KK died whilst enjoying all the benefits of the office of the former president according to provisions of the law but Lungu died as a private citizen who was not enjoying any of the benefits from the state as former president. Hence the difference in how KK was treated as state property and ECL as a private individual.
ECL died in the care of his family while KK died in the care of the state.
The conditions under which KK died are different from those prevailing at the time of the demise of ECL. ECL died in active politics, so how does the state now say he is state property with full entitlement of the benefits of the office of former president which he was not enjoying as a living former president.
How has death retired Lungu from politics to suddenly be entitled to benefits that were taken from him when he announced his return to politics?
This is the same as saying a worker who abrogates his conditions of service and is under disciplinary measures that make him lose his pension, suddenly regains all his benefits after he has died and his full pension is now fully restored.
If this is not true for any worker in this country, then it certainly is not true that all the entitlements of former president, including medical insurance, are now restored after he ECL has died.
THE TEST: PROVE THAT THE BENEFITS ARE FULLY RESTORED AS CLAIMED, BY PAYING HIS MEDICAL BILLS NOW THAT HE IS DEAD. IF YOU ARE SUCCESSFUL IN DOING THIS THEN YOU WOULD HAVE SUCCEEDED IN PROVING RESTORATION OF ALL HIS ENTITLEMENTS.
BUT IF YOU HAVE NOT, THEN JUST FORGET AND ADMIT HE IS A PRIVATE CITIZEN AT HIS DEATH, AND HUMBLE YOURSELVES AND COMPLY WITH HIS FAMILY’S DEMANDS.
WITHDRAW COURT CASE, BURRY WHERE WE POSSIBLE…let’s avoid the curse
By DR LUBINDA HAABAZOKA
I just have to speak.
I understand that in politics, people fight each other. But right now, we have a friend and a father to bury. Let’s lay him to rest—then we can debate other matters.
We are going to become a cursed nation if we don’t show empathy. How can we carry on with our lives with everything that is happening?
Zambians, I don’t recognize you anymore. Social media has truly exposed the hate we have towards each other. The public has the power to pressure both sides to do the right thing, but instead, many are adding fuel to the fire. You don’t understand what you are playing with—or the seeds you’re planting for your children.
I have tried, on several occasions since 2021, to reconcile the parties involved—and I only got burnt in the process. It seems people thrive in confusion. Many others have tried too. The result has been the same.
My advice is this: withdraw all the court cases and let him be buried wherever possible. This is not a matter of law. This is a matter of humanity.
Sometimes, you need to lose a battle in order to win the war. This applies to both sides.
Zambia now needs more sober minds than ever before. We have a grieving widow. Let her bury her husband. Then, we can begin the process of healing and negotiations.
The government has shown that it is ready to give President Lungu a dignified sendoff. We all know and believe that. That’s what matters. So, withdrawing the case and allowing the family to proceed will not be a sign of weakness. What will truly matter are the actions that follow—actions that make it easier for Mama Esther Lungu to continue her life without her husband.
At the moment, all parties involved in this conflict are overwhelmed by emotions.
Calm is important. We all need to be sober. This is not the time for political battles. Funerals have always united African families.
And to the supporters on both sides—just imagine that it was your father who died. Many of you are behaving as though this is a time for photoshoots or an opportunity to impress your superiors—even going as far as to insult the dead! They say, “Ubwali bwapachililo buwama pachililo chabene.”
AN UNIDENTIFIED MAN DISRUPTS TONSE ALLIANCE PRESS BRIEFING IN JOHANNESBURG
By Michael Kaluba
A highly anticipated press briefing by the Tonse Alliance in Johannesburg, South Africa, was this morning abruptly cut short after an unidentified man disrupted the live stream.
The briefing, meant to address the funeral arrangements of Zambia’s late President Edgar Lungu, was cut short barely two minutes after it began.
The press conference, led by Patriots for Economic Progress President Sean Tembo and Zambia Must Prosper Leader Kelvin Fube Bwalya, was live-streamed on Sean Tembo’s Facebook page before being taken offline.
However, key members of the Tonse Alliance, including the Patriotic Front and Dr. Danny Pule, were absent from the event.
The interruption has sparked speculation and controversy, with some suggesting that the Zambia Must Prosper leader may be positioning himself to take over the PF, allegedly with the blessing of late President Lungu.
Meanwhile, Mr. Tembo himself has previously faced internal challenges, including calls for his removal as Tonse Alliance Spokesperson after his recent announcement to sanction senior PF members for collaborating with the Socialist Party was overturned by Mr. Lungu.
ECL’S FAMILY SAYS BURIAL SUSPENSION IS NOW A MOMENT OF TRUTH
By: Sun FM TV Reporter
Former President Edgar Lungu’s Family spokesperson Makebi Zulu has described the suspension of Mr. Lungu’s Burial as a triumph for the family asserting that it was not a win for the UPND government but a matter of truth and dignity for the late leader.
Addressing Journalists, Mr. Zulu disclosed the court’s decision reflects what he believes to be the late President’s own values suggesting that Maybe Mr. Lungu has refused to be buried with the truth.
He has stressed that President Lungu stood for honesty and integrity and implied that the truth surrounding his death must first come to light.
He revealed that during court proceedings a South African judge questioned what the family would do if President Hakainde Hichilema requested to view the late president’s body,the question, Mr Zulu says raises concerns about the motives behind such interest and reinforced the family’s decision to safeguard the late President’s dignity.
He has clarified that the court order now limits access to the Former President’s body strictly to his immediate family and has vowed that no one will access the remains except him and the Family.
A state witness has told the Lusska magistrate that president Edgar Lungu has two NRC numbers.
And another state witness says he can’t tell whether the current president is the same person who added the name ‘Chagwa’ to Edgar Lungu.
And a third government witness has told the court that Lungu’s admission letter to UNZA was addressed to someone called ‘M Lungu’ to which defence lawyers say ‘M’ stands for Mutaware.
This is in the ongoing trial of labour Party president Fraser Siwale. Siwale is being persecuted for saying that Mr Lungu is not a Zambian but a foreigner born near Mount Mlanje in Nyansaland. Siwale asserts that the current president of Zambia’ s real name is Mutaware Lungu.
Agness Musonda, a registrar at the Department of National Registration, Passport and Citizenship testified that she received a letter from the Inspector General of Police requesting verification of two National Registration Card (NRC) numbers which belong to president Lungu.
But the government witness tried to explain that the second NRC was given to president Lungu when he added the name ‘Chagwa’ to his NRC. She said the first one was 216992/67/1 and the second one was NRC number 652489/11/1.
“I provided this information to the Zambia Police through the office of the Inspector General…on November, 18 1986 Lungu Edgar added Chagwa to the name and the changes were recorded at the back of the records as is the case when someone changes, or loses a card. And as of today, the records show Edgar Chagwa Lungu on NRC number 216992/67/1,” she said.
This is clearly not true. When you get a replacement of your NRC, the number does not change. It’s probably the most important and distinct detail of the NRC.
Meanwhile, Government printers Gazette editor Philemon Kapukanya told the court that someone called Edgar Lungu advertised for the inclusion of ‘Chagwa’ to his name.
But when challenged by defence lawyers, Kapukanya said the advert had no photos and that some documents were destroyed so he could not ascertain which Edgar Lungu applied for the changes. He said this is very true especially that there could be many other people called Edgar Lungu.
And UNZA Registrar Sitali Wamundila told the court that Edgar Lungu’s admission letter to UNZA contained errors on the name. The letter was addressed to ‘M Lungu’ which the lawyers said ‘M’ stood for Mutaware.
But Wamundila who was not even yet in primary school when these things happened said the ‘M’ stood for Mister.
LATE former President Edgar Lungu’s daughter, Chiyeso Lungu, has expressed hope that her father will finally find peace in death, saying he had not experienced it in the past four years.
Speaking in South Africa, where her father’s planned burial was halted yesterday, Ms Lungu, a lawyer, said Mr Lungu had endured a turbulent final chapter of his life.
“It is our prayer that indeed, a time shall be granted at which he will finally be laid to rest in peace. And the peace he could not find in the last four years before his passing, may he now receive it in death. Daddy, may you rest. May you rest, Daddy. Edgar Chagwa Lungu, may you rest,” she said tearfully.
She extended her gratitude to the South African Government for its generosity towards her family during what she described as a difficult period in a foreign land.
“We wish to thank the Government of the Republic of South Africa for hosting us repeatedly. You have been gracious,” Ms Lungu said.
President Lungu died in South Africa on June 5, 2025, where he had travelled for medical attention. Reports indicated he had opted to remain there slightly longer after receiving routine treatment.
The Lungu family planned a private funeral procession, but it was halted by the Gauteng High Court following an urgent application by the Zambian Government.
Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha filed for an injunction to stop the burial, which the court granted.
Mr Kabesha is also seeking to have Mr Lungu’s remains repatriated to Zambia,a move opposed by the Lungu family, resulting in an ongoing impasse.
Jacob Zuma’s daughter leaves King Mswati III, citing months without seeing him
Nomcebo Zuma, the 22-year-old daughter of former South African President Jacob Zuma, has reportedly left her polygamous marriage to King Mswati III, the absolute monarch of Eswatini.
According to Swaziland News, Nomcebo cited months without seeing her husband as the reason for her departure from the royal household, where she was the king’s 16th wife.
The marriage, formalized in September 2024 during Eswatini’s traditional Umhlanga Reed Dance ceremony, drew significant attention due to the high-profile union between the Zuma family and Eswatini’s monarchy.
Despite initial claims from Eswatini officials that the marriage was “for love,” Swaziland News reports that Nomcebo’s exit has prompted a royal delegation to travel to Nkandla, KwaZulu-Natal, to negotiate her return.
King Mswati III, aged 56, has faced ongoing criticism for his lavish lifestyle and polygamous practices, with Nomcebo’s departure highlighting tensions within the royal family.
The delegation’s visit to the Zuma homestead underscores the cultural and diplomatic weight of the union, which has been seen as a bridge between Eswatini and South Africa’s influential Zulu community.
As of now, neither the Zuma family nor Eswatini’s royal palace has issued an official statement.
The situation continues to spark debate about the dynamics of royal polygamy and its impact on personal and political relationships in the region.
EDGAR LUNGU’S PRESIDENTIAL BENEFITS WERE RESTORED AFTER HIS DEATH- ATTORNEY GENERAL KABESHA
By: Sun FM TV Reporter
Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha SC has clarified that the presidential benefits of late sixth Republican President Edgar Chagwa Lungu were reinstated following his death, in line with constitutional provisions.
Mr Kabesha explained that under Zambian law, when a former president who re-entered active politics subsequently ceases political activity, their benefits are reinstated — adding that this was the case with President Lungu after death.
He criticized critics opposing the government’s stance on according the late president a state funeral, describing such arguments as rooted in ignorance of the law. Mr Kabesha insisted that in death, President Lungu is no longer a political actor and therefore qualifies for full state honors.
The Attorney General also expressed hope that the legal dispute surrounding the burial will be resolved amicably without resorting to lengthy court proceedings.
He revealed that his preference is for the late president’s family to enter into negotiations and file a consent order, rather than proceed with a formal hearing and judgment.
Mr Kabesha further appealed to African elders and former presidents to assist in guiding the negotiations aimed at ensuring that the late president is laid to rest in Zambia, in accordance with national dignity and constitutional tradition.
Gauteng Court Secures and Restricts Remains of Zambia’s Sixth President
(In the High Court of South Africa (Gautend Division -Pretoria)
…Only the First to Seventh Respondents (Mama Esther Lungu, Family and Spokesperson) are permited to visit and to inspect and/or allow further individuals to visit and to inspect the body of the late President.
2. If any party wishes to intervene in the application, they are to file their Notice of Motion and Founding Affidavit and/or any Answering Affdavit on or before the 18 July 2025.
3. If any party wishes to be joined in this application as amiaus curiae, such parties should file their Notice of Motion and Founding Affidavit on or before the 18 July 2025. 4. The Notice to Oppose to be filed by the Respondents on or before the 30 June 2025.
5. The Applicant is ordered to file its Amended Notice of Motion and Supplementary Founding Affidavit in the application seeking the repatriation of the body of the late President to Zambia, on or before the 4 July 2025.
6. The Respondents are ordered to file their Opposing Affidavits and Heads of Arguement, on or before 11th July 2025.
7. The Applicant is ordered to file its Replying Affidavit and Heads of Argument, Chronology and List of Authorities, on or before the 18 July 2025.
8. The Respondents are to file their Heads of Argument, Chronology and List of Authorities on or before the 24 July 2025.
6. The Respondents are ordered to.file their Opposing Affidavits, on or before the 11 July 2025.
7. The Applicant is ordered to file its Replying Affidavit and Heads of Arguement, Chronology and List of Authorities or or before 18th July 2025.
8. The Respondents are to file their Heads of Argument, Chronology and List of Authorities on or before the 24th July 2025.
9. The parties are to file a Joint Practice Note and Joint Chronology on or before the 25 July 2025 and be heard as a special motion on the 4 August|2025.
10.All parties agree to electronic service on their appointed attoneys of record.
11.The costs of the urgent application are reserved to be determined when when the the main application is heard.
Lawsuit against Lungu’s SA burial not about winning, AG reiterates need for consensus
Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha has publicly addressed the Zambian government’s court action blocking the burial of late former president Edgar Lungu in South Africa, stating the move is aimed at achieving the best possible outcome for the country.
Speaking when he featured on ZNBC this morning, Kabesha, disclosed that the government was guided by the Benefits of Former Presidents Act, Chapter 15 of the Laws of Zambia, which mandates the State to facilitate and finance the funeral of any former Head of State, including determining burial procedures.
Kabesha said government was left with no choice but to approach the courts after failed negotiations with the former First Family over funeral arrangements.
The Attorney General explained that while emotions are understandably high, what must prevail is national unity and lawful procedure in handling the remains of a man who once held the highest office in the land.
He revealed that he is personally willing to recommend that Cabinet appoints a mediation team to re-engage the family, with hopes that consensus could still be reached, possibly before the end of the month.
“The best outcome for the nation is for all parties to agree and have the body brought back to Zambia,” Kabesha said.
“Speaking for myself, the best for this nation is that by tomorrow the parties agree… bring the body here,” he added.
In a separate interview on Hot FM, the Attorney General explained that government is not seeking to win a personal or political battle but is trying to uphold the law and protect the dignity of the presidency, even in death.
Although dialogue was the preferred route, Kabesha said the impasse pushed the State into legal action to avoid setting a dangerous precedent of public disorder and confusion.
“It is not ‘we must win at all cost,’ no, please, that is not the government position. The government position is to finish all the processes. We have tried to negotiate, it has not worked,” he revealed.
As it stands, the South African High Court in Pretoria has put a halt to the burial arrangement following an application by Zambia’s attorney general Mulilo Kabesha challenging the family’s decision.
The court further asked Zambia’s attorney general to file an application by July 3, 2025, stating reasons why the late president’s body should be returned to Zambia.
The court has since set July 18, 2025 as the date for the ruling and until then, the court has suspended all burial plans…https://kalemba.news/local/lawsuit-against-lungus-sa-burial-not-about-winning-ag-reiterates-need-for-consensus/
I didn’t want to weigh into this embarrassing Zambian drama and fascination with dead bodies beyond straightforward reporting, but since many people are asking for my view, I will share it.
When you are an unprincipled man or woman who simply follows the wind, you end up doing what one of my friends recently did.
When former Zambian president Edgar Lungu’s family decided to bury him in South Africa, my friend said he did not care because Lungu was a dictator. “They can bury him in the bush, I don’t care.”
Now that Zambian president Hakainde Hichilema is trying to use the South African courts to have Lungu’s body buried in Zambia, the same friend is suddenly supporting the process, saying Lungu belongs to Zambia, yada-yada.
I told him that this is exactly the disaster that holds Africa back—supporting people instead of ideas. I would not care if the same was done to Kaunda’s family, because Hichilema was elected on a promise to break with the past. He was supposed to be a change and transformational president. That he ain’t!
People who follow personalities instead of principles never make it in the real world. To survive, they need to lick someone’s backside. They are an embarrassment to rational thinking society. And I told my Zambian friends whom I have known for 36 years.
Zambia has a cadre problem, where political parties have groups of people who follow blindly without thinking. These cadres are used on social media to terrorise and abuse, and are also used as thugs on the streets. These cadres attack even senior African journalists like myself for merely reporting hard news about this case.
They are deranged! You will see them in the comments section of this article asking me to stick to Zimbabwean issues, saying I should shut up because Zimbabwe is worse than Zambia. They are predictable yet their party of choice was elected as the change agent.
During this drama, I spoke to two sitting African presidents and one former president. They were disgusted by the whole saga and said Zambia has a strange obsession with fighting over the corpses of former presidents.
They said the wishes of former presidents Levy Mwanawasa and Kenneth Kaunda were both violated because of this morbid desire to dominate families. Both Mwanawasa and Kaunda left instructions that they wanted to be buried at their farms, Kaunda wanted to be buried to his dear Betty. These wishes were violated in pursuit of cheap political goals.
These African leaders I spoke to also said they had expected better from HH. Sadly, he has turned out to be no different, and some of his cadres lack the emotional intelligence to see how embarrassing and degrading this is for Zambia. They argue that Lungu mistreated him. Hichilema himself is telling anyone who will listen how badly Lungu treated him.
But what has that got to do with repeating the same behaviour and fixating on the past? He was elected to better the lives of the living not the dead who have made their own choices.
Zambia is a very poor country, and its people are poverty-stricken. President Hichilema should be obsessed with solving problems that affect the living, not indulging in this unhealthy obsession with a dead dictator.
The kwacha has sharply depreciated, fuelling inflation and making basic goods unaffordable for ordinary citizens. Life is hard in Zambia for ordinary people today. A severe drought has crippled hydroelectric production at Lake Kariba, leading to widespread blackouts and devastating agricultural yields, which in turn have worsened food insecurity and driven up prices. I said this in the morning and I will repeat it again.
The crisis is compounded by environmental disasters such as the recent mine waste spill into the Kafue River, which threatens water supplies for millions, and ongoing public health threats like cholera. These are immediate issues that require solutions through leadership.
Corruption remains rampant in Zambia, with international donors cutting aid after scandals involving stolen medical supplies. Hichilema was meant to be the panacea for all this, but he has failed his people. At the same time, public trust in institutions is eroding, as the government faces accusations of authoritarianism after a recent scathing report by the United Nations human rights arm, including opposition arrests and judicial interference.
With youth unemployment high and confidence in the country’s direction collapsing, the Zambian government must act swiftly to stabilise the economy, restore electricity and food systems, uphold the rule of law, and regain the trust of both its citizens and the international community.
Edgar Lungu, who was himself a failed president, should not be a priority for a nation in crisis. Let his family bury him in South Africa. Hichilema must worry about the living, not the dead.
Now both sides are working overtime to taint each other with propaganda. One side claims that Lungu was using a Zimbabwean passport, while the other alleges there is a sangoma waiting to perform rituals on his body. They allege that when the government side heard there would be no body viewing—so they ran to court.
It is all deeply embarrassing and causing major damage to brand Zambia. Stop it. You are embarrassing us.
While politicians squabble over a dead man’s bones, a child in Kafue is drinking poisoned water, a mother in Mongu is giving birth by candlelight, and a father in Chipata is going to bed hungry after failing to feed his family—this is the Zambia that is being forgotten.
DEATH CERTIFICATE AND REPATRIATION AUTHORITY IS HERE.
NB: Zimbabwean names are on the hospital admission records as that is what he used when being admitted. When he died, Macabre ZULU quickly moved in and ensured Zambian details were entered into mortuary records.
Forget their lies about poison. The certificate is here. They only wanted Zambians to hate Hakainde Hichilema for nothing. Vampires 率♀️.
Macabre Zulu is the one with the Zimbabwean ID and other 3 passports and that is how he was chosen as family chairman.
Koswe has just picked the repatriation authority/notice from one of the drawers here in Macabre ZULU’S room.
The repatriation also confirms that he died and at the time of being taken to the mortuary a quick move to use the Zambian diplomatic passport was used as opposed to the Zimbabwean one which is in the admission records.
Going by this authority, the remains of the late six president Lungu Chagwa Edgar were supposed to arrive in Zambia on the 10th not until the PF decided to be political and want to use the dead body for politics and dirty money laundering.
Koswe is in their jackets, bras and drawers and won’t give them space to lie.
They want to use Lungu’s remains for political gains and also launder money. Yes, they have a lot of money in their homes.
To hear Makebi Zulu speak of President Lungu, in relation to President Hichilema, one would be persuaded that EL was David to an HH Saul.
An innocent lamb who spoke and did no wrong to the other, in fact directed to them the utmost love and respect, only to be inexplicably pursued and tortured in return.
Everytime the Lungu family spokesperson takes to the podium, his griping about how terribly EL was treated, by HH, is sharper, and the victimhood of his client grows exponentially.
And yet the true story is one we all know. EL was nastier to HH than the other way round. Now, from what we hear, the 6th President was lovely to those he considered family and friends. Surely, though, those he was nice to know that he wasn’t so kind to those who, for some reason, did not serve his interests.
How would they not know, unless they were not in Zambia?
How could they, especially, be ignorant of the fact that, as President, EL reserved his worst spoken venom and horrible actions for the man who was his personal rival for power – HH. This is just a fact. Not meant to paint a dead man black.
So, if, indeed, President Lungu died holding a deep acidic grudge against HH, how can anyone suggest it was because of anything the current President did to him, while in office? Indisputable truth is that he hated the man who ended up being his successor, for years on end. Hated him enough to pray, nay declare that he would never be President.
And then he did become President. That is HH’s real sin. Becoming President to replace his rival.
With all that in mind, isn’t it a logical conclusion that, if the sixth President did depressingly declare, with his last breath, that HH should not come bear his body, it was not about anything that had happened to him recently. It was simply his last expression of a hate that ultimately came to define him.
Today in church臘♀️ though, I thought Makebi seemed to touch on what could be the real unhappiness of the Lungu family. The court cases. He waxed lyrical about how the former first lady wanted her husband to come to court, to state where he found the money to give her eyepopping properties, and was not allowed.
I found that instructive, even as I thought complaining about court cases at a funeral is not exactly usual. But, hey, nothing about this funeral has been everyday.
HH’ ATTEMPT TO BLOCK LUNGU BURIAL IS AN INSULT TO GRIEVING FAMILY AND ZAMBIAN MOURNERS – SAKWIBA SIKOTA
It is with a heavy heart that we, not only as ULP but as a nation, witness a deeply troubling turn of events surrounding the burial of our beloved former President, Edgar Chagwa Lungu, here in Johannesburg, South Africa. Thousands of Zambians, driven by love, respect, and loyalty, have made immense personal sacrifices—spending their hard-earned money, braving long and sleepless journeys by air and by road—to be present and pay their last respects to a man who once led our nation with strength and conviction.
Today, their hopes and emotions hang in uncertainty. In a shocking and disheartening move, the Zambian government has filed an injunction against the widow and children of the late President—an action that has not only delayed the burial but has thrown the mourning process into confusion and deep sorrow.
This legal interference, at such a sensitive moment, is not only an affront to the grieving family but also to the Zambian citizens who have come in peace, unity, and dignity to honour a statesman they still hold dear. These delays inflict emotional and financial strain on ordinary people who simply came to bid farewell.
Let us not allow politics to overshadow humanity. This moment calls for respect, empathy, and the upholding of the dignity of the dead. President Lungu deserves a peaceful and honorable farewell, and the people of Zambia deserve closure and better. SAKWIBA SIKOTA S.C PRESIDENT ULP 25th June 2025
Lungu saw potential in me when the world disregarded me – Iris
“BORN again” Christian, Irish Kaingu has taken to social media, praising former president Edgar Lungu for seeing potential in her when the world “disregarded and disrespected” her.
Kaingu who was PF’s aspiring candidate for Mwandi Constituency in 2021, shared that she had been numb since the death of her boss, who died 21 days ago on June 5.
She described him as a dignified leader and quiet champion who carried himself with grace, anchored in faith and duty which she said he extended to others.
“It’s been 20 days, that still feel like a bad dream. Anyway, today, I honour not just a former Head of State, but a man who believed in me when it mattered most. Took a high risk chance, when the world disregarded and disrespected me, you took me into your family. You honoured me and took away my shame.
Because of you people call me honourable,” she wrote.
In 2011, a private video of her intimate life was leaked and widely circulated, leading to her arrest and a fine.
This incident has been a recurring topic in discussions about her public life, and she has publicly appealed for people to move on from it.
“President Edgar Chagwa Lungu saw potential in me before the world did and in his quiet, humble way, he encouraged me to rise, to lead and to serve,” she stated.
“His belief in me was more than political, it was personal. It planted courage in my spirit and clarity in my purpose.”
Kaingu said because of the former head of state, she will not relent in her quest to serve as a leader.
“Rest well, your excellency, sir. Thank you so much for seeing me,” said Kaingu.
🇿🇲 Morning Briefing | Postponed Burial, Reactions Fray, Archbishop Banda Under Fire, Bill 7 Hits Parley
It is the morning after a halted funeral and a nation suspended between grief and governance. Zambia’s sixth president, Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu, remains unburied, his body resting in Johannesburg, while his legacy is now being litigated in both courtrooms and public opinion.
Following a court injunction secured by the Zambian government, the planned burial in South Africa was officially suspended until August 4, 2025, unless an out-of-court agreement between the family and State is reached. According to diplomatic sources, discreet proposals have emerged suggesting that former First Lady Esther Lungu may temporarily return to Zambia while legal and diplomatic discussions continue, a move insiders view as political choreography rather than closure.
⛪ Archbishop Banda: A Divided Reception
Archbishop Alick Banda, who flew into Johannesburg to lead Wednesday’s requiem mass, has drawn sharp reactions. While some praised his spiritual leadership, others labeled him “the Devil’s Advocate” for presiding over a service that seemingly endorsed the contested South African burial.
Observers noted that Esther Lungu’s defiant reception of the Archbishop was notably rebellious, with the barest hug of all, a gesture many interpret as signaling alignment. Critics accuse Banda of tacitly deepening the rift between the State and the Lungu family at a moment when reconciliation was needed most.
https://youtu.be/4JCjO8LIGmw?si=FhJvp6svYAybgHru
💬 Miles Sampa, Tayali, and the Silence of Power
Miles Sampa, Member of Parliament and estranged PF figure, used his platform to lambast the government for dragging a “grieving widow and children into court” on the very day they had intended to bury their loved one.
In contrast, President Hakainde Hichilema has remained silent on the controversy, allowing Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha to serve as the government’s public voice. Kabesha maintains that the action was rooted in constitutional obligation, not political confrontation.
EEP leader Chilufya Tayali, often critical of the President, took a different tone, publicly commending Hichilema for fighting to preserve national dignity and unity. “There’s no win or lose… this is about tomorrow’s Zambia,” Tayali posted, echoing a growing sentiment that the burial dispute has exposed the fragility of national cohesion.
⚠️ Ethnic Fault Lines and the Politics of Division
In darker corners of social media, the debate has spilled into tribal invective. A post by a PF-aligned page, Chair The Voice Of Zambia, accused Bemba politicians of betrayal and praised Easterners for unity, a tactic reminiscent of PF’s 2016–2021 political strategy that often leaned into ethnic mobilization.
This is not without historical context. In 2021, then-President Lungu controversially assigned a state helicopter to Chishimba Kambwili, who used the platform to disparage minority ethnic groups, actions now believed to be part of a potential inquiry into state-sponsored tribal politics. Kambwili, currently silent in the funeral debate, faces ongoing hate speech charges.
📜 Meanwhile, Bill 7 Hits Parliament
Amid the burial standoff, Justice Minister Princess Kasune tabled Bill 7 before Parliament. The proposed constitutional amendments aim to “broaden inclusivity” and deepen democratic structures, according to government statements. However, civil society and legal associations remain cautious, noting the absence of a finalized consultation framework.
🧭 Grief, Law, and the Question of Legacy
As PF members begin to trickle out of South Africa, it is increasingly clear that this is no longer just a funeral, it is a moment of national reckoning. Two months after his passing, Dr. Edgar Lungu’s final resting place remains undecided, caught between legal argument, political positioning, and the quiet dignity owed to a former Head of State.
At the heart of the matter is one question: Can Zambia mourn with maturity, or will political theatre bury reconciliation before it buries the dead?
The People’s Brief will continue providing neutral coverage, verified facts, and a platform for dignified public discourse.
#MorningBriefing | #LunguLegacy | #StateVsFamily | #BringHimHome | #ZambiaMourns | #PeoplesBrief Filed by The People’s Brief Editorial Team
LUNGU’S BODY BELONGS TO FAMILY – KAWECHE … But they should have compromised with Govt like we did over KK
Late first Republican president Dr Kenneth Kaunda’s son, Kaweche, says the mortal remains of the late 6th president Edgar Lungu belong to his family.
But Kaweche has accused the late Lungu’s PF administration of having created an impression that the state had the right over the former president’s remains in the manner they handled Dr Kaunda’s funeral.
In an interview yesterday, Kaweche said there was no law in the statute books that said that the remains of a late president belonged
Family can stay away if they wish, we will burry KK at Embassy Park, says PF
KK’s BURIAL WILL GO ON AT PRESIDENTIAL BURIAL SITE, LUBINDA.
Lusaka… Tuesday, July 6, 2021
(Smart Eagles)
His Excellency President Dr Edgar Chagwa Lungu’s running mate Professor Nkandu Luo’s Campaign Manager Given Lubinda has clarified that His Excellency President Dr Kenneth Kaunda will be buried at Presidential burial site.
Mr Lubinda who is also formwr Justice Minister says the proposed plan to lay the remains of the late Head of State will buried at the Presidential site remains the same.
In a telephone interview today, the former Minister of Justice says Dr Kaunda will be buried where other past Presidents are laying.
He says Mr Kaweshe Kaunda has not be granted the injunction to stop the burial of His Excellency President Dr Kaunda at the Presidential site.
Mr Lubinda assured the public that the proposed burial site has not been changed.
“Yes Mr Kaweshe Kaunda applied for the injunction but his not been granted,” he says.
“So the public may wish to know that His Excellency President Dr Kenneth Kaunda will be buried at the burial site tommorow,” Mr Lubinda says.
Government has presented the Constitution of Zambia amendment bill number 7 of 2025 to Parliament.
The amendments seek to among other things revise the composition of the National Assembly to provide for the increase of the constituencies from 156 to 211 to actualise the delimitation report by the Electoral Commission of Zambia -ECZ.
Justice Minister PRINCESS KASUNE says Government is also proposing to provide for a mixed member proportional representation electoral system to guarantee the representation of women, youth, and persons with disability.
Ms. KASUNE says the amendments will also seek to revise the provision relating to filing in of fresh nomination on the resignation of a candidate and also harmonise the time of parliament and council to achieve a five-year term.
Speaking in parliament when she presented the Bill, Ms. KASUNE said that the Bill is hoping to revise the provisions relating to by-elections and to revise the law on the vacancy in the office of minister and the provincial Ministers, 90 days before the General election.
She said the Bill will also seek to revise the composition of the council to include the members of parliament.
Ms. KASUNE also said the amendments will further consider lowering the experience of the secretary to Cabinet from 10 years to 5 for eligibility and also ensure the Attorney-General continues in office until new appointments.
Speaker of the National Assembly NELLY MUTTI has referred the bill to the select committee which is appointed to scrutinise the Bill.
Ms. MUTTI said the select committee will be expected to submit its report on the Bill to Parliament on July 29, 2025.
CONVICTED UPND CADRES CAUSE SCENE OUTSIDE MAZABUKA COURT AFTER SENTENCING
Drama unfolded outside the Mazabuka Magistrate Court on Tuesday as two convicted United Party for National Development (UPND) cadres nearly clashed with Police Officers.
The incident occurred soon after Magistrate Franz Zimba sentenced Life Moonga and Robson Mbewe, both aged 29, to three years imprisonment with hard labor.
The duo, who were charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm, refused to board the Police Van after the court session and attempted to walk to Mazabuka Police Station, overpowering one officer in the process.
A Senior Officer, however, intervened and stopped the two from proceeding.
The convicts also threatened Police Officers and a Byta FM reporter, warning that their three-year sentence was too short and they would be out soon.
Meanwhile, supporters who had gathered outside the court encouraged the duo to remain calm, chanting that they would provide food for them while they were incarcerated.
Moonga and Mbewe were found guilty of attacking UPND Mazabuka Chairperson, Wilfred Mulomba, at a named church on 17th May, 2025.
After ending national mourning, the government now seeks to give former President Edgar Chagwa Lungu a state burial against the wishes of his widow and children, and through a legal process unfolding outside the country.
Whatever the intention, the optics are troubling: a grieving family is being pulled into court over a funeral. It raises a difficult but important question as to where do we draw the line between public honour and private grief?
Reports suggest ECL did not want President HH at his funeral. Yet it is HH’s government now pushing for a state-led burial. Is this really about honouring the former president, or about controlling the narrative?
Zambia has walked this road before. Levy Mwanawasa was buried at Embassy Park, reportedly against his wishes. Kenneth Kaunda was laid to rest away from the wife.
There is no written law that says the state owns a president’s remains. And there is no dignity in a burial conducted by force. Okay if The State wins against the Lungu family, what then happens if the widow, children, church, and close allies choose not to attend, then what kind of funeral is it?
Yes, the presidency is a national office. But death should bring closure, not conflict. The highest form of statesmanship is to rise above bitterness, even when the past is complicated.
President Hakainde Hichilema was elected to lead differently. This moment calls for empathy, not just precedent.
If we cannot lay our leaders to rest with unity and respect, how will we ever build a nation that heals? ♂️
WHY GOVERNMENT MUST INSIST ON STATE FUNERAL FOR FORMER PRESIDENT LUNGU
As news broke out about the Attorney General’s lawsuit in South Africa to halt the burial of former President Edgar Lungu outside Zambian soil, it’s essential to understand the reasoning behind this move. I wish to add my voice to this critical matter and shed light on what I believe has motivated the government to take this stance.
Protecting Public Interest and Upholding National Customs
The government’s action is rooted in Article 177(5)(c) of the Constitution, which authorizes the Attorney General to act on behalf of the state and protect public interest. As a former President of Zambia is not an ordinary person but a state property, his funeral can never be private; it’s always a state funeral. The public has a vested interest in the burial of a former Head of State, and it’s the government’s responsibility to ensure national customs and traditions are upheld.
A Matter of National Significance
Every former President is part of Zambia’s history, and national customs dictate where these leaders are interred. Allowing President Lungu to be buried in South Africa would break with these traditions, devalue the office of President, and set a bad precedent. Given that President Lungu was not in exile and there is no situation of hostility or lack of support in Zambia, the government’s decision to intervene is justified.
Government’s Efforts to Accommodate the Family
The government has advised, negotiated, and made adjustments to accommodate the family’s wishes while ensuring President Lungu is accorded a state funeral with military honors. This includes extending the period of national mourning and exploring diplomatic channels to resolve the matter.
Seeking Legal Redress
The move to seek legal redress in the South African High Court is timely. Government cannot give up on such a serious matter of public interest, where so much is at stake both now and in the future. By exhausting all possible channels and avenues, the government aims to ensure the correct thing is done and exonerate itself from potential accusations of complacency.
Conclusion
The government’s decision to halt President Lungu’s burial in South Africa is a matter of national interest and a reflection of Zambia’s commitment to upholding its customs and traditions. Let’s stand together and support our government’s efforts to ensure a dignified state funeral for our former President.
Dr. William Njombo UPND Chairman for Religious Affairs
Issued By: Mr. Willah J. Mudolo, Chairman, Summerplace Holding (SPH Group)
A Call for Unity, Dialogue, and National Dignity in Honour of Our Late President, Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu.
As Zambia navigates one of the most delicate and painful chapters in its modern history, Iam compelled to speak not merely as a citizen, but as a patriot who loves this land and who believes deeply in the moral and spiritual fibre that binds us together. The passing of our former Head of State, His Excellency Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu, has struck the heart of our nation
It has forced us to confront not only our grief, but also our values, our governance, and our collective identity as Zambians.
The initial handling of this tragedy by government authorities, ranging from the restrictions placed on the former president’s travel to South Africa for urgent medical review, to the disorganised response that followed his death, has rightly drawn criticism.
These were not small administrative oversights; they were significant failures in responsibility and protocol. Yet, even as we acknowledge those failures, we must not allow them to lead us down a path of disunity, vengeance, and disrespect.
There is one matter that rises above the political and procedural missteps: the deeply troubling possibility that His Excellency Dr. Lungu might be laid to rest in a foreign country.
Such a scenario, if allowed to unfold, would dishonour his legacy, inflict permanent harm on our national conscience, and set a dangerous precedent for how we treat our leaders, those who have held the highest office in the land.
President Lungu was not just a politician; he was a father, a husband, a servant of the Zambian people, and whether one agreed with his politics or not, a symbol of our nation’s democratic journey.
In life, we may argue over leadership. In death, however, we must find common ground in our shared humanity. That is why I call upon all Zambians to unite in ensuring that our late President is brought back home and buried in the soil of the country he led.
To do otherwise would be to erode the dignity of the office he once held, and to fail as a nation in offering a final gesture of honour.
At the centre of this unfolding crisis is a grieving family. Their anguish is deep, and their sense of betrayal is real.
This is not the time to politicise their grief or cast aspersions on their decisions. Instead, we must approach them with compassion, humility, and a genuine desire to reconcile.
I extend my sincerest condolences to the Lungu family, and I call upon the Zambian government to meet them with honesty and care, not calculated diplomacy.
Whatever undertakings are made to the family must be fulfilled in spirit and substance. This is not just about logistics; it is about restoring trust and preserving national dignity.
In recent days, I have had the honour of working alongside His Excellency Dr. Bakili Muluzi, the former President of Malawi, and other distinguished former SADC Heads of State. Together, we have sought to offer counsel and guidance during this time of crisis.
Throughout this process, I have held one principle firmly: that His Excellency Dr. Lungu must not be buried outside Zambia.
Doing so would violate our traditions, compromise our sovereignty, and fracture our collective sense of identity as Zambians.
Legally, there may be no explicit provision that empowers a foreign court to determine the final resting place of a Zambian Head of State. However, the legal intervention facilitated by Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha has served a vital purpose.
It bought us time, time to think, time to cool the fires of conflict, and time to remember who we are. That pause was needed. But now, the moment has come to act with wisdom and courage.
I respectfully urge His Excellency, Mr.Hakainde Hichilema, our President and the Father of the nation, to personally meet with the Lungu family here in South Africa.
This is not a task for delegated officials or political intermediaries. It is a moment that requires presence, humility, and fatherhood.
Mr President, you have a unique opportunity to heal this wound and demonstrate to the nation that you lead not with partisanship, but with heart.
I also call on you to engage directly with His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa, to ensure that this process reaches a dignified and peaceful conclusion.
We are, above all, a Christian nation. This identity cannot remain a slogan. It must be lived out in action, especially in times like this. It is in moments of deep sorrow that our commitment to Christian values is truly tested. Let us meet this test with grace, not with rhetoric. Let us offer forgiveness, compassion, and unity, not division, fingerpointing, and grandstanding.
If we, as a nation, choose to ignore peace in this moment, the cost will be profound. The erosion of peace does not always begin with riots or violence. Sometimes, it begins with silence, when injustice goes unchallenged, when dignity is ignored, and when power is prioritised over people. When we neglect peace, we fracture the soul of our society.
We lose trust in our institutions. We abandon the moral compass that once guided us. And most tragically, we pass these fractures down to the next generation. We risk not just political instability but moral bankruptcy.
If the family of a former President cannot be heard or treated with respect, then which Zambian family can feel truly secure? If a national figure can be laid to rest as though he were a foreigner, what message are we sending about national identity, honour, and service?
Moreover, there are international ramifications. The global community is watching how we respond. How we treat our former leaders in death reflects the integrity of our democracy. Will we be seen as a united and respectful nation? Or will we project the image of a fragmented, vengeful society where even death becomes a battleground?
True leadership is not defined in easy times, but in moments of crisis. This is one such moment. And now is the time for Zambian leadership, across all sectors and political divides, to rise to the occasion.
Let us prove to our people and the world that we are a nation capable of healing, of honouring its own, and of putting aside politics for the greater good.
Let the passing of President Lungu not be the start of deeper division but a turning point, a moment that draws us back to our values, to each other, and to God. Let us use this moment not to deepen the wounds of our past, but to pave a path toward national healing.
Let us lay to rest our former President with the dignity, reverence, and solemnity that his position deserves. And in doing so, let us lay to rest the divisions that plague our nation and commit ourselves to the peaceful Zambia our founding fathers fought to build. Peace is not weakness. It is strength. And choosing peace, especially in times of turmoil, is the most powerful act of nation building we can make.
The TONSE ALLIANCE will hold a Press Briefing tomorrow, 26th June 2025 at Garden Court Hotel in Sandton, Johannesburg, South Africa at 11hrs.
The Press Briefing will respond to the latest developments in the funeral arrangements for the late 6th President of the Republic of Zambia, His Excellency Dr Edgar Chagwa Lungu (MHSRIP)
The Press Briefing shall be streamed live on all major streaming channels.
Issued by:
Sean E. Tembo (SET) PeP President & TONSE ALLIANCE Spokesperson Sandton, Johannesburg Republic of South Africa
JUSTICE MINISTER KASUNE DISMISSES SPECULATION OVER CONSTITUTION BILL 7
By: Sun FM TV Reporter
Minister of Justice Princess Kasune has refuted ongoing speculations regarding the contents of the proposed Constitution Amendment Bill No. 7 of 2025, urging citizens to familiarize themselves with its provisions before drawing conclusions.
Speaking during a stakeholder engagement meeting held in Kitwe, Minister Kasune clarified that circulating claims, particularly those concerning presidential tenure, are unfounded and misleading.
She emphasized that the proposed amendments are designed to serve the best interests of the Zambian people, highlighting, among other provisions, the introduction of an electoral system intended to enhance the representation of women, youth, and persons with disabilities.
LUMEZI CAMPAIGNS ENDS IN HIGH SPIRITS AS UPND PREDICTS VICTORY
Lumezi-25th June, 2025
By Mukuka Nawa
The United Party for National Development-UPND campaign team in the Lumezi constituecy parliamentary by-election ended the last day of the campaign period this afternoon with five engagements within the vast land of Diwa ward and have since raised their hopes of scooping the seat.
The campaign team in the ward, led by Minister of Youth, Sport, And Art’s Elvis Nkandu took nothing to chance even on the last day as they braved the scorching sun to deliver a message of hope to the people of the area.
Mr Nkandu, in addressing the constituents at the five engagements echoed a message of hope, mostly tackling the agriculture sector. Mr Nkandu stated that the local people are mostly small scale farmers who should envision to expand to commercial farming, adding that such a feat can only be actualized if the right mechanisms are put in place.
Mr Nkandu, who took cognizant of the low quantity of fertilizer farmers get due to lack of expansion by previous governments, urged the locals to exercise patience saying government is making headways to ensure that deliberate policies are put in place to tackle the situation, also took time to issue a stern warning to those who have a habit of segregating others once given the opportunity to be in charge of registering beneficiaries of the Farmer Input Support Program-FISP as well as the Cash for Work program, a tendency the Kaputa constituency lawmaker described as detrimental.
The Minister also said the United Party for National Development-UPND is very optimistic of a sound victory, attributing the sentiment to the large turnout in all the campaign engagements the party has had in the constituency as well as the attainable ideas presented forth.
Mr Nkandu added that the people of Lumezi constituecy have been neglected for a long time and are desperately in need of a person like the UPND candidate Mr Lufeyo Ngoma if speedy development is to be delivered.
ZAMBIA POSITIONED AS FUTURE CONNECTIVITY HUB, SAYS MILUPI
Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development Minister Charles Milupi says Zambia has the potential to be a hub for regional inter-connectivity.
Mr. Milupi was speaking at a closed-door high-level roundtable discussion themed “Investing in Africa’s Power Transmission,” at the US-Africa Business Summit in Angola.
He also emphasized the strategic importance of power transmission in driving regional integration and economic development. Mr. Milupi said efficient transmission networks can reduce energy costs and improve reliability, ultimately driving economic growth and development in the region.
The Minister, who is also the delegation leader representing President Hakainde Hichilema, noted that Zambia’s recent drought has compromised electricity supply and energy security, affecting economic growth projections.
He highlighted opportunities for investment in the development of new transmission lines to connect Zambia with neighboring countries, including Angola, Botswana, Mozambique, and Malawi.
Mr. Milupi cited the Zambia-Tanzania-Kenya interconnector project, funded by the World Bank, as a model for future initiatives.
This is according to a statement issued to ZNBC News by the Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development Principal Public Relations Officer, Francesca Phiri-Banda.
ECZ MOVES TO CORRECT BALLOT ERROR AHEAD OF LUMEZI BY-ELECTION
June 25, 2025
LUSAKA – The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has taken swift action to address a critical error discovered on the ballot papers for the Lumezi Parliamentary by-election, scheduled for Thursday, 26th June 2025.
The Commission confirmed the omission of one candidate’s surname from the initial ballot design, a development that sparked concern among political stakeholders and the general public.
In a statement issued this afternoon at the head office, ECZ announced that the affected ballot papers had been reprinted in compliance with the Electoral Process Act No. 35 of 2016. “This matter is being treated with the utmost urgency and seriousness,” said Chief Electoral Officer Mr. Kasaro.
The reprinted ballots arrived the same day at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport aboard an Emirates flight and were immediately dispatched to Lumezi District.
Stakeholders, including political parties and candidates, were encouraged to witness both the arrival and the verification of the new ballots to ensure transparency and public confidence. The Commission emphasized that the voting process would proceed as planned.
Mr. Kasaro added, “We reassure all stakeholders of our unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and the integrity of the electoral process.”
The ECZ has launched a full internal review to determine the cause of the omission and implement corrective measures to prevent similar errors in future elections.
Despite the setback, the Commission expressed gratitude for the continued cooperation of all electoral participants.
The Lumezi by-election has drawn national attention, and the Commission’s response is seen as a crucial test of its ability to manage electoral integrity under pressure.
BATUKE IMENDA COMMENDS ECZ FOR SWIFT BALLOT CORRECTION IN LUMEZI BY-ELECTION
July 25, 2025
LUSAKA – United Party for National Development (UPND) Secretary General Batuke Imenda has commended the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) for its quick and decisive action in correcting an error on the Lumezi by-election ballot papers
Speaking during the verification process of the reprinted ballots, Mr. Imenda said, “We applaud ECZ for listening and responding quickly to ensure a fair process.” His remarks come after the Commission confirmed an omission of a candidate’s surname on the original ballots scheduled for the 26th June 2025 by-election.
The reprinted ballot papers arrived in Zambia around 14:30 this afternoon aboard an Emirates flight and were immediately transported to Lumezi.
ECZ invited all participating political parties to witness both the arrival and verification process to promote transparency and public confidence.
Among those present were representatives from the New Congress Party, United Prosperous and Peaceful Zambia, Leadership Movement, Citizen First, UPND, and an independent candidate.
Chief Electoral Officer Mr. Kasaro reaffirmed ECZ’s commitment to credibility and fairness. “We reassure all stakeholders of our dedication to a transparent and accountable electoral process,” he said.
Mr. Imenda expressed confidence in UPND’s candidate, Lufeyo Ngoma, saying, “We are confident of winning this seat because the people of Lumezi want development.”
The Commission stated that the error is under internal review, with measures being taken to avoid similar mistakes in future elections.
Ballots were later dispatched to Lumezi ahead of the by-election slated for tomorrow.
A disturbing incident has emerged in the Nansenga area of Chikankata District, Southern Province, where coins were reportedly found on the hands of a deceased child, Emerson Mweemba, during an exhumation ordered by the police and the court
Emerson, who passed away at the age of five on 28th December 2024, was exhumed on Wednesday morning following allegations made by his maternal family. The child’s paternal grandmother, Lusiya Lumina, aged 60, was accused of placing coins in the child’s hands when the body was being prepared for burial at the mortuary last year.
According to reports, the practice of placing coins on a deceased person’s hands is considered strange and unacceptable in the local tradition. Family members from the mother’s side took legal action against Ms. Lumina, demanding an explanation for the act.
Following a court order, police officers, in collaboration with Chikankata Municipal Council officials, exhumed the body and confirmed the presence of the coins. Ms. Lumina was then asked to identify and remove the coins, which have since been secured as evidence to be presented in court.
Tensions flared at the burial site, and police had to quickly escort the accused grandmother away from the scene to prevent confrontation with angry mourners.
Relatives from the maternal side expressed concern and disappointment over what they termed a “strange practice.” They are now awaiting the court’s decision, scheduled for 27th June 2025, and are calling for justice in the matter.
The family also requested that the body be reburied in a location associated with the mother’s side of the family, which has since been done.
Speaking on behalf of the Zone Chairman, Headman Hankomoone, Christopher Kang’ombe expressed gratitude to the court, police, traditional leaders, and council authorities for their cooperation and for maintaining peace during the exhumation process.
The family extended special thanks to the traditional leadership for supporting their plea to have the body exhumed and the issue investigated.
Remains of Cpl Stephen Sakachoma Sent to Uganda for Autopsy as Lt Gen Zyeele Visits Funeral House in Lusaka!
The remains of Corporal Sakachoma Stephen, a Zambian soldier who died in a fire exchange while on a peacekeeping mission in the Central African Republic, were repatriated from Bangui to Uganda for an autopsy yesterday, 24 June, 2025, in accordance with UN standards.
Cpl Sakachoma, from the Technical Services Branch, was until his death, serving under the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA).
And Commander Zambia Army, Lt Gen Geoffrey Choongo Zyeele this afternoon visited the funeral house, expressing profound sadness over Cpl Sakachoma’s demise while on national duty.
Lt Gen Zyeele explained UN body repatriation formalities to the bereaved family, stating that Cpl Sakachoma’s body is currently at the UN Logistics Base at Intebbe in Uganda where it had been taken for autopsy procedures.
According to UN standards, results will take at least 48 hours, but Lt Gen Zyeele has assured the family that Zambia Army Command is in touch with United Nations Staff in Uganda and have urged the UN to expedite the process.
The Commander Commander Zambia added that he is hopeful that Cpl Sakachoma’s body will be in the country either on Friday or Saturday.
Meanwhile, ZAMBATT X Contingent Commander, Col Samuel Soko, emphasized that despite the loss, the Zambian Battalion will continue its mandate to protect civilians in their area of responsibility with determination.
The family and the public will be informed of the burial date once the formalities are concluded and the body is repatriated to Zambia.
ZAMBIA LAUNCHES FIRST-EVER INDEPENDENT MEDIA WATCHDOG TO FIGHT MISINFORMATION AND RESTORE PUBLIC TRUST
In a major step toward restoring public trust in the media and promoting ethical journalism, the Media Self-Regulation Council of Zambia (MSCZ) has officially launched its Secretariat in Lusaka. The body is expected to serve as an independent watchdog that will enforce media ethics and address complaints from the public.
Officiating at the launch, Minister of Information and Media, Cornelius Mweetwa, described the move as a key milestone in Zambia’s democratic journey. He said the Secretariat’s operationalisation reflects the country’s commitment to strengthening press freedom and fostering professionalism in the media industry.
“This is not just a bureaucratic milestone,” Mweetwa said. “It is the heartbeat of the Council’s commitment to strengthening journalism, enhancing public trust, and promoting ethical media practices across Zambia.”
Mweetwa noted that the Secretariat is expected to offer a platform for media accountability and constructive engagement between journalists and the public. He added that complaints would be handled independently, and investigations would be guided by fairness and impartiality.
The Secretariat will host a Media Ombudsman and a team of professional staff tasked with investigating complaints, enforcing the Code of Ethics, and promoting media literacy. It is seen as a vital institution for addressing the increasing challenges of misinformation and public discontent with biased reporting.
Mweetwa reaffirmed the government’s commitment to press freedom, saying the media remains a critical partner in national development. However, he stressed that with that freedom must come accountability and responsible reporting.
He encouraged media practitioners to see the Secretariat not as a threat but as an opportunity for professional growth, self-regulation, and improved public service. He also thanked cooperating partners for their support in Zambia’s media reform process.
MSCZ Chairperson Pastor Kennedy Mambwe praised the launch as a defining moment in the country’s media landscape. He described the Secretariat as a people-centered institution designed to serve every citizen who seeks redress for unethical journalism.
“This Secretariat belongs to the people,” Mambwe said. “Anyone who believes a journalist or media institution has breached ethical standards is encouraged to report the matter. Complaints will be handled professionally and transparently.”
He called on journalists and media houses to embrace a unified national Code of Ethics, noting that it is essential for consistent, responsible journalism across both public and private platforms.
Mambwe urged public service media to formally adopt the same ethical standards and align their practices with national efforts aimed at improving the quality of news reporting.
He also highlighted the need for ongoing training and capacity building for journalists, especially in rural areas, where access to professional development remains limited. He announced a nationwide outreach campaign to establish MSCZ structures at provincial and district levels.
To enhance rural engagement, Mambwe appealed for logistical support, including the provision of a four-wheel-drive vehicle, and requested access to government funding mechanisms to strengthen the Council’s operational capacity.
International partners and civil society organisations, including MISA Zambia, BBC Media Action, Friedrich Ebert Stiftung, and the Swedish Embassy, were present at the launch. They commended the initiative and pledged continued support for Zambia’s evolving media sector.
MISA Zambia Chairperson, Mrs. Lorraine Mwanza Chisanga, described the Secretariat as long overdue and vital in countering the spread of misinformation. “This Secretariat is more than an office—it is a foundation for rebuilding public trust in the media and promoting professional integrity,” she said.
The launch of the MSCZ Secretariat marks the full operationalisation of Zambia’s first independent, peer-led media regulatory body—an important step toward a transparent, ethical, and democratically governed media environment.
Kenyan government orders media blackout on Nairobi protests, sparks outrage
The Kenyan government has imposed a controversial ban on live television and radio broadcasts of ongoing protests in Nairobi and other regions, marking the first anniversary of last year’s deadly anti-tax demonstrations that saw parliament stormed.
The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) issued the directive, citing constitutional violations and warning of sanctions for non-compliance.
The move has triggered widespread condemnation and legal challenges, with critics decrying it as an assault on press freedom.
Clashes between protesters and police escalated today, with tear gas, water cannons, and reports of live rounds deployed.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights reported eight deaths, including two in Matuu, and over 400 injuries nationwide.
Driven largely by Gen Z activists, the protests demand accountability, transparency, and reforms to address police brutality and governance failures. The broadcast ban prompted swift backlash.
The Kenya Editors Guild and Amnesty International called it unconstitutional, referencing a 2023 High Court ruling against similar restrictions.
Uganda’s main opposition party said on Wednesday its leader Bobi Wine would run in upcoming presidential elections, likely pitting the popular musician-turned-politician against President Yoweri Museveni.
The East African nation is expected to hold elections in January, with the opposition facing a mounting crackdown as activists and politicians face abduction and detention.
President Museveni declared earlier this week he would seek re-election, hoping to extend almost four decades of his rule.
The National Unity Platform (NUP) said Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, had “submitted the expression of interests to contest for the President of Uganda.” By: TRT Africa
SA WOMAN SENTENCED FOR KILLING BOYFRIEND, AUNT SHE CAUGHT IN BED TOGETHER
THE High Court in Mthatha in South Africa has sentenced a 39-year-old woman to 15 years in prison for the double murder of her boyfriend and distant aunt, both of whom she caught in bed together, and for housebreaking with intent to commit a crime.
Noncedo Mqokro, from Nondindwa village in Centane, was handed 15 years for each of the two murders and eight years for housebreaking, but the court ordered the sentences to run concurrently.
In a guilty plea explanation, Mqokro admitted that on the night of May 19, 2024; after consuming liquor at a traditional ceremony in her village, she decided to visit her boyfriend unannounced in the neighbouring village of Khabakazi, something she said she had done before.
Upon her arrival, she claimed that he refused to open the door. But when she peered through a window, she saw him having sexual intercourse with her distant aunt, a woman from her maternal clan.
“In a fit of rage, she pushed the door open, went straight to a bucket that the boyfriend used to hide his dagger knife and stabbed the two,” said the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Regional Spokesperson.
Mqokro said she did not recall how many times she stabbed them, but insisted she left them alive after they apologised.
She immediately confessed to the boyfriend’s mother and surrendered to police at the scene. Both victims succumbed to their wounds the following day.
The court considered a pre-sentence report, which revealed that Mqokro suffers from epilepsy, receives a social grant for her condition, and had survived an abusive marriage.
It also emerged that her now-deceased boyfriend had previously abused her, contributing to her “insecurities.”
