kingdom where good Corporate Governance is championed presented the report to the Audit Committee of the ZRA board which is headed by Lusaka Lawyer Alfred J J Lungu of Chilupe and Company. What Mr. Siyuni did not know was that Mr. Alfred Lungu who is also Lusaka Stock Exchange (LuSE) Board Chairperson and Kingsley Chanda are Birds of the same Feathers. They are both Alexander Chikwanda’s people are well known tribalist.
Mr. Lungu was appointed LuSE Board Chairperson by Mr. Chikwanda then as Finance Minister. It is Chikwanda who also nominated him to sit on the ZRA Board which is Chaired by Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Secretary General Chileshe Kapwepwe who was also appointed by Chikwanda.
Kingsley Chanda was appointed ZRA Commissioner General by Mr. Chikwanda as well. The source further said Mr. Lungu decided to take the confidential audit report to Mr. Chanda who then charged Mr. Siyuni for not tabling the audit query with him. Mr. Siyuni exonerated himself that he was not obliged to present the report to management but to the board.
Unfortunately Mr. Siyuni had a feel of the PF corruption and was dismissed last week. Meanwhile, some ZRA officials have called for Ms. Chileshe Kapwepwe to resign as ZRA Board Chair because of conflict of interest. The ZRA officials allege that as COMESA SG Ms. Kapwepwe also interacts with other Revenue Authorities from the member states.
As you await the Anti Corruption Commission stage managed briefing this morning, here is another food for thought. Furniture for K1million.
My family relies on the police like all citizens, I don’t have money for bodyguards — says Mkhwanazi:
On day two of his testimony before Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee, Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi told parliamentarians that he was speaking up and fighting to ensure the safety of all citizens, including his family members, who don’t have the luxury of hiring bodyguards.
•Mkhwanazi was asked whether his family had received any threats and whether they had enough protection following his explosive media briefing and subsequent testimonies.
“I don’t have money to hire bodyguards for my family members. It is impossible. I cannot do that, so their safety can only be guaranteed by men and women in blue that are out there that are supposed to protect everyone else,” he said.
“They (his family members) are not different to anyone else. There’s no special provisions for them… Their safety is equal to the safety of every citizen.”
“I cannot give you a 100% guarantee about their safety. It is what I am trying to fight for that the SAPS must be allowed to make sure that we protect the citizens, including my family members,” Mkhwanazi added.
Bishop Alick Banda’s Hilux gift from PF has dented the body of Christ – Mansa Bishop
Bishop Maxwell Luchile, a Mansa-based clergyman says the Zambia Revenue Authority-owned Toyota Hilux gifted to Lusaka Archbishop Alick Banda by the PF while it was on power has damaged the image of the Church.
On Monday, the Economic and Financial Crimes Court sentenced former Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) Commissioner General Kingsley Chanda to six years in prison for irregularly gifting government vehicles to Patriotic Front sympathizers, including Archbishop Banda.
In December 2023, the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) seized a Toyota Hilux registration number ALF 7734, which had been gifted to Archbishop Banda.
A seizure notice issued by DEC’s Anti-Money Laundering Investigations Unit indicated that the vehicle had been handed over to the Commission by Archbishop Banda’s lawyer, John Sangwa, on December 27, 2023.
The vehicle was among 22 government vehicles that the ZRA disposed of without following procedure.
During court proceedings in September 2024, former ZRA Board Secretary Suzyo Ng’andu testified that Archbishop Banda, Derick Mpundu, and Heart of Mercy were among the beneficiaries who received vehicles without payment.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Court later found that the vehicles had been irregularly issued, leading to the conviction of Chanda and his co-accused, former ZRA Director of Administration Callistus Kaoma.
In a Facebook post, Bishop Luchile who is the General Overseer of Calvary Life Bible Church in Zambia and the Executive Director of the civil society group Vision Network said the matter should serve as a lesson to learn for the clergy.
He also wondered why the church has been quiet over the matter.
“This vehicle was gifted to His Grace Archbishop Alick Banda and later recovered by DEC. It was among the many from ZRA for which ba Kingsley Chanda is jailed.”
“The question here is why we have chosen to be mute. This motoka has made a dent on the body of Christ and we have lessons to learn. Umutulo baukonkela, basenda ba DEC,” said Bishop Luchile.
Why Zambia’s Opposition Are Their Own Worst Enemies & Why HH Will Win 2026 in a Landslide
By Magret Mwanza
In every democracy, the strength of the opposition determines the strength of accountability, the vibrancy of debate, and the pace of national progress. Unfortunately, in Zambia, the opposition has become its own worst enemy.
As Thomas Sipalo rightly observed, the biggest obstacle to the opposition is not President Hakainde Hichilema or the UPND government, it is the opposition itself.
The United Kwacha Alliance, which once promised to be a credible alternative to the ruling party, has disintegrated into a circus of egos and self-serving ambitions.
Every senior figure wants to be the torchbearer, every voice wants to lead, and none is willing to be led. The result is chaos disguised as politics and selfishness masquerading as strategy. The same greed that killed the PF from within has found a new home in the opposition bloc. What we are witnessing today is not the rise of a united political front but a congregation of frustrated politicians clinging to the illusion of relevance.
They speak of unity but practice division; they preach change but embody the same corruption, tribalism, and arrogance that the people rejected in 2021.
When the Tonse Alliance was formed, it was sold as a coalition of hope, a fresh start for Zambia. But today, the so-called alliances and opposition pacts are merely rebranded political shells carrying the same toxic cargo: greed, entitlement, and self-interest.
These leaders have learned nothing from history. They are more interested in who becomes the presidential candidate than in what Zambia needs to move forward. The tragedy of Zambia’s opposition is not lack of talent or resources.
It is the lack of discipline, humility, and vision. Every opposition leader behaves as if they were born to be president, not realizing that leadership is not seized through noise but earned through service and sacrifice.
While the opposition fights over who sits at the head of the table, President Hakainde Hichilema is quietly strengthening his political machinery, stabilizing the economy, and positioning the UPND for another term.
His government may not be perfect, but compared to the chaos within the opposition, HH represents stability, continuity, and predictability, three factors that voters value most in uncertain times.
The opposition has given HH a gift wrapped in arrogance and disunity: a clear path to victory in 2026. The UPND doesn’t even need to campaign aggressively; the opposition’s endless infighting and leadership confusion will do the job for them.Zambians are watching, and they are not impressed by political clowns who cannot even agree on who should lead their so-called “alliance.”
It is alarming that with only months before the next elections, no single opposition leader has shown the maturity to rally others under one banner. Instead, every politician is a self-proclaimed “Messiah.” They hold endless meetings, issue empty press statements, and trade insults among themselves while citizens are left wondering who among them truly represents a credible alternative.
Greed has become the bloodstream of Zambia’s opposition politics. Positions are valued more than purpose, and photo opportunities are mistaken for strategy. The people can see through it. No one will vote for a disorganized opposition that cannot govern itself yet claims it can govern a nation.
Unless a miracle happens, and miracles are rare in politics, the 2026 elections are already decided, HH will.
Nkhoma urges ECZ TO put Presidential nomination fee at K5 million
By Francis Chipalo
Economist, Noel Nkhoma has urged the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to consider hiking the nomination fee for the position of President to K5 million.
Asked if such a fee would not disadvantage many especially the youth who might have what it takes to be President, Nkhoma says the Presidency cannot be leftout to what he described as ‘chancers’.
He stated that those with limited resources should apply as mayors or council chairpersons.
“I am delighted that the Tonse Alliance has placed a premium on the Presidency by setting the nomination/application fee at K300,000.00. This is how it should be, we can’t leave the Presidency to chancers,” he said.
Nkhoma said we cannot have people staying in rented houses wanting to preside over the treasury.
“In so saying, I would like to urge the ECZ to put the Presidential nomination fee at K5 million. Let us be serious for once. You cannot have dreamers all thinking they can be Presidents,” he added.
The nomination fees for Presidents as of 2021 was at K95,000 for male and K75,000 for female candidates, with the youth being at K60,000 respectively.
It is becoming clearer by the day that Robert Chabinga’s mission is not to rebuild the PF but to bury it for good.
Yesterday we heard that Chabinga now wants to lock the PF Secretariat and has even asked the police to move in, the same police who provided him and Miles Sampa security during the illegal “convention” of 24th October 2023.
What kind of leadership calls the police to intimidate its own members? What kind of “President” finds comfort in destroying his party’s home instead of defending it?
This is not leadership, it’s betrayal. Chabinga’s actions are not mistakes; they are part of a calculated effort to neutralize PF as a viable opposition force ahead of the 2026 elections. He is doing exactly what the ruling party could only dream of; “Turning PF members against each other and crippling the very institution that once gave Zambians a political choice.”
If the true PF leaders still have the courage and clarity, this is the moment to act decisively. It is time to seek an alternative political vehicle that will carry forward the ideals, membership, and momentum of the PF before it’s too late.
Because right now, Chabinga is not saving PF, he is serving UPND’s political interests. And every minute wasted under his command is a minute stolen from the opposition’s future.
When Micheal Sata died, the son wanted to take over as president and later the wife too joined the race to become president. The family wanted someone from within the family circles to take over and that’s how they arrived at another relative who happened to be Miles Sampa. This move was not recieved well by other senior party officials who contested the decision sitting reasons that the party was not a monarchy or something to be inherited.
Edgar Lungu who was then Acting defence minister, secretary General and Minister of home affairs who was trusted so much by Sata was identified to stand as President of the patriotic front by the other faction.
Fast forward the decisions of the family were challenged at the convention and in the end Lungu become the presidential candidate of the patriotic front.
When you give the family of the deceased an opportunity to appoint who takes over, they tend to appoint someone closer to them as a family or a relative because that’s what makes them feel assured that they will be taken care of entirely.
Allow the tenets of democracy to lead and guide you as a party not consultation from the family of the deceased because they are more likely to make an emotional decision. Let the PF leadership decide through the convention and that will settle the dust.
Work on speaking to Chabinga because you will not hold any PF convention if the one who is the owner of the party is someone else.
Provided Tonse remains just a name not registered any where, you will not be allowed to gather because you don’t have the regitimacy to hold political meetings am a non registered grouping.
Any attempt to use the PF Secretariat, regalia and anything to do with PF or gatherings else where will now be considered an illegal meeting that will be stopped by the police.
WE HAVE A PLAN FOR MARKETEERS AND STREET VENDORS– MUDOLO
Kitwe, 07/10/2025
Presidential aspirant Willah Joseph Mudolo says he has a growth-oriented plan for Zambia`s marketeers. In a statement released today, Mudolo said marketeers are the conduit and backbone of the nation`s micro economy. He has recognized the important role marketeers play in ensuring goods and services are availed to local communities despite the challenges and hardships around them.
“Marketeers across the country have for a long time been neglected and left to conduct business in poor conditions. Infrastructure in most areas is dilapidated or non-existent beside the fact that traders and street vendors lack access to affordable funding and financial literacy programs.” Mudolo said.
“We have a plan to address all these challenges and ensure our Marketeers and vendors have access to affordable capital and financial literacy programs. These people at Chisokone, Nakadoli, Soweto, mtendere and other markets countrywide, are our mothers and youths and family at large. I come from a family of marketeers.
My mother was a marketeer in the village, and I have long understood the challenges in that sector. We will support them and ensure they thrive and grow. We want our marketeers to graduate from selling in makeshift stalls to operating their own mini and supermarkets. The potential for growth is immense. Our people are hardworking and innovative.” He stated.
Mudolo has lined up bold plans that include modern infrastructure, revolving funds for marketeers and vendors, as well as financial literacy and business growth programs.
LEGAL EXPERTÉ IN SUPPORT OF INDEPENDENT PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDACY UNDER THE ZAMBIAN CONSTITUTION
Subject: Constitutional Legitimacy of Independent Presidential Candidates in Zambia
Author: CEMM Date: 09 October 2025
1. Introduction
Recent public commentary by Hamasaka Clayson state house Communication specialist , suggesting that the Zambian Constitution prohibits any citizen from contesting the presidency as an independent candidate. This interpretation, while assertive, is not supported by the full constitutional text or jurisprudential precedent. This experté seeks to clarify the legal position and affirm the constitutional right of citizens—such as Hon. Given Katuta and others—to stand for the office of President without party sponsorship.
2. Constitutional Framework
The relevant provisions are found in the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Act No. 2 of 2016, particularly:
Article 100(1): A person qualifies to be a presidential candidate if they:
Are a Zambian citizen by birth or descent;
Are at least 35 years old;
Have both parents who are Zambian citizens;
Are qualified to be elected as a Member of Parliament;
Have paid the prescribed nomination fee;
Have obtained at least 100 supporters from each province.
Notably, Article 100 does not explicitly require party sponsorship. The requirement to be “sponsored by a political party” appears in Article 99(2) only in reference to party-sponsored candidates, not as a universal condition.
3. Interpretation and Precedent
The Constitution recognizes independent Members of Parliament under Article 72, affirming the legitimacy of non-party representation.
The Electoral Process Act No. 35 of 2016, Section 34, provides for independent candidates in presidential, parliamentary, and local government elections.
The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has previously accepted independent presidential nominations, including in the 2001 and 2011 elections.
4. Legal Principle: Inclusivity and Equal Access
The Constitution is the supreme law of the land. Any interpretation that restricts candidacy must be:
Explicitly stated;
Reasonably justifiable in a democratic society;
Consistent with the Bill of Rights, particularly Article 21 (Freedom of Association) and Article 23 (Protection from Discrimination).
To deny independent candidacy would violate the principle of equal access to public office, enshrined in Zambia’s democratic ethos.
5. Conclusion
There is no constitutional prohibition against standing as an independent presidential candidate. The Constitution provides a framework for both party-sponsored and independent candidates. Hon. Given Katuta and others who seek to contest independently are well within their legal rights, and any attempt to bar them must be challenged as unconstitutional.
6. Recommendation
It is recommended that:
The Electoral Commission of Zambia reaffirm the eligibility of independent presidential candidates;
Legal practitioners and scholars clarify the distinction between party-sponsored and independent candidacy.
Citizens be encouraged to exercise their democratic rights without undue restriction we however encourage them to Join the Winning Team The Tonse Alliance 2026 under the SPV of the NCP
DAN Pule, who is the legitimate Acting Chairperson of the Tonse Alliance, following the demise of President Edgar Lungu, now says he wasn’t availed full details of why Given Lubinda, Nakacinda and others wanted him to appear on Television.
Pule says he only learnt when cameras were turned on that it was about dismissing the credibility of the gathering of Tonse Alliance at Kelvin Fube Bwalya’s office led by Sean Tembo.
Mr. Pule wonders why he is now important when immediately after Edgar Lungu died, he was ignored and disrespected by those who ran to him yesterday. He says according to proper rules of engagement, he should have been the one to act as Tonse Alliance Chairperson until after a new one was chosen, following the demise of Lungu , since he was Deputy Chairperson.
Meanwhile, Dan Pule says going forward he will not allow people to use him and dump him adding that, he knows conmen very well. And Pule has validated the list which was recently circulated of Tonse Alliance members, but insist that all leadership positions must be contested at the General Conference.
He has said that Given Lubinda is only Acting President of PF, and therefore represents the former ruling party in Tonse Council of Presidents as opposed to being Tonse Alliance Chairperson.
Another Five Years For HH and UPND is a National Imperative
By Magret Mwanza
Zambia is finally on a path of rational, disciplined, and visionary governance. Under President Hakainde Hichilema and the UPND government, we have witnessed something unprecedented in our recent history, clarity in economic management. For years, our country was choked by reckless borrowing, hidden deals, and institutional decay.
Today, mining revenues are properly accounted for and collected at levels that allow the state to breathe and plan. The economic house is not yet fully in order, but the foundation has been laid.It is this very trajectory that demands continuity. Cutting this progress short now would be like demolishing a house when only the roof is left to be completed. Another five years is not a gift to HH, it is a necessity for Zambia’s survival and long-term prosperity.
Free education from early childhood to secondary school is not a slogan, it is a life-altering policy. Millions of children from poor families are now in classrooms, preparing for futures their parents could never have imagined. Constituency Development Funds have been multiplied to empower communities directly, bypassing bureaucracy and corruption that previously suffocated development.
The Social Cash Transfer programme has expanded, cushioning the most vulnerable. These are not abstract achievements; they are visible transformations in the lives of our people. What we must understand is that development is like planting a field. The seeds have been sown and if we abandon the field now, we will starve. *Another term for HH ensures that these gains are watered and harvested* into a stronger, more inclusive Zambia.
No nation can move forward while corruption eats away at its soul. Under HH, the Anti-Corruption Commission, FIC, and law enforcement agencies have been emboldened. Former ministers, politically exposed persons, and cadres who once felt untouchable are being called to account. Of course, challenges remain, and some corrupt actors still manipulate the system.
But the message is clear: Zambia is no longer a playground for thieves. However, the fight against corruption is not a one-term battle. Criminal networks that looted our resources for years are still regrouping, plotting their return. If HH is denied a second mandate, these forces will hijack the state once more.
A second term gives Zambia a chance to cement zero tolerance to corruption, sending a clear message that public office is a responsibility, not a cash cow.
Load-shedding, unemployment, and high cost of living remain real and painful. No one can deny this. But governance is about process and progress, not miracles.
In just four years, Zambia has stabilized its international credit standing, created space for economic growth, and strengthened its social pillars. What remains is for these reforms to bear fruit in ordinary households.That cannot happen overnight.
Cutting off HH and UPND now would be like changing captains mid-sail during a storm, it would guarantee disaster. Continuity is the only way to complete the matrix so that the benefits reach every Zambian home.
While UPND has its flaws, no serious citizen can deny that under President Hakainde Hichilema, Zambia is on the correct trajectory. Another five years is not about politics, it is about securing a future where our children inherit a nation that works, where corruption is punished, where education is free, where resources are managed, and where leadership is accountable.
To abandon this journey now would be national tragedy. Zambia must give HH and UPND another term, not as a favor, but as a patriotic duty.
BUILD-UP | Given Katuta’s Independent Bid and the Road Ahead
“Zambia is not for sale. Zambia is not for political parties. Zambia is for Zambians.” With those words, Chiengi Constituency lawmaker Given Katuta threw herself into the 2026 presidential race as an independent candidate, positioning her campaign as a revolt against the country’s party system. Her declaration, delivered during an online briefing, was sharp, confident, and unapologetically disruptive.
Katuta said the political party system has collapsed into betrayal, confusion, and corruption. She argued that the promises of the 2021 elections have evaporated and that the nation needs leadership not bound by the compromises and internal deals that dominate Zambia’s political culture.
“I am officially declaring my intention to run for president of the Republic of Zambia in 2026 as an independent candidate,” she said. “The country deserves leaders who are not tied to party agendas.”
The Road Ahead
Katuta’s decision is not just personal ambition. It represents a statement about what has gone wrong in Zambia’s political structure. Political parties have become career platforms rather than movements of public service. Internal elections often mirror personal loyalty networks rather than democratic values. By running independently, Katuta is rejecting that system, but she now faces one of the most demanding paths in Zambian politics.
Independent campaigns are expensive, isolating, and structurally uphill. Without a party machine, every step—from mobilising supporters to printing campaign materials—depends on personal networks and individual fundraising. The financial weight of a presidential campaign in Zambia can run into tens of millions of kwacha, covering logistics, advertising, security, and polling agents across 10 provinces.
That is where her real test begins. The political message may be resonant, but without a clear fundraising model or strong backers, it risks remaining symbolic. Katuta’s challenge will be to transform moral conviction into practical organisation.
The Gender Equation
Katuta’s entry is also a symbolic strike against Zambia’s political gender gap. Her declaration that “women must rise, not just to clap for men, but to lead from the front” captures the frustration of many women who feel excluded from top decision-making spaces.
Zambia has never elected a female president, and women remain underrepresented in political leadership, cabinet appointments, and local councils. The barriers are not only institutional but cultural. Female politicians often face condescension, personal attacks, and moral scrutiny that their male counterparts are spared.
Katuta’s political persona is not built on quiet diplomacy but confrontation. She embraces controversy as a way of forcing conversations that others avoid.
If she can package that defiance into disciplined messaging, she could tap into a demographic that feels politically invisible: young women, informal workers, and rural mothers who relate to her raw honesty more than to political speeches.
Rebuilding a Movement Without a Party
To stand a chance, Katuta must do what few independents manage, build a national structure from scratch. She has already called for “a people-powered movement,” signalling an intention to crowdsource both leadership and legitimacy. Digital mobilisation could play a central role. With the right communication strategy, she could turn social media into an organising tool, bridging urban and rural audiences.
The next six months will determine whether this movement remains an idea or becomes an organised force. Katuta’s immediate priority will be to assemble a national advisory team, mobilise provincial coordinators, and establish a transparent campaign fund that attracts small donors rather than relying on political elites.
A Message That Resonates
Katuta’s ten-point plan reads like a mirror of Zambia’s public frustrations: high living costs, unemployment, load-shedding, corruption, and decaying public services. Her appeal lies not in offering perfect solutions but in her blunt authenticity. She says what others filter. In an age of cautious political messaging, her tone feels unvarnished.
Still, voters will expect more than anger. They will want credible policies and competent people around her. If she can demonstrate that her independence is not isolation but innovation, a way to run government without the burden of partisan capture, she could surprise even seasoned observers.
The Political Reality
Katuta enters a field already crowded with experienced politicians, well-funded parties, and complex alliances. Yet, in that crowd lies her opening. Zambians are weary of recycled promises and rehearsed debates. Her independence offers the possibility of a campaign driven by citizens rather than elites.
But independence also means vulnerability. She will need security, discipline, and alliances with civic networks to survive the months ahead. Her boldness will attract both admiration and attack. In a system built on party loyalty, she will be treated as a disruptor—and that might be her greatest advantage.
The Final Measure
Given Katuta’s presidential bid may or may not win, but it already matters. It reminds Zambia that leadership does not have to come from the usual mould. That courage, not connections, can define ambition. That women, too, can set the national agenda without permission.
Her path will be long, costly, and uncertain. But as the country heads toward 2026, her campaign could mark the start of something different, a politics not built on who funds you, but on who believes in you.
STEPHEN KAMPYONGO URGES POLICE IG TO EXERCISE FAIRNESS AHEAD OF 2026 POLLS
By Chamuka Shalubala
Former Home Affairs Minister Stephen Kampyongo has urged Inspector General of Police, Graphael Musamba, to exercise fairness as the country heads into a politically charged season ahead of next year’s general elections.
This follows Mr. Musamba’s warning on Tuesday against individuals behind a Facebook post purporting to represent the Patriotic Front, titled “PF to begin countrywide demonstrations until state gives back PF”, which the police chief described as inciting and a threat to public order.
But Mr. Kampyongo has criticized the reaction by the Inspector General of Police, arguing that while maintaining law and order is his duty, it is important that he handles all matters with fairness to inspire public confidence in his office.
He has questioned why Mr. Musamba was quick to react to an anonymous Facebook post allegedly linked to the PF, yet has remained silent on remarks by PF faction leader Robert Chabinga, who recently told the media that he would stage demonstrations across the country.
Mr. Kampyongo in an interview with Phoenix News has since advised Mr. Musamba to avoid being entangled in partisan politics and instead focus on discharging his duties in an impartial manner.
BREBNER CHANGALA MUST STOP POLITICISING EDGAR LUNGU’S LEGACY
By NLT 1 Scholar
The passing of former President Edgar Chagwa Lungu should have been a moment for solemn national reflection — a time to honour a leader who, despite political differences, served this country at its highest level. Yet, instead of allowing the nation to mourn with dignity, some voices have chosen to exploit the tragedy for political mileage.
In an article published in The Mast Newspaper on 7th October 2025, social commentator Brebner Changala appealed to President Hakainde Hichilema to “let the family bury ECL.” On the surface, this might sound compassionate. But beneath the rhetoric lies a familiar pattern — a deliberate attempt to cast the Head of State in a negative light and to politicise a deeply personal and national matter.
Mr. Changala’s persistent framing of President Hichilema as an obstacle to the burial of the late President is not only misleading but also unfair to the spirit of truth and reconciliation that Zambia so urgently needs. There has been no evidence that government has stood in the way of the Lungu family’s wishes. On the contrary, the administration has extended full logistical and ceremonial support in line with the respect due to a former Head of State.
This continued politicisation of Lungu’s death is both insensitive and unnecessary. The late President deserves to rest in peace, not to have his name repeatedly dragged into media-fuelled controversy. Public figures such as Mr. Changala, who command significant attention, should be the first to promote calm, truth, and unity — not suspicion and political animosity.
The debate over whether Edgar Lungu should be buried in Zambia or elsewhere should not be turned into a political weapon. Zambia is his homeland — the soil he led and served. To imply that he would find more dignity in burial outside Zambia is a disservice to his legacy and to the people he once governed.
At a time when the nation should be bound together by shared grief and remembrance, it is regrettable that some choose division over decency. The late Edgar Chagwa Lungu should not become a pawn in anyone’s political chess game. Let his name inspire dialogue, not discord.
As Zambians, we owe him — and ourselves — the dignity of peace, the courtesy of truth, and the discipline to separate politics from mourning.
PHARMACEUTICAL EXPERT APPEALS TO HEALTH MINISTER ELIJAH MUCHIMA: “DON’T SUSPEND THE ISSUANCE OF PRESCRIPTIONS IN PUBLIC HEALTH FACILITIES.
By: Thomas Afroman Mwale
Pharmaceutical Expert Jeromy Kanyika Has Called On Government, Through The Minister Of Health, Dr. Elijah Muchima, To Refrain From Suspending The Issuance Of Medical Prescriptions.
He Cautioned That The Reported 85% Availability Of Medicines In Public Health Facilities Does Not Equate To The Presence Of All Essential Drugs Required For Treating Priority Health Conditions.
In An Interview With Sun Fm Tv News, Mr. Kanyika Emphasized That While The Overall Stock Level May Appear Satisfactory, It Does Not Guarantee The Availability Of Critical Medications.
He Underscored The Importance Of Maintaining A 100% Stock Level For Essential Tracer Drugs, Rather Than The Current 85%, To Ensure Comprehensive Patient Care.
Mr. Kanyika Clarified That Prescriptions Are Issued When Specific Medicines Are Unavailable At Certain Facilities, Allowing Patients To Obtain The Missing Medications Externally.
He Noted That Standard Medical Practice Permits Patients To Receive At Least Three Out Of Four Prescribed Drugs, With Only The Unavailable One Sourced Privately.
Addressing Allegations Of Malpractice, Mr. Kanyika Firmly Rejected Claims That Prescriptions Are Being Used To Conceal Theft Or Internal Misconduct.
His Remarks Come In Response To Concerns Raised By Health Minister, Who Questioned The Issuance Of Prescriptions For Private Purchase Despite Ministry Data Indicating Over 85% Availability Of Essential Medicines In Public Health Facilities Nationwide. #SunFmTvNews
