South Africa Granted the Family Permission to Bury the remains of President Edgar Lungu in the Country
…South Africa will respect the wishes of the family….
Dear Mrs EN Lungu,
Thank you for the letter dated 18 June 2025, addressed to Deputy Minister Moraka, informing us of the family’s decision to bury the mortal remains of the Sixth President of the Republic of Zambia, His Excellency Dr Edgar Chagwa Lungu, in South Africa.
Once again, on my own behalf and on behalf of the government and the people of the Republic of South Africa, I extend our deepest condolences to the Lungu Family, as well as to the government and people of the Republic of Zambia, on the passing of the former President.
We stand in solidarity with the people of Zambia during this challenging time.
The South Afican Government has noted the decision of the Lungu Family to bury Dr Edgar Lungu in South Africa.
As you may be aware, since the untimely death of former President Lungu, the South African Government has been engaging both the family of he former President and the Zambian Government to facilitate the return of his mortal remains to Zambia.
This effort stems from the conviction that the former President deserves a farewell worthy of his stature.
In this regard, His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa received, on 13 June 2025, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of the Republic of Zambia, Mr Mulambo Haimbe, in his capacity as Special Envoy of His Excellency President Hakainde Hichilema.
On Friday, 20 June 2025, the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Ronald Lamola, met with the Lungu Family and subsequently travelled to Zambia on Saturday, 21 June 2025, at the behest of President Cyril Ramaphosa, where he met with President Hakainde Hichilema.
Accordingly, Minister Lamola conveyed the views of the South African Government on this matter.
South Africa regrets that all these efforts to facilitate the return of the mortal remains to Zambia have not achieved the desired outcome.
However, South Africa respects the family’s decision regarding the burial site of the former President.
South Africa remains ready to assist in any way possible should an amicable solution be reached, even at this late stage.
A government is put in power by its people in order for it to solve problems and not to ask for solutions.
It is put in power not to enrich a few, but to serve the people. When a leader has the country at heart, they will not take unnecessary trips at a difficult time such as this. They will put the country and its people first.
Today, we are worried about the present and future of our country. Surely, 15 to 20 hours loadshedding is way too much. Our people’s many businesses have closed and there will be no recovering.
What do they do? How will they feed their families? The cost of living keeps skyrocketing and we don’t seem to have the leadership that is taking the plight of our people seriously. But in the end, our people will make a decision. To continue on this miserable path or to opt for progressive leadership.
What we are witnessing today is not the way to run a country. We can and should do better.
Stop the Brutal!ty — Mufumbwe Deserves Justice, Not Oppression
Your Excellency,
It is with deep sorrow and righteous anger that I write on behalf of the voiceless, struggling citizens of Mufumbwe a people who today find themselves subjected to unspeakable cruelty by the very government they trusted with their hopes, their votes, and their future.
What kind of government turns its weapons against its own people poor, desperate citizens who, out of sheer hardship, go into the bush to pick a handful of gold dust from the soil of their own land? These are not thieves. These are not invaders. These are the forgotten sons and daughters of Zambia, trying to put food on the table in a nation that has failed to create opportunities for them.
And what is their reward? Whipped. Beaten. Shot at. Some even alleged to have been k!lled. All this in their own land. On their own soil. By their own government.
Your Excellency, this is not the Zambia we fought for. This is not the Zambia our heroes died for. This is not the Zambia you promised.
And all this is happening in a district that gave you and your government a massive vote of confidence believing in your promise of a better life. Is this how you repay their loyalty? By unleashing the machinery of state violence against them?
While the poor are brutalized for picking gold dust, foreign corporations are handed mining licenses, granted tax holidays, and allowed to plunder our natural wealth without restraint. Is this justice? What kind of leadership protects foreign profiteers and punishes its own people?
Your Excellency, the buck stops with you. You cannot inflict pain on those already crushed by poverty and expect them to smile back at you.
Remember the wisdom of our forefathers:
A wise man does not urinate against the direction of the wind.
When will the people of Zambia finally benefit from the wealth that God placed beneath their feet? When will our land’s riches uplift our people, instead of being turned into a curse?
And at the end of it all, we hear the lament “people hate me.” No, Mr. President, this is not about hate. This is about pain. About injustice. About broken promises. We know there are laws that govern mining, but there are also laws that protect human dignity. Do not wait to honor your people only after they have died.
The recent k!ll!ngs in Mufumbwe’s gold mining area are a national disgrace a stain on our conscience. These are not statistics. These were fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters Zambians whose only crime was to try to earn an honest living from the land God blessed us with.
We ask who will benefit from our resources, if the rightful owners the people are killed for trying to survive? Zambia’s mineral wealth must be a blessing, not a death sentence.
To the Minister of Mines, Paul CC Kabuswe we demand clarity, what is your position on this heartbreaking loss of life? Where is your leadership?
To the Minister of Home Affairs, Hon. Jack Jacob Mwiimbu, remember the people’s hope when they voted for UPND a government that would end brutality, not perpetuate it. The dignity of every Zambian must come first.
These are not criminals. These are citizens striving for a better life. They need protection, guidance, and support not bullets, not whips, not death.
Let us act with love. Let us act with justice. Let us remember that Zambia and its natural wealth belong to the people and every innocent life lost is a wound to our nation’s soul.
Enough of this brutality, and this cruelty must stop. Now we can not be criminals in our own land what a shame.
Respectfully, Abraham Simpamba Together We Can Ichalo Bantu Kanabesa!
Cost-of-living Crisis; Monthly Food Basket now stands at K11,763.00
The Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR) presents its July 2025 Basic Needs and Nutrition Basket (BNNB) analysis, which offers a half-year overview of household living costs across Zambia, with a primary focus on Lusaka.
The data reveals a continued upward trend in the cost of living, particularly driven by sharp increases in non-food essentials such as charcoal.
From January to June 2025, Lusaka’s BNNB rose by ZMW 962.81—surpassing the increase recorded over the same period in 2024.
Regional disparities were also evident, with urban centres like Lusaka and Solwezi recording significantly higher baskets than rural counterparts such as Mongu.
The persistent pressure on household budgets—amid modest national inflation moderation—underscores the urgent need for integrated policy measures that prioritise the poor and uphold human dignity.
JCTR calls for strategic interventions in agriculture, energy, social protection, and urban planning to ensure a more just and equitable society for all.
PRESS STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 6, 2025
UPND and CPC Deepen Cooperation on Local Government and Agriculture to Improve Living Standards
Yunnan, China – The United Party for National Development (UPND) has strengthened its strategic cooperation with the Communist Party of China (CPC), focusing on training and capacity-building in the areas of local government and agriculture.
The two parties believe that political party manifestos influence government policies and that this gesture is a starting point .
This initiative is part of a broader agenda to enhance service delivery and improve the living standards of people in both Zambia and China.
This development follows a high-level visit by a UPND delegation to Yunnan Province, China, led by UPND Secretary General Batuke Imenda.
As part of the visit, the delegation attended a lecture titled “From Poverty Alleviation to Rural Revitalization, Yunnan’s Story of Poverty Reduction and Development,” delivered by Professor Chen Ci of the Department of Economics. The presentation highlighted how Yunnan Province transitioned from one of China’s poorest regions into a model for rural development through targeted -poverty alleviation policies, grassroots implementation, agricultural modernization, and people-centered governance.
Mr. Imenda emphasized that Yunnan’s experience offers critical lessons for Zambia as it pursues economic transformation and rural revitalization under the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema. He noted that political will, strategic investment, and community engagement remain central to achieving inclusive growth.
The partnership with the CPC will include structured training for Zambian local government officials, exchange of knowledge in agricultural innovation, and continued collaboration on governance reform. These joint efforts aim to strengthen rural economies, boost agricultural productivity, and build institutional capacity at the local level.
Mr Imenda has noted that this growing partnership is rooted in mutual respect and a shared vision for prosperity, and represents a practical step forward in the UPND’s mission to deliver development that directly benefits ordinary citizens.
The delegation’s visit to China continues with site visits, policy discussions, and academic engagements designed to further deepen cooperation between the two parties.
Issued by: Mark Simuuwe UPND Media Director United Party for National Development (UPND)
The air in the National Assembly hangs heavy not with the promise of progress, but with the chilling shadow of Bill 7. Let there be no confusion: this “evil Bill” has not been withdrawn; it has merely been deferred, a pause that feels more like a strategic retreat before a renewed assault on the foundations of our democracy.
There’s a whispered narrative, a disturbing truth, that President Hakainde Hichilema and the UPND have been misled by a dangerous illusion: the belief that they will cruise to victory in 2026, even if it means securing that win with a dangerously thin parliamentary majority. This, precisely, is why Bill 7 is being pushed with such relentless, almost desperate, vehemence. It’s a calculated move to redraw the very map of our nation, to gerrymander our constituencies, ensuring a numerical dominance in UPND strongholds and, by extension, an unassailable majority of Members of Parliament.
This isn’t about fair representation; it’s about consolidating power, and it chills the blood of anyone who cherishes democratic principles. But that, indeed, is a crisis for another day.
For now, this draconian Bill looms, and the nation’s only discernible bulwark in the National Assembly is the opposition Patriotic Front. Yet, since the 2021 general elections, the PF has been systematically dismembered.
We’ve witnessed the horrifying spectacle of “Imingalato”, the weaponization of the very institutions meant to safeguard justice and fairness: the judiciary, Parliament itself, the police, and even the Electoral Commission of Zambia. One by one, seats have been snatched Kabushi, Kwacha, Mfuwe, Kawambwa and Pambashe leaving the PF bleeding, its parliamentary presence diminished.
Today, the Patriotic Front, a party that should be a vibrant voice of dissent, is held together only by the sheer will of its members, not by its leadership. The state, it seems, has audacioussly imposed leadership on the PF by manipulating the Registrar of Societies. Robert Chabinga, often heard to openly admit receiving instructions from State House regarding the PF’s affairs in Parliament, the Courts, and the Registrar of Societies, stands as a stark symbol of this alleged political puppetry.
This is the party, hobbled and hijacked, that is meant to defend the Zambian people from the very draconian laws the UPND seeks to unleash. After enduring such an onslaught since 2021, can the PF genuinely muster the strength to fight Bill 7, or is it too broken to stand as a true guardian of our democratic ideals? Our collective, almost visceral, hate for the PF a sentiment often fueled by past grievances, has blinded us to a terrifying reality: between 2021 and 2026, the Patriotic Front is the most significant parliamentary opposition we have. And yet, we stood by, even clapped, when the PF was pounced on, when its very existence as an independent political force was threatened.
Who, then, will fight for the soul of our nation in Parliament? Because, with few brave exceptions, the vast majority of UPND Members of Parliament appear to be tragically compromised, their loyalties seemingly tethered to their personal comfort and business interests rather than to the Zambian people they swore to serve. They are ready to support anything their party brings to the floor; when asked to jump, their only question is, “How high?”
We stand at a precipice. How have we allowed our beloved country to be pushed to the very brink of a one-party state, where the checks and balances vital to a functioning democracy are systematically dismantled, piece by agonizing piece? The revelations from individuals like Chabinga, alleging direct executive interference in the internal affairs of the opposition, paint a truly chilling picture of a democracy in peril.
This isn’t just about politics; this is about the future of our freedoms, our voices, and the very essence of what it means to be a democratic Zambia. The time to awaken to this danger is now.
What is unfolding at Kikonge Gold Site in Mufumbwe is deeply heartbreaking and unacceptable. No matter the circumstance, no youth, no Zambian, should ever lose their life in the process of displacement or enforcement. Our youth are not dispensable. They are the future of this nation, and their lives must be protected at all costs.
What protocols were followed in the displacement process? Were local leaders and affected communities consulted meaningfully beforehand? What safety measures were put in place to prevent injury or death? Was the use of force proportional and lawful? And most importantly, who takes responsibility for the lives lost, and what justice will be pursued for the families affected? These are not just rhetorical questions; they are moral and legal imperatives.
The people of Zambia deserve answers, not silence. In a democratic state, no life should be lost under the shadows of unclear operations, poor planning, or disregard for human life.
We strongly condemn this development and urge for immediate, independent investigations.
David Kazadi and the Perils of Power below the Belt …when the rise ends in a zip
Amb. Anthony Mukwita wrote-
6 Jul 2025
Zambia woke up last week to the sound of muffled moans and digital disgrace. Enter David Kazadi, 30, CEO, film producer, creative genius, nephew to Oscar “no-nonsense” Chavula brought down not by a boardroom coup or hostile takeover, but by… an oral transaction of the adult kind.
And not just any, let’s say Mwaka Halwindi, 20, brought new meaning to the term “influencer engagement.”
Now, before you clutch your pearls, let’s be honest—men have always been undone by the zipper, not the sword. Kazadi is just the latest in a long line of rising stars who flew too close to the lips of temptation. Literally.
Let’s roll the history tape:
1. King David in the Bible—took one look at Bathsheba bathing and said, “That’s my queen,” even though she was married. He repented, yes, but not before scandal rocked the royal court. 2. Bill Clinton—Lewinsky. Oval Office. Cigar. We move.
3. Samson—told Delilah the secret to his strength, muchunsu. She gave him a trim and delivered him to his enemies. A real salon horror story.
4. Tiger Woods—the only golfer to ruin his swing with a different kind of hole-in-one addiction. 5. Zambia’s own Iris Kaingu—remember that DVD? She recently wore parliamentary ambition like a fashion label. Because in Zambia, apparently, scandal, especially sex is a stepping stone.
So maybe, just maybe, Mwaka and Kazadi could rebrand. Stranger things have happened. As the late Oscar Wilde said, “The only thing worse than being talked about is not being talked about.”
Still, the fall was swift. Uncle Oscar, that stoic protector of the Hot FM brand, didn’t blink. Kazadi may be family—but when it comes to the brand, blood becomes water for Oscar, he’s just like that. I know Kazadi wont go a day without a meal under Uncle Oscar’s watch though.
He tossed him out of the CEO chair like expired milk, but not before bailing him from the stenchy cells where egos go to die.
Oscar’s motto is simple? “You mess with Hot, you burn.” Just ask Mutale Mwanza, she still bears the scars like a black label.
But what of Mwaka, the 20-year-old co-star in this steamy saga? She’s walking free. No arrest, no caution, just hashtags and debates about double standards. You leak the vid, you’re shamed. You star in it, you trend.
What Zambia has become shocks me. Not the sex acts—we’ve seen enough prime-time Parliament drama to rival reality TV.
No, it’s the malicious glee, the Schadenfreude. The “Did you hear? So-and-so has fallen—haha!” That’s the virus of our times. We mourn no one while alive. We only buy flowers for funerals.
I long for the Zambia of the 70s—when neighbours shared mealie-meal and mourned together. Now? We share memes and clap when one stumbles, we celebrate our neighbour’s misfortune and scorn on their apparent success.
Still, hope lives.
To Kazadi: Young man, clean your lens and refocus. You’ve got talent. One fall doesn’t define you—unless you keep replaying it.
To Mwaka: You’re 20. Use this viral moment for growth, not clout or more sucking. Not every spotlight is a blessing. Also stop sucking stiff young lady try lollipop its sweet too.
To Zambia: Let’s be a country of correction, not crucifixion. A nation of lessons, not only laughter at others’ lows. And please remember: a crime is a crime, no matter how nice your camera angle looks. Stop recording yourself unless you wanna use it one day for one sick reason or another.
“Fame is a fickle food,” said Emily Dickinson, “upon a shifting plate.” Let’s teach our youth to eat with discipline—or they’ll keep choking on the dessert of desire. Like they say, “everything is funny until it happens to you.” See you next scandal, folks. —————– Amb Anthony Mukwita is a published author & International Relations Analyst.
The Illusion of Stability: When the Numbers Don’t Feed the People
By Dr Lawrence Mwelwa
The government keeps telling us that things are getting better. They say the kwacha has become stronger and that Zambia now has more money in its reserves. They tell us inflation is under control and that our economy is on the path to recovery. But for the average Zambian, these numbers mean nothing. Go to the market. Go to the filling station. Go to the pharmacy or pay school fees—and you will quickly realise that nothing has changed. Life is still hard. Food is still expensive. Electricity is still unreliable. Jobs are still few. That is the real Zambia, not the one being spoken about in budget speeches and economic reports.
Yes, the kwacha is now buying more dollars than it did a few months ago. But how has that helped the ordinary person? Prices of mealie meal, cooking oil, soap, bus fares, and medicines have not gone down. In fact, some are going up. What’s the use of a strong kwacha if it doesn’t bring relief to families? We were told a stronger currency would bring down prices, but in our homes and pockets, there is no change. The cost of living continues to climb, and many people are just trying to survive one day at a time
The truth is, the economy may be growing on paper, but it is shrinking in the lives of ordinary people. Those running small businesses are being crushed by high costs and low sales. Farmers are struggling to buy fertilizer or to find markets for their produce. Parents are having to choose between paying rent and sending their children to school. Even civil servants, who were once hopeful, are now losing confidence as their salaries fall far behind rising prices.
The K33.6 billion supplementary budget the government brought barely halfway through the year shows us that they did not plan properly. If things were truly going well, why do they need more money now? Why are they rushing to pay fuel arrears and borrowing again, when they told us debt restructuring had created space? Where did the savings go? If we were on the right track, government wouldn’t be scrambling mid-year to keep basic services running.
Meanwhile, social protection programs like cash transfers are being treated as permanent solutions instead of emergency support. A K400 allowance may help someone buy a bag of mealie meal for a month, but it does not build a life. It doesn’t replace a job or give dignity to a family. What Zambians need are opportunities, not handouts timed to score political points ahead of elections.
At the same time, the government’s decisions continue to benefit a few at the top, while the majority are left behind. Local communities still struggle to access CDF funds because of political interference. Teachers and health workers are still calling for better tools, infrastructure, and fair treatment. Farmers are waiting for inputs. And the youth are waiting for jobs that never come.
This is not what was promised. Zambians voted for leadership that would restore order, deliver results, and put people first. What we have instead is leadership that focuses on appearance—strong numbers, glowing speeches, foreign praise—but forgets that the people who matter most are not in the boardrooms, they are in the compounds, on the farms, in the markets.
Until the exchange rate brings cheaper goods, until economic growth brings decent jobs, and until government policy brings real relief to homes across the country, all these achievements mean very little. Numbers do not cook nshima. Graphs do not pay school fees. And reserves do not comfort a mother who cannot afford to take her child to the clinic.
We must be careful not to confuse statistics with progress. Real progress is when a family can eat three meals a day. It is when a young graduate finds meaningful work. It is when a farmer grows with confidence, not fear of drought or delayed inputs. That is the Zambia we need—not the one painted by numbers, but the one built on real change.
LUNTE Member of Parliament Hon. Mutotwe L. Kafwaya writes:::
KILLING YOUTHS IN MUFUMBWE IS HORRIBLE.
It is deeply disturbing and saddening that our Republican President remains silent following that tragic loss of lives in North-Western Province. This is not an isolated incident this is about multiple lives lost at the hands of those who should be protecting them.
Mr. Hakainde Hichilema must take full responsibility for the tragic deaths of the young people in Mufumbwe. I say this with conviction because when Vespers and Nsama were tragically killed by the Police, Mr. Hichilema then in opposition stood on top of the mountain and blamed his predecessor for their deaths and this became a campaign message and he decried police brutality but today he is now presiding over a government whose police can open fire on innocent citizens.
In fact, while recently addressing supporters on the Copperbelt, Mr. Hichilema went as far as claiming that his predecessor “could not come back to start killing people like Lawrence Banda, Vespers, and others.” By his own reasoning, the State must be held accountable for every Zambian life lost under its watch.
Mr President, these were not illegal miners. These were young people struggling to make a living in an economy that you have made unbearable, an economy that has made survival itself a daily battle for many Zambians.
And yes let us be clear what we have witnessed in Mufumbwe is the cold, and an intentional use of live ammunition on unarmed youths who were simply seeking a livelihood in a country with abundant resources and recording over K50 billion in illicit financial flows yet corruption infested, where job and business opportunities are hard to come by for the ordinary citizens.
What is even more disturbing is that Mr. Hichilema has remained mute in the face of this injustice inflicted on the innocent citizens of North-Western. His office has had time to issue statements on political appointments and the deferment of Bill 7 yet has found no time, no voice, no urgency to speak on the spilling of innocent blood in Mufumbwe.
These young lives mattered. Their families matter. Zambia is not a dictatorship where life is cheap and accountability is optional.
Let Mr Hichilema take full responsibility and clearly state the measures his government is putting in place to forestall such killings in the future.
GOVERNMENT REFUTES CLAIMS OF MASS SHOOTING IN KIKONGE, CONFIRMS TWO DEATHS
Government has dismissed as false and misleading social media reports suggesting that 18 suspected illegal miners were shot dead by police in Kikonge area of Mufumbwe District, North-Western Province.
Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security Hon. Jack Mwiimbu, MP, highlighted the following through a press release by Principal Public Relations officer Mr. Mwala Kalaluka:
✅The claims are not true, only two people were confirmed dead, one injured, and 11 police officers were hurt and two of them were seriously injured during a fracas that broke out as police moved in to disperse thousands of illegal miners.
✅Revealed that over 50,000 illegal miners had converged in the 120-kilometre radius around Kikonge, prompting security reinforcements to manage the situation.
✅Explained that while efforts were made to peacefully disperse the crowd, tensions escalated, resulting in the afforementioned deaths and injuries.
✅And the Minister reiterated his earlier stance that no illegal mining activities will be tolerated in the area, as government moves to restore law and order and protect national resources.
✅The Government has called for calm and urged members of the public to refrain from spreading misinformation that may cause unnecessary alarm.
UPND GOVERNMENT TAKES DECISIVE ACTION AGAINST ILLEGAL MINING: KIKONGE AREA SECURED
By Timmy
In a bold move to protect the country’s resources and restore law and order, the UPND government has successfully dispersed over 25,000 illegal gold miners from the Kikonge area of Mufumbwe District in the North-Western Province. The government’s efforts have yielded significant results, with the police confiscating 5 military guns, 6 tipper trucks, 250 scanners and gold detectors, over 20 private vehicles, and one excavator.
Defence Minister Mr. Ambrose Lufuma emphasized that the Ministry of Defence will not allow lawlessness in Kikonge, citing the health hazards, conflicts, and social ills associated with illegal mining. The defence and security wings have cordoned off a 120-kilometre radius of the Kikonge area to stop illegal mining activities and pave the way for well-structured mining operations that will benefit the nation.
Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security Mr. Jack Mwiimbu disclosed that some of the seized guns were military-grade, highlighting the seriousness of the situation. The government is committed to protecting national resources and ensuring that mining activities are conducted in a responsible and organized manner.
We commend the UPND government for its decisive action against illegal mining and its efforts to promote transparency and accountability in the mining sector.
Share your thoughts in the comments below! Let’s discuss the government’s efforts to combat illegal mining and how it will benefit our country. Don’t forget to like and share this post with your friends and family!
ELECTORAL Commission of Zambia Commissioner Major General Vincent Mukanda has advised aspiring candidates in the Mfuwe Constituency By-Election in Lavushimanda District to follow laid-down legal provisions, procedures, and guidelines for the filing of nominations.
Major General Mukanda advised all the candidates to ensure they adhere to all qualifications and all requirements for the nominations.
ZANIS reports that the Commissioner was speaking during a briefing for aspiring candidates to prepare ahead of the upcoming nominations for the Mfuwe Constituency By-Election set for Wednesday, 9th July 2025.
The Mfuwe Constituency by-election fell vacant following the incumbent Member of Parliament, Maureen Mabonga, being handed a custodial jail sentence by the courts of law.
“The briefing has been organised by the Commission so that all aspiring candidates can be guided on the requirements and expectations from the Commission,” he said.
Major General Mukanda further cautioned aspiring candidates not to resign after being duly nominated because it is not only a drawback to the commission but also to candidates, political parties, and members of the public.
He added that resigning can be a waste of resources and a disruption in the electoral process.
K1 6BN COLLECTED FROM TOLL GATES AND DISBURSED FOR ROAD PROJECTS
K1.6 billion collected from Toll Gates and disbursed for road projects.
National Road Fund Agency (NRFA) Public Relations Manager Alphonsius Hamachila reveals that the agency has collected K1.6 billion from Toll Gates from January to May 2025 and is set to beat the 2025 priojected target of K3.308 billion.
Here are the highlights:
✅The revenue was disbursed for new and ongoing road projects and related activities.
✅NRFA processed a total number of 7.9 million vehicle passages from 24 inland toll gates and 11 ports of entry across the country.
✅The collections did not include Public Private Partnerships (PPP) run Toll Gates of Katuba, Manyumbi, and Kafulafuta on Lusaka Ndola Road.
✅Other PPP run Toll Gates were Abram Zayoni Mokola Toll Gate on Masanganao-Fisenge Luanshya Road and Konkola Toll Gate between Chingola and Kasumbalesa, on the Copperbelt.
✅The NRFA has been promoting the usage of electronic toll cards at its toll facilities across the country, and 50 per cent of inland Toll was collected using the cashless payment platform.
✅The Agency is complimenting Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) driven road infrastructure development by leveraging on the National Road Tolling programme.
✅NRFA is addressing the issue of rolling out its E-Toll cards at other PPP operated Toll Gates with relevant stakeholders.
FIVE MILITARY GUNS, 6 TIPPER TRUCKS, 250 SCANNERS & GOLD DETECTORS, OVER 20 PRIVATE VEHICLES, ONE EXCAVATOR CONFISCATED BY POLICE AS GOVT MOVES IN TO HALT ILLEGAL MINING ACTIVITIES AT MUFUMBWE’S KIKONGE AREA ON SUNDAY
Police reinforcements from the Mobile Unit have successfully dispersed off over 25,000 illegal gold miners from Kikonge area of Mufumbwe District in the North-Western Province following their arrival in the area.
A check at the Kikonge Old Pit and the Chief’s Pit today by a team of Cabinet Ministers led by Defence Minister, Mr Ambrose Lufuma, revealed that the illegal miners have run away to nearby areas following the security intervention.
Mr. Lufuma told journalists the Ministry of Defence will not allow lawlessness in Kikonge as they are not just a health hazard but also recipe for conflicts and other social ills
Mr. Lufuma said the defence and security wings have cordoned-off a 120-kilometre radius of Kikonge area, which is rich in gold in order to stop the illegal mining activities.
He bemoaned that illegal mining leads to loss of revenue to the government and environmental damage to the ecosystem, especially with the many pits that have developed in Kikonge, 21 kilometres from Mufumbwe Boma.
Mr. Lufuma explained that government wants the area cordoned off so that a well-structured mining operation can start in the near future, and one which will benefit the whole nation.
And Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security Mr. Jack Mwiimbu has disclosed that over 20 vehicles, over 100 scanning machines and gold detectors, and five guns have been confiscated from the illegal miners following the police operations.
Mr. Mwiimbu said some of the seized guns were military ones, a situation which shows that the illegal miners were also armed to the teeth apart from mining without authorisation.
He narrated that on the day the illegal miners rioted, they injured five Police officers who were currently being treated in hospital.
Mr. Mwiimbu said more reinforcements will be sent to Mufumbwe to deal with the problem of illegal mining which was still prevalent.
He directed the police officers to ensure they disperse everyone who was still hanging around Kikonge area following the cordoning of the area.
Meanwhile North-Western Province Minister Robert Lihefu has discouraged people from the area to stop illegal mining.
Mr Lihefu said there was need for those who want to engage in mining to work the government so that they can be organised.
Others on the ministerial entourage were Zambia Air Force Commander Lieutenant General Oscar Nyoni, Zambia National Service Deputy Commander and Chief of Staff Major General Reuben Mwewa, Inspector General of Police Graphel Musamba, Zambia Correctional Service Commissioner General Frederick Chilukutu and Zambia Army Chief of Operations Brigadier General Barry Mutale.
GOVT SAYS 5 POLICE OFFICER WERE INJURED AND CURRENTLY HOSPITALISED AFTER ILLEGAL GOLD MINERS RIOTED
Police reinforcements from the Mobile Unit have successfully dispersed off over 25,000 illegal gold miners from Kikonge area of Mufumbwe District in the North-Western Province following their arrival in the area.
A check at the Kikonge Old Pit and the Chief’s Pit today by a team of Cabinet Ministers led by Defence Minister, Mr Ambrose Lufuma, revealed that the illegal miners have run away to nearby areas following the security intervention.
Here are the highlights:
MINISTER OF DEFENCE MR AMBROSE LUFUMA
✅Ministry of Defence will not allow lawlessness in Kikonge as they are not just a health hazard but also recipe for conflicts and other social ills.
✅The defence and security wings have cordoned-off a 120-kilometre radius of Kikonge area, which is rich in gold in order to stop the illegal mining activities.
✅Bemoaned that illegal mining leads to loss of revenue to the government and environmental damage to the ecosystem, especially with the many pits that have developed in Kikonge, 21 kilometres from Mufumbwe Boma.
✅ Underscored that Government wants the area cordoned off so that a well-structured mining operation can start in the near future, and one which will benefit the whole nation.
MINISTER OF HOME AFFAIRS AND INTERNAL SECURITY MR. JACK MWIIMBU
✅Disclosed that over 20 vehicles, over 100 scanning machines and gold detectors, and five guns have been confiscated from the illegal miners following the police operations.
✅Some of the seized guns were military ones, a situation which shows that the illegal miners were also armed to the teeth apart from mining without authorisation.
✅Mr. Mwiimbu however, narrated that on the day the illegal miners rioted, they injured five Police officers who were currently being treated in hospital.
✅More reinforcements will be sent to Mufumbwe to deal with the problem of illegal mining which was still prevalent.
✅The Minister has since directed the police officers to ensure they disperse everyone who was still hanging around Kikonge area following the cordoning of the area.
NORTH-WESTERN PROVINCE MINISTER ROBERT LIHEFU
✅Discouraged people from that region to stop illegal mining.
✅Urged those who want to engage in mining to collaborate with the Government so that they can be organised.
POLICE REINFORCEMENTS DISPERSE OVER 25,000 ILLEGAL GOLD MINERS IN MUFUMBWE
Police reinforcements from the Mobile Unit have successfully dispersed over 25,000 illegal gold miners from the Kikonge area of Mufumbwe District in the North-Western Province. A team of Cabinet Ministers, led by Defence Minister Mr. Ambrose Lufuma, visited the area and revealed that the illegal miners had fled to nearby areas following the security intervention.
Minister Lufuma emphasized that the Ministry of Defence will not tolerate lawlessness in Kikonge, citing the health hazards, conflicts, and social ills associated with illegal mining. The defence and security wings have cordoned off a 120-kilometre radius of the Kikonge area to halt illegal mining activities.
Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security, Mr. Jack Mwiimbu, disclosed that the police had confiscated over 20 vehicles, 100 scanning machines and gold detectors, and five guns from the illegal miners. Some of the seized guns were military-grade, indicating that the illegal miners were heavily armed.
The government has directed the police to ensure that everyone still in the Kikonge area is dispersed, and more reinforcements will be sent to Mufumbwe to address the ongoing problem of illegal mining.
North-Western Province Minister Robert Lihefu has urged people in the region to stop illegal mining and instead collaborate with the government to engage in organized mining activities.
TRUTH PREVAILS: MINISTER TAMBATAMBA TAKES STAND AGAINST FAKE NEWS
By Timmy
In a bold move to uphold the truth and protect her reputation, Minister of Labour and Social Security, Brenda Mwika Tambatamba, has demanded a retraction and public apology from Millennium TV, Daily Nation, and Zambian Monitor over a fabricated story attributed to her. This decisive action demonstrates the Minister’s commitment to accuracy and her dedication to serving the people of Zambia with integrity.
The UPND government continues to show its commitment to transparency and accountability, and Minister Tambatamba’s actions are a testament to this. We commend her for standing up against fake news and promoting truth in journalism.
PRESIDENT HICHILEMA’S GOVERNMENT TAKES A STAND AGAINST ILLEGAL MINING: TRUTH PREVAILS IN KIKONGE
By Timmy, WAGON MEDIA
The UPND government, led by President Hakainde Hichilema, has set the record straight on the Kikonge incident, dismissing false reports of mass shootings and confirming that only two people were killed during the police operation to disperse thousands of illegal miners.
Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security, Hon. Jack Mwiimbu, revealed that over 50,000 illegal miners had converged in the area, prompting security reinforcements to manage the situation. Despite efforts to peacefully disperse the crowd, tensions escalated, resulting in the unfortunate deaths and injuries.
The government’s swift action and transparency in this matter demonstrate its commitment to restoring law and order and protecting national resources. We commend President Hichilema’s leadership in tackling the issue of illegal mining head-on.
Share your thoughts in the comments below! Let’s discuss the government’s efforts to combat illegal mining and how it will benefit our country. Don’t forget to like and share this post with your friends and family!
MINISTRY OF ENERGY TO DELIVER 1,000MW BY DECEMBER UNDER PRESIDENTIAL DIRECTIVE
The Ministry of Energy has identified a portfolio of strategic power projects aimed at delivering 1,000 megawatts (MW) of additional electricity to the national grid by December 2025, in line with the directive issued by President Hakainde Hichilema.
Ministry of Energy Permanent Secretary for Electricity, Eng. Arnold Simwaba revealed this at the 59th Zambia International Trade Fair in Ndola.
Here are the highlights:
✅The Ministry is working with public and private sector stakeholders to accelerate the implementation of these projects to address the country’s electricity deficit and boost national energy security.
✅The identified projects cut across various technologies—including solar, hydro, and thermal—and are at different stages of development, with several expected to be commissioned before year-end.
✅Explained that diversifying the energy mix is a key government priority, as over-reliance on hydropower has exposed the sector to climate-related risks.
✅Integrating solar and wind will build resilience and ensure consistent power supply going forward.
✅On the petroleum front, the Ministry of Energy PS announced that Government is advancing plans to construct a second pipeline from Dar es Salaam, specifically for the transportation of petrol under the Tazama Open Access Framework.
✅Currently, only diesel is moved through the pipeline, while petrol is still brought in by road.
✅ The open access model had already helped reduce diesel prices due to improved competition, and extending this to petrol would enhance fuel supply security, lower transport costs, and reduce pressure on road infrastructure.
✅Reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to implementing sound and transparent energy policies aimed at increasing investment, improving efficiency, and ensuring affordable, reliable energy for all Zambians.
President HAKAINDE HICHILEMA has expressed profound sorrow over the tragic incident in Mufumbwe District that claimed two lives during a confrontation linked to illegal mining activities.
He emphasized that every life is sacred and that the loss is deeply felt across the entire nation.
President HICHILEMA has extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families during this difficult time.
He described the incident as a wholly avoidable tragedy that should never have happened.
The President stressed that the situation highlights the urgent need to uphold the rule of law, not as a means of punishment, but as a foundation for safety, dignity, and mutual respect.
He called on all Zambians to unite in fostering a peaceful society anchored in legal compliance, national pride, and shared responsibility for one another’s well-being.
According to a statement issued to ZNBC News by State House Chief Communications Specialist CLAYSON HAMASAKA, President HICHILEMA is actively monitoring the developments.
Mr. HAMASAKA said the President continues to receive detailed updates as investigations into the incident progress.
Mchunu denies corruption claims, vows action against Mkhwanazi
Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu has strongly refuted what he described as “baseless” and “wild” allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi during a media briefing this morning, Sunday.
The Minister, currently on a campaign trail in Vryheid ahead of the 16 July by-elections, condemned the claims as an attempt to undermine his integrity, the Ministry, and the South African Police Service (SAPS).
While engaging with community leaders, including Izinduna, community organizations, and commercial farmers in KwaZulu-Natal to address rampant crime such as stock theft, Mchunu was alerted to Mkhwanazi’s statements.
The Minister emphasized that he would not tolerate insinuations lacking evidence or due process, announcing that the Commissioner’s remarks would be reviewed, with “appropriate action” to follow.
He called for an urgent, thorough, and transparent investigation into the allegations on a proper platform.
Mchunu reiterated his commitment to reducing crime, particularly in high-crime provinces like KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, Eastern Cape, and Western Cape.
His priorities include tackling the high murder rate, curbing the availability of illegal firearms, dismantling drug trafficking syndicates, and addressing gender-based violence and femicide (GBV+F).
Mkhwanazi says hitman financed Mchunu’s political endeavors
KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi dropped a bombshell today, accusing Police Minister Senzo Mchunu of orchestrating the demise of the Political Killings Task Team.
Mkhwanazi alleges that on January 1, 2025, Brown Mogotsi, an associate of Mchunu, messaged businessman Vusumuzi “Cat” Matlala, claiming a meeting with a Minister and Sibiya dissolved a task team that harassed Matlala.
Further claims reveal 121 case dockets were withdrawn in March 2025 on Mchunu’s orders, halting assassination probes.
Evidence includes WhatsApp chats and payment proofs, linking Matlala to funding Mchunu and Mogotsi’s political efforts, including a January 8th Cape Town gala.
Mchunu and Deputy Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya deny the allegations, with Mchunu calling them “baseless.”
EFF slams ANC, praises Mkhwanazi for exposing crime syndicate
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has issued a scathing statement today in response to a bombshell briefing by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who alleged the existence of a powerful criminal syndicate involving senior politicians, police officers, judicial figures, and businesspeople linked to a drug cartel operating across KZN and Gauteng.
The EFF accused the ANC of nurturing a “mafia state” that protects criminals while undermining law enforcement.
They singled out Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and Deputy National Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya, demanding their immediate suspension for allegedly disbanding the KZN Political Killings Task Team and obstructing justice.
Commending Mkhwanazi’s courage, the EFF called for full transparency, including a parliamentary investigation into the syndicate and internal South African Police Service (SAPS) communications.
They pointed to the deletion of a SAPS tweet about the briefing as evidence of a potential cover-up.
The statement has intensified scrutiny on the ANC, with the EFF urging swift action to dismantle the alleged syndicate and restore public trust in law enforcement.
Ramaphosa promises action following Mkhwanazi’s bombshell claims
President Cyril Ramaphosa has addressed explosive allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal SAPS Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi during a press briefing today, Sunday, labeling the issue a “matter of grave national security concern.”
In a statement issued by the Presidency, Ramaphosa emphasized that the matter is receiving the “highest priority attention” to protect the integrity of South Africa’s security services and uphold the rule of law.
The President urged all parties involved to exercise “discipline and restraint,” warning that the ongoing “trading of accusations and counter-accusations threatens to undermine public confidence and sow confusion.”
He further noted that such actions risk damaging the unity and focus of the South African Police Service (SAPS).
While Ramaphosa did not delve into the specifics of Mkhwanazi’s claims, he assured the public that he would outline the actions to be taken upon his return from Brazil.
The statement follows Mkhwanazi’s allegations of high-level interference in crime-fighting efforts, which have sparked widespread concern and calls for transparency.
Meet Vusumuzi Matlala The Businessman Named In Shocking Criminal Syndicate Allegations By KZN Police Commissioner General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi
Vusumuzi “Cat” Matlala, a 49-year-old Gauteng-based businessman and self-styled tenderpreneur, has emerged as a polarizing figure in South Africa’s ongoing battle against corruption and organized crime.
Named today by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi during a dramatic press briefing, Matlala is accused of being a linchpin in a sprawling criminal syndicate allegedly involving politicians, police officers, prosecutors, and judicial figures, reportedly controlled by a powerful drug cartel.
Matlala rose to prominence as a flamboyant businessman who amassed wealth through lucrative government contracts. His company, Medicare24 Tswane District, secured a R360 million South African Police Service (SAPS) health services tender in 2024, despite red flags raised over allegations of fronting, collusion, and fraud. This deal, later canceled by National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola days before a criminal probe intensified, netted Matlala R48 million, even as suppliers and staff went unpaid.
His opulent lifestyle marked by luxury fashion, cosmetic surgeries, and international travel stood in stark contrast to the unraveling of his business ventures.
Matlala’s name first surfaced in connection to tender irregularities at Tembisa Hospital, where he was linked to fraud probes sparked by the 2021 assassination of whistleblower Babita Deokaran, who had flagged his companies for suspicious activities. He also faced scrutiny for alleged tender corruption at the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa), further cementing his reputation as a controversial figure in public procurement.
In May 2025, Matlala was arrested on three counts of attempted murder and conspiracy to commit murder, including a 2023 botched hit on his ex-girlfriend, actress and socialite Tebogo Thobejane, at a Sandton club. WhatsApp messages recovered from his phone allegedly revealed chilling instructions to hitmen to “shoot her in the face so that her family does not recognize her.” His wife, Tsakani Matlala, was also arrested in May 2025 as an accomplice in the plot but was released on R20,000 bail, while Matlala abandoned his bail bid and remains in custody awaiting trial. He faces additional charges of money laundering, underscoring the breadth of his alleged criminal activities.
Today, Mkhwanazi escalated the scrutiny on Matlala, alleging he funded the political ambitions of Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and an associate, Brown Mogotsi, through payments for travel and a January 2025 gala dinner in Cape Town. The commissioner presented forensic evidence, including WhatsApp messages, showing Matlala’s communications with Mogotsi, who allegedly informed him on January 1, 2025, that the Political Killings Task Team investigating the syndicate had been disbanded, with case dockets transferred to Deputy National Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya, stalling probes. Mkhwanazi accused senior officials, including Mchunu, of shielding Matlala, claims the minister has denied, calling for a thorough investigation.
As Matlala awaits his next court appearance on July 11, 2025, at the Johannesburg High Court, his case has become a lightning rod for concerns about corruption, political interference, and the integrity of South Africa’s institutions.
…Erton Kohler becomes first South American to lead the global body
Lusaka, July 4, 2025
The 62nd Session of the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church has elected Erton Kohler to lead the global body. Replacing Ted Wilson, an American, Kohler becomes the first South American to hold the position which has traditionally been held by Americans.
Meeting in the US city of St. Louis, Missouri, for the church’s global business meeting which occurs every five years, close to 2000 delegates representing a global population of over 20million Adventists, voted overwhelmingly for Kohler.
Up until now serving as the Executive Secretary of the SDA Church at its Head Quarters in Maryland, Washington, DC, Kohler has been a pastor since 1990 serving in different positions. A Brazilian of German descent, Kohler took up pastoral work following in his father’s footsteps.
Married to a nurse, the father of two children holds a bachelor’s degree in Theology and a master’s degree in Pastoral Theology from the Brazilian Adventist University. He is currently working on a Doctor of Ministry degree from Andrews University of the SDA Church.
Born in 1969, Kohler assumes a global movement that was officially organized in 1863 with a focus on preparing the world for the second coming of Jesus Christ. With a strong outreach program marked by personal and corporate evangelistic activities, the SDA Church continues to plant churches in every part of the world.
Administratively, the Adventist church consists of the General Conference as the highest executive organ with Head Quarters in Washington, DC, 13 Division offices overseeing large geographical areas consisting of several countries and serving as extensions of Head Quarters, Union Conferences at national level, and local conferences that administer several local churches.
Every five years, delegates from these structures meet at a designated place, traditionally in the US, in a general conference session where the business of the global body of Adventists is discussed, policy decided, theological issues debated, social issues confronting the church addressed, and the executive leadership decided.
One of the major items on the agenda for this year is the amendment of the Church Manual which addresses a variety of administrative issues related to local congregations simply known as the local church. This is the heartbeat of the church where its mission of evangelizing the world takes place.
In recent years, the church has been faced with issues that other religious denominations have been dealing with, chief among them, the ordination of women which it has not approved, a move that has threatened the unity of the global movement. Over the course of its history, the SDA Church has been called upon by its members to provide Bible-based guidance on such matters as church members and combat roles in the military, abortion, immunization, gun violence, gender-based violence, homosexuality, genetic engineering, artificial insemination, voting, political participation, plastic surgery, and much more.
Given the dynamic nature of modern society and the multiple challenges for the application of Biblical principles, the church has normally guided its members to also rely on their own conscience believing that God will guide every genuine seeker of His will.
Other than the election of the world church leader, this year’s session will also elect several other positions which include several vice presidents, the executive secretary, and the treasurer, among others.
This year’s session takes place from the 3rd to the 12th of July 2025, under the theme, “Jesus is coming, I will go”. The outgoing church leader Ted Wilson said of the theme, “reminds us of our wonderful hope in the soon coming of our savior and the importance of answering God’s call to go wherever He may lead to reach the world for Him”.
BREAKING – Trump calls Elon a “TRAIN WRECK” that’s gone completely “‘off the rails.'”REAKING – Trump calls Elon a “TRAIN WRECK” that’s gone completely “‘off the rails.'”
Donald J. Trump writes:
I am saddened to watch Elon Musk go completely “off the rails,” essentially becoming a TRAIN WRECK over the past five weeks. He even wants to start a Third Political Party, despite the fact that they have never succeeded in the United States – The System seems not designed for them.
The one thing Third Parties are good for is the creation of Complete and Total DISRUPTION & CHAOS, and we have enough of that with the Radical Left Democrats, who have lost their confidence and their minds! Republicans, on the other hand, are a smooth running “machine,” that just passed the biggest Bill of its kind in the History of our Country.
It is a Great Bill but, unfortunately for Elon, it eliminates the ridiculous Electric Vehicle (EV) Mandate, which would have forced everyone to buy an Electric Car in a short period of time.
I have been strongly opposed to that from the very beginning. People are now allowed to buy whatever they want – Gasoline Powered, Hybrids (which are doing very well), or New Technologies as they come about – No more EV Mandate.
I have campaigned on this for two years and, quite honestly, when Elon gave me his total and unquestioned Endorsement, I asked him whether or not he knew I was going to terminate the EV Mandate – It was in every speech I made, and in every conversation I had.
He said he had no problems with that – I was very surprised! Additionally, Elon asked that one of his close friends run NASA and, while I thought his friend was very good, I was surprised to learn that he was a blue blooded Democrat, who had never contributed to a Republican before. Elon probably was, also.
I also thought it inappropriate that a very close friend of Elon, who was in the Space Business, run NASA, when NASA is such a big part of Elon’s corporate life. My Number One charge is to protect the American Public!
Federal authorities have uncovered a sophisticated cyber scam targeting donors to President Donald Trump’s 2025 inauguration fund.
The FBI has filed a civil forfeiture complaint against Ehiremen Aigbokhan, a Nigerian national, for stealing over $250,000 meant for Donald Trump’s 2025 presidential inauguration.
The scheme, allegedly directed by a Nigerian named Ehiremen Aigbokhan based in Lagos, siphoned off over $250,000 (approximately ₦460 million) in cryptocurrency from a Trump supporter.
The fraud was executed through a Business Email Compromise (BEC) scam, where perpetrators used fake email addresses mimicking those of the Trump-Vance Inaugural Committee to deceive victims.
On December 26, 2024, scammers sent emails from a spoofed address, @t47lnaugural.com, designed to closely resemble the official @t47inaugural.com used by Steve Witkoff, co-chair of the Trump-Vance Inaugural Committee.
The fraudsters tricked a donor into transferring 250,300 USDT (a stablecoin pegged to the U.S. dollar) to their accounts. Within hours, the perpetrators laundered 215,000 USDT across multiple cryptocurrency wallets to obscure the funds’ trail.
The FBI, with assistance from cryptocurrency firms Binance and Tether, traced the stolen funds and froze approximately $40,000 in two accounts, which federal prosecutors are now seeking to seize through a civil forfeiture complaint.
The agency has launched a manhunt for Aigbokhan. Court documents indicate he used a Binance account registered in October 2024 to facilitate the scam. The FBI is also pursuing an arrest warrant for the suspect.
Former Arsenal midfielder and Ghanaian international Thomas Partey, has been charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault following a three-year investigation by the Metropolitan Police.
Below is a detailed account of the case;
Initial Arrest The first case against Thomas Partey was filed in February 2022, when the Metropolitan Police received an initial report of rape, marking the start of their investigation.
Partey was first arrested in July 2022, but he was not publicly named at the time due to UK legal protections for suspects under investigation.
Partey was publicly named in connection with the rape allegations on July 4, 2025, after the Crown Prosecution Service formally charged him with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault.
This followed the submission of a comprehensive evidence file by the Metropolitan Police to the CPS in January 2025.
Charges Details Five counts of rape:
Two counts involving one woman, related to incidents in 2021–2022.
Three counts involving a second woman, also from 2021–2022.
One count of sexual assault: Involving a third woman, occurring within the same timeframe.
The alleged incidents took place in London, with one reported incident in Ibiza that was not prosecutable due to UK laws on overseas crimes at the time.
Partey denies all charges and has cooperated fully with the investigation, as stated by his lawyer. He is not in custody and awaits his court appearance on August 5, 2025.
Who are the women involved? Three women are directly involved in the charges against Partey:
First woman: Associated with two counts of rape.
Second woman: Associated with three counts of rape.
Third woman: Associated with one count of sexual assault.
Sara Bella Sara Bella, a Moroccan model, is known for also being the ex-girlfriend of the former Arsenal midfielder.
Bella claimed Partey raped her during a trip to Ibiza in June 2022, following the end of their relationship.
Reports suggested her accusation was linked to Partey’s refusal of a marriage proposal, but these claims remain unverified.
The allegation was not prosecuted due to a legal technicality, as UK legislation at the time did not allow prosecution of certain overseas crimes.
@deffonotchaur Earlier reports from 2023 mention a woman who alleged that Partey raped her during a trip to Ibiza in June 2022.
She claimed to have been in a relationship with Partey, sharing details on social media (under the handle @deffonotchaur) about the alleged assault, including text messages purportedly between her and Partey.
She stated that the incident occurred 10 days before a UK law change that would have allowed prosecution for overseas crimes, which initially prevented charges for that specific allegation. However, no further action was taken on the June 2021 allegation at the time, though investigations continued for other claims.
The real name of @deffonotchaur is not known or publicly disclosed. Her social media account has since been deactivated.
Anonymous Details about Partey’s third alleged victim are disclosed to the public yet.
Additional Allegations Two other allegations (from Sara Bella and @deffonotchaur) were reported but not prosecuted due to legal technicalities involving overseas incidents.
It is unclear if either individual is among the three women in the formal charges, as UK law protects victim identities.
Liverpool Football Club have announced they will pay the full remaining value of Diogo Jota’s contract to his family following the Portuguese forward’s tragic death in a car accident.
Jota, who passed away alongside his brother Andre Silva in a crash in Zamora, Spain, had two years left on his five-year contract, signed in August 2022.
Jota’s deal, estimated at £14.6 million, included a weekly wage of approximately £140,000, totaling around £7.3 million annually, with performance bonuses and image rights.
The heartfelt gesture, reported by Portuguese outlet Record. The move is to ensures financial support for Jota’s widow, Rute Cardoso, and their three children.
The club has also pledged ongoing emotional and legal support. Jota’s iconic No. 20 shirt has also been retired by the club with plans for a permanent memorial at Anfield.
Jota, who joined Liverpool from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020 for £41 million, made 182 appearances, scoring 65 goals and providing 26 assists.
Bayern Munich star Jamal Musiala sustained a severe lower leg injury during the FIFA Club World Cup quarterfinal against Paris Saint-Germain on Saturday.
The incident occurred just before halftime at Mercedes-Benz Stadium when Musiala collided with PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. As Musiala chased a ball near the byline, Donnarumma dove to secure it, inadvertently rolling over the 22-year-old’s left ankle.
The impact left Musiala in visible agony, with replays showing his ankle twisting at an unnatural angle. Medics rushed to treat the midfielder, who was stretchered off the field as players from both teams looked on in shock.
Donnarumma, visibly shaken, was seen in tears as he walked to the tunnel. Bayern Munich has yet to release an official medical update, but early reports suggest a possible broken ankle, which could sideline Musiala for months. PSG posted on X, wishing him a “swift and full recovery.”
The injury overshadowed a tightly contested match, with Bayern trailing 2-0 after goals from Désiré Doué and Ousmane Dembélé. Fans and teammates alike now await news on Musiala’s condition, hoping for a speedy recovery for one of football’s brightest talents.
Watch Video below;
Note: Be warned, this video is sensitive and might not be good for everyone. Viewers discretion is advised
Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal’s national team captain, chose not to attend the funeral of his former teammate Diogo Jota and Jota’s brother Andre Silva, held on Saturday, July 5, 2025, in Gondomar. The decision, reported by The Mirror, stemmed from Ronaldo’s concern that his presence could overshadow the somber event due to his global fame.
Jota, 28, and Silva, 25, tragically died in a car crash in northwestern Spain on Thursday, July 3, when their Lamborghini veered off the road and caught fire.
The funeral, attended by Liverpool stars like Virgil van Dijk and Jordan Henderson, as well as Portugal teammates such as Ruben Neves, drew hundreds to the Igreja Matriz de Gondomar.
Ronaldo, who shared the pitch with Jota during Portugal’s Nations League victories, posted an emotional tribute on social media: “It doesn’t make sense.
We were just together in the national team, and you had just gotten married. Rest in peace, Diogo and Andre.” According to Portuguese outlet Record, Ronaldo privately contacted Jota’s wife, Rute Cardoso, and family, offering his support while explaining his absence to avoid a media frenzy.
The decision sparked mixed reactions. Some fans criticized Ronaldo, with one X user calling it “inadmissible” for the captain to miss the service, while others defended him, noting his presence could have shifted focus from the grieving family.
Reports also surfaced that Ronaldo was spotted holidaying in Majorca, adding fuel to the debate. The funeral proceeded with dignity, though the absence of Portugal’s biggest star was felt by many in Gondomar.
50 Cent’s ex-girlfriend, Jamira “Cuban Link” Haines, has made headlines with claims about her breakup with rapper and mogul Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson.
According to Haines, the relationship ended after she requested $10,000, a request she says 50 Cent refused, highlighting what she describes as his stingy nature.
In posts circulating on social media, Cuban Link claimed the relationship dissolved after her financial request, which she says triggered the split.
“Ladies, think twice before dating someone like 50 Cent. He never gave me a dollar. The only gift was a wig, which he wanted back when we broke up. It wasn’t even worth $100,” Cuban wrote on her social media.
These remarks were shared in various reports, including one from TheCityCeleb on June 30, 2025, which noted her comments about receiving only a low-value wig during their time together, which 50 Cent allegedly demanded be returned post-breakup.
The couple, who began dating in 2019 had previously been seen as a strong pair, with Haines calling 50 Cent her “favorite person” on Instagram.
In 2023, they sparked engagement rumors after being spotted with a large ring. However, signs of trouble emerged earlier in 2024 when 50 Cent announced on Instagram that he was practicing abstinence to focus on a “new idea.”
By September 2024, he confirmed his single status on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, stating, “I’m here, man. I’m free, I’ve made some mistakes — just not that one.”
According to reports, President Trump’s efforts to communicate directly with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un through personal letters have reportedly been unsuccessful for years.
The letters, intended to rekindle the diplomatic engagement that characterized Trump’s first term, have likely gone undelivered.
According to CNN’s Chad, North Korea’s UN representative has been actively rejecting letters from Trump.
During his first term, Trump and Kim exchanged a series of letters described as “beautiful” by Trump. “He wrote me beautiful letters and they were great letters and we fell in love,” he told the press.
In 2019, Trump shared 27 of those letters with Bob Woodward. In one of the letters, Kim allegedly wrote;
“If you do not think of our relationship as a stepping stone that only benefits you then you would not make me look like an idiot that will only give without getting anything in return.”
Usually, the US has three channels used to communicate with North Korea; the UN, the CIA’s back channel, and the joint security area at DMZ. However, all these channels are now silent.
Evening Briefing | Inside Lungu’s Final Days As Mine Shootings Rock North-Western
Good evening! A month after Edgar Chagwa Lungu’s passing, new medical details have come to light, quietly countering the swirl of conspiracy theories that have overshadowed Zambia’s conversation about its former leader’s death.
According to official medical documents and close family sources, former President Lungu died of septic shock, multi-organ failure, and oesophageal cancer. These disclosures match what his attending hospital outlined in a now-corroborated timeline: having battled the condition since January, Lungu was cleared as an outpatient after months of care and was due for a simple review later this year.
But a different facility recommended minor corrective surgery, which he underwent in early June. Doctors say the operation itself was successful and he was alert in the recovery ward. Complications arose days later when he developed a chest infection that progressed rapidly. He passed away on a Thursday morning, July 5 marking exactly one month since that loss.
Critics of the Patriotic Front’s high-voltage narratives will see this as confirmation that the truth was simpler than the political theatre made it seem. Claims of poisoning or “bitterness” as a new “cancer variant,” as once suggested by Given Lubinda and Raphael Nakacinda, appear less credible now that the record shows a documented clinical decline.
For many Zambians weary of the constant speculation, this detail may offer some overdue closure.
Police Shootings Rattle Kikonge Gold Mine
Meanwhile, grim headlines from North-Western Province tonight. Three miners have died in a single week after a violent standoff with police at the Kikonge Gold Mine in Mufumbwe.
Authorities say the miners forced their way into restricted mining zones on June 3, overpowering security barricades in a scramble for the gold-rich earth. Tear gas and rubber bullets failed to disperse the crowd. Police opened live fire in what they described as self-defence when the miners kept advancing.
Two miners died while being rushed to hospital. A third body was recovered the following day. The clash also left five police officers wounded, one of whom succumbed to injuries, underscoring how chaotic the illegal mining surge has become in that gold belt.
Home Affairs Minister Jack Mwiimbu confirmed that police have since seized more than 20 vehicles, over 100 scanning devices, and five firearms, some of which were military-grade. The Defence Ministry has raised the alarm over massive revenue leaks, rampant environmental degradation, and a new breed of illegal miners reportedly operating with organised structures.
A 120-kilometre security cordon is now in place around the Kikonge area. But many locals fear the region’s simmering tensions are far from over as the lure of easy gold continues to draw desperate diggers despite the heavy presence of security forces.
⬆️ Editor’s Note
From the capital’s funeral impasse to deadly minefields upcountry, Zambia this evening stands reminded that rumours don’t bury themselves and gold doesn’t come cheap.
Stay informed. Stay curious. And keep reading us for clarity in a crowded landscape.
TO THOSE WHO ARE STILL DOUBTING, THIS IS THE DEATH CERTIFICATE OF EDGAR CHAGWA LUNGU
Firstly I am sad that it has reached this point where such information has to be displayed in public all because of the stubbornness of Makebi Zulu and the so called family members.
According to the death certificate the cause of death is Septic Shock, Multi-Organ Failure and Oesophageal Cancer.
I also picked up the article below which is true according to the information I got immediately he died.
The hospital that had been attending to him since January cleared him and scheduled a review for three to four months later; he was an outpatient.
A different hospital then called him, recommending minor surgery to improve his health problem.
He went for an appointment on a Thursday and underwent a seven-hour operation on Saturday from about 7:00 to 14:00; the operation was successful, and he was taken to a recovery ward, where he was responsive.
On Sunday, the doctors said he had developed a chest infection, and he was put on medication.
On Thursday morning, he passed on.
So, people shouldn’t think there are tricks behind his death, it was natural.
Emmanuel Mwamba: A Seditionist attempting To Destabilize Zambia’s Legitimate Government
By Farai Ruvanyathi,
6th July 2025
Emmanuel Mwamba, a former diplomat and fugitive now living abroad, has emerged as a persistent purveyor of falsehoods and propaganda aimed at destabilizing Zambia’s democratically elected government. Experts and officials warn that his actions amount to sedition and incitement, and have encouraged government to consider taking decisive legal and diplomatic measures under both Zambian and international law.
Mwamba’s sustained propaganda, built on deliberate falsehoods, appears calculated to undermine Zambia’s peace, unity, and sovereignty. It is high time the Zambian Government took a keen interest in confronting his subversive activities using the full spectrum of local and international legal frameworks.
It is beyond any shadow of doubt that Mwamba falsifies information for the purpose of inciting hatred, sowing division, and provoking conditions that could lead to insurrection. The country or countries hosting him should therefore recognize that the government he relentlessly seeks to destabilize is democratically elected, internationally recognized, and has maintained a long-standing history of peace and cordial relations with its neighbors.This is important.
The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR, Article 20) explicitly prohibits advocacy of national, racial, or religious hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility, or violence. Mwamba’s activities, through podcasts, writings, and online campaigns, appear to fall squarely within this prohibited conduct.
Mwamba’s intentions are clear: he seeks to stir up dissent against the authority of the Zambian state, using media narratives and psychological manipulation to destabilize society politically and socially. Although the term intellectual terrorism may be metaphorical, it aptly describes his calculated efforts to weaponize information and public sentiment to undermine Zambia’s stability.
Residing abroad, Mwamba knowingly disseminates false information and propaganda aimed at inciting rebellion against the Zambian government. This makes him not just an agitator but a seditionist and inciter to violence, serious offenses under national and international law.
As a fugitive, Mwamba could be tried in absentia under Zambian law. If convicted, his property should be lawfully forfeited as part of the penalty. Furthermore, if he continues on this trajectory, the Zambian Government should consider filing a defamation suit in the host country and taking administrative actions such as revoking his passport.
In the face of such deliberate attempts to destabilize a sovereign and peaceful nation, Zambia must assert its right to protect its democracy and citizens from malicious actors, both at home and abroad, using all lawful means available, including cooperation with the international community.
*Officials Speak Out*
“What we are seeing is not free speech, it is calculated sedition cloaked in propaganda. Zambia will not stand idly by while its peace is undermined,” said a senior government source who spoke on condition of anonymity.
An international law expert based in Lusaka added: “When a citizen abroad incites rebellion or violence against his own government, host countries also have obligations under international law to ensure their territory is not used as a base for destabilization. This matter is serious and needs urgent attention.”
Zambia ’s emerging breed of so-called intellectuals, who reside abroad and seek to scandalize their own nation and people, must not be left unchecked. Their reckless actions are an assault on the very soul of our nation, a nation whose history is blessed, unblemished by war, and defined by peace and unity.
Emmanuel Mwamba and his cohorts must be held accountable. Zambians, must stand united in defense of their country’s dignity, sovereignty, and proud legacy of harmony. Their collective patriotism demands that they confront such subversive acts with resolve and protect the integrity of their beloved nation.
In the Matter of the Government of the Republic of Zambia’s Application for the Repatriation of the Remains of Former President Edgar Chagwa Lungu from the Republic of South Africa
Prepared for: Interested Legal and Diplomatic Stakeholders
By: Mulisa jones
1. Introduction
This legal opinion addresses the implications of the Government of the Republic of Zambia’s attempt to initiate legal proceedings in the Republic of South Africa for the repatriation of the remains of former President Edgar Chagwa Lungu. Specifically, Zambia has named the South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation as a respondent in the matter, raising grave legal and diplomatic concerns. This opinion analyzes the matter through the lens of international law, South African constitutional and common law, and applicable treaty provisions, with particular focus on the rights of the deceased, the family, diplomatic immunity, and the jurisdictional limitations of foreign states.
2. Diplomatic Immunity and the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations
The decision to list the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa as a respondent constitutes a direct breach of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, 1961, to which both Zambia and South Africa are State Parties. Article 29 of the Convention unequivocally states:
> “The person of a diplomatic agent shall be inviolable. He shall not be liable to any form of arrest or detention. The receiving State shall treat him with due respect and shall take all appropriate steps to prevent any attack on his person, freedom or dignity.”
By naming a sitting foreign minister in litigation arising from her official acts, Zambia has engaged in an act that violates one of the most sacrosanct norms of international law: the principle of diplomatic immunity, which is both treaty-based and customary in nature.
This principle was reaffirmed in Arrest Warrant of 11 April 2000 (Democratic Republic of the Congo v. Belgium), 2002 ICJ 3, where the International Court of Justice held that foreign ministers enjoy absolute immunity from both civil and criminal jurisdiction in foreign states, even for alleged crimes under international law. If Belgium could not prosecute Congo’s foreign minister for alleged war crimes, Zambia certainly lacks standing to sue South Africa’s for diplomatic and administrative decisions related to the remains of a foreign national.
Additionally, the UK Supreme Court in Reyes v Al-Malki [2017] UKSC 61 reaffirmed that diplomatic immunity applies to both public and private acts undertaken during the course of diplomatic duties. In the present case, decisions made by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) fall squarely within the scope of such protected conduct.
3. Jurisdiction and South African Law on Burial Rights
Under South African law, the right to bury the deceased lies primarily with the family, unless the deceased has left express instructions to the contrary. The courts have consistently upheld the supremacy of familial rights in burial disputes:
In Carelse v Estate De Vries (1906 TS 525), the court recognized the right of the surviving next of kin to make burial arrangements, regardless of the estate’s financial interests.
In Gumede v Subjee and Another [2009] ZAGPJHC 1, the Johannesburg High Court affirmed that burial decisions must reflect the dignity of the deceased and the cultural and religious rights of the bereaved family under Section 15 and Section 31 of the Constitution.
In Tshabalala v Tshabalala 1980 (1) SA 134 (W), the court prioritized the personal wishes of the deceased and their surviving spouse, emphasizing that the burial site is not a state matter but a private, culturally sensitive decision.
Moreover, in Makate v Makate 2016 (4) SA 121 (CC), the Constitutional Court recognized the importance of respecting family autonomy and dignity in the resolution of personal matters, particularly those involving legacy and status.
These cases echo the constitutional imperative under Section 10 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, which provides:
> “Everyone has inherent dignity and the right to have their dignity respected and protected.”
Thus, any attempt by a foreign government to override the wishes of the deceased’s immediate family regarding burial would be unconstitutional unless supported by valid, express consent from the deceased or a binding judicial order issued within lawful bounds.
4. Statutory Interpretation: Zambia’s Former Presidents’ Benefits Act
The Zambian government has relied on the Benefits of the Former Presidents Act as justification for its claim to preside over President Lungu’s burial. This reliance is, however, legally untenable.
Section 6 of the Act provides:
> “Where a former President who is entitled to the pension and other benefits conferred by this Act dies while in or after having left office, his spouse and any children of the family who have attained the age of twenty-one years shall be entitled jointly to [enumerated benefits]…”
While this section outlines continued financial benefits to the surviving family, it does not confer custodial rights over the deceased’s remains to the state. Among the benefits listed are access to an office, medical insurance, and funeral expenses. These are supportive provisions, not controlling instruments.
More critically, Section 5 of the Act provides for the withdrawal of such benefits under specific circumstances, and the Act is silent on any mechanism for reinstatement once those benefits have been rescinded. Therefore, even if the initial withdrawal of benefits was arguably unlawful, the state cannot retroactively assert rights that no longer exist under statute.
Schedule 12 of the Act, the only portion referencing death-related obligations, merely authorizes reimbursement of funeral expenses and does not extend to the authority over the conduct, location, or symbolism of the funeral itself.
Accordingly, any reliance on this statute to claim extraterritorial control over the deceased’s burial is devoid of legal foundation. Domestic law does not have force in another sovereign jurisdiction, and it certainly cannot override that state’s constitutional and customary legal protections for the family and deceased.
5. International Human Rights Law and the Rights of the Deceased
Under international human rights law, the dignity of the deceased and the rights of families to bury their loved ones according to their cultural and religious customs are widely recognized:
Article 17 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) protects the right to privacy and family life, including burial practices.
The African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, in Article 18(1), protects the family as the natural unit of society and entitles it to protection by the state.
In Pretty v United Kingdom (2002) 35 EHRR 1, the European Court of Human Rights acknowledged that decisions concerning death and bodily autonomy fall within the ambit of the right to private and family life under Article 8 of the ECHR, a principle now widely accepted in international jurisprudence.
6. Legal and Diplomatic Implications
Zambia’s attempt to compel South African authorities through legal process to surrender the body of President Lungu, particularly through litigation involving a foreign minister, undermines both international law and regional diplomatic stability. It sets a dangerous precedent whereby:
Diplomatic actors may be judicially harassed across borders;
Family rights may be subordinated to opportunistic state narratives;
Funeral rites and burial decisions become tools of political rehabilitation rather than dignified closure.
In the broader regional context, this may provoke reciprocal violations of sovereignty, destabilize intergovernmental trust, and erode the doctrine of sovereign equality protected by Article 2(1) of the United Nations Charter.
7. Conclusion
The Republic of Zambia’s legal action before South African courts—particularly its decision to sue the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation—is not only diplomatically reckless but legally impermissible. It violates international conventions, South African constitutional values, established case law, and the moral principles underlying the law of dignity and burial.
Furthermore, its reliance on the Benefits of Former Presidents Act is misplaced and legally irrelevant in the current context. That Act neither confers extraterritorial burial rights to the state nor revives authority once forfeited through formal legal processes.
In sum, the matter should be resolved not in courts of law, but through respectful diplomacy guided by international norms, constitutional law, and above all, the wishes and dignity of the deceased and his family.
COURT HAS BLOCKED LUNGU’S BURIAL NEGOTIATIONS – MAKEBI
SPOKESPERSON for the Lungu Family Makebi Zulu, says government’s decision to take the burial matter to court has effectively closed off avenues for mediation between the Lungu family and the State.
Zulu adds that no meaningful negotiations have recently taken place between the late president’s family and the Zambian government.
Speaking on SABC, Thursday, Zulu revealed that former Malawian president Bakili Muluzi had led mediation efforts, but the talks yielded no positive outcome.
The President was on TV saying that if we don’t bury President Edgar Chagwa Lungu, it will be an embarrassment.
That should not be his concern. His concern is what and how does the family want to have President Edgar Chagwa Lungu buried?
