R. Kelly’s attorney is accusing federal prison officials of intentionally endangering the singer’s life by administering a near-fatal dose of medication while he was being held in solitary confinement at a North Carolina facility.
All Hip Hop reports that, according to his lawyer, Beau B. Brindley, the 58-year-old singer collapsed in his prison cell just days after his legal team filed a motion warning that Kelly’s life was in jeopardy.
Brindley alleges that after being placed in isolation on Tuesday, June 10, prison staff gave Kelly an excessive dose of medication on Thursday, June 12. The next morning, Kelly reportedly lost consciousness, suffered from dizziness and blurred vision, and was rushed to Duke University Hospital.
Doctors concluded that the medication dosage posed a life-threatening risk, and Kelly was kept under medical observation for two days. Brindley insists the overdose was not accidental.
“That means that, within two days of the filing of his motion, Bureau of Prisons officials administered an amount of medication that significantly exceeded a safe dose and caused Mr. Kelly to overdose, putting his life in jeopardy,” he said. “They gave him an amount of medicine that could have killed him.”
The emergency motion, filed in Illinois on Monday, June 16, marks the third attempt by Kelly’s team to secure a temporary release to home confinement. Brindley argues that Kelly’s safety cannot be guaranteed behind bars, pointing not only to the overdose but also to a sworn statement from another inmate, Mikeal Glenn Stine, who claimed prison staff and white supremacist groups were conspiring to murder Kelly to suppress misconduct from his trial.
Following Stine’s statement, Kelly was placed in solitary confinement. Brindley alleges that the conditions are “inhumane,” stating that Kelly is isolated without access to phone calls or commissary food, sleeps in a cell infested with spiders, and has gone days without eating due to fear of poisoning.
While hospitalized, doctors reportedly discovered blood clots in both of Kelly’s legs and lungs and recommended immediate surgery. However, Brindley says prison officers entered his hospital room with guns and forcibly removed him, against medical advice. “He was denied the surgery he needs to clear blood clots in his lungs that threaten his life,” Brindley said. “This happened. This will be confirmed by hospital records. It is undeniable.”
Kelly was returned to solitary confinement shortly after being removed from the hospital. Brindley argues that the sequence of events is deliberate and further proof that Kelly’s life is in danger while incarcerated. Kelly is currently serving a 30-year sentence for sex trafficking and racketeering. His legal team continues to urge the court to approve an emergency furlough before it’s too late.
Betrayal of trust: Mazowe woman jailed 15 years for “virginity testing” on 11-year-old A 33-year-old woman from Mazowe has been jailed for 15 years after sexually assaulting an 11-year-old girl under the pretext of conducting a “virginity test.”
The Bindura Regional Magistrates’ Court handed down the sentence on Friday, following an incident that shocked both the courtroom and the community. The woman was known to the victim’s family and claimed she had been sent by the child’s mother.
Lured And Violated The disturbing events took place on 26 April 2025. According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ), the woman lured the child into a private space and told her she had been instructed to carry out a “virginity test.”
In a press release dated 13 June 2025, the NPAZ detailed what happened:
“The offender lured the child by falsely claiming that she had been sent by the victim’s mother to conduct a virginity test.
She then inserted her fingers into her own private parts and subsequently into the complainant’s private parts.”
The act was interrupted when the girl’s mother walked in unexpectedly and caught the woman in the middle of the assault.
“When confronted, the offender claimed she was conducting a virginity test,” said the NPAZ.
“The victim’s mother immediately reported the incident to the police, which led to the woman’s arrest.”
A Hidden Crime Brought To Light The court heard that the woman was a close friend of the girl’s mother and often visited their home. The betrayal has left the family devastated and the community in shock.
This case has raised alarm bells across the country because it exposes a form of abuse that is often ignored: female-on-female sexual assault.
The NPAZ emphasised:
“This case highlights the often-overlooked reality of female-on-female sexual assault, which can be just as damaging and traumatising as rape by a male.
The violation of children’s bodies and the perversion of trust by people known to children in our communities is becoming rampant.”
Parents in Mazowe expressed outrage, calling for better awareness and stronger safeguards.
One mother told reporters:
“We tell our children to stay away from strange men, but no one expects something like this from a woman we know and trust.”
Justice Delivered, But Scars Remain The offender was sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment for aggravated indecent assault — a sentence that reflects the seriousness of the crime.
“The lengthy sentence handed down reflects the gravity of such crimes and sends a clear message that such predatory behaviour, regardless of the gender of the perpetrator or survivor, will not be tolerated,” stated the NPAZ.
The young girl is now receiving counselling, and support services have been mobilised. Social workers say the trauma may take time to heal.
Community leaders are urging parents and guardians to speak openly with their children and report any suspicious behaviour immediately.
“Justice has been served,” the NPAZ said, “but we must remain vigilant and protect our children from all forms of abuse.”
Two robbery victims have confronted a Ruwa-based sangoma, Sekuru Muzura, after his claimed supernatural method of sending bees to recover stolen property failed to deliver results.
A Concession farmer, who lost farming equipment and inputs, says he was asked to pay US$600 for the sangoma’s “services.” Another businessman, identified only as Makonza, demanded a refund of US$400 after the promised recovery failed.
“Sekuru Muzura’s claims are fake,” Makonza told H-Metro. “He says he can send bees that will locate my stolen property and force the robber to return it, but nothing happened after the given time. I ended up suffering a double loss.”
Makonza added, “It is painful to be robbed and then to be deceived again by someone claiming spiritual powers. I even clashed with Sekuru Muzura’s security personnel when I asked for my money back.”
When H-Metro reached out to Sekuru Muzura, his aide demanded a US$100 consultation fee before commenting. Later, the aide stated, “Muzukuru wangu, we help many people, so I don’t know who among you were not helped. Sekuru is in court, and I will inform you of the developments.”
Meanwhile, circulating on social media is a photograph of a man whose body is covered with bees, purportedly illustrating the “bee power” used to recover stolen goods. However, this image is unrelated to the dispute between Sekuru Muzura and his clients.
In a related development, Harare police have raised concerns over a spike in unlawful entries and thefts from vehicles.
Provincial police spokesperson Inspector Luckmore Chakanza warned, “We urge people not to leave valuables in parked cars or keep large sums of money at home, especially during cold weather when thieves take advantage to break into homes.”
The police continue to investigate the rising cases amid calls for the public to remain vigilant.
A Harare couple’s marriage is teetering on the edge of collapse amid bizarre and disturbing allegations. Artwell Matemera has accused his wife, Winny Johannes, of mixing his food with urine and secretly storing bottles of it in their wardrobe. He further claims that since uncovering this behavior, his sexual health has deteriorated significantly.
Matemera has sought a protection order against Johannes, alleging both emotional and physical abuse. He revealed in court that the strange behavior began after he suspected his wife of infidelity.
“I work in Bindura while my wife stays here in Harare. Our problems started after I caught her cheating,” Matemera told the court. “She then began acting oddly, pouring urine into my food. I also discovered she was mixing urine with an unknown powdered substance.”
He presented a bottle in court which he said contained urine combined with the mysterious powder. When he confronted his wife about the bottles hidden in their wardrobe, she responded with insults, claiming, “this is what happens when you have no money.”
Matemera further alleged that Johannes threatened him with a knife, resulting in him sustaining a cut on his hand during a fight. He also said that during sexual encounters, she sprinkles an unknown powder on his genitalia, assaults him, and denies him access to their children.
In her defense, Johannes denied the abuse allegations, accusing Matemera of mistreatment and infidelity. “Yes, the bottle is mine, but I use it to store medicines since I sell herbs,” she explained. “He left me when I was pregnant with twins. I confronted him because he would take my underwear and give it to his girlfriends. He also spread rumors in our neighborhood that I infected him with sexually transmitted infections.”
Magistrate Meenal Narotam advised the couple to pursue counselling before granting the protection order, emphasizing the need for reconciliation efforts amid the troubling claims.
Iran has reported that they have executed individuals accused of spying for Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency multiple times in recent years.
The most recent case, referenced in posts on X by BRICS, claims Iran executed a citizen for espionage related to Israel, possibly linked to activities at a drone factory in Tehran.
However, specific details about the individuals identity has not been made known to the public yet.
Taking our minds back to the issue, a major prior case occurred in April when Iran executed Mohsen Langarneshin, a 36-year-old former IT consultant, for allegedly providing logistical and technical support to Mossad
The accusations includes his involvement in the 2022 assassination of Revolutionary Guard Colonel Hassan Sayyad Khodaei in Tehran.
Iranian state media claimed Langarneshin was recruited by Mossad in 2020, met with Israeli agents in Georgia and Nepal, and confessed to his role.
He was hanged at Ghezel Hesar prison after a trial in a Revolutionary Court, presided over by judge Abolghasem Salavati, known for issuing death sentences.
Another execution took place on May 28, 2025, when Iran hanged Pedram Madani, a 41-year-old man convicted of spying for Israel.
State media reported Madani visited Israel, met Mossad officers at the Israeli Embassy in Belgium, and provided classified information about Iranian infrastructure in exchange for foreign currency and cryptocurrency.
He was arrested in 2020, and his death sentence was upheld by Iran’s Supreme Court.
the Trump administration has put a temporary stop to ICE raids targeting workers in agriculture, hospitality, and restaurants, according to a directive confirmed by NewsNation.
The order, issued by senior ICE official Tatum King, instructs regional leaders to halt workplace enforcement operations in these sectors, including farms, meatpacking plants, hotels, and eateries, effective immediately.
The decision follows a wave of complaints from industries heavily reliant on immigrant labor, which have been rattled by recent ICE operations, particularly in California.
President Trump, responding to the outcry, took to Truth Social to address the issue directly. He noted that the aggressive deportation push was stripping businesses of “very good, long-time workers” that are “almost impossible to replace,” signaling a need to protect farmers and hospitality businesses while still prioritizing the removal of “criminals.”
He hinted at broader changes to come, writing, “This is not good. We must protect our Farmers, but get the CRIMINALS OUT OF THE USA.”
The Department of Homeland Security backed the shift, with spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin stating that ICE would realign its focus to target “the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens” in line with White House priorities.
The move comes as recent raids in California sparked protests and raised alarms about overcrowded detention centers. To address escalating tensions in Los Angeles, Trump has sent National Guard troops and Marines to the area.
The halt could provide temporary relief for workers and businesses, though the long-term direction of ICE operations remains unclear as the administration recalibrates its approach.
China has chosen their stance in the ongoings Iran-Isarel and their allegiance is currently with Iran.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry has expressed strong concern over Israel’s recent attacks on Iran, labeling them as violations of Iran’s sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity.
They argue these actions risk escalating tensions in the Middle East and serve no one’s interests.
This stance aligns with China’s broader calls for de-escalation in the region, as seen in their response to earlier Israel-Iran conflicts, where they condemned similar strikes and urged calm.
However, many political commentators believe China’s position can be seen as selective simply because they ignored U.S. requests to directly pressure Iran against retaliating.
They believed their action is suggestions of a reluctance to fully align with Western efforts to curb Iran’s actions.
This could reflect China’s strategic interest in maintaining ties with Iran, a key oil supplier and partner in countering U.S. influence.
The situation remains fluid, with no clear resolution. Both sides have incentives to escalate or de-escalate based on domestic pressures and external alliances.
As Israel and Iran continue to exchange missiles, President Donald Trump expressed cautious optimism for a diplomatic resolution but suggested that the two nations might need to “fight it out” first.
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, June 15, 2025, as he departed for a G7 summit in Canada, Trump reiterated strong U.S. support for Israel’s defense while emphasizing his desire to broker a deal to end the intensifying conflict.
“I hope there is going to be a deal. I think it’s time for a deal and we’ll see what happens but sometimes they have to fight it out,” he said.
“But we are going to see what happens. I think there is a good chance there will be a deal,” Trump told reporters.
The U.S. has provided defensive support to Israel, helping intercept Iranian missiles. When asked if the US will continue to support Israel in its defence, the president replied “We do” without hesitation.
The escalating hostilities, which began with Israel’s preemptive strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities and military targets on June 13, have killed dozens, including top Iranian commanders and civilians, and caused significant damage to infrastructure in both nations.
Iran retaliated with waves of missile attacks on Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv and Haifa, prompting Israel to expand its strikes to include Iran’s energy sector and defense facilities.
Trump has stressed that the U.S. was not involved in Israel’s initial strikes but warned Iran against targeting American interests.
As Israel and Iran continue to trade missiles, President Donald Trump said on Sunday, June 15, that he hopes a deal can be reached soon, but added that sometimes “they need to fight it out.” He also reiterated the US’ support for “Israel’s defence.” pic.twitter.com/Xhrxt8TlDE
Iran has rejected ceasefire negotiations with the United States while under Israeli attack.
Reuters reported that, An Iranian official made their decision not to have a y negotiation known to the mediators.
Iran according to the reports, informed mediators Qatar and Oman that they will not pursue serious negotiations until it completes its response to Israel’s attack.
The tension between Iran and Israel began on June 13, 2025 with Israel sharing the first blood.
Israel’s strike targeted Iran’s military command and nuclear sites that even the United States have been against it’s establishment for years now.
Iran’s stance is that it will not negotiate under attack, with reports indicating a vow to open the gates of hell in retaliation to Israeli’s attack
The conflict, which has been described as the most significant confrontation between the two nations, has raised fears of a broader regional escalation.
JUST IN: 🇮🇷🇮🇱 Iran rejects US ceasefire negotiations while under Israeli attack. pic.twitter.com/rYJ8vfxG8E
There’s another interesting development in the ongoing attack between Israel and Iran.
Israeli forces have conducted an airstrike on the headquarters of the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) in Tehran.
The latest strike by Israel has caused interruption of a live broadcast on the Islamic Republic of Iran News Network (IRINN).
During the broadcast, debris fell in the studio, and the presenter was forced to leave the camera as the channel switched to prerecorded programming.
The attack followed an Israeli evacuation warning for Tehran’s District 3, where IRIB is located, citing plans to target “military infrastructure.”
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that Iran’s state TV and radio, described as a propaganda and incitement megaphone, were “about to disappear.
Further reports indicate several IRIB employees were killed, though exact numbers haven’t been made public.
This strike was part of a broader Israeli military operation targeting Iranian military and nuclear infrastructure, escalating the ongoing conflict between the two nations.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that he does not rule out the possibility of assassinating Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei.
According to him, eliminating the Iran supreme leader could be the game changer in the ongoing fight.
Contrary to suggestions that such action could rather excalate things between Iran and Israel, the Israeli prime minister argued that it will rather bring the long existing conflict between the two countries to am emd.
He went on with his argument that the real source of the war is Iran’s ayatollah regime, implying that targeting Khamenei could calm tensions.
The Israeli prime minister made this known to the public during an interview with ABC where he spoke about their feud.
Political commentators also argued that Assassinating huge a figure like Khamenei would likely provoke severe retaliation from Iran.
This is because of the Iran’s military capabilities and regional proxies, potentially widening the conflict rather than resolving it.
JUST IN: 🇮🇱🇮🇷 Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu says killing Iran's Supreme Leader would "end the conflict." pic.twitter.com/LafOW0QzBx
Israel prime minister, Netayahu has made his stance clear when it comes to issues about peace talks with Iran.
The prime minister has rejected any plans to have a peace negotiation at the moment, insisting that it aligns with his long-held position, rooted in Israel’s security concerns and Iran’s regional activities.
Netanyahu has consistently viewed Iran as a primary threat due to its nuclear ambitions, support for groups like Hezbollah, and anti-Israel rhetoric.
His recent statements, emphasize a hardline approach, prioritizing military strength and deterrence over diplomacy with Tehran.
The Israeli prime minister recently made a claim of severely weakening Hamas and Hezbollah, signaling his focus on countering Iran-backed groups through force rather than negotiations.
On the other hand, Iran’s leadership, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, has also dismissed peace talks.
Khamenei also recently stated that Israel’s actions, particularly in Gaza, make negotiations untenable.
This mutual rejection of dialogue reflects deep-seated mistrust and competing strategic goals.
Iran’s pursuit of nuclear capabilities and its backing of proxy militias clash with Israel’s aim to maintain regional dominance and security.
The Trump administration has agreed to pay nearly $5 million to settle a lawsuit filed by the family of Ashli Babbitt, a white woman fatally shot by police during the January 6th Capitol attack. The settlement comes after the family sued the government for $30 million, claiming the shooting was unjustified.
Babbitt, a 35-year-old Air Force veteran, was unarmed when she tried to climb through a broken door near the House chamber. A Capitol Police officer, not in uniform at the time, shot her. He later said he fired as a “last resort” and did not know if she was armed.
According to NBC4i, the lawsuit argued that the officer used excessive force without giving any warning and failed to de-escalate the situation. It also accused the Capitol Police of negligence, saying the department should have known the officer might behave recklessly.
Outgoing Capitol Police Chief Tom Manger says he was “extremely disappointed” with the settlement and disagreed with the Justice Department’s decision. About a third of the settlement will go to the family’s lawyers.
Last year, President Trump pardoned or dismissed charges against more than 1,500 people involved in the Capitol riot.
Diddy’s legal team previously warned that if this juror dismissal happened, they would push for a mistrial.
Diddy’s legal process has caused a lot of controversy online for its witness testimonies, but now the jury is facing its own drama. Following days of deliberation from the prosecution and the defense, the court chose to dismiss a juror in the Diddy trial due to their inconsistent statements.
Per TMZ, Judge Arun Subramanian dismissed Juror Number Six on Monday (June 16). On Friday, he had explained how he went back through the voir dire portion of the trial. The judge found that the juror in question indicated multiple places of residency on different occasions. The juror had reportedly said that he lives in the Bronx, and said on other occasions that he lives in New Jersey.
As such, Judge Subramanian replaced him with a 57-year-old alternate juror from Westchester County. He said that the court keeps alternate jurors precisely for issues like these where it’s unadvisable to keep a juror causing this discrepancy.
However, Diddy’s lawyers might try to dismiss his trial now. His attorney Xavier Donaldson previously expressed concern over the possibility of dismissing this Black juror. He said that they should allow him to explain himself so as to not remove one of the few Black jurors in the trial. With that in mind, the defense team aims to call for a mistrial.
We will see whether or not this ends up happening, as a motion would presumably emerge very soon now. We are at the 24th day of trial, and there is still a lot of legal process left.
Elsewhere, Diddy’s former assistants have testified during trial, with Jonathan Perez taking the stand last week. He alleged that he worked for Sean Combs from December of 2021 to September of 2024. That was when federal authorities arrested the Bad Boy mogul on alleged sex trafficking and racketeering charges.
The assistant alleged that he and others set up Combs’ alleged sex parties, whether it was through supplying drugs or by cleaning up afterwards to prevent any press leaks from hotel staff. Other aspects of witness testimonies contain allegations about interpersonal dynamics, payment information, and Diddy’s allegedly abusive tendencies.
Nigerian singer Davido has said he will no longer perform at 50 Cent’s concert in London, originally scheduled for July 3 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the United Kingdom.
The concert, which also features R&B legend Mary J. Blige, is part of 50 Cent’s Legacy Tour. Davido announced on Saturday, June 14, 2025, via a statement shared on his Instagram Stories that despite strong ticket sales, he has pulled out of the concert due to what he described as “major misalignments” with the organisers.
“Over the past few weeks, I have extended my full support and professionalism to The Necto Future Group, promoters of @iconicpresents, with the sincere intention of delivering a performance that meets the high standards my fans deserve,” Davido wrote.
“Despite strong fan support and impressive ticket sales, there have been major misalignments regarding the event’s execution, particularly concerning key elements required to uphold the integrity and quality of my performance,” he added. “Unfortunately, these issues remain unresolved.”
He went on: “As a result, I regret to inform you that I will no longer be performing at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on July 3rd. Please note, the show still holds, but without Davido.”
The Afrobeats star said he and his team worked tirelessly in preparation, and he is incredibly grateful to the thousands of fans who purchased tickets in anticipation. He stressed that his decision is “not a reflection of turnout or support; it is a matter of principle and respect for my craft, my fans, and the culture I represent.”
The “Unavailable” singer however assured his fans that his other summer shows will go on as planned.
“London, I’ll see you guys soon, I promise! Rest of the shows this summer are still happening. 5ive is still alive! See you guys in Germany, Portugal, Belgium, Canada and the US! Africa must be respected,” he said.
Grammy-nominated singer Khalid shed tears of joy when he mounted the stage during his first-ever performance at a Pride event. The 27-year-old singer, whose full name is Khalid Donnel Robinson, headlined the WorldPride DC 2025 after he came out last year.
While performing his Talk single, Kahlid took a moment to express his gratitude for the support that has come his way.
“These are happy tears. This is my first time performing at Pride. This is my first time at Pride. That s**t got me choked up, oh my god,” he emotionally said, per Lovebscott. “Before I continue, I want to thank you guys so much for accepting me and supporting me.”
The Better singer also said the support meant the world to him. “It makes me so happy,” he stated. “I feel like I’m home here on the stage, and that’s really big. And I didn’t know I was going to cry.”
Khalid also assured his fans he was going to perform at future Pride shows. “I feel like I’m home here on this stage,” he said.
In November 2024, Khalid took to social media to come out as gay after he said someone exposed his sexuality, Face2Face Africa reported. The 27-year-old initially posted a rainbow flag with exclamation marks and wrote, “there yall go. next topic please lol.” A user on the social media platform then responded to the singer’s post, writing, “Wait hope Mr Khalid isn’t GEHHH!”
“I am! And that’s okay,” Khalid said in response. The singer in a subsequent post stated that he “got outted and the world still continues to turn.” “Let’s get this straight (lmao) I am not ashamed of my sexuality! In reality it ain’t nobodies business! But I am okay with me [black heart emoji] love yall,” he added.
Khalid also explained that he was not hiding anything after a user commented on his post. “The closet was glass baby. but we accept you. its not about who you love its about your artistry!” the user wrote.
“I wasn’t hiding anything! It’s just not any of your business,” he replied. Khalid, however, largely received an outpouring of support in his comment section. “But you should’ve been able to tell the world on your own time. i’m sorry people are clout chasers,” a user said.
“Don’t feel any pressure to speak about it any more, you don’t owe anyone any type of explanation, im so incredibly sorry that this wasn’t able to be on your own terms. but if you do ever wanna tell it your own way in the future, we’re ALL here to listen and support with open arms,” another user said.
SIKOTA SAYS ECL’S DEATH HAS EXPOSED DEEPER GOVERNANCE CRISIS
By: Sun FM TV Reporter
United Kwacha Alliance (UKA) chairperson Sakwiba Sikota says the passing of former President Edgar Lungu has left a significant void in Zambia’s political landscape but argues that the country’s governance problems run deeper.
Speaking during an appearance on Diamond TV’s Costa program, Mr. Sikota noted that while Lungu’s death marks the close of a political chapter, unresolved national concerns—ranging from poor governance and corruption to restrictions on public gatherings and cybersecurity issues—continue to affect Zambians. He pointed out that challenges such as denial of permits for political rallies and concerns over cyber laws are not limited to politicians, as they impact all citizens.
Reflecting on Mr. Lungu’s legacy, Mr. Sikota described the late statesman as a giant whose influence transcended Zambia’s borders and enhanced the country’s diplomatic standing in Southern Africa.
He expressed regret that Zambia missed the opportunity to utilize his stature in post-presidential diplomacy, a practice embraced in other nations that deploy respected former leaders in regional conflict resolution.
On the upcoming 2026 general elections, he acknowledged the slow pace of naming a unified opposition candidate but assured the public that UKA and its allies are making progress.
NO AMOUNT OF MEDIA SPINNING WILL ABSOLVE HICHILEMA OF WRONGDOING
Since the passing of our sixth president Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu, we have seen videos and narratives emerge aiming to cast Mr Hakainde Hichilema as the most persecuted politician in Zambia’s recent history.
Clearly, these desperate efforts appear calculated to definitely justify either implicitly or explicitly Mr Hichilema and the UPND government’s mistreatment of Mr Lungu, especially the rejection of his right to travel to seek medical treatment abroad since leaving office in 2021.
There is a frantic campaign aimed at laundering Mr Hichilema and the UPND government for their mistake in the manner they handled Mr Lungu post his presidency and subsequently his illness, which led to his death.
Let us face the truth here. We do not downplay the difficulties that Mr Hichilema and the UPND faced during the PF administration. Nonetheless, he is not the only leader in Zambia’s political history to have endured persecution.
Our political past and certainly, our present are riddled with examples and reminders of how the state machinery is being used to suppress dissent. This is not so hard to prove. One only needs to recall how extremely dangerous it would be today for any opposition leader to disrupt Mr Hichilema’s motorcade the way he did during Mr Lungu’s presidency. What would happen to such a leader now? Would he be alive? What won’t this vicious regime and its law enforcement do to set an example for others?
Today, under Mr Hichilema’s leadership, several opposition political leaders have fled the country. They’ve been forced to go into exile, people like Ambassador Emmanuel Mwamba, Emmanuel Jay Jay Banda and others after suffering intense political harassment and real threats on their lives.
Equally, I was among the first to challenge the Public Order Act (POA) and I paid a heavy price for it. I was detained and harassed by the regime at that time. This was just one of my many detentions and harassment by different regimes that have governed this country. But it’s immoral for me to use past injustices against me to justify my current illegal and cruel actions, if any.
Further, under Mr Hichilema and the UPND administration, opposition leaders have repeatedly been arrested on trumped up charges, tortured, detained in remote locations, and publicly humiliated. It is a fact that the treatment of opposition leaders today is disturbingly similar, if not worse than what Mr Hichilema himself once endured during his days in opposition.
Therefore, it is not proper and decent that in light of Mr Lungu and his family and party’s current predicament, we should now be expected to sympathise with Mr Hichilema and his supporters for what they went through in their days in opposition? This is wrong by all means.
Mr Hichilema and the UPND government must realize that Zambians are not blind. We will not accept the hypocrisy. We will not accept this deceit and manipulation from them. There is a limit to how far they can go with their insincerity and lack of integrity.
Our point is if Mr Hichilema truly believes in the values he once preached about democracy, fairness, and justice then let him reflect deeply on his government’s cruel actions against their political competitors and critics. Indeed, political persecution, whether by PF or UPND, must be condemned. But at the same time, sympathy cannot be demanded while continuing the same injustices as those that have taken place before if not worse.
Let Mr Lungu’s death and that of others before him, be a learning curve for all of us, to firstly accept and understand the past, and secondly, begin our healing and reconciliation process. Only then can we truly move forward as a nation.
Otherwise, no spin is sufficient to absolve Mr Hichilema of his wrongdoing.
KABIMBA DISMISSES CLAIMS THAT LUNGU REJECTED HH’S PRESENCE AT HIS FUNERAL
…..Economic front party leader urges unity and respect ahead of edgar lungu’s funeral.
Lusaka, Zambia, June 16 — Economic Front Party (EFP) president Wynter Kabimba has publicly challenged claims suggesting that the late Sixth Republican President Edgar Lungu did not want President Hakainde Hichilema to attend his funeral.
Speaking during an interview on ZNBC’s Sunday Interview, Kabimba described such assertions as false and misrepresentative of Lungu’s true character. “I do not believe that ECL would have said that if he died, he does not want HH anywhere near his funeral, I cannot believe that. That does not reflect his character,” Kabimba emphasized.
Kabimba, who served as Justice Minister during part of Lungu’s tenure, stated that in all his post-presidency interactions with Lungu, he never observed bitterness or hatred toward President Hichilema. While acknowledging that Lungu had grievances regarding his and his family’s treatment after leaving office, Kabimba insisted the former president never expressed any hateful sentiments towards his successor.
The EFP leader called on the funeral organizing committee to focus on promoting unity and dignity rather than allowing the occasion to be overtaken by political tensions. “This is a time to honor the presidency and the man, not a time for division,” Kabimba said.
Meanwhile, government and the Lungu family have reached an agreement for the repatriation of the former president’s remains from South Africa on Wednesday, June 18. A key part of the agreement stipulates that both parties must mutually agree on who will speak during the funeral proceedings.
However, Kabimba expressed concern that limiting speakers risks turning what should be a national event into a private ceremony. He appealed to the Lungu family to reconsider their position to ensure that the funeral remains open to all Zambians who wish to pay their final respects.
The late President Edgar Lungu, who led Zambia from 2015 to 2021, passed away while receiving treatment in South Africa. His funeral is expected to draw thousands of mourners from across the nation.
Government asks SA to accord Lungu military honours during repatriation
THE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has revealed that government will officially request that the late former President Edgar Lungu be accorded full military honours by the government of the South Africa upon the repatriation of his remains in that country on Wednesday.
In a statement, Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Mulambo Haimbe said Zambia and South Africa share long standing relations and that the ongoing cooperation in the current circumstance is testament to the strength of the friendship between the two nations.
He further expressed gratitude to South Africa for the support it has rendered to the Zambian government, the bereaved family and mourners in the wake of the passing of Lungu.
Haimbe conveyed a message of special thanks from President Hakainde Hichilema to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa for the hospitality and solidarity during the mourning time.
He commended the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) in South Africa for their unwavering support and close collaboration with their Zambian counterparts.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation principal public relations officer Eva Chanda confirmed this in a statement.
“Separately, Hon. Haimbe conveyed condolences from President Hichilema to President Ramaphosa in light of the recent devastating floods that have led to the loss of lives and property in the Republic of South Africa,” read the statement…https://kalemba.news/politics/government-asks-sa-to-accord-lungu-military-honours-during-repatriation/
PERSISTENT SQUABBLING WILL COLLAPSE TONSE … Alliance member Sinkamba says Lubinda, not Pule, is acting alliance leader
Tonse Alliance member Peter Sinkamba says the acting alliance chairperson is PF vice-president Given Lubinda and not Dr Dan Pule as recently stated by Sean Tembo.
And Sinkamba said at one of the last few meetings alliance leaders had, they called in the lawyer who crafted the alliance constitution, and were guided that the substantive chairperson to take over from the late former president Edgar Lungu will come from PF.
In a recent press release, PeP leader and Tonse spokesperson Tembo announced that the Tonse alliance acting chairperson Pule was
Lungu family says sorry for delaying repatriation, burial
THE family of late former president Edgar Lungu has apologised to the nation for the delay in repatriating and burying the former head of state, attributing the hold up to difficult negotiations with the government over his final wishes.
Speaking at a joint press briefing in South Africa yesterday, family spokesperson Makebi Zulu expressed regret for the pain and confusion caused by the prolonged discussions.
“We apologise more sincerely for the inconvenience and pain that the protracted negotiations may have caused. We were doing our best to honour the former president’s personal wishes,” said Zulu.
“We understand that the events of the proceeding days had been difficult for Zambians especially supporters of PF.”
He noted that the days following Lungu’s death had been emotionally taxing for many Zambians, especially supporters of the Patriotic Front (PF).
According to Zulu, the late former president had laid out specific wishes regarding his send off which included private repatriation of his remains, having his body lie in state at his residence and explicitly excluding President Hakainde Hichilema from any proximity to his remains.
Lungu also allegedly wished for his body to be taken to Copperbelt and Eastern Province regions, which were places significant to his upbringing and political journey so that the locals could have the opportunity to pay their last respects.
He also requested that Archbishop Dr Alick Banda preside over the funeral service and that his body be accompanied at all times by a relative, an aide de camp, and his personal physician.
However, Zulu said not all these wishes were acceptable to the government.
The State had initially insisted that the body be received officially by President Hichilema at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre and did not agree to having the remains lie in state at Lungu’s private residence.
“The family found some of these conditions unacceptable,” Zulu stated, explaining that this disagreement led to the prolonged back and forth that delayed the funeral arrangements.
Following the deadlock, both parties yesterday held a joint press briefing announcing that a consensus had finally been reached.
Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick Kangwa revealed that the body, originally expected on June 11, would now arrive on Wednesday, June 18.
Kangwa further announced that President Hichilema would preside over the funeral service and that the official mourning period had been extended to Monday, June 23.
To avoid unnecessary drama, Zulu said that PF acting president Given Lubinda would speak on behalf of the party at the funeral.
He added that government and the Lungu family had agreed to consult each other on who would speak at all official events.
Zulu noted the family’s commitment to honouring Lungu’s wishes within the framework agreed upon with the government, adding that they proceeded based on the state’s assurance not to betray that trust.
He also denied reports that the family had demanded the dropping of criminal charges as part of the funeral negotiations.
“The negotiations were never about pending matters in court relating to any of the members of the family or associates of the former president,” said Zulu…https://kalemba.news/local/lungu-family-says-sorry-for-delaying-repatriation-burial/
I WILL VIST PF SECRETARIAT AT AN APPROPRIATE TIME- CHABINGA
He shared…… Good morning, everyone!
To those requesting my visit to the Secretariat, I assure you that I will indeed visit our Party Office at the appropriate time. Currently, our priority is to pay our respects to our sixth president, the late Mr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu, who passed away on June 5th and will be laid to rest on June 23rd, 2025, with the dignity and reverence he deserves.
Once the mourning period concludes, I will visit the Secretariat. As you maybe aware the book of condolence is located at the Belvedere Lodge so there is no need at the moment. Rest assured, the top leadership of the Patriotic Front party will make their presence known at the right moment.
As we mourn the loss of our former Head of State, it’s essential that we come together as a party and as a nation to pay our respects. We will ensure that the funeral proceedings are conducted with the utmost dignity and respect, befitting the office he held and the legacy he leaves behind.
In the coming days, we will rally around the family of the deceased and offer our condolences. We will also take time to reflect on the contributions and achievements of President Lungu during his tenure. His legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire and shape the future of our nation.
Let us use this moment to come together, put aside our differences, and show respect for the office of the President. We will get through this difficult time together, united in our grief and our resolve to honor the memory of our beloved former President.
LEADER OF OPPOSITION/PF ACTING PRESIDENT ROBERT M CHABINGA MAFINGA MP
Free speech is not just for the people or thoughts we like or agree with; it is also for people we despise and opinions that we do not support
By Sishuwa Sishuwa
I believe in freedom of expression. I live or practice this belief. I believe that free speech is intended to protect the expression of ideas in public, to enable us to communicate with each other about what we understand to be true, and to share opinions, debate differing viewpoints, and challenge the status quo.
I believe that every person has the right to express themselves in any way, to share opinions that diverge from my own or the prevailing narrative, and to say whatever they want or think including when responding to what I share. In turn, I can choose to respond or ignore, although I welcome and make every effort to read and understand the reactions, rebuttals, or concerns that other people express in response to what I have said.
Having claimed and exercised my freedom of expression, I am only all too aware of the right of others to exercise the same right on any matter, including when commenting on my public commentaries. Being human, it is natural that we will have varying lines of thought. Flexibility in slant of views is in keeping up with our humanness. I believe that it is only through many conversations that we can reconsider our positions, challenge our assumptions, question our convictions, and come to appreciate our own ignorance.
One thing I will never do in response to any criticism of my opinions or of me as a person is to block any person, to mute them on social media and consequently shut myself from the knowledge of their views, or to interfere in any way with their right to express themselves fully, even in instances where the person is saying nothing substantive or rational. The right to free speech would be meaningless if it was accompanied by a requirement to only give expression to reasonable or sensible thoughts.
As a matter of fact, I receive a lot of flak, nasty responses, insults or ad hominem attacks over the opinions or ideas I express. As is true of my rather indifferent attitude towards praise, these things do not get to me. They do not bother me at all. If they did, I would have long stopped expressing myself on public issues. I speak to express my opinions, not to secure anyone’s validation, respect, support, or favour. What easily gets to me is reason, logic, or a good argument, displayed by an ability to show weakness in my stated point of view. I actively listen and pay greater attention to content-based criticism. I believe that free speech is the heart of a free, open, and democratic society.
I am gravely concerned about the increasing limitations placed on free speech in Zambia today by two threats. The first threat to free speech is the current administration that has enacted a series of anti-free speech laws and dusted off colonial-era repressive legislation to lock up critics for expressing views that should ordinarily be handled within the realm of political debate rather than by state institutions such as the police. This is a dangerous path that creates a climate of fear, stifles growth, and fuels public resentment against the leadership or political party in government.
The hesitancy that people feel to freely express themselves is grounded in a realistic fear of reprisal from the authorities, as many are worried that one misstep could lead to arrest or – given the absence of an independent judiciary that protects individual liberties – imprisonment. Yes, free speech must be exercised responsibly to be beneficial to society. However, the government cannot be the determiner of what is or is not responsible free speech.
The second threat to free speech in Zambia today is the growing individual intolerance to thoughts or opinions that we do not like. Many people are increasingly hesitant to speak their minds, to share their true thoughts, to challenge or question the status quo because they fear the backlash, mainly from overzealous supporters of the party in power, and the social repercussions: isolation, orchestrated campaigns against them, or personal attacks.
Our appetite or willingness to be easily triggered, offended, hurt, or outraged by opinions we do not share appears to be a result of several factors. These include a general incapacity by many of us to embrace the unfamiliar, to eschew haste in passing judgement, and to attack the thought rather than the thinker. Our extreme levels of intolerance are also, I think, a consequence of our deep-seated culture of subservience to authorities – rooted in a long history of personalised rule and social influences such as the degraded version of Christianity that we practice.
Added to the above factors that fuel intolerance is the uncritical assumption embraced by many that there exists a particular view on certain topics that is supported by the majority, against which dissent is prohibited. This is regrettable. Free speech is not just for the people or thoughts we like or agree with. Free speech is for everyone, even those with whom we disagree or who do not support what we do. It is for opinions that diverge from our own and includes the right to say things that other people may find controversial, irritating, uncomfortable, and even shocking.
We must all do what we can to defend free speech, to promote understanding and tolerance, and to expand rather than shrink free spaces for the expression of thought including dissent. We must fight for these expansions and not limitations, eliminations, blocking and all manner of anti-free speech behaviours. True believers in free speech are married to facts that are available to them at the material time and to the truth, objective truth as it exists independent of them, and so they hate to persist in error: this is only possible if their opinions or ideas are accessible to all those who care to reflect on them in whatever non-physical violent manner possible.
We all have the right to seek, receive, and impart information and ideas of all kinds by any peaceful means, to express what we think, to agree or disagree with those in power, and to demand a better Zambia. Let free speech reign!
HOUSE OF PRAYER NOT PRIORITY GOVERNMENT HAS MORE IMPORTANT THINGS TO DO – UPND
UPND deputy secretary General Getrude Imenda says the construction of the national house of prayer is not a priority for government because it has other more important issues to deal with.
Imenda says the non-completion of the national house of prayer has not disadvantaged anyone because people pray from their churches.
She says people would have died of hunger if government opted to use the social cash transfer to complete the stalled national house of prayer.
On Friday, acting PF president Given Lubinda said in 2026 the PF would complete all the stalled projects left by former president Edgar Lungu, including the national house of prayer.
But commenting on that in an interview, Sunday, Imenda said UPND government had other priorities.
UPND MEDIA TEAM MOURNS FORMER PRESIDENT EDGAR CHAGWA LUNGU AT BELVEDERE LODGE
Lusaka, 16th June 2025 — United Party for National Development (UPND) Media Director Mark Simuuwe today led a delegation of the party’s media team to pay their respects to the late sixth Republican President, Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu, at the official funeral venue, Belvedere Lodge in Lusaka.
Speaking during the solemn occasion, Mr. Simuuwe called for national unity and reflection during this time of mourning, emphasising the shared humanity that binds all Zambians beyond political affiliations.
“We are mortal human beings and all of us are headed to die. In times like this, culturally and as Zambians, we put differences and political opinions aside and come together for a just cause, to mourn the late President Lungu,” he said.
Mr. Simuuwe reiterated President Hakainde Hichilema’s call for unity and peace, noting that the late President deserves a dignified and respectful sendoff befitting his status as a former Head of State.
In his tribute, Mr. Simuuwe wrote: “On this day, 16th June, 2025, we celebrate the life of His Excellency, 6th Republican President of the Republic of Zambia, Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu. We shall remember him for handing over power peacefully, including the instruments of power, to President Hakainde Hichilema.”
Meanwhile, UPND Special Assistant to the President for Special Duties, Mr. Mubita Nawa, also joined the media team and signed the official book of condolences.
The late President Lungu is being mourned across the nation, with political leaders, citizens, and international representatives paying homage to his legacy and contribution to Zambia’s democracy.
LEAVE MY GIRLFRIEND – KOPALA PUPIL THREATENS BIOLOGY TEACHER.
A Copperbelt based teacher has allegedly stopped reporting for work after a group of notorious pupils from his school threatened to baptize him with Lutuku, a fire liquid and deadly local brew, D1 Kasosolo, if he was not going to stop chatting with the gang leader’s girlfriend, a pupil from his class.
This is in a case of a male teacher from Kwacha of the Copperbelt whose name and school have been withheld for security reasons.
According to a witness, the named teacher has been chatting with a girl from his Biology class and has been begging throughout their chat threads to help her with exam preparations at his place for free.
However, everything was brought to light last week when the girl’s teen boyfriend, who is also a pupil at the same school, learnt about it . The boy snatched the girl’s phone last week and went through the chats only to find threads of messages coming from their biology teacher.
On an unknown day las week, the boy came to school drunk with a torn face mask geared to beat the hell out of the teacher. Unfortunately, the biology teacher was sweet talked by the devil to go to the same class and take a glance at the government trophy.
When he entered the classroom, he saw the boy with the torn mask and tried to talk about his ill behavior but the boy dashed straight to him, held his neck and asked him to leave his girlfriend alone in front of the class.
The shame was too much, pupils were laughing wildly. The teacher could not take a step to walk out. It took a female teacher to take him out of the classroom. Since then, he has not been reporting for work.
Rumours are that the boy in question, in league with his team, has sworn to baptize him in Lutuku wherever they will see him.
THE Independent Churches of Zambia has hailed Government in the manner it has handled the issues surrounding the repatriation and funeral of late former President Edgar Lungu.
“Yes, to a larger extent the State has exhibited love for their citizens and especially love for the family which culminate into maturity and caring for the desires of the citizens of Zambia to mourn their former head of State,” he said.
In an interview, Bishop Masupa said in countries where leaders thrive on dictatorship, Mr Lungu’s remains would have been forcefully brought into the country on grounds of him being former republican President and commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces.
He said never at any point did the New Dawn administration try to bulldoze itself on the matter.
KELVIN SAMPA FOUND WITH CASE TO ANSWER IN $150,000 THEFT CASE INVOLVING JAPANESE INVESTOR
THE Lusaka Magistrate Court has found former Kasama Member of Parliament Kelvin Sampa with a case to answer in a matter in which he is accused of stealing $150,000 from a Japanese businessman.
In this matter, Mr. Sampa is facing four counts of theft by agent and illegal possession of forged bank notes, involving cash meant for gold transactions allegedly entrusted to him by Japanese nationals Kunihiro Fugushima and Satoshi Sakamoto.
Among the allegations, the accused stole $70,000 cash he was entrusted with to buy gold by Kunihiro Fugushima on his behalf, and $80,000 cash he was entrusted with by Satoshi Sakamoto to buy gold on his behalf.
When the matter came up before court, Magistrate Irene Wishimanga ruled that Mr. Sampa has a case to answer and has since placed him on his defence.
Mr. Sampa has informed the court that he intends to call five witnesses to aid his defence.
The court has since set July 11, 2025, as the date for commencement of the defence.
ECONOMIST Dr Lubinda Haabazoka says the Kwacha will continue to appreciate up to December.
Dr Haabazoka says the appreciation of the Kwacha can be attributed to the tax period. Commenting in an interview recently, Dr Haabazoka said that around June companies are required to pay their annual income taxes, thereby bringing back the money that they had kept outside the country.
“So, when you look at the value of the Zambian Kwacha, it has a certain trend normally following year in, year out in terms of appreciation and depreciation, it has its good time and its bad time. So, what normally happens around June is that companies are expected to file in their annual income taxes”
MUZALA SAMUKONGA RANKED 3RD IN THE WORLD – ZAMBIA, TAKE NOTE
ZAMBIA’S very own Muzala Samukonga has been officially ranked as the third fastest 400m runner in the world, according to the World Athletics global rankings. Out of all the athletes competing in the 400m across the globe, Muzala currently holds position number 3.
This isn’t just a proud moment for Muzala – it’s a proud moment for Zambia. The 22-year-old sprinter has made steady progress over the years and is now being recognized among the world’s elite in track and field. His consistent performances, including a personal best of 43.74 seconds, have placed him in this elite category.
For many who don’t follow athletics closely, this might come as a surprise. But Muzala has been working silently, representing the country with pride, and putting in the kind of performances that earn respect on the world stage.
It’s important for us as a country to start paying attention to talents like Muzala, who are flying the flag high in global competitions. Let’s give them the support and recognition they deserve.
President Donald Trump is launching a Trump-branded mobile phone service, that will rely on wireless networks and hardware that is “made in America.”
Trump’s sons, Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr., unveiled the service Monday at Trump Tower in New York on the 10-year anniversary of their father’s announcement that he would run in the 2016 presidential election.
Businesses that purchase network capacity from one of the big three US wireless networks—known as Mobile Virtual Network Operators, or MVNOs—are an increasingly hot category for reaching niche markets.
The trio of actors who host of the popular Smartless podcast, Will Arnett, Jason Bateman and Sean Hayes, recently announced they are starting their own phone company on T-Mobile’s network aimed at low-data-usage customers who’d like to save money on their bills each month.
GOVERNMENT has clarified that contrary to the claims by former president Edgar Lungu’s family that the government had abandoned the former president when he was sick, it had actually offered to help but the family turned down the support.
Addressing the media this morning, Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick Kangwa clarified that the government officially granted passage for Lungu to go to South Africa for treatment and even offered help but it was turned down by the family.
He said when the former president’s personal doctor Professor Njovu, informed government that Lungu needed to travel for medical attention, the government started preparing for his expenses and even called for discussions with the Ministry of Health.
But after the family was informed of the arrangements, the family, through Prof. Njovu, responded to the government that the former president would cover his traveling and medical bills.
He said the traveling of the former president to South Africa was with the full knowledge of the government and no officer was ordered to stand in the way of his passage.
“I wish to put it on record that Professor Njovu, the official doctor of the late president, wrote to me as s Secretary to the Cabinet, informing us of the plane travel. I responded that as a citizen of Zambia, the government provides support, as long as treatment is outside the country and I offered that we get Dr Njovu and our Ministry of Health permanent secretary to discuss so that we could support the sixth president in his passage to South Africa.”
“However, it is on record, Professor Njovu wrote back to me, advising me that this was for my information and not for any support. So the passage was with the full knowledge of the government and no officer was given any instructions to stand in the way of the going of the president,” stated Kangwa.
The Secretary to the Cabinet added that further efforts were made to support the former president while he was in South Africa but nothing could work.
“Secondly, efforts were made to support the president while he was in South Africa, however, with the history and the relationships, this did not come to pass,” clarified Kangwa.
Meanwhile, Kangwa announced that President Hakainde Hichilema will preside over the State Funeral of the former president, which will take place next Sunday at Mulungushi International Conference Centre.
He revealed that the government had, therefore, extended the national mourning period from today to Monday next week when Lungu will be buried.
“Allow me to thank the people who supported the process, former vice president Enock Kavindele, former secretary to the Cabinet, Leslie Mbula, Chief Mumbi of Petauke and Makebi Zulu.”
“Government thanks the government of South Africa for facilitating the medical care and repatriation process and the Zambian diplomatic mission in South Africa. Special gratitude to the Minister of Foreign Affairs for leading the way to the negotiations. Let us come together as one Zambia, one nation,” said Kangwa.
And family spokesperson, Makebi Zulu disclosed that government has agreed to honor late president Lungu’s wish that his body should lie in state at his house in Chifwema throughout the mourning period.
Zulu said the government had agreed to allow Lungu’s remains be transported together with the family from South Africa to Zambia on Wednesday, June 18, 2025 using a private charter made available by well wishers.
Following the arrival and receipt of the body by family members in Lusaka, full military honors will be conducted at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport after which the body will be taken to the funeral house in Chifwema to lie in state.
“The body will be taken to Mulungushi International Conference Centre on June 19, 20 and 21 to enable members of the public to pay their last respects from 09:00 hours to 16:00 hours after which it shall be returned to his house to lie in state.”
“The valedictory session will be held at the Supreme Court grounds in honor of the former president, who was a lawyer by profession, on Monday, June 23, to be followed by a church service in the show grounds that will be conducted by His Grace Archbishop Bishop Alick Banda as requested by Edgar Lungu,” Zulu said.
He was speaking at a joint press briefing between the government and the family in South Africa today.
I don’t believe that ECL would have said “if I died today, I don’t want HH near my body”, that’s a total misrepresentation of his character. Someone is politicking – Winter Kabimba.
Council of Churches in Zambia Praise Govt and Lungu Family
The Council of Churches in Zambia Livingstone Chapter has praised government and the family of the late former Republican President, EDGAR LUNGU, for reaching an agreement over the funeral of the former Head of State.
CCZ Livingstone Chapter Chairperson, SIMUYEMBA KUTEMA, says the agreement between the two parties gives hope and direction regarding the funeral of the former President.
Rev. KUTEMA, who is also African Methodist Church – Jordan Chapel Minister-in-Charge says the Church will continue praying for the country so that the funeral is concluded amicably.
And Church of God World Missions – Livingstone District Overseer, Reverend CHARLES MUSONDA, says the Church is happy with the family and the government for agreeing to repatriate the body to Zambia.
Reverend MUSONDA is however appealing to all Zambians to offer support and encourage the family and the government to continue working together so that the funeral and burial of the Former Head of State is conducted in a dignified manner.. – ZNBC
No One Buries Democracy: Akashambatwa’s PF Eulogy Is an Affront to Zambia’s Democratic Spirit
By Thandiwe Ketis Ngoma
The recent statement attributed to Akashambatwa Masheke, widely regarded as a staunch UPND sympathiser, that the interment of Zambia’s 6th Republican President, Edgar Chagwa Lungu, on June 23 will “mark the end of the Patriotic Front (PF)” is not only deeply offensive but a chilling affront to the values of pluralism, respect, and democracy that Zambia holds dear.
President Lungu’s passing is a solemn moment for national unity, reflection, and reconciliation. It is not a stage for political opportunists to proclaim the demise of one of the country’s most influential opposition parties. To invoke the supposed end of PF at the burial of its longest-serving leader is more than poor taste; it is vulgar, undemocratic, and profoundly disrespectful to the millions of Zambians who still identify with the party’s vision and values.
We must ask Mr. Masheke whether this statement was a spontaneous misjudgment or a scripted message crafted by those in power, desperate to eliminate political competition through narrative manipulation and propaganda disguised as commentary.
Who gave you the moral authority to pronounce the death of a political party that remains legally constituted, structurally intact, and widely supported, despite relentless efforts by the UPND-led administration to destabilize it?
If Mr. Masheke possessed even a shred of moral discernment or respect for the nation’s grief, he would have spoken with maturity and chosen unity over provocation. Instead, in typical UPND fashion, he opted for political mockery, further reinforcing public fears that the current leadership views opposition not as a constitutional pillar but as a threat to be eliminated.
Equally disturbing is the chorus of rogue UPND-controlled media platforms such as Koswe, the Watchdog, Kalemba, and The Zambian Accurate, which have amplified this narrative. Rather than display decency, these outlets have appeared to revel in the passing of a former Head of State. Their coverage has been callous, celebratory, and devoid of the respect and dignity expected in moments of national mourning. If anything, they treat President Lungu’s death as a political win rather than a human loss.
Let it be known: you do not bury a political movement with a man. PF is not a person. It is a people-powered institution built on the voices of millions, on electoral victories, on community presence across provinces, and on a legacy that far outlives any funeral rhetoric or partisan posturing. No matter how tasteless or triumphant the propaganda may be, it cannot erase the influence of a movement deeply rooted in the hearts of the people.
Zambia’s democracy thrives on the competition of ideas, not on orchestrated monologues or premature declarations. To use a funeral as a platform to pronounce the end of a political party is not only shameful; it is a direct insult to the Constitution, to democracy, and to the grieving nation.
If Mr. Masheke and others who share his view believe the PF is finished, let them prove it through the democratic process and through free and fair elections. Not at the graveside of a leader who served the nation with distinction.
Zambia needs sober-minded leadership. It needs men and women who understand the gravity of death, who can honor the pain of national loss, and who rise above politics during moments that demand maturity. What it does not need are opportunists who exploit funerals to score partisan points.
Grow up, Mr. Masheke. A man of your age should understand that democracy cannot be buried. And history will not forget those who try.
To the UPND sympathisers celebrating behind keyboards and anonymous pages, be reminded: President Lungu’s legacy lives on. His memory will not fade. His “Alebwelelapo” slogan still echoes in the hearts of suffering Zambians who long for a return to leadership that prioritized their interests. You may silence the man, but you will not silence the movement. Not now. Not ever.
GOVERNMENT CONFIRMS STATE FUNERAL FOR LATE PRESIDENT LUNGU AS FINAL AGREEMENT REACHED WITH FAMILY
Lusaka, 15 June 2025
Secretary to the Cabinet, Patrick Kangwa, has confirmed that the Government of the Republic of Zambia has reached a final agreement with the family of the late Sixth Republican President Edgar Chagwa Lungu on the repatriation of his remains and the full state funeral program.
In a joint press briefing held in South Africa on Sunday with the late family spokesperson Makebi Zulu,, Mr. Kangwa announced that the late President’s remains will arrive in Zambia on Tuesday, June 18, via a private charter flight from Lanseria Airport in South Africa.
This follows extensive consultations between the government and the family, which had earlier disagreed on key aspects of the funeral arrangements.
“The Government has officially entered into a consensus with the family on all matters relating to the repatriation, funeral, and burial of the late president,” Mr. Kangwa said.
Mr. Kangwa has also officially extended the period of national mourning to nine days, beginning today, June 15, and ending on the day of burial, June 23, 2025.
The body will lie in state at the Mulungushi International Conference Center (MICC) for three consecutive days, June 19, 20, and 21, from 09:00 to 16:00 to allow members of the public to pay their last respects.
A state funeral will be held on Sunday, June 22, also at the MICC, and will be presided over by President Hakainde Hichilema.
On Monday, June 23, a legal profession tribute will take place at the Supreme Court Grounds, followed by a church service led by Archbishop Dr. Alick Banda, in accordance with the family’s wishes.
Earlier, family spokesperson Makebi Zulu expressed appreciation to former heads of state, the clergy, and the South African government for the support rendered to the late president. He also apologized to the Zambian people for any distress caused by the prolonged negotiations.
Mr. Zulu reiterated that the family’s goal was to honor the personal wishes of the late President and ensure that Zambians were given an opportunity to mourn with dignity.
“We hope that we can now move forward as one Zambia,” Mr. Zulu said.
Clergymen welcome resolution of impasse between Govt and the Lungu Family
By Ruth Chayinda
Chikondi Foundation President JOHN MAMBO has praised President HAKAINDE HICHILEMA for the role he has played in resolving the impasse that surrounded the burial arrangements of Sixth Republican President, EDGAR LUNGU.
Bishop MAMBO says despite being subjected to interval humiliation and repeated provocation, President HICHILEMA has chosen the higher path of unity and peace.
He says throughout this difficult period, President HICHILEMA has demonstrated unparalleled leadership, wisdom, and restraint.
Bishop MAMBO President Hichilema truly understands the pain, grief, and heartbreak that the LUNGU family and the nation are going through.
And, Zambia Centre for Transparency and Responsible Leadership Executive Director, PETER BWALYA said the agreement between the Government and the LUNGU family is commendable as it will allow citizens to pay their last respects to Mr LUNGU who served the country for 7 years.
He has since called on citizens to mourn together in unity and love, regardless of political affiliation . -ZNBC
