KWACHA TENANT IN KITWE BEGS LANDLORD TO GAIN ACCESS TO THE HOUSE
A man only identified as a Mr. Banda after defaulting rent for three months has lost access to the house and household things.
According to information available, a Mr. Banda from Kwacha Township of Kitwe, who has taken his old landlord for a joker, paying rentals when he feels like, is reportedly begging to have access to the house after experiencing strange things.
For the past weeks he has been finding the Tv on every morning but overlooks it as he comes home drunk remembering not a thing. On the weekend, he was sober and went to bed making sure the Tv was off.
Around 01:00 AM, he heard noises in the lounge and when he went to check out where the noise was coming from, he found the Tv on with a glass of water on the table. He switched the Tv off and walked back to his bedroom to sleep but before he could touch the door handle, the Tv was on again.
He unplugged the Tv from the power socket and went to sleep making himself believe the Tv was malfunctioning. In the morning, he found a snake on the bed which he failed to kill as it disappeared before he could get anything to harm it. After talking to his friends about it, they advised him to leave the house.
However, today all prepared with his friends to get his things from the house, he found a snake helping the new lock which the owner of the house has used to lock the gate. People threw stones to kill it but failed. The snake was reportedly not moving. The mob only stopped throwing things at the snake when one man aiming at the snake ended up hitting his friend splitting his forehead into two.
Meanwhile, old people in the area advised young people to stop disturbing the snake saying this is not natural but the owner of the house has refused having anything to do with the snake. He only said he will open the gate when Mr. Banda pays his rentals in arrears.
BREAKING | Peter Chanda Pulls Out of Tonse Alliance, Cites “Greed and Division”
In yet another blow to Zambia’s fractured opposition, New Congress Party (NCP) president Peter Chanda has officially withdrawn his party from the Tonse Alliance, citing betrayal of founding principles and deepening internal divisions since the death of former President Edgar Chagwa Lungu.
Speaking during a press briefing in Lusaka on Monday, Chanda said the Tonse Alliance, once envisioned as a platform for unity and collective leadership, had degenerated into “a theatre of ego and greed.”
“The Tonse Alliance has departed from the core values it was built on,” Chanda said. “Most members have put personal egos and greedy agendas before collective responsibility.”
He said the NCP, which he described as the special purpose vehicle personally appointed by the late President Lungu to carry the Tonse flag into the 2026 elections, could no longer continue working under what he called a “lawless and directionless coalition.”
“Today, anyone can wake up, call a press briefing, and issue statements in the name of the late President Lungu,” Chanda stated. “We refuse to be part of that disorder.”
Chanda announced that the NCP would now operate as a standalone party and embark on a national restructuring programme.
“We are pulling out to reorganize our structures across the country,” he said. “We shall hold consultations in all ten provinces before our general conference. After that, we will be open to working with any alliance that shares the vision of the late President Lungu.”
He, however, expressed gratitude to Acting PF President Given Lubinda and other alliance members “for the time we worked together,” urging calm among supporters during the transition
“We refuse to be drawn into politics of hatred and character assassination. Our call remains unity, peace, and love, One Zambia, One Nation,” he added.
Chanda’s exit marks the latest rupture in the already divided Tonse Alliance, following weeks of chaotic meetings, tribal accusations, and factionalism between the Lubinda–Nakacinda and Tembo–Mundubile camps.
The move exposes the alliance’s fragility, especially with PF still battling internal succession wars and no clear presidential candidate emerging to replace Edgar Lungu.
Recently, tensions reached a boiling point after PF cadres disrupted a meeting at Sean Tembo’s residence, and Nakacinda publicly admitted to tribal divisions within the opposition.
Chanda’s decision may embolden other smaller parties to chart their own path, signalling what could be the beginning of the end for Tonse as a unified political front ahead of the 2026 elections.
CAR VALUED AT K80,000 GUTTED IN FIRE AFTER JUMP-START GOES WRONG
A Toyota Allion valued at K80,000 has been gutted in the process of jump-starting another motor vehicle at Chipata Taxi Rank in Chipata District of Eastern Province.
Eastern Province Police Commissioner Robertson Mweemba confirmed the incident, stating that it occurred yesterday, October 4, 2025, around 15:00 hours in Mwami Border Trading Taxi Rank.
Mr. Mweemba says Mercy Musesa, aged 41, of Damview Compound, reported that her motor vehicle, silver in colour which was being driven by her son Benjamin Chilindi, aged 20, got burnt as he was trying to jump-start another motor vehicle.
Brief facts of the matter are that the said motor vehicle was stationed at the rank when a fellow driver asked for assistance to help start his engine by jump-starting it.
Mr. Mweemba says they connected the wires to both vehicles and, after finishing, they forgot to remove the wires, leading to a fire.
He says the cause of the fire is believed to be an electrical fault.
Mr Mweemba says efforts to extinguish the fire failed, saying various items, including a passport, driving license, and national registration card, were also gutted.
Eswatini to receive 11 more US deportees amid legal concerns
Eswatini is set to accept 11 more deportees from the United States this October, following a similar transfer in July.
The deportees – from Jamaica, Cuba, Laos, Vietnam, and Yemen – are being sent under a controversial third-country agreement. US authorities say they were convicted of serious crimes including child rape and murder.
BURKINA FASO SET TO BUILD 2 PRISONS & 5 COURTS FOR CORRUPTION.
In the words of the Presido and Point One Captain Ibrahim Traore :
“Corruption is a cancer that has crippled Africa’s progress for decades, stifling growth and development.
My government will make eradicating corruption its top priority, ensuring it becomes a thing of the past.
To those who still believe embezzling Burkina Faso’s resources—meant for the benefit of all its people—is a game, know this: you will soon be watching us rebuild our nation from behind bars.”
THE PARTY VICE PRESIDENT’s PRESENT SENIOR PARTY MEMBERS LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, MEMBERS OF THE PRESS WE WELCOME YOU TO THIS SHORT PRESS BRIEFING. FIRST AND FOREMOST WE WOULD LOVE TO THANK YOU COLLEAGUES FROM THE MEDIA FOR ALWAYS COVERING US DESPITE OUR SHORT NOTICES, YOUR DEDICATION TOWARDS NATIONAL MATTERS IS FAR MORE APPRECIATED.
THIS MORNING WE ARE GATHERED HERE TO ADRESS OUR POSITION IN THE TONSE ALLIANCE, AN ORGANIZATION WE JOINED AND WHERE LATER APPOINTED AS SPECIAL PURPOSE VEHICLE TO CARRY THE ALLIANCE’s FLAG INTO THE COMING GENERAL ELECTION SLATTED FOR AUGUST 12th 2026
AS YOU MIGHT BE AWARE THAT INLINE WITH THE VISION OF THE FORMER SIXTH REPUBLICAN PRESIDENT DR EDGAR CHAGWA LUNGU (MHSRIP) WHO WAS ALSO THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE TONSE ALLIANCE THE PARTNERSHIP OR COMING TOGETHER OF POLITICAL PARTIES TO FORM AN ALLIANCE WAS CREATED TO FOSTER NATIONAL UNITY AND TO CHAMPION DEVELOPMENTAL AGENDAS THROUGH EFFECTIVE COLLABORATIONS AND MUTUAL RESPECT AS WE APPROACHED THE GENERAL ELECTION.
BUT UNFORTUNATELY THE ALMIGHTY GOD HAD OTHER PLANS AND OTHER DUTIES FOR THE LATE PRESIDENT IN HEAVEN. WE CAN ONLY PRAY AND WISH THAT GOD KEEPS OUR LOVING FATHER IN THAT LOVELY AND PEACEFUL PLACE WHERE WE WILL ALL MEET AGAIN WHEN WE DEPART THIS EARTH.
AS YOU ALL HAVE WITNESSED, THE TONSE ALLIANCE HAS DEPARTED FROM ITS CALL VALUES THAT IT WAS FORMED AND BUILT ON BECAUSE MOST MEMBERS HAVE PUT FIRST PERSONAL EGOS AND GREEDY AGENDAS THAN THAT OF COLLECTIVE RESPONSIBILITY WHICH THE ALLIANCE WAS STRONGLY BUILT ON.
CURRENTLY ANYONE CAN WAKE UP AND CALL FOR A PRESS BRIEFING AND ISSUE ANY FORM OF STATEMENT WITHOUT CONSULTING OTHER MEMBERS, SOME MEMBERS TODAY EVEN MAKE APPOINTMENTS IN THE NAME OF THE FORMER AND LATE CHAIRPERSON DR EDGAR CHAGWA LUNGU WHO AT NO POINT EVER APPROVED ANY OF CLAIMS BEING PUT FORWARD TODAY
WITH ALL THIS SAID I WOULD LIKE TO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO OFFICIALLY ANNOUNCE THAT THE NATIONAL CONGRESS PARTY (NCP) WHICH IS THE OFFICIAL SPECIAL PURPOSE VEHICLE APPOINTED AND CHOSEN BY THE FORMER LATE PRESIDENT TO LEAD THE TONSE ALLIANCE INTO THE COMING GENERAL ELECTIONS HAS PULLED OUT OF THE TONSE ALLIANCE
WE HAVE TAKEN THIS DECISION AFTER WIDER CONSULTATIONS FROM OUR MEMBERS ACROSS THE COUNTRY, FOR NOW OUR FOCUS AND AIM IS TO GROW THE PARTY AND STAND ON OUR OWN AS AN EXISTING POLITICAL ENTITY
WE WOULD LIKE TO ASSURE THE NATION THAT WE SHALL NOT DEPART FROM OUR CALL VALUES OF OFFERING MEANINGFUL CHECKS AND BALANCES TO THE GOVERNMENT OF THE DAY.
WE HAVE TAKEN THIS DECISION SO THAT WE CAN PROPERLY REORGANIZE OUR PARTY ACROSS THE COUNTRY, WE SHALL EMBARK ON A NATIONAL TOUR OF ALL THE 10 PROVINCES IN DUE COURSE TO CONSULT OUR MEMBERS ACROSS THE COUNTRY ON THE NEXT STEP THE PARTY WILL TAKE.
ALLOW US TO MAKE IT CATEGORICALLY CLEAR THAT AFTER THE GENERAL CONFERENCE WE SHALL BE OPEN TO WORK WITH ANY ALLIANCE THAT BELIEVES IN THE VISON OF THE LATE FORMER PRESIDENT AND TONSE ALLIANCE CHAIRPERSON DR EDGAR CHAGWA LUNGU
WE FURTHER CALL ON ALL POLITICAL WELL WISHERS AND STAKE HOLDERS TO COME ON BOARD AND HELP US IN ANYWAY POSSIBLE SO THAT WE CAN CARRY OWN WITH THE VISION OF THE FOUNDING FATHER AND LATE CHAIRPERSON.
WE REFUSE TO BE DRAWN IN POLITICS OF DIVISION, HATRED AND CHARACTER ASSASSINATIONS. WE WOULD LIKE TO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO APPEAL FOR CALM AND PEACE AS WE TRANSITION FROM THE TONSE ALLIANCE TO A STAND ALONE ENTITY
WE URGE OUR SUPPORTERS ACROSS THE COUNTRY TO ALWAYS PREACH LOVE AND PEACE AS WE ARE ONE ZAMBIA ONE NATION
IN CONCLUSION WE WOULD ALSO LOVE TO THANK ALL MEMBERS OF THE TONSE ALLIANCE ESPECIALLY THE ACTING CHAIRPERSON HON GIVEN LUBINDA TO MENTION BUT A FEW FOR THE TIME WE WORKED TOGETHER THROUGH OUT OUR PARTNERSHIP IN THE ALLIANCE AND WE HOPE THAT OUR DECISION WILL BE RESPECTED AND RECEIVED WITHOUT EMOTIONS.
MPOROKOSO PF MP Brian Mundubile says the purpose of the gathering at Sean Tembo’s residence was to resolve the alliance’s internal problems.
On Tuesday, chaos erupted when some members of the Patriotic Front and Tonse Alliance nearly exchanged blows, forcing quick police intervention. The clash happened when Tonse members, led by Sean Tembo, Mundubile, Chris Zumani and Kelvin Fube Bwalya, among others, attempted to hold a meeting at Tembo’s residence but were disrupted by PF members who questioned the decision to hold the meeting.
But in an interview, Friday, Mundubile explained that attending such meetings was essential for settling internal issues.
“Well, first of all, I believe in unity of purpose, and unity of purpose means that people have to dialogue. I’m not a believer of exchanges in the media between fellow members of the PF and fellow members of the alliance.
So of course the whole issue has been about our attendance; us attending that meeting. But my basic response is that we can’t unite if we can’t meet. So, the purpose of attending the meeting was that if there are any issues, we resolve them in-house and not in the media. Others argued that the meeting was not properly called. If that is the case, when do you address that particular problem? If the problem is about that meeting not being properly called, when do you address it?” he asked.
“So, I think that there are overreactions over the matter, but if people have a sober reflection, they’ll realise that actually a number of us who are members of the central committee went there in a bid to resolve the problems within the meeting. The notice of the meeting was circulated by comrade Sean Tembo, who is the spokesperson.
Other members argued that he had no right to call for a meeting. So, my position was very simple: whether or not the meeting was properly called was not the issue; the issue was to go to that meeting. If at all I felt the meeting was not properly called, I should resolve it at that meeting. Even in conflict, we have seen that government, with the people that don’t agree with them, they sit down to talk. So, if we didn’t go to the meeting, the meeting would have proceeded and made resolutions which were going to affect us”.
Mundubile said leaders should resolve differences in-house, as opposed to publicising them, in order to maintain unity.
“You address it in the meeting, you first of all meet and then say okay, can we look at our founding documents, is this meeting properly called or not? So, the starting point is to meet. The misunderstanding people could have had about the meeting should not be… because you meet first and agree that yes, it is not properly constituted, can we wait until we are properly constituted.
But if you don’t meet, when do you resolve that problem? So, my submission is that as leaders, we should restrain ourselves from bringing the differences to the public. The differences must be resolved in-house so that together you emerge united,” said Mundubile.
“If what happened at Mulungushi when comrade [Miles] Sampa had a convention, because members didn’t attend, members stayed away, what resulted was that we’re in this state now because people stayed away. But if people had gone there to say look, this meeting is not called, this convention is not properly called, maybe today we would have been dealing with a different issue.
So, to stay away whilst others are meeting, others will later emerge, make resolutions which affect the entire alliance. So the only way to resolve that is to go to the meeting and argue in that meeting, argue a point in the meeting, and then later you forestall the damage that could ensue”.
Meanwhile, Chama South PF MP Davison Mung’andu said he was glad that PF MPs were now waking up.
“First of all, I’m glad that PF members of parliament are now waking up, seeing what I saw almost two years ago. If you are to ask them, I was posting about PF that members of parliament wake up and take hold of the party, they ignored. You know, politics sometimes work like cults, where some political parties, including PF at times, they operate like a cult.
I have been consistent and I was among those that said leave the late president out of politics. I said that out of love because I knew that there were some people who, in the first place, never believed in the late president, but they wanted to use his name to launder their way into PF presidency. That is the game which was there from the beginning. So for me it’s not a strange thing, and you have not yet seen anything,” said Mung’andu.
UNITE TO REMOVE NEOCOLIANIST AGENT HICHILEMA ON AUGUST 13, 2026
Those calling for or urging opposition unity are right and need to be listened to attentively and with respect.
We have a very big and complicated struggle to wage. This struggle is not primarily about Mr Hakainde Hichilema and the UPND. These are secondary. They are merely agents. Our primary enemy is neocolonialism. And our national liberation hero Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe had aptly warned us about this: “If we don’t handle our independence very well, colonisers will come back in the form of investors…Colonialism is like a chameleon, it does not go away but only changes its colours.”
This is what Hichilema represents in this country and in Africa today. And we must unite all our people and their organisations to remove him on August 13, 2026.
Opposition unity will increase the efficiency, effectiveness, and orderliness in the utilisation of the very limited financial, human, and other resources needed by the opposition. It will optimise resource utilisation.
We shouldn’t lose sight of the fact that neocolonialism is a system of multiple domination, which dominates from various fronts: tribalism, regionalism, racism, patriarchy, and subjugation of nature, among others; all are conjugated in one system of exploitation and domination. Our revolutionary project must, therefore, also be of a multiple nature, recognising the diversity of battle fronts against neocolonialist exploitation, yet without losing the capacity to achieve strategic opposition unity. Otherwise, there is the risk of putting the suffering masses of our people divided into various political parties and other groupings in competition with each other, which makes it impossible to accumulate the necessary strength to generate transformations.
The unity of class and the unity of political parties and other forms of identity do not have to be at odds since there are multiple points of convergence. The meeting of both in a strategic project of national emancipation from neocolonial exploitation and subjugation is vital to achieve the revolutionary transformation we desire.
The engagement and unity among our opposition political parties and other social forces is vital if we hope to shape this country in the image and likeness of a progressive nation.
There’s no sensible alternative to unifying our opposition political parties’ struggles because the principal enemy is one – neocolonialism and its principal agent, Mr Hichilema and the UPND. We either struggle together, or we are defeated alone.
NAKACHINDA SPEAKS ON PF COURT CASE, EDGAR LUNGU LEGACY, AND TONSE ALLIANCE ROADMAP By Brian Matambo – Lusaka, Zambia
Patriotic Front Secretary General and Tonse Alliance Secretary General Raphael Mangani Nakachinda says the opposition is on course to resolve its internal disputes and reposition itself as a credible alternative ahead of Zambia’s 2026 general election.
Speaking on Costa Live with host Costa Mwansa, Nakachinda confirmed that the Patriotic Front has continued to participate in local and parliamentary by-elections using independent or allied candidates while awaiting a final court ruling on the party’s leadership dispute. He said the arrangement was a temporary measure designed to preserve the PF’s grassroots presence until the party convenes a general conference.
Nakachinda clarified that Friday’s High Court ruling was not a refusal to endorse the consent judgment but a procedural decision after the Chabinga faction was allowed to join the case. He explained that the court merely ruled to hear the matter on its merits, not to decide it on technical grounds. “The judge wants to determine the substance of the issue, not just procedural questions,” he said, adding that PF was holding consultations to adjust its internal roadmap accordingly.
He accused the United Party for National Development (UPND) of using state institutions to prolong PF’s leadership crisis and destabilize the opposition. Nakachinda alleged that Robert Chabinga’s recognition as Leader of the Opposition in Parliament was part of a wider scheme to weaken the Patriotic Front. “Chabinga’s relevance is a creation of the ruling party,” he argued. “Even the judiciary delays are part of the same interference.”
When pressed on whether PF should not take responsibility for its own divisions, Nakachinda admitted that some members had been compromised but maintained that the core party structure remains united behind the legitimate leadership. “We are engaging intensively, and in the coming days we will announce a clear way forward,” he said.
On the Tonse Alliance, Nakachinda said PF remains the anchor party and that Hon. Given Lubinda, as Acting PF President, is currently the acting Chairperson of the Alliance. He dismissed recent attempts by individuals to publish lists of “Tonse Council of Leaders” as illegitimate, calling them “an effort to divide and rule.” He clarified that Tonse’s rules of engagement clearly outline how member parties deploy their representatives and that PF’s larger parliamentary and national presence gives it an anchor role within the coalition.
Nakachinda also addressed the delicate issue of President Edgar Chagwa Lungu’s burial, insisting that PF and the Lungu family were aligned on ensuring dignity and cultural respect. “The family never demanded that party activities stop,” he said. “We only asked for sincerity and respect.” He revealed that PF has appointed a delegation to brief the Lungu family on succession plans, describing it as an act of courtesy and gratitude to the late leader.
Responding to questions about violence, Nakachinda condemned the incident in which PF youths disrupted a meeting at Sean Tembo’s residence. He said internal investigations were underway and reaffirmed that PF would not tolerate violent or tribal behaviour. “PF is a national party. We will not allow ethnically charged politics or lawlessness,” he stated.
On policy and ideology, Nakachinda admitted that PF has not yet presented a formal alternative budget but insisted that the party’s Members of Parliament have been articulating constructive proposals during parliamentary debates. He said the 2021–2026 manifesto remains a valid reference point for accountability, but a new 2026–2031 manifesto is being finalised and will be adopted at the upcoming general conference.
He added that PF is now investing in youth and innovation structures across its branches to reflect the digital era and the rise of artificial intelligence. “We want young people to shape policy, not just receive it,” he said, promising that the next PF administration would prioritize education, research, and technology-based job creation.
Nakachinda concluded by affirming that both PF and the Tonse Alliance will emerge stronger from current turbulence. “The opposition will not die,” he said. “We are consulting widely and soon the nation will see a united front ready to offer leadership and restore Zambia’s dignity.”
Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development Minister Charles Milupi says the price of fuel will not be the sole factor determining whether the UPND government is re-elected in 2026.
Milupi said that while rising fuel costs have attracted public concern, the overall performance of the government will be what ultimately influences voter decisions.
“What are the factors that determine how someone wins an election? Is it just the fuel price? Is it mealie meal price? Is it unemployment, lack of medicines, bad roads?” Milupi asked. “How one is perceived in terms of their overall performance is what really matters.”
Milupi noted that unlike past administrations that introduced fuel subsidies in election years to artificially lower prices, the UPND government has chosen to present economic realities as they are.
“Other governments would have introduced fuel subsidies simply because the country is going into an election year,” he said. “But the UPND believes in showing citizens the true picture rather than manipulating figures for political gain.”
He further argued that the UPND administration has implemented numerous reforms and developmental programs that should inspire public confidence heading into the 2026 general elections.
“There are so many positive things this government has done from restoring economic stability to improving social services. These are the things Zambians will consider when it’s time to vote again,” Milupi added.
Milupi expressed optimism that voters will appreciate the government’s long-term vision rather than focus solely on temporary economic challenges such as fluctuating fuel prices.
SPEED UP PROCESS FOR GENERAL CONFERENCE, NORTHERN PF URGES SG NAKACINDA
…asks him to declare interest if he has Presidential ambitions
Kasama… Sunday October 5, 2025 – The Patriotic Front must urgently identify a new Presidential candidate with strong government experience, capable of uniting the party and the nation, Northern Province Chairperson Chomba Chipili has said.
Mr Chipili said the Party Secretary General Raphael Nakacinda must speed up the process of holding the General Conference to elect a new Party leader.
He said there is no time for any further delays stressing that Zambians want to see the PF put its house in order.
He has spoken against divisive tribal rhetoric and warned that any candidate found using tribalism as a campaign strategy should be summoned immediately.
“Your Job as SG is to identify a leader who will lead the nation, unite all of us, bring peace. We need a leader who has got experience and held several positions in the government before, that’s the leader we are looking for. It is our job and the SG to identify these people. It is the SG’s job to usher in President to state house, it is not an easy task but a very tough one. We have to be strong and tough. SG, do not waste time over petty issues. Concentrate on issues which will unite all.of us and bring peace in the party. Issues which will make this party grow,” he said.
And Mr Chipili has urged the PF Secretary General, Nakacinda and Vice President Given Lubinda to declare interest if they have Presidential ambitions.
He said it would be unfair to other Presidential candidates for the two to start using their offices to push their presidential agenda without openly declaring interest.
“I am reiterating that if at all you have ambitions to become president declare interest. If at all our vice president has got ambitions to become president, declare interest, so that we create a level playing field. We do not eant to see anyone using their office to campaign,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mr Chipili has urged party members with proffered Presidential candidates not to use tribalism when campaigning
He said it would be gratifying to see people using peace and unity to campaign and not tribalism.
Mr Chipili reiterated the need for transparency and fairness in the upcoming leadership race adding that those supporting candidates not to exploit tribal divisions.
“I condemn those campaigning for their proffered candidates using tribalism. We have a very big task to do. Farmers are not yet paid their money for the maize they have supplier to FRA….. We need to speak to for people. It is our job to speak for them so that our government speeds up the payments. If we concentrate fighting one another, how are we going to help Zambians out there.
“There is bill 7, it is on our shoulders and we need to condemn what the current administration is pushing. The way Bill 7 is being handled, that is not the right way. Therefore all these issues. It is us the opposition political parties to condemn and tell the government to do the right thing, to follow the right channel. The SG should handle this matter carefully and consult other members when addressing the issue of tribalism in the party.
Candidates using tribalism to campaign should br summoned to his office immediately, it should not take time because we have no time, we are looking for a candidate. These issues should be addressed in the quickest time so that we deal with other matters,” Mr Chipili explained.
UPND CALLS FOR UNITY, CONDEMNS DIVISIVE TRIBAL REMARKS
UPND Condemns Divisive Remarks by PF’s Mumbi Phiri, Reaffirms Commitment to National Unity
By Wagon Media | 5th October 2025
The United Party for National Development (UPND) has expressed deep concern over remarks attributed to Patriotic Front (PF) member Mumbi Phiri, describing them as regrettable, divisive, and contrary to Zambia’s founding values of unity and equality.
In a statement issued on Sunday, UPND Deputy National Spokesperson Hon. Elvis Nkandu said the comments undermine the very foundation on which Zambia was built — the ideal of One Zambia, One Nation.
“Zambia was founded on an unshakable ideal. One Zambia, One Nation. This was not merely a slogan but a solemn pledge — a pledge that every citizen, regardless of tribe or region, would belong equally to one nation under one flag,” Hon. Nkandu said.
“To suggest that political success must depend on ethnic combinations is a betrayal of that founding vision and the sacrifices of those who came before us.”
The ruling party reaffirmed that President Hakainde Hichilema’s administration remains committed to merit-based leadership, national development, and the collective good of all Zambians — not tribal or regional politics.
“Leadership must be anchored in merit, public service and the collective good, not in tribal arithmetic. Zambia’s leadership will never be defined by tribe, but by commitment to the people,” the statement added.
“This administration will be judged by its policies — whether expanding the CDF, delivering free education, or unlocking economic growth.”
The UPND further called on all political parties, including the PF, to focus on delivering for all Zambians and refrain from rhetoric that threatens national cohesion. The party urged civil society, political leaders, and citizens to reject and condemn tribal politicking in the strongest terms.
“Our unity has been our strength for six decades, and it remains the cornerstone of our democracy and peace. Our future depends not on what divides us, but on what unites us. Together, we are moving forward as One Zambia, One Nation,” Hon. Nkandu concluded.
⬆️ BRIEFING | Opposition Torn Over Tribal Politics As Tembo Defends Mumbi, DPP Warns Against Division
The weekend’s political discourse left Zambia’s opposition exposed and divided, after outspoken Patriotic Front stalwart Mumbi Phiri’s remarks on tribal voting patterns triggered a wave of backlash, defence, and moral grandstanding across the spectrum.
Her statement that “if a Bemba picks an Easterner as running mate, we will win,” has reignited the long-suppressed debate on whether Zambia’s opposition politics is driven by national vision or regional arithmetic.
While many within civil society condemned the remarks as dangerously tribal, People’s Party president and Tonse Alliance spokesperson Sean Tembo rushed to her defence, insisting that Mumbi Phiri’s comments were “strategic, not tribal.”
“Those who say this is a tribal statement, can you explain how it amounts to one? She simply made a political strategy statement,” Tembo argued in a lengthy post Sunday evening.
He likened Zambia’s regional voting patterns to the United States, where candidates often balance tickets with running mates from “swing states.” Tembo said the same principle applied in Zambia, claiming a Bemba–Easterner combination had “the greatest chance of removing the UPND.”
Tembo’s defence has deepened existing fractures within the Tonse Alliance, which has been struggling to present a united face since last week’s chaotic meeting at his Ngwerere residence. His remarks appear to align him with the Mumbi Phiri–Brian Mundubile faction, which has been quietly lobbying for a northern-eastern ticket ahead of next year’s elections.
Tembo’s comments mark a deliberate break from Given Lubinda’s camp, which has called for neutrality and inclusivity in leadership selection. Raphael Nakacinda, PF Secretary General, recently admitted that tribal tensions exist within the party, a rare acknowledgment after years of denial.
But the debate has also drawn reaction from outside the PF. In a sharp counterpoint, Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) president Antonio Mwanza condemned the growing tribal rhetoric, warning that such politics offer “no food on the table and no progress for the nation.”
“Tribalism has never built a school, created a job, reduced the cost of mealie meal, or ended load-shedding,” Mwanza said. “Those who use tribe as a weapon do so to hide their failures.”
He invoked history, recalling how Zambia’s founding president Kenneth Kaunda was driven to declare a one-party state in 1972 to contain ethnic fragmentation. Mwanza said tribal politics are now “a shield for incompetence” and that the country’s young generation, largely shaped by intermarriages and urban diversity, rejects such divisions.
“Our real enemies remain corruption, poverty, unemployment and bad governance, not tribe,” he said.
The timing of these exchanges is politically charged. With PF internally split and the Tonse Alliance struggling to coordinate, the opposition’s focus on regional alliances rather than governance proposals risks alienating the undecided middle class.
Analysts warn that this fixation on ethnicity could undermine opposition unity ahead of the 2026 elections. What started as a comment on “winning combinations” has evolved into a full-blown reckoning about the moral and ideological foundations of Zambia’s opposition.
As the noise grows, one truth stands clear: Zambia’s opposition is now fighting on two fronts — against the ruling UPND, and against the ghosts of its own tribal contradictions.
Constitutional lawyer Joseph Chirwa has questioned the legality of the Technical Committee recently appointed by President Hakainde Hichilema, describing it as both illegal and contemptuous toward the Constitutional Court. He warned that the move risks undermining Zambia’s constitutional order and setting a dangerous precedent for executive overreach.
Mr. Chirwa cited the Munir Zulu and Celestine Mukandila judgment, in which the court ruled that government must first withdraw Bill 7 before restarting the legislative process. He said the President’s decision to form a Technical Committee while Bill 7 remains before Parliament amounts to “a direct violation of that ruling” and could be interpreted as contempt of court.
“It is improper and illegal for the President to appoint a Technical Committee while Bill 7 is still active before the National Assembly,” Chirwa stated. “The Attorney-General should have guided the Head of State more prudently to avoid undermining judicial authority and the sanctity of the Constitution.”
He argued that the correct legal approach would be for government to withdraw the Bill, conduct nationwide consultations through a properly constituted and representative body, and only then reintroduce the Bill for parliamentary debate. Anything short of that, he said, “reduces constitutional reform to political convenience rather than due process.”
The lawyer further criticized the composition of the Technical Committee, describing it as “narrow, elitist, and politically tilted.” He questioned how a committee of such national importance could exclude the Law Association of Zambia (LAZ), the Council of Bishops, and representatives of the Judiciary, calling the setup “a total misdirection and a comedy of errors.”
According to Mr. Chirwa, the current composition reflects an attempt by the Executive to dominate the process instead of fostering genuine dialogue. “Constitutional reform must reflect the will of the people, not the comfort of those in power,” he said. “By excluding key stakeholders, the process loses legitimacy before it even begins.”
He revealed that he and other concerned citizens are preparing to challenge the legality of the committee in court, saying they will not relent until the government demonstrates full respect for the Constitution. “We will continue to seek redress in the courts until constitutional order is restored,” Chirwa affirmed.
Mr. Chirwa also reminded the public that the rule of law is one of Zambia’s fundamental national values as enshrined in Article 8 of the Constitution. “Once the rule of law collapses, everything else democracy, justice, and good governance falls apart,” he cautioned.
ZAMBIA IS READY FOR A FEMALE PRESIDENT – SABOI IMBOELA
By: Thomas Afroman Mwale
National Democratic Congress (NDC) President Saboi Imboela has declared that Zambia is ready for a female president, emphasizing that the country has been prepared for a long time but has been held back by what she termed as propaganda advanced by men.
Speaking in an interview with Sun FM TV News, Ms. Imboela explained that some men accross the country continue to spread falsehoods that women do not support each other, reinforcing stereotypes that derail women’s chances of rising to top leadership positions such as President.
The NDC leader has since welcomed the entry of the late former President Rupiah Banda’s niece Dorika Banda into active politics, describing it as an inspiration for other women.
She noted that presidential ballot papers in the past have mainly featured up to 95% male candidates urging more women to boldly participate in the 2026 elections as a step forward for the country.
Time is a weapon: PF’s Survival Demands Strategy, Not Court Battles
By Dr Mwelwa
Pf is a vehicle to State House. If you board a bus from Chipata to Lusaka and it breaks down beyond repair, would you wait by the roadside or find another bus to complete the journey? Politics demands the same realism.
The Patriotic Front was once a strong bus, but under indecision, coups, and legal entanglements, it has broken down. Miles Sampa seized control, Chabinga now holds the certificate, and leaders like Given Lubinda delayed action until the wheels completely fell off.
President Edgar Lungu was forced out of retirement because the acting leadership failed. Yet today, even after his death, PF’s confusion persists. Court battles, factional wars, and cadre violence have replaced discipline, strategy, and a clear roadmap.
The refusal by Judge Chiyanwa Zulu to sign the Consent Order proves this problem will not be solved soon. The case has been thrown into trial. Litigation moves slowly, and every delay works in favor of the ruling party.
UPND understands that time is a weapon. The longer PF fights in court, the weaker it looks in public. Ordinary Zambians see a party consumed by wrangles while the nation faces hunger, joblessness, and a high cost of living.
PF must think beyond litigation. A serious political movement cannot sit by the roadside waiting for a broken vehicle to move. It must redirect its passengers—its MPs, mayors, councilors, and grassroots—to a new, functional vehicle.
That vehicle could be a Special Purpose Vehicle within the Tonse Alliance. It could be another opposition party willing to open its structures. The point is to preserve unity, numbers, and strategy before Parliament dissolves.
History favors those who adapt. Kaunda built coalitions. Sata mobilized through the people when courts and systems stood against him. Those who survived politically never allowed legal traps to distract them from the will of the masses.
PF must be honest with itself. It cannot hold a convention in its current state, it cannot fundraise effectively, and it cannot field a candidate without resolving leadership. Time is too short to wait for miracles from the courts.
The wisdom is simple: direct members nationwide to resign from PF en masse and join a party of choice under Tonse. Preserve the structures, protect the grassroots, and channel them into a winning vehicle. Zambia’s future cannot wait by the roadside.
I strongly condemn and completely reject this abhorrent tribalism and divisive talk of regionalism from Mumbi Phiri.
To develop, Zambia does not need a given region or an individual from a particular ethnic group in State House. The country simply needs competent men and women who are patriots, have a feasible plan, and are committed to restoring the nation’s dignity, regardless of where they come from.
We must remain One Zambia, One nation. If Hichilema is to be removed from office in the 2026 election, it should be because he has failed to govern, not because he is an ethnic Tonga or because he does not hail from Eastern or Bemba-speaking provinces.
If a Bemba picks an Eastern running mate, we’ll win 2026 elections, says Mumbi Phiri
FORMER Patriotic Front -PF deputy secretary general Mumbi Phiri says if a Bemba presidential aspirant picks an Easterner as running mate, the opposition political party will win the 2026 general elections, defeating the UPND.
Mumbi further stated that an Easterner would equally have a winning formula if they chose a Bemba as their running mate.
The former Munali Member of Parliament made the remarks in a WhatsApp group discussion where she was reacting to a post by Lukashya PF MP George Chisanga.
“Counsel Chisanga, this post you have posted is saying the truth and that’s what some people are failing to see. If it’s a Bemba who will be on top and an Easterner as a running mate, we will win. If it’s an Easterner on top and a Bemba running mate, we will win,” Mumbi said.
She went on to warn that those who opposed such reasoning were bent on dividing the party.
“That’s what people are failing to understand. These others are coming in to divide us. So let us be very, very careful with what we are doing. Me, I’m just watching. You who like to criticise, you can criticise me, since that’s the job. Thank you,” she said, as monitored by TV Yatu through the News Diggers.
ChileOne’s Benz Kisses a Rosa Bus – “Mwalikwata Motoka?” the Artiste Claps Back at Angry Passengers
“Mwalikwata motoka?” – those were the words that lit up the Mosi-O-Tunya Road like a stage spotlight on Friday night, when Remember Me hitmaker ChileOne Mr. Zambia, real name Obed Chileshe, found himself in a heated road-side drama after his unregistered Benz had a not-so-romantic encounter with a Mitsubishi Rosa bus.
According to eyewitnesses, the scene looked straight out of a comedy sketch. Passengers poured out of the Rosa bus like it was a political rally, pointing fingers and hurling unprintable words at the artiste, who wasn’t about to let fame bow down quietly.
“Ba ChileOne, mwabomfya fame pa road!” shouted one passenger.
But the artiste, clearly not in the mood for choir practice, fired back with a cool swagger, “Mwalikwata motoka?” instantly silencing the crowd for a second before the argument reignited with fresh energy.
Police Assistant Spokesperson Godfrey Chilabi confirmed the incident, saying it happened along Mosi-O-Tunya Road at the junction leading to Arthur Wina School. He explained that the Mercedes Benz, driven by ChileOne, had front-end damage, while the Rosa bus, driven by Mainza Macovious, 38, sustained damage to its right side.
Chilabi said preliminary investigations show that the bus driver failed to give way to the Benz, which had the right of way. “Fortunately, no one was injured, just bruised egos and dented bumpers,” Chilabi added.
Witnesses report that even as tempers flared, some couldn’t resist pulling out phones for selfies with the shaken artiste, while others jokingly asked, “ChileOne, can you sing Remember Me before traffic clears?”
By the time police arrived, the drama had cooled but not before the singer’s witty comeback became the talk of social media.
As one fan posted later that night:
ChileOne’s Benz didn’t just crash — it dropped bars!
Democratic UNion (DU) President Ackim Antony Njobvu has expressed happiness the support he is receiving from senior citizens across the country.
And Njobvu has noted that these days it is hard for people to trust politicians because of a few that had disapponted Zambians.
Njobvu has since called on citizens to and the church to pray for politicians so that they can be good leaders.
President Njobvu was on Sunday in Chisamba where he attended church service at Holy Cross Parish of the Roman Catholic.
The outspoken leader addressed congregants where he asked the church to pray for the peace of the country. He also contributed towards the construction of the ablution block at the church.
Njobvu later on addressed senior citizens and called on them to offer guidance to emerging leaders. He emphasized the need to for senior citizens to partner with youthful leaders in the development of the nation.
Njobvu added that his aim is to continue from where President Hakainde Hichilema and the UPND will end, adding that 2026 is time for real change with the DU being the next government.
Tribalism has never built a school or ended loadshedding – Antonio
DPP leader Antonio Mwanza says tribalism has never benefited Zambians as it has never built a school, created jobs, reduced the price of mealie-meal or ended loadshedding in the country.
In a media statement, Mwanza argued that the destructive trend of tribalism was among the reasons founding president Dr Kenneth Kaunda, in 1972, declared Zambia a one-party state.
He stated that Dr Kaunda feared, rightly, that tribal divisions—fueled by ambitious politicians—could tear apart the young nation.
“Yet, while his intentions were to preserve peace and unity, the underlying truth remains: it was not the people who divided Zambia; it was politicians who exploited tribe for political gain. Tribalism has never benefited the ordinary Zambian.
It has never built a school, created a job, reduced the cost of mealie meal, or ended load-shedding. It has never improved a farmer’s yield, lowered the cost of transport, or provided clean water. Instead, it
Minister Kubayi urges Advocate Motau to clarify Madlanga Commission resignation reasons
Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has called on Advocate Terry Motau SC to provide further clarification regarding his resignation from the Madlanga Commission, following claims that budgetary constraints influenced his decision.
Motau, who served as the commission’s chief evidence leader, announced his resignation on 11 September, citing concerns over the adequacy of the R147.9 million allocated to the commission for the 2025/26 financial year. He expressed that the budget was insufficient for the commission’s objectives and highlighted a lack of clarity in its allocation, which he felt compromised the commission’s effectiveness .
In response, Minister Kubayi dismissed these claims, stating that the commission’s budget had been properly managed and communicated. She emphasized that no formal concerns regarding budget shortfalls had been raised with the Department of Justice. Additionally, Kubayi pointed out that Motau was directly involved in determining the fee structure for himself and his junior counsel .
The commission, chaired by retired Judge Mbuyiseli Madlanga, was established to investigate allegations of criminality, political interference, and corruption within the criminal justice system in Gauteng. Following Motau’s resignation, Advocate Matthew Chaskalson SC has been appointed as the new chief evidence leader .
Minister Kubayi has urged Motau to publicly clarify the true reasons behind his resignation, rather than attributing it solely to budgetary issues, to ensure transparency and maintain public confidence in the commission’s work .
Renowned Lusaka Lawyer, Joseph Chirwa has stated that the newly appointed Technical Committee to collect, gather opinions and draft the Constitution., was illegal.
He urged the State to formally withdraw the Draft Constitution amendments as contained in Bill 7 and tabled before Parliamentary.
Belwo is Joseph Chirwa’s Write Up
The so-called Technical Committee appointed by President Hakainde Hichilema is illegal and amounts to contemptuous conduct on the part of the President.
The Munir Zulu and Celestine Mukandila judgement is clear: withdraw Bill 7 and start afresh. You cannot appoint a Technical Committee to get submissions when Bill 7 is still active and on the floor of the National Assembly.
The Attorney-General should properly guide the President in order for him to avoid making contemptuous conduct and undermining the Constitutional Court.
The proper course is to withdraw Bill 7 in its entirety, appoint the Technical Committee, get views and consequently reintroduce the Bill if necessary.
The Technical Committee is also not representative enough. How can on earth can you have a Technical Committee without LAZ? Without the Council of Bishops? Without the Judiciary? Total misdirection and a comedy of errors.
We are yet again approaching the courts of law to stop this vandalism and delinquency to the rule of law and the constitution as this is a bedrock of our national values under Article 8 of the Constitution of Zambia.
We will not tire of taking this regime to court and if it means every week we will do so until it learns to respect the Constitution of Zambia.
The people of Zambia will judge the judiciary in this regard as they are watching.aw
RELIGIOUS GROUP THAT WAS STRANDED IN NDOLA HAS RETURNED TO MAZABUKA
The members of the famous religious group of Mazabuka origin led by Rony Mweemba that recently trended on social media because they tried to get to Jerusalem on foot, have returned to Mazabuka. The group comprising of about 6 families a total of 48 people including women and children arrived in Mazabuka last evening from Ndola.
They have been said to have been wandering around to different parts of this country on a religious pilgrimage under the church named Goshali. The families were repatriated by the District Commissioner of Ndola, who graciously took them in and worked with various government departments to bring them back to Mazabuka.
The families arrived last night and were warmly received by District Commissioner’s Office and the local authority. They are currently being screened and counseled to help them reintegrate into the community in Mbaya Musuma of Mazabuka district. It is heartwarming to see these families finally back in their homeland after a long and difficult journey.
It is the hope of the District leadership that they will be properly reintergrated back into their community.
ECONOMIST BACKS GOVT’S MOVE TO INCREASE DOMESTIC BORROWING IN 2026 NATIONAL BUDGET
By JOSEPH KAPUTULA
Economist Noah Kabwita has commended the government’s decision to increase domestic borrowing in the proposed 2026 national budget, describing it as a strategic move that is unlikely to trigger significant inflationary pressure.
According to the budget, the government plans to borrow a total of K34.5 billion, comprising K21.6 billion from domestic sources and K12.9 billion from external sources.
In an interview with Phoenix News, Mr. Kabwita explained that domestic borrowing involves mobilizing funds already circulating within the economy, such as through treasury bills and government bonds, rather than printing new money, which can trigger inflation.
He further observes that, with continued fiscal discipline and a stable monetary environment, it would not be surprising if the inflation rate continues to decline from the current 12.3 percent.
Dubai Firm Should Lose Cash Over Gold – Court By Dickson Jere
A Dubai based businessman – through his company – was looking for Gold in Zambia. He was introduced to some purported traders in Zambia under the name of Lusaka Gold and Platinum Refinery Limited. He sent his agent to Zambia who linked up with the “sellers” and took him to Ibex Hill area where the so-called Gold factory was situated. They assured him all was well and he then proceeded to pay USD 277,000 as payment for 45 kg of gold. They even gave him an Air Waybill before they withdrew the money from the bank after a further USD 500,000 was paid. But they never delivered the goods!
However, while the “transaction” was going on, they convinced the Dubai man of another consignment of 123 kg and he made payment of ZMW 8.1 million through FNB bank account of the purported sellers. But bank smelt a rat and immediately alerted authorities who then froze the accounts.
When DEC came in, it discovered that the Air WayBill was fake and the purported sellers did not have any license from the Ministry of Mines to trade in minerals. Consequently, DEC seized the funds and applied to High Court through the DPP to have the same forfeited to the state as tainted property.
But the Dubai man through his company filed a claim as an interested party, arguing that the funds were clean and he was merely a victim of scam and therefore should be given back his money. Simply, he didn’t know about the crime.
A panel of three Judges of the High Court heard the case. The main question was whether the money should be given back to the businessman who was duped in the gold scam. The Court, after hearing both sides, determined otherwise.
“On the evidence, the interested party failed to take even basic steps to verify the legality of Lusaka Gold and Platinum Refinery Limited’s operations in Zambia,” the Judges observed, adding that the buyer should have done some due diligence before paying.
“By ignoring these clear red flags and choosing to proceed with the transaction, the interested party acted in willful blindness,” the Court said.
The Judges noted that any prudent buyer would have checked whether the seller is genuine and that he had licences to sell Gold before even making payments to the purported sellers.
“It is trite that ignorance of the law is not a defense,” the Judges said.
“We emphasize that forfeiture laws aim to wrest benefits from wrongdoing, participants who turn a blind eye to obvious illegality cannot claim innocence,” they added.
The Judges then ordered the forfeiture of the money.
“In the result, the interested party does not have a legitimate claim to the sum of ZMW 8,142,251.04,” the Court ruled.
Case citation – DPP v Smolenski Trading LCC – 2025/HPEF/002 and Judgement last two weeks ago on 30th September, 2025.
Lecture Notes;
1. This is an interesting case. Section 31 of the Forfeiture of Proceeds of Crime Act of 2010 provides a defence to interested party who acquired an interest in property for fair value after the crime had been committed but could not reasonably have known about the crime or tainted property. In this case, the Court said the Dubai firm did not do fair due diligence. If it did, would have known about the crime. So the Defence fell off.
2. The buyer reported the matter to the police and even sued the scanners to recover his money.
The government has formally reinstated its prohibition on urban farming ahead of the rainy season. The Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Dr Anxious Masuka, has declared that urban and peri-urban residents will no longer be eligible for state-assisted farming inputs distributed through the Presidential Inputs Support Scheme. The official position is that cultivation is strictly for designated rural farmlands.
The practice, known as peri-urban farming, involves small-scale crop growing and livestock rearing on undeveloped plots, road verges, and wetlands within municipal boundaries. It has seen a significant surge in recent times, becoming a common sight on the outskirts of major urban centres, including Harare, Bulawayo, Gweru, and Mutare.
For many city dwellers, these plots have become a vital source of supplementary food and a crucial source of income amid economic challenges.
Zimbabwe Government Declares That Peri-Urban Farming Is Not Allowed The policy was clarified during a parliamentary session in the National Assembly. Minister Masuka articulated the government’s position, drawing a clear line between residential and agricultural zones. He emphasised that the very nature of urban settlements makes them incompatible with farming endeavours.
He stated,
“It is important to note that agriculture is designated for agricultural zones. Urban areas are primarily residential and do not accommodate farming activities. In Zimbabwe, we have established that urban agriculture is not permitted, as farming should take place on land specifically allocated for agricultural purposes, not within urban settlements.”
The government’s rationale for the ban extends beyond mere zoning regulations. Officials have raised significant concerns about the negative side effects of uncontrolled cultivation in densely populated areas. The Minister outlined the potential for significant environmental damage and public infrastructure disruption.
He warned that such practices can damage the environment, clog drainage systems and strain municipal infrastructure.
BRITISH HIGH COMMISSION HAILS HH’S UK VISIT AS A SUCCESS.
THE British High Commission has welcomed the successful conclusion of President Hakainde Hichilema’s visit to the United Kingdom.
In a statement, Sunday, the Commission said this landmark visit highlights the deep and enduring partnership between the United Kingdom and Zambia.
“The British High Commission welcomes the successful conclusion of His Excellency President Hakainde Hichilema’s visit to the United Kingdom, at the invitation of His Majesty King Charles III.
This landmark visit highlights the deep and enduring partnership between the United Kingdom and Zambia; two Commonwealth nations bound by shared values and a commitment to sustainable economic growth and development.
President Hichilema attended a high-level meeting with UK Deputy Prime Minister, David Lammy.
Former Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader Nelson Chamisa has called on his supporters to remain calm and focused despite what he described as “sideshows, lies and falsehoods” being pushed by his political rivals.
In a statement posted on social media on Sunday, Chamisa reassured his followers that he remains fully engaged in efforts to shape what he termed Zimbabwe’s “great and glorious future,” dismissing speculation about his next political steps.
“Fellow citizens, ignore the sideshows, lies and falsehoods being circulated by our opposition. Stay focused. I am fully aware of the huge responsibility and heavy burden upon my shoulders, and I will never let you down or fall short,” he wrote.
Chamisa, who left the CCC in January 2024 citing infiltration and manipulation by the ruling ZANU-PF, stressed that not every decision could be disclosed publicly, describing information as a strategic resource that must be guarded carefully.
“Not all strategic decisions are shared openly or with the opposite team. Every action I take, every decision I make, is focused on achieving our great and glorious future for Zimbabwe,” he said.
The former opposition leader urged his supporters not to fear or doubt, hinting that they would soon understand the reasoning behind his current approach.
“My hands are on the deck, my eyes on the vision and mission. The struggle continues and I remain steadfast, fully committed to the work that cannot pause for idle distractions,” he said.
President Cyril Ramaphosa and the South African government have lost their bid to delay a R167 million constitutional damages claim brought by families of apartheid-era victims.
The Gauteng High Court in Pretoria dismissed the government’s application to indefinitely postpone the case, which was filed by 25 families and survivors of political killings and disappearances during apartheid. The plaintiffs allege that the government failed to pursue justice despite recommendations from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC).
The court’s ruling emphasized that the government’s request for a delay lacked merit and expressed sympathy for the families who have been waiting for justice for years.
Judge Nicolene Janse Van Nieuwenhuizen criticized the government’s attempt to postpone the case, stating that it was “rather ironic” that the government, which is the sole cause of the delay, sought further postponement without providing any tangible benefit.
The Foundation for Human Rights (FHR), which is supporting the plaintiffs, welcomed the judgment, highlighting the importance of holding the government accountable for its role in suppressing investigations into apartheid-era crimes. The GOOD Party also praised the court’s decision, emphasizing the need to uncover the truth behind delays in TRC cases to restore integrity to South Africa’s justice system.
This ruling comes amid broader efforts to address the legacy of apartheid-era injustices. In May 2025, President Ramaphosa established a Commission of Inquiry to investigate allegations of political interference in the investigation and prosecution of TRC cases. However, the commission’s mandate does not include determining constitutional damages, which remains the focus of the current court case.
The dismissal of the government’s application marks a significant step toward justice for the families of apartheid-era victims, who continue to seek accountability and closure for the atrocities committed during that period.
A traditional leader from Manicaland is facing legal action after refusing to retract controversial remarks in which he called for President Emmerson Mnangagwa to be granted a life-presidency.
Acting Chief Tendai Saurombe made the comments last month while standing in for his ailing father, Chief Oliver Saurombe. The statement sparked outrage, with critics accusing him of undermining Zimbabwe’s constitutional term limits and democratic principles.
The legal challenge was initiated by citizen Pritchard Tafadzwa Paradzayi, who, through the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR), issued a 10-day ultimatum demanding a public apology and retraction. After Saurombe failed to respond to the formal letter, Paradzayi instructed ZLHR to take the matter to court.
“We are under instructions from our client to proceed with legal action since the chief did not respond to our letter,” ZLHR lawyer Obey Shava confirmed, adding that the lawsuit would be filed at the High Court in the coming days.
The rights group argued that Saurombe’s endorsement of life-presidency violates citizens’ voting rights and directly contravenes constitutional provisions on presidential term limits. Mnangagwa himself has repeatedly stated that his term ends in 2028, but some loyalists, including Local Government Minister Daniel Garwe, have pushed for an extension to 2030. Saurombe went further, insisting on life-presidency, a stance that has drawn condemnation from civil society, opposition parties, and legal experts.
Beyond the legal fallout, Saurombe is also reportedly facing growing internal discontent. Elders within the chieftainship are said to have written to the Chimanimani district development coordinator, accusing him of authoritarian behaviour and destabilising the community. Allegations include insulting accused persons at his traditional court and arbitrarily demoting village heads without due process.
Zimbabwe’s constitution bars chiefs from active partisan politics, yet traditional leaders have long been accused of siding with Zanu-PF in exchange for state-issued benefits, including vehicles. Section 7 of the Traditional Leaders Act allows for the suspension of chiefs found guilty of misconduct, including political partisanship.
The case now threatens to test both Saurombe’s authority and the government’s willingness to enforce constitutional checks on traditional leaders.
8-Year-Old Charged With Murder As Cousin, 7, Dies In Gun Tragedy An eight-year-old boy has been charged with murder after his seven-year-old cousin was fatally shot with their father’s licensed gun. The tragedy unfolded in Mqanduli, Eastern Cape, South Africa, on Thursday, 2 October 2025, just after midday.
Police Confirm Murder Charge According to the South African Police Service, the child managed to get hold of the firearm from his father’s bedroom. He then pointed it at his cousin. A shot went off. The seven-year-old collapsed and died on the spot.
Police confirmed the shocking details in a media statement issued on Friday, 3 October:
“Cases of murder and negligence/failure to safeguard a firearm have been opened at Kwaaiman police station after the fatal shooting of a seven-year-old boy by his eight-year-old cousin using his father’s licensed firearm in Nothintwa locality, Ngcwanguba A/A in Mqanduli.”
However, the authorities did not provide a precise account of how the incident unfolded. They did not clarify whether it was a horrific accident, a reckless game gone wrong, or something else entirely. Those unanswered questions have left the public even more unsettled.
The boy, despite his young age, has been officially charged and placed in the care of social workers.
Father Released On Warning The tragedy has also placed the boy’s father, aged 48, in legal trouble. Police said he failed to safeguard his firearm, allowing it to end up in his son’s hands.
The SAPS statement continued:
“A case of murder was opened against the eight-year-old boy whilst failure to safeguard firearm charge was laid against the 48-year-old father.”
The father was arrested but later released on warning. He is expected to appear at the Mqanduli Magistrate’s Court.
His court appearance will focus on the allegation that his negligence directly led to the tragedy that claimed the life of his young nephew and the arrest of his 8-year-old son.
Shockwaves And Unanswered Questions The news of an eight-year-old facing a murder charge has stunned communities across South Africa and Zimbabwe. The official SAPS announcement triggered a wave of emotional reactions.
One user wrote in disbelief:
“How does an eight-year-old even face a murder charge? He is just a child.”
Another commented:
“Children should never have access to firearms. This is tragic. #ResponsibleFirearmUse must be enforced.”
Others went further, questioning the justice system and highlighting the unanswered question of whether the child understood what he was doing.
For many, the case has struck a painful chord. Will the law treat an eight-year-old as a murderer? Or will the courts see it as a terrible accident caused by an adult’s failure to protect children from danger?
The debate has not died down. With police spokesperson Captain Welile Matyolo confirming that investigations are ongoing, the region waits for answers.
A man who was paid a wage which was 330 times more than expected has won a legal fight to keep it.
Despite quitting just three days after the abnormally large sum was deposited into his bank account, the worker looks to have secured the dream outcome after it was ruled he could keep the money.
Although we all dream of happy accidents such as this one, there are actually a lot of legalities involved when it comes to money, even when it’s something as simple as finding a fiver on the street.
You’d think with all the financial departments at companies these days that it would be near impossible to mess up this badly, and you rarely hear of it because the lucky winners probably aren’t all that keen to share the news around, over fears that they’d have to pay it back.
One woman from South Africa decided to spend the money after £850,000 landed in her bank account rather than £85, describing it as a ‘gift from God’.
For one man in Chile however, it was the happiest of accidents when he received the equivalent of £127,000 back in May 2022, despite his usual monthly wage being around £386.
The man, who worked as an office assistant at food company Dan Consorcio Industrial de Alimentos de Chile, promised to pay the money back but then handed in his notice just three days later, and who can really blame him.
Although there would have been a temptation to build a new identity in Jason Bourne fashion and move to another country, he was very easily discoverable by the company, who understandably wanted the money back.
However, after a three-year legal battle, a judge in Santiago has ruled that it was not stealing but instead ‘unauthorised collection’, which means the court cannot prosecute him as it is not a crime.
While he might be celebrating with a glass of bubbly, or perhaps with some delicious Mate, it seems as if the war isn’t completely won, as his bosses remain determined to get the money back despite the judge’s decision.
In a statement to Diario Financiero, they said: “We will take all possible legal steps, particularly an application for annulment, to have the ruling reviewed.”
Zimbabwe is losing about 1,200 teachers every month, as many leave for other jobs, informal activities, or emigrate, a local teachers’ union leader has warned. The country has been gripped by a prolonged economic and social crisis under Zanu-PF’s rule, which has contributed to the ongoing attrition.
In a World Teachers’ Day message, Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union (ARTUZ) president Obert Masaraure emphasized the critical role teachers play in education and national development, stressing that better working conditions and fair salaries are long overdue.
“On this Teachers’ Day, we declare: dissolve ‘Teachers for ED’ and all partisan programs that fracture our unity. Education cannot flourish in an atmosphere of fear. Pay teachers a fair wage in line with the constitution and reverse teacher attrition where 1,200 teachers are leaving the profession monthly. Incorporate rights to collective job actions and collective bargaining in the coming Public Service Act. Happy World Teachers’ Day! Reclaiming Our Profession Through Unity & Collective Action,” Masaraure said.
The union’s statement highlights a growing concern over the sustainability of Zimbabwe’s education sector, as the exodus of teachers threatens learning outcomes and broader societal progress.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth revealed that President Donald Trump “yelled” at him for failing at his job the last time he was in the Oval Office.
In an interview recorded over the weekend, Fox News correspondent Peter Doocy asked Hegseth if he recalled the “last time that somebody yelled at you.”
“Last time I was in the Oval Office,” the defense secretary admitted. “President Trump’s the boss. He sets the tone.”
“If you don’t get it done, he’ll let you know about it,” he added. “So that’s probably it.”
Hegseth did not reveal why Trump scolded him or what Hegseth had failed to get done.
A museum director in the US has resigned after being given an ultimatum over a historical artefact US president Donald Trump wanted to give as a gift.
When Trump made his state visit to the UK last month he wanted to bring a gift for King Charles in the form of a sword from the collection of the Dwight D Eisenhower Presidential Library.
However, museum director Todd Arrington resigned from his job after he refused to give Trump an original sword and the president instead gifted the King a replica.
Arrington told CBS News that on Monday (29 September) he was given the ultimatum to ‘resign or be fired’, meaning that either way he was going to lose his job, and he decided to resign.
“Apparently, they believed I could no longer be trusted with confidential information,” he said, suggesting that the information was ‘about the sword’ and an unrelated matter.
Eisenhower owned several swords earned during his time in the US Army, including ones presented to him for his part as the supreme commander of the Allied troops in Europe in the Second World War, and thereafter became US president for two terms in the 1950s.
Arrington said he argued against giving away a sword which had been donated to the collection and offered to help find an alternative gift or a replica for the blade.
He also said he never spoke with anyone at the White House, only with people from the Foreign Gift Office and the National Archives, and insists he never spoke critically about Trump or his administration
He said: “I never said a bad word about anybody. I talked to colleagues about trying to find a sword or artifact, something we could give to them for the president to give to the King, and at no time did I disparage anyone.
“If someone in the administration said that I disparaged the administration, that was never communicated to me.”
The former museum director started his job in August 2024 and said if the opportunity came up he’d ‘return to this job in a heartbeat’.
“I love the job, I love the people, I love the history. I never in a million years wanted this to happen,” he said.
Arrington said it had ‘felt very good’ to have helped find an alternative gift for the state visit and considered it a ‘feather in our cap’, though it’s since spelled the end of his job.
LADbible has contacted the White House for comment, which was met with an automatic response complaining about the government shutdown and blaming it on the Democrats.
It’s been reported that Kim Jong-un’s country has come up with an unorthodox way to check women for potential breast implants.
The North Korean dictator has allegedly asked his security to carry out the order in a move to deviate from ‘capitalist’ values, as sources claim that breast augmentation surgeries are perceived as an ‘un-socialist’ move by the leader.
Kim is said to be cracking down on his country’s population, with agents set to go undercover in order to question any women they may think are breaking the law.
In what is the latest extreme move from the 41-year-old, it seems like women will be criminally charged and punished if they are caught with the cosmetic enhancements.
The secrecy around North Korea has long been a mysterious topic of discussion, with officials appearing to wipe up any DNA of Kim from surfaces after his recent meeting with Vladimir Putin.
The pair recently attended China’s biggest ever military parade following the invitation from President Xi Jinping, which produced a terrifying image for the West.
News outlet Daily NK from across the border has said that Pyongyang appears to be cracking down on the country’s women who are looking to take power from their Supreme Leader over his people.
According to the South Korean publication, people have been taken to court over past instances, with one case allegedly involving two women and a doctor, with the procedure deemed illegal under his totalitarian dictatorship.
The trial was said to reveal that the silicone used for the surgeries was ‘smuggled’ in from China, with sources from North Hwanghae in North Korea stating: “In mid-September, at the cultural hall in the central district of Sariwon, a public trial was held for a doctor who had performed illegal breast surgery and for women who received the operations.”
The accused doctor reportedly hung his head throughout procedures, while the trial claimed the women wanted to ‘improve their figure’ with the cosmetic work.
Prosecutors allegedly stated: “Women living in a socialist system have been corrupted by bourgeois customs and have committed rotten capitalist acts.”
According to the outlet, the judge then stated that there would be ‘strict punishment’ for the ‘anti-socialist act’, going against the political system the country is run with.
It’s reported that then security service then physically examined the women in front of on-lookers, with many now in fear that they too could be subjected to this unsolicited touching as a result of the undercover police rollout.
A source told Daily NK that ‘strike teams have already been deployed in central districts of Pyongyang and are operating in plain clothes’.
They went on to say: “Women or private doctors caught could face criminal punishment, including being sent to labour camps, on charges of anti-socialism.”
Kim reportedly told officers to look out for women with changes to their bodies and send them to hospital to be looked at by doctors, with the trial now determining that said women would not be ‘intensively’ probed to find if they had work done on their breasts or not.
Donald Trump has revealed the phone call that pushed Israel to ‘agree’ on a ceasefire and suggested the next steps which need to be taken before the war can end.
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict dates back to the end of the nineteenth century but Israel has been bombing Gaza since October 2023, almost immediately following the Hamas-led attack.
Hamas is a nationalist political organisation who have kept hostages from Israel over the past two years, and their release could be key in bringing an end to the conflict which has left thousands dead and Gaza in ruin.
Trump has boasted about his ability to bring wars to an end, recently taking responsibility for ending ‘seven’, although his peace talks with Vladimir Putin earlier this year so far seem to have been fruitless, as Russia continues to attack Ukraine.
However, it appears as if his phone call to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may have been a huge step towards agreeing on a ceasefire between the two countries.
While Hillary Clinton may well have been joking about nominating Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize if he plays a part in bringing the Russia-Ukraine war to an end, he might actually be in with a shout if the Israeli-Palestinian conflict can finally be brought to an end.
Speaking to Israeli television’s Channel 12 on Saturday (4 October), Trump opened up about his call with Netanyahu and what the next steps need to look like before peace can officially be agreed.
He said: “Netanyahu had reservations but I told him that this is his opportunity for victory. He accepted it. There is no other choice, with me you have to be okay.
“Bibi went too far in Gaza and Israel lost a lot of support in the world. Now I will bring back all that support.”
The president also took to his beloved Truth Social to share the news with his followers, and suggested that the hostages Hamas have will soon be returned to Israel, which will hopefully spell the end of the bombing and Israeli military presence in Gaza.
He wrote: “After negotiations, Israel has agreed to the initial withdrawal line, which we have shown to, and shared with, Hamas.
“When Hamas confirms, the Ceasefire will be IMMEDIATELY effective, the Hostages and Prisoner Exchange will begin, and we will create the conditions for the next phase of withdrawal, which will bring us close to the end of this 3,000 YEAR CATASTROPHE.”
According to the BBC, the proposed ‘initial withdrawal’ would leave Gaza around 55 percent occupied, the second would then leave it about 40 percent occupied.
The final withdrawal phase, which would create a ‘security buffer zone’, would reportedly leave around 15 percent of Gaza occupied by the Israeli military.
However, just hours after this announcement from Trump, Israel launched more airstrikes on Gaza, resulting in at least 22 fatalities. Netanyahu also suggested that while a delegation had been sent to Egypt to prepare for negotiations, there wouldn’t be a full withdrawal from Gaza.
This is a condition that Hamas has long demanded for a ceasefire, and unless Trump can convince Netanyahu to release the territories Israel currently holds, it is difficult to see how these peace talks can continue to progress.
A chilling police interview from Christa Gail Pike after she committed the crime which landed her the death penalty has resurfaced.
Three decades after the horrific murder of her classmate Colleen Slemmer, Pike, now 49, has been sentenced to death by the US state of Tennessee.
As many as 27 US states still offer the death penalty, with the state of Utah said to be seeking it for the alleged killer of Charlie Kirk, Tyler Robinson, but Pike is set to become the first woman in over 200 years to receive the punishment in Tennessee, and just the 19th woman in history.
Pike was found guilty of the January 1995 murder of 19-year-old Slemmer who she allegedly believed was trying to steal her boyfriend, 17-year-old Tadaryl Shipp.
She was just 18 when she committed the murder, and 20 when she was convicted, although what on the surface appeared to be a crime of passion had some incredibly troubling undertones.
Slemmer was savagely beaten, stabbed, and bludgeoned by Pike, before the teenager carved a pentagram into her chest. When her body was eventually discovered, it was first thought to be an animal corpse, while Pike reportedly showed off a piece of her victim’s skull to other students at school.
Pike was found guilty of first-degree murder and sentenced to death in 1996, making her the youngest person on death row at the age of 20.
She’s been on death row in Tennessee ever since but her 30-year prison stint will soon be over. Pike’s lawyers suggest that she would not have received the same sentence today, due to her childhood issues, age and mental health problems, which are perhaps reflected in the chilling audio said to be from her initial police interview.
In it, she says: “I wasn’t even thinking, I just like blacked out because she made me so mad. And I just kept hitting her and hitting her and hitting her, and she was going ‘please stop, please stop.'”
Although Pike has claimed that she has changed ‘drastically since she was a teenager’, another 25 years were added onto her sentence when she was found guilty of the attempted murder of a fellow inmate in 2003.
In a letter to a local publication, she wrote: “Think back to the worst mistake you made as a reckless teenager. Well, mine happened to be huge, unforgettable and ruined countless lives. I was a mentally ill 18 year old kid. It took me numerous years to even realise the gravity of what I’d done.
“Even more to accept how many lives I effected. I took the life of someone’s child, sister, friend. It sickens me now to think that someone as loving and compassionate as myself had the ability to commit such a crime.”
However, Pike’s remorse seemingly wasn’t enough to convince the US state that she should be released and her execution has been scheduled for September 2026.
