NGOCC washes their hands off murder accused Sylvia
THE Non-Governmental Gender Organizations’ Coordinating Council (NGOCC) has washed their hands off Sylvia Kaluba, the Lusaka woman who cohabited with the husband’s corpse stating a crime is a crime whether male or female.
The association has strongly condemned the incident where Sylvia is alleged to have murdered her husband and lived with his skeletal remains for nearly two years.
According to reports, Sylvia denied killing her husband but revealed that she was working under the instruction of a Papa, who is a foreign national, in order to obtain supernatural powers to establish her church as a prophetess.
Following the ordeal, netizens wondered why the NGOCC was silent, as they claimed that if the case involved a man in Sylvia’s shoes, the organisation would have already issued a statement.
Speaking in an interview with Kalemba, NGOCC chairperson, Beauty Katebe expressed horror at the incident, emphasising the organisation’s zero tolerance for gender-based violence (GBV) and criminality, regardless of the perpetrator’s gender.
“The women’s movement does not condone GBV or any criminality whether perpetrated by a man or woman.”
She said even NGOCC is horrified at the incident and call on the investigative wings to do a thorough job and let justice be as quick as possible.
“We regret the loss of a life and express our condolences to the bereaved family,” Katebe said.
The NGOCC also extended sympathies to the family of George Kalaba, the victim, while reiterating its call for justice and the need for authorities to expedite investigations into the matter.
Sylvia Kalaba, a 51-year-old self-proclaimed prophetess, was arrested for murder as police also detained her four daughters after they discovered the skeletal remains of her husband, George Kalaba, in their home based in Lusaka’s Garden Luangwa.
The discovery was made following a report from George’s brother, Emmanuel Kalaba, who had been longing to contact his brother for close to two years.
Neighbours and family members reported that Sylvia had actively barred visitors from accessing George during this period.
When police executed a search warrant at the premises, they found George’s remains on a bed, covered with a blanket which saw Sylvia and her daughters, aged 15 to 27 taken into custody.
In her defense, Sylvia claimed her husband died of natural causes due to asthma and alleged she kept his remains based on advice from a foreign pastor who she was praying with in the same house.
DON’T CHANGE YOUR CONSTITUTIONS TO OVER STAY IN POWER – NKANDU WARNS FEDERATIONS
Minister of Youth, Sports and Arts Honourable ELVIS NKANDU has sent a strong warning to sports federations who are in a habit of altering their constitutions inorder for them to stay longer in office and consequently bar others from contesting.
Speaking at the launch of the National Federations Governance Forum which is currently being held at Grand Palace Hotel this morning, Nkandu took time to school several Presidents and General Secretaries from various national federations that attended the forum on good Governance practices and against altering their constitutions inorder to bar other candidates or extend their tenure of office.
“It is sad that some federations have continued their tendance of changing constitutions in order to continue in power for a long time while others want to be life Presidents’, some of you Presidents and General Secretaries have been heading these Federations for a long time and it is clear that you want to rule forever which is wrong and should not be tolerated, if you think you are so famous why do you bar other candidates from contesting, why not face them on the ballot and beat them clearly?
Let me make it clear here that It is mandatory for all federations to adhere to the National Sports Council of Zambia Act and their own constitutions.
I know all of you federations are affiliated to International sports mother bodies, but the narrative that most of you bring here that your International federations gave you constitutions to follow is not true and will not be tolerated, the truth is that you federations together with your members come up with a constitution which you send to your international federations for approval.
I hereby direct National Sports Council of Zambia to ensure all national sports federations deposit their National constitutions with them, so that if their is any attempt to change the constitution we shall know as Government.” he said.
National Sports Council of Zambia has organized a two days workshop to educate all 52 National Federations on Good Governance.
In a powerful statement on Thursday, Zimbabwean opposition leader Advocate Nelson Chamisa fiercely criticized the Zanu PF government’s attempt to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term of office beyond constitutional limits. Currently, Mnangagwa’s second term is set to end in 2028, but Zanu PF hardliners are pushing for the postponement of elections to 2030.
Chamisa, who leads the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), vehemently opposed the move, describing it as a direct attempt to prolong the suffering of the Zimbabwean people. He said:
“STOP THIS NONSENSE!!” “You want to extend pain and suffering. You want to extend extreme and deadening poverty. You want to extend unemployment. You want to extend hunger and lack.”
Chamisa went on to list various hardships that Zimbabweans have endured under the current administration, condemning the government’s failure to address basic needs such as power, water, and healthcare:
“You want power outages, electricity shortages and water shortages. You want to extend this currency crisis and cash shortages. You want to extend high taxes and skyrocketing prices. You want to extend oppression. You want to extend fear, hate and intimidation. You want to extend terror and violence.”
The opposition leader also accused the government of worsening social and economic conditions across the country, stating:
“You want to extend conflict. You want to extend the nation’s isolation. You want to extend looting and corruption. You want to extend bribery and chicanery. You want to extend the dying hospitals and the dying in hospitals.”
He also highlighted the dire state of Zimbabwe’s education and public service sectors, saying:
“You want to extend the chaos in education. You want to extend the suffering of teachers under squalid conditions. You want to extend the suffering of workers and civil servants. You want to extend the suffering of pensioners.”
Chamisa expressed his outrage over the continued economic struggles and the worsening business environment:
“You want to extend the closing down of businesses. You want to extend the capital flight and brain drain. You can’t!”
He concluded by accusing the ruling party of stealing the people’s mandate, hopes, and votes, and claimed that they sought to perpetuate this “theft” by extending Mnangagwa’s presidency:
“You stole the people’s mandate, hopes and votes. And you want to extend that theft. You can’t extend theft. It can’t. Stop it!!”
Wicknell Chivayo Reveals Details of His Second Meeting with Kenyan President Ruto in Two Weeks
Prominent Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo has opened up about his second meeting with Kenyan President William Ruto in less than two weeks, sparking curiosity and discussions on social media.
Chivayo, who recently visited Kenya with his new girlfriend, Lucy “Lulu” Muteke, to explore Masai Mara Safaris, has now revealed the purpose behind his latest encounter with President Ruto. This time, the meeting occurred on the global stage at the International Renewable Energy Conference (IRENA) and the World Future Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi.
According to Chivayo, the interaction with President Ruto was nothing short of divine intervention.
“By God’s GRACE, a MOMENTOUS occurrence for me was interacting with one of the Summit’s esteemed speakers and Africa’s most DECORATED leader, H. E. President William Ruto of Kenya. This was a SECOND encounter within a space of two weeks and I truly attribute this to DIVINE OCHESTRATION !!! It’s not every day that you get to meet and spend time with such a RENOWNED and DISTINGUISHED global leader like President Ruto. The MAN is not only a leader of EXTRAORDINARY caliber, but also deeply guided by FAITH and EVANGELICAL purpose. He speaks with great clarity and PASSION, particularly about our COLLECTIVE responsibility to protect the environment as stewards of God’s beautiful creation, while advancing SUSTAINABLE economic growth for our beloved African CONTINENT,” he explained.
Chivayo emphasized the urgency of action in renewable energy, a topic he said dominated discussions during his meeting with Ruto. He noted Zimbabwe’s unique potential for renewable energy development due to its vast solar radiation and available land.
“My BIGGEST takeaway from both the Summit and luncheon with President Ruto is the URGENCY to act. Zimbabwe is UNIQUELY positioned to lead in renewable energy development, given its ABUNDANT solar radiation and VAST tracts of land which offer great potential for renewable energy projects. As a PROPONENT of sustainable energy development, I make this humble CLARION CALL on Multilateral Development Agencies, lending institutions and GLOBAL investors to recognize this opportunity and partner with Zimbabwe to unlock the immense value of renewable energy. Africa in general and ZIMBABWE in particular are poised to shape the GLOBAL energy transition, given the abundance of lithium resources which can be BENEFICIATED to produce batteries for ENERGY STORAGE and vast renewable energy sources that can be leveraged to achieve sustainable ENERGY SECURITY,” he said.
American actor and comedian Jamie Foxx has openly expressed skepticism about the existence of the Illuminati.
During an appearance on Complex’s GOAT Talk series, the 53-year-old entertainer firmly rejected the conspiracy theories.
“I don’t believe in none of that st,” Foxx said. “Especially the Illuminati. It’s only us. If we’re supposed to be running this whole thing, why aren’t we benefitting from it? How the fk did I get stopped by the cops the other day? Can the Illuminati come and tell them to get off my a**?”
Foxx also addressed fan speculation surrounding his illness in April 2023. At the time, conspiracy theories ran rampant, with some suggesting the actor had been replaced by a clone or was a victim of Illuminati-related schemes.
“The internet was trying to kill me,” Foxx joked. “People were saying Puffy tried to kill me. I know what you’re thinking—did he?”
While Foxx’s family initially described his condition as a “medical complication” and maintained privacy during the ordeal, the actor later revealed the full extent of his health scare in his 2024 Netflix special, What Had Happened Was.
Foxx disclosed that he had suffered a brain bleed, which led to a stroke, leaving him comatose for nearly three weeks. He credited his daughters, Corinne and Anelise, along with his sister, Deidra Dixon, for advocating on his behalf and playing pivotal roles in his recovery, alongside his medical team.
By September 2024, Foxx had recovered enough to walk his daughter Corinne down the aisle at her wedding. Reflecting on his health journey after a performance in Atlanta, the comedian shared that his “heart and soul were filled with joy.”
However, Foxx’s challenging year wasn’t over. During a birthday celebration at the iconic Mr. Chow restaurant in Beverly Hills, an altercation occurred, leaving him struck in the face with a glass. Recent reports indicate that Foxx is considering pressing charges against the individual involved.
Manchester City have announced that Erling Haaland has signed a new 10-year contract at the club, extending his stay at the Etihad until 2034.
The club confirmed Haaland’s renewal on their website on Friday morning ahead of the Premier League clash against Ipswich Town on Sunday.
He has enjoyed a successful two-and-a-half season since joining the Club from Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2022.
In his first season, he led the club to an historic treble, scoring 52 goals in all competitions – the biggest-ever tally by a Premier League player.
Haaland’s previous deal which included a release clause, had been due to expire in 2027 but the Norwegian forward has now committed his future to the club.
The length of Haaland’s new deal is the longest in the Premier League, overtaking the nine-year deal Cole Palmer signed with Chelsea in August.
He has now opened up on the reasons behind his staggering long-term deal at the Etihad Stadium, while praising the club and the coaching crew led by Pep Guardiola.
Haaland said: “I am really happy to have signed my new contract and to be able to look forward to spending even more time at this great Club.
“Manchester City is a special Club, full of fantastic people with amazing supporters and it’s the type of environment that helps bring the best out of everybody.
“I also want to thank Pep, his coaching staff, my teammates and everyone at the Club as they have all helped me so much in the past couple of years. They have made this such a special place to be and now I am City no matter what.
“I want to keep developing, keep working to get better and look to do my best to try and help us achieve more success going forward.”
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Similarly, Man City’s Director of Football Txiki Begiristain expressed his delight at the new deal, praising Haaland’s dedication, professionalism, and humility.
He said: “Everyone at the Club is absolutely delighted that Erling has signed his new contract. The fact he is signed for so long demonstrates our commitment to him as a player, and his love of this club.
“He has made an incredible impact already in his time here and his amazing numbers and records speak for themselves.
“But in addition to his outstanding natural talent and ability, Erling’s dedication, professionalism, humility and desire to keep getting better sum up what we all strive to achieve at Manchester City.
Haaland has won the Golden Boot and a host of other prestigious individual honours including the PFA Player of the Year prize, the Premier League Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year awards as well as the Football Writers’ Association Player of the Year since joining the club in 2022.
He has already scored 16 goals in just 21 Premier League appearances to date, and 21 goals across all competitions from 28 games.
In total, Haaland has scored 111 goals in 126 games in all competitions for Manchester City. He already sits 15th on the Club’s list of all-time leading scorers.
A TikTok influencer was arrested for allegedly poisoning and torturing her baby daughter to receive donations and boost online followers.
Footage shows the 34-year-old Australian mum crying as cops put handcuffs on her before bundling the social media personality into a police car.
The Queensland woman has been charged with child exploitation after “administering poison with intent to harm”.
She is also accused of defrauding donors of £30,000 via GoFundMe.
The woman is said to have given her child unauthorised prescription and pharmacy medicines to make her sick, according to the cops.
She had reportedly been recording her child’s battle with a terminal illness on social media
However, authorities allege that she was instead drugging her one-year-old baby and then filming her while she was in “immense distress and pain”.
She was first reported by the medical staff during one of the child’s hospital stays in October last year after experiencing “severe emotional and physical distress and harm”.
Cops said in a statement: “The woman carefully concealed her continued efforts to administer the unauthorised medicines until the matter was detected and reported to police by medical staff from a hospital in Brisbane’s south while the child was admitted.
“While the child was being subject to immense distress and pain, it is alleged the woman filmed and posted videos of the child.”
They allege the woman ignored medical advice and “went to lengths to obtain unauthorised medicines”, which included old medications prescribed to another person in the home.
The woman then took photos and videos of her child to “entice monetary donations and online followers”.
Tests for unauthorised medicines in the child’s system returned a positive result later in January, the police said.
The mum is now under police custody and is expected to appear before Brisbane Magistrates Court on Friday, Jan. 17.
Cops claim the child would have become “gravely ill” and “could have died” if she had stayed in the accused’s care.
Queensland Police Inspector Paul Dalton said: “[There are] no words for how repulsive offences of this nature are.
“We will do everything in our power to remove that child from harm’s way and hold any offender to account.
“There is no excuse for harming a child, especially not a one-year-old infant who is reliant on others for care and survival.”
Detectives have uncovered a chilling handwritten note detailing a Kenyan man’s premeditated plan for his estranged wife’s m8rder.
LIB reported that Juma Hannis Shimano allegedly stabbed Winnie Akhalusa, to d3ath before taking rat poison and slitting his throat.
It was gathered that the couple had separated a week before the incident.
Juma was said to have travelled from Nairobi to Winnie’s parent’s house in Nandi county and m8rdered her in the kitchen.
The blood-soaked document discovered on the murder scene listed items required for the act, an attack strategy, and an intended cover-up.
This revelation has sent shockwaves across the community as the country grapples with the tragic incident.
In the days before the incident, Juma posted an unsettling update on Facebook, showcasing a photo of himself and his wife.
“Stop asking me about my wife. Here she is; I have revealed her and am not scared of losing her. Respect the OGs,” the post reads.
Witnesses and investigators suggest that tensions between the two had been brewing for some time, though the exact cause of the argument remains unclear.
Things took a dramatic turn for the couple on January 16 when a domestic dispute between the couple escalated.
Residents of Kibwareng village, where Juma hailed from, were left in disbelief as the grim news unfolded.
The couple, who had once seemed happy, left behind children now orphaned by the heartbreaking incident.
Authorities continue to investigate the incident, piecing together the circumstances leading to the couple’s tragic end.
Winnie’s father was enjoying his grandchildren’s company as they read their books when his wife told him there was a problem in the kitchen.
The 32-year-old man had accessed the kitchen and allegedly stabbed their daughter in the neck and back, and blood was oozing from her body.
He then threw the children’s birth certificate at the elderly man, who started fighting with him in a bid to stop the attack.
At that point, Winnie cried out to her father that her husband had killed her before she breathed her last.
Brazilian football star, Neymar has revealed that Kylian Mbappe was “jealous” of Lionel Messi after the Argentine signed for Paris Saint-Germain in 2021.
Neymar made his comments in a new podcast show hosted by legendary Brazilian striker Romario.Asked whether Mbappé, who joined Real Madrid this season, “is annoying”?
Neymar said: “No, he is not. I have my things with him, we had a little fight, but he was fundamental to us when he arrived. I used to call him Golden Boy.
“I always played with him, said he was going to be one of the best. I always helped, talked to him, he came to my place, we had dinner together.
“We had some good years of partnership, but after Messi came he was a little jealous. He didn’t want to split me with anyone. And then there were some fights, a change in behavior.”
Both Neymar and Mbappe joined PSG in 2017 from Barcelona and AS Monaco, respectively. Neymar also said that big egos affected the performances of PSG in big matches.
“It is good to have egos, but you have to know that you don’t play alone,” Neymar said.
“There needs to be another guy by your side. [Big] egos were almost everywhere, it can’t work. If nobody runs and nobody helps, it is impossible to win anything.”
On his decision to join Barcelona ahead of Real Madrid Neymar said that he has no regret.
“I don’t regret my choice to pick Barcelona over Real Madrid. I went with my heart there.
“I obviously wanted to play with Messi! Barça was the team I loved. I always watched, since the era of Ronaldinho I always said: I want to play there. It happened”.
“Those were intense days. It was 2 or 3 days where I wasn’t even training, just going from my house to the office to resolve this.
“It was Real Madrid’s people calling me from one side & Barcelona’s people calling me from the other. Both presidents were talking to me. I couldn’t rationalize. I imagined myself playing for both… But then my heart spoke louder. I ended up choosing Barcelona.”
Wendy Williams’ family has launched a GoFundMe to raise $50,000 so they can free the star from the ‘loneliness and deep isolation’ of her conservatorship.
According to The U.S. Sun, the fundraiser was created on January 15 by the family of the American television host, 60.
It was launched just before Williams called into The Breakfast Club to plead for her freedom from the controversial guardianship, which she compared to a ‘prison.’
Wendy was placed under a court-ordered legal guardianship that oversees both her finances and health in May 2022.
The GoFundMe campaign has so far raised $12,171 of its $50,000 goal. A heartwarming photo on the fundraiser page shows Wendy with her niece Alex Finnie.
The description of the GoFundMe reads: ‘For far too long, Wendy has faced the challenges of being unjustly placed under guardianship and labeled as incapacitated, despite her strong will and determination to live her life independently.’
It goes on: ‘Her current situation is not only unfair but also deeply isolating. The guardian assigned to her has severed her connections with friends and family, leaving her without the support network she so desperately needs.’
‘This isolation in New York has made it increasingly difficult for her to maintain her strength and resilience.’
‘Wendy’s family is passionately advocating for her return to Florida, whlabelledere she can once again be surrounded by the love and support of those who care about her. They are suffering emotionally as they witness the toll her isolation is taking on her well-being.’
The description continued: ‘Unfortunately, they have exhausted their financial resources in their fight against this unjust guardianship and are in dire need of assistance to secure legal representation. Legal services can be prohibitively expensive, and without our support, they may struggle to navigate the complexities of the situation.’
‘Your generous contribution can make a profound difference! By uniting in solidarity, we can help speed up Wendy’s homecoming and ensure she no longer has to endure the pain of loneliness and disconnection.’
‘It is essential that she is not left to suffer in silence in New York while her family is waiting for her return to the warm embrace of Florida, where she truly belongs. Let’s come together to support Wendy and her family during this critical time!’
The GoFundMe page is titled ‘Support Wendy Williams’ Fight for Independence.’
The mother of one was diagnosed with aphasia and frontotemporal dementia in May 2023.
A Pakistan court on Friday, January 17, convicted former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, in a landmark corruption case, sentencing Khan to 14 years in prison.
Khan has been in custody since August 2023 facing around 200 charges, and his supporters claim the conviction is part of an effort to pressure him into stepping away from politics. “I will neither make any deal nor seek any relief,” Khan told reporters inside the courtroom after the verdict.
The anti-graft court, which convened in the jail where Khan is being held near Islamabad, found the couple guilty of corruption linked to a welfare foundation they established, called the Al-Qadir Trust. “The prosecution has proven its case. Khan is convicted,” Judge Nasir Javed Rana announced, sentencing Khan to 14 years and his wife, Bibi, to seven years.
Bibi, a faith healer who was recently released on bail, was arrested immediately after the conviction, according to her spokeswoman, Mashal Yousafzai. Khan’s party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has vowed to challenge the verdict in court.
The conviction follows a rare meeting between PTI leaders and government officials the day before, aimed at easing the country’s political tensions. Khan, who maintains that all charges against him are politically motivated, has repeatedly stated that the cases are designed to prevent his return to power. He has faced four prior convictions, two of which were overturned, while the others had their sentences suspended.
Despite the legal setbacks, Khan has remained defiant. The Al-Qadir Trust case is the longest-running charge against him, alongside other charges related to inciting protests. The court’s decision had been delayed three times, leading some analysts to speculate that behind-the-scenes negotiations were taking place.
Earlier this month, Khan claimed he had been “indirectly approached” about the possibility of house arrest at his home on the outskirts of Islamabad, but he has consistently rejected such offers, vowing to fight his legal battles in court.
Analysts suggest that Pakistan’s powerful military remains a significant influence in the country’s politics, despite the military’s denial of interference. Khan’s continued popularity is seen as a challenge to the current coalition government, which has faced criticism for keeping the PTI out of power following the 2022 elections.
Khan has been barred from running in the February election, and PTI’s chances were further limited by a government crackdown. Though PTI won more seats than any other party, a coalition of parties considered more aligned with the military establishment shut them out of power. A United Nations panel of experts had previously stated that Khan’s detention appeared to lack legal basis and seemed designed to disqualify him from running for political office.
Aretired 63-year-old Black cop is suing American Airlines for racial discrimination, alleging he was wrongfully accused of trafficking his 34-year-old wife during their honeymoon flight.
Anthony Williams claims he was racially profiled while traveling from Arizona to Florida with his new wife, Katsiaryna Shasholka, who is Russian.
The couple had taken beautiful photos after boarding their flight but were detained by police as they landed in Florida, as per a Daily Mail report.
According to the lawsuit, a fellow passenger suspected Shasholka was being trafficked and alerted the flight crew, who reached out to the police without questioning the couple.
Williams alleges that American Airlines staff escorted the couple off the plane in full view of other passengers, and it left him and his wife confused as to what was happening to them.
“They were made to wait confused and embarrassed as the other passengers deplaned and walked by them,” the lawsuit states. The couple was then questioned by officers from the Miami-Dade Police Department, who detained them briefly before releasing them.
“There was nothing in our interactions the entire flight that would be indicative of somebody who was being held against their will,” Williams told The Independent.
“We were just two people having a good time.” The Black cop and his wife are now seeking more than $75,000 in damages. Williams’ attorney is Jasmine Rand, who previously represented the families of George Floyd and Trayvon Martin, and described the incident as a “heinous” example of racial profiling.
“My client is a retired police officer,” Rand said. “He spent his life fighting crime, and now to be accused of a crime so heinous as trafficking his own wife is unfathomable. He is committed to fighting for justice for himself and for others that have suffered racial discrimination at the hands of American Airlines.”
The lawsuit also claims there is a broader pattern of racial profiling, and referenced incidents from the past involving American Airlines.
Back in September 2023, musician David Ryan Harris, John Mayer’s former guitarist, was accused of trafficking his own children and detained when they landed in Los Angeles.
In another case, three Black men who were strangers to one another were removed from a flight after a passenger complained about “offensive body odor” in another case. The men later filed a lawsuit and settled confidentially.
Williams’ case adds up to growing criticism of American Airlines and raises questions about racial profiling and what passengers of color often go through on a flight.
China’s population has continued to decline for the third consecutive year in 2024, with the number of deaths surpassing the slight increase in births.
According to the National Bureau of Statistics, the country’s total population fell by 1.39 million to 1.408 billion, down from 1.409 billion in 2023. This marks another year of worrying demographic trends, with experts warning that the decline will accelerate in the years to come.
The latest data underscores concerns about the long-term challenges facing the world’s second-largest economy. As the working-age population shrinks, there are increasing pressures from rising elderly care costs and pension liabilities, which are expected to strain already heavily indebted local governments.
China recorded 9.54 million births in 2024, up slightly from 9.02 million in 2023, marking a rise in the birth rate to 6.77 births per 1,000 people, compared to 6.39 per 1,000 the previous year. However, the number of deaths also decreased to 10.93 million in 2024 from 11.1 million in 2023, highlighting the ongoing demographic challenges.
The country’s declining birth rates have been a long-standing issue, exacerbated by the one-child policy, which was in effect from 1980 to 2015, and rapid urbanization. Much like neighbouring Japan and South Korea, many Chinese people have moved from rural farms to cities, where the high cost of living makes having children more financially burdensome.
Further contributing to the population decline, young people face job insecurity and a slowing economy, leading to delays in marriage and family formation. Additionally, gender discrimination and traditional expectations for women to prioritize domestic duties have intensified the issue, according to demographers.
“Much of China’s population decline is rooted in entrenched structural reasons: Without fundamental structural transformations – from enhancing the social safety net to eliminating gender discrimination – the trend of population decline cannot be reversed,” said Yun Zhou, an assistant professor of sociology at the University of Michigan.
A temporary boost in births was seen in 2024, following a 12.4% rise in marriages in 2023, which had been delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, demographers predict that birth rates will likely decline again in 2025, as marriages are closely linked to childbirth in China, where many single women have limited access to child-raising benefits.
In response to the demographic crisis, Chinese authorities have introduced measures to encourage higher birth rates. In December 2024, they urged universities to incorporate “marriage and love education” into their curricula to promote positive views on marriage, love, fertility, and family. The state council has also rallied local governments to invest in initiatives to address the population crisis and encourage childbearing at the “right age.”
The challenges ahead are stark, with the number of women of reproductive age expected to fall by more than two-thirds, dropping below 100 million by the end of the century. Meanwhile, the population aged 60 and over is projected to grow to more than 400 million by 2035, up from around 280 million today, placing additional strain on the pension system. The Chinese Academy of Sciences has warned that the country’s pension system may run out of funds by 2035.
In 2024, about 22% of China’s population, or 310.31 million people, were aged 60 or older, an increase from 296.97 million in 2023. Urbanization continued at a rapid pace, with the urban population rising by 10.83 million to 943.3 million, while the rural population fell to 464.78 million.
Lawyers for impeached South Korean President, Yoon Suk Yeol failed in their court effort to secure his release on Thursday, January 16, a day after he was detained at his residence for questioning over rebellion allegations linked to his martial law declaration last month.
Yoon was sent to a detention centre near the country’s capital, Seoul, after undergoing more than 10 hours of questioning on Wednesday, January 15 at the headquarters of the Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials, during which he exercised his right to remain silent. Yoon refused further questioning by the anti-corruption officials on Thursday as his lawyers maintained that the investigation was illegal.
Lawyers had asked the Seoul Central District Court to consider his release, questioning the validity of the detention warrant for Yoon issued by the Seoul Western District Court but the Central District Court denied their petition late Thursday night.
Yoon had avoided several requests to appear for questioning before the anti-corruption agency and police carried out a major law enforcement operation involving hundreds of personnel to detain him at his residential compound in Seoul.
Investigators are expected to move to place him under arrest in the coming days.
The anti-corruption agency, which is leading a joint investigation with the police and the military over whether Yoon’s martial law declaration amounted to attempted rebellion, has 48 hours either to request a court order for his formal arrest or to release him.
On Thursday, his lawyers formally declared that Wednesday’s raid at the presidential residence, which led to the detention of a head of state, was illegal, in complaints filed with prosecutors.
Yoon didn’t attend a hearing at the Central District Court on Thursday, which was part of the review over his detention warrant, because of security concerns, according to Seok Dong-hyeon, one of the president’s lawyers.
Hundreds of Yoon’s supporters rallied for hours in streets near the court and the detention centre where Yoon was being held, waving banners and chanting slogans calling for his release.
Yoon set off the country’s most serious political crisis since its democratization in the late 1980s when he attempted to break through the gridlock in legislation by declaring martial law and deploying troops around the National Assembly on December 3.
The standoff lasted only hours before lawmakers managed to get through the blockade and voted to lift the measure.
His presidential powers were suspended when the opposition-dominated assembly voted to impeach him on December 14, accusing him of rebellion. His fate now rests with the Constitutional Court, which has begun deliberating on whether to formally remove Yoon from office or reject the charges and reinstate him.
In a video message recorded shortly before he was escorted to the headquarters of the anti-corruption agency, Yoon lamented that the “rule of law has completely collapsed in this country.” He echoed the arguments of his lawyers that the anti-corruption agency doesn’t have the authority to investigate his actions but said that he accepted detention to prevent violence.
If prosecutors indict Yoon on the possible charges of rebellion and abuse of power, he could remain under arrest until the first court ruling, which is typically made within six months, said Park Sung-bae, an attorney specializing in criminal law. Under South Korean law, the leader of a rebellion can face the death penalty or life imprisonment, if convicted.
PR GIRL MEDIA DISCONTINUES AS MANAGEMENT OF MISS UNIVERSE ZAMBIA IN 2025
We regret to inform the general public, media and our existing stakeholders of our decision to withdraw from the management of Miss Universe Zambia in 2025. The international global pageant was entrusted to us in 2024 and we successfully crowned a delegate in September 2024 who went on to represent Zambia on the global stage in Mexico in November 2024.
Brandina Lubuli as Miss Universe Zambia 2024 has since acquired multiple brand endorsements, become an advocate for positive change in our community and is a beacon of national pride and hope for many young women across the country.
We extend our immense gratitude to the pageant society, the media and our corporate partners for their support in Miss Universe Zambia 2024. The decision to discontinue management in 2025 will not cause any disturbances to the on-going activities and endorsements under the Miss Universe Zambia 2024 title which is currently held by Ms Brandina Lubuli and managed by PR Girl Media.
Our decision to withdraw from the international pageant comes after careful consideration of our company and the various projects that demand our attention to expanding the business and ensuring its growth. Our trajectory as a Lifestyle PR Agency since 2016 has been to contribute to the promotion of Zambian fashion and entertainment with a keen focus on events such as the Lusaka July which is currently Zambia’s leading fashion event and in its 10th year of existence.
Following a successful year of 2024, it is with excitement and enthusiasm that we approach the new year of 2025 and all the opportunities that it has to offer. We have announced the scheduled dates for our signature events namely; Safari Picnic, Lusaka July, Beervlle and Penthouse Fashion Brunch – We look forward to sharing further details of these iconic experiences with our cherished and esteemed community.
..President Hichilema must immediately withdraw the name of Judge Evans Hamaundu until the corruption allegations against him are resolved..
Amb. Emmanuel Mwamba wrote;
Despite serious allegations of corruption against retiring Judge, Justice Evans Hamaundu, President Hakainde Hichilema has proceeded to appoint him as head of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).
To our knowledge, there is still an active complaint against Justice Hamaundu at the Judicial Complaints Commission (JCC).
MARITIME Freight and Forwarding Limited Managing Director Misheck Chatora lodged a complaint before the Judicial Complaints Commission against four Supreme Court judges over the manner they handled an appeal case between his company and Zambia Breweries.
Chatora, who complained against judges Micheal Musonda, Evans Hamaundu, Roydah Kaoma and Nigel Mutuna and argued that the Judges abused their judicial authority by delivering a fraudulent Judgment in favour of Zambian Breweries.
He said he had initially approached Judge Hamaundu, who he said had earlier asked him for a K20, 000, with a complaint regarding the Judgment but was assured that he had won and Zambian Breweries had lost.
Chatora has always accused the JCC Chairperson, Vincent Malambo SC of shielding the corrupt judges that solicited for a bribe from him and for being selective in the manner the JCC handled the case with selection.
Chatora also complained against Judge Timothy Katenekwa stating that he also paid him $5,000 after he demanded for the same as gratification for the court case he was going to hear.
In January 2024, President Hichilema removed Judge Katenekwa after the JCC made recommendations after hearing Chatora’s complaint.
But the matter of Hamaundu and others have not been heard or resolved.
We remember that when Thom Shamakamba was appointed as Director General of the ACC, there were serious concerns and aproar against the appointment especially from the Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) and others.
But President Hichilema ignored the concerns with proud obstinacy and we all know what happened.
It is therefore imperative that Judge Hamaundu’s name is quickly withdrawn from ratification until the corruption allegations against him are investigated and resolved or he is cleared.
It unthinkable that a man accused of corruption can head an anti-Corruption body.
A person heading the ACC must be above and beyond reproach or suspicions.
The Horrific Case of Sylvia Mutoba Kalaba – The Woman Who Kept Her Dead Husband’s Body for Two Years on Her Bed! An analysis by Rev Walter Mwambazi
Unless you crawled from under a rock, the news is out there, and social media is awash with the story! I had taken time before writing so that I could gather some details on the case. My experience has been that such developing stories tend to take some very interesting twists and so one must be cautious before drawing any conclusions.
I will get into my analysis and leave a write up of the details in the comments so as not to end up with a super long post.
The Big Question
Why would someone opt to keep the dead body of her husband in her house, and go to lengths to not inform any relatives, friends or neighbors of their fate? The case is so bizarre because many wondered what trick she used to ensure the smell of such a body isn’t discernible. How did she make that happen? And the biggest question, what was the benefit of such a deed? Why did the daughters seemingly comply with the macabre deeds of their mother?
That’s four questions which I shall attempt to answer without drifting off course.
✍ #1 Why did she not report the death of her husband to the authorities and relatives?
A: This remains absolutely bizarre. The reason behind why this case has raised such a storm on social media. No ordinary person would not report a death to relatives and authorities and host a funeral.
Instead she opted to keep the body in the house. What a shocking thing to do! Whatever the truth will turn out to be, no one can be blamed for the speculations and wild tales that are currently doing the rounds.
Whatever the case, I would like to know if keeping a dead body without reporting it to the authorities is an actual crime in Zambia under what caps of the law.
We remain bamboozled in all honesty.
✍ #2 How did she manage to mask the smell for that long?
According to Meta AI, here is the process of decay and what happens – taken from various web sources.
The process of decay, also known as decomposition, is a complex and multi-stage process. Here’s a general overview of the decomposition of a human body from death to skeleton:
Stage 1: Autolysis (0-3 days) – After death, the body’s cells begin to break down, releasing enzymes that digest tissues. – Soft tissues like skin, muscles, and organs start to liquefy.
Stage 2: Putrefaction (3-14 days) – Bacteria from the gut and environment begin to feed on the body’s tissues, producing gases like methane, hydrogen sulfide, and ammonia. – The body starts to swell, and a strong, unpleasant odor becomes apparent.
Stage 3: Active Decay (14-30 days) – Bacteria continue to break down tissues, releasing more gases and creating a stronger odor. – Soft tissues continue to liquefy, and the body starts to take on a more skeletal appearance.
Stage 4: Advanced Decay (30-180 days) – The body’s soft tissues continue to break down, leaving behind bones, cartilage, and other connective tissue. – The odor begins to fade as the body’s tissues are consumed by bacteria and other organisms.
Stage 5: Dry Decay (180+ days) – The body’s tissues have largely been consumed, leaving behind a skeleton. – The skeleton may still be held together by ligaments, tendons, and other connective tissue.
Regarding the odor, it’s difficult to pinpoint an exact timeframe for when the smell will dissipate, as it depends on various factors, such as:
– Environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, airflow) – Presence of insects, bacteria, and other decomposers – Body composition and health at the time of death
However, as a general guideline, the strong, unpleasant odor associated with decomposition typically peaks around 3-14 days after death and begins to fade significantly after 30-60 days.
In this scenario, assuming the body remains on a bed over a period of eighteen months, the odor would likely have dissipated significantly within the first few months. However, some residual odor might still be present due to the presence of bacteria, mold, and other microorganisms that can continue to break down the body’s tissues.
Keep in mind that this is a general outline, and the actual decomposition process can vary significantly depending on the specific circumstances.
Based on the above, I deeply doubt that body was in the house. The deceased must have perished elsewhere, and later on the body brought to the house. As seen from the explanation, it would have been impossible to mask that smell unless.
They used formaldehyde and other such embalming fluids to preserve the body. But then we know that it would not “rot” per se and so presents another serious conundrum.
My money is the body was brought from elsewhere after significant decay had taken place (six months).
Only time will tell as more facts emerge.
✍ #3 Why did she keep that body in the house?
This is the million dollar question.
Well, according to one of the brothers of the deceased at the burial of his brother according to a report filed by both Kalemba and other leading online platforms, the wife claims she kept his body on instructions from her “spiritual leader” for her to harness power for her prophetic ministry. Apparently by keeping the deceased body, she was instructed that she would harness power in order to make her ministry effective.
Whilst we await the actual truth from authorities via official statement, this cannot be discounted. Reports indicate that she was hosting prayer meetings at the house, with a dead body (skeleton) within the same premises unbeknownst to those in attendance.
It is further alleged that many were able to receive their “miracles” and get help, this according to her own words as reported by the brother to the news sources.
Whilst that sounds astounding, it is not surprising. I have repeatedly warned people on this page about these self styled prophets and magicians running “gatherings” with questionable credentials. Many are using actual sorcery and in this case, necromancy to harness otherworldly powers.
The above is not unique to her as I am personally aware of a number of these self styled prophets here in Zambia and from known countries within Africa who utilize different types of powers based on magick specifically soothsaying, sexual satanic ritual abuse, demonic altars, the summoning and conjuring of angels and other dark arts including necromancy. The utilization of dead bodies and various body parts for witchcraft is nothing new as it’s a standard practice in witchcraft and dark rituals centered around demonology.
The above is the only seemingly justifiable reasons for such a gruesome set of events. We shall soon learn the truth as the story develops.
✍ #4 Why did the daughters comply with such a macabre deeds?
The only answer to this one that makes sense is that their mother manipulated them into this. As we all know, many fathers (men) don’t have good relationships with their wives and children as they tend to be distant when it comes to time spent and fellowship.
The cultural mindset is that for as long as one has provided, they have demonstrated their love. Unfortunately this couldn’t be further from the truth. The reality is that many family members suffer from perceived abandonment. It is the reason why many men suffer a retaliation of the same in their retirement years because when they are ready to connect as a family, their children and wife are strangers.
I believe that the ladies (daughters to the deceased) were manipulated into silence and compliance by a very manipulative and strongly influential mother. And because he may have already had a non-existent negative relationship with his children only ending at courtesies, he may have been demonized by the wife to his children.
What obviously remains mind boggling is the level of compliance. But knowing what I know about cultic behaviour and the power of mind control, I am not surprised.
Again, the truth will become known soon enough.
Conclusion
Seeing this case is still a developing story, we can honestly just wait for the truth to come through once all relevant authorities are done with their inquiries and investigations.
It is tempting (as can already be seen) to draw all manner of conclusions, but only the final truth will tell us what the reality on the ground was.
As Africans, we cannot rule our high levels of superstition and speculation. Whether it turns out that witchcraft and sorcery is involved, or it’s simply a deeply disturbed individual like the types we watch on Discovery ID, only time will bring to light the true extent of the horrors witnessed and the real answers to the above four questions.
Truly wonders shall never cease!
PS: As a watchman, I still stand to warn as I always do the extent of false prophets and magicians on the pulpits with their shrines where dark power is summoned to hoodwink gullible sheeple.
Please remember, not everyone who calls on the Lord and claims to be a servant of God with self styled titles of “Prophet” or “Prophetess” is what they claim to be! Deception is now at an all time high and many of you reading this are already being deceived.
My warnings are labelled as “bitter” and “pharisaical” and that “I fight fellow men of God”! Yet I know better. I know what is going on with many of them. If I revealed what I know, the harm on the faith of many would be greater than the remedy of warning. It is better they learn for themselves and discover the truth on their own.
And so as such, I opt to speak out against activities for most of them except the obviously wicked ones like the ones I have mentioned in the past!
Please beware!
Picture Credits: 1. Supposed picture of the key person, Mrs Sylvia Mutoba Kalaba 2. The house where this bizzare incident took place 3. The recent burial ceremony of the remains of her husband George Kalaba aka Zanaco
WE’VE BEEN VINDICATED BY TIZ ON UPND’S FRAUDULENT BY-ELECTION VICTORIES
We are grateful that stakeholders such as Transparency International Zambia (TIZ) have pointed to UPND’s vote buying during the Kawambwa by election.
The stance taken by TIZ and other stakeholders who have voiced their concerns is welcome and a clear vindication of what we have been talking about. We have always insisted that the by-elections that are being held by the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) are nothing but a fraud, a waste of money and time.
We have been participating in these by-elections since 2021 and experiencing the same violent, vote buying, and fraudulent conduct by the UPND, which the ECZ and police don’t seem to be able to do anything meaningful about.
We have been victims of UPND violence in most of these by-elections, but we, the victims, have ended up being arrested and detained by police but never prosecuted. We have reported many incidents of UPND violence against us to police but not a single arrest or prosecution to date. We have been attacked by UPND cadres in front of police officers and even in a police post, but no arrests and prosecutions. The police can’t act against UPND violence. But they are very quick to arrest us when we try to defend ourselves.
The UPND leaders (including Cabinet ministers and District Commissioners), and cadres do as they please. They have no respect for ECZ campaign timetables. They go where they want, even if it is not their day to be there. Complaints are made to ECZ, but nothing changes. They take over government buildings and set up their campaign camps there with impunity. They use government motor vehicles in their campaigns. They simply remove the registration plates.
District Commissioners, permanent secretaries and presidential aides, who are civil servants, are always part of their campaign teams, using government motor vehicles, often with registration plates removed.
Even the buying of votes is seen as something normal by the UPND. The Minister of Sports, Mr Elvis Nkandu does it openly, he doesn’t even hide, and he has earned himself the name of ba Tantameni.
The truth is, there is a total collapse of the electoral system. It’s a total fraud- they are not free, fair, and peaceful, and don’t reflect the will of the people. And if things are not corrected now, we are headed for a disastrous general elections in 2026.
It is clear that the UPND are bad students of history, they haven’t learned something from past governments, who used to ‘win’ almost all the by-elections they engineered but lost all in the general elections!
But this impunity, criminality and abuse of power, coupled with excitement (ukusamwa) we are seeing in the UPND leadership especially Cabinet ministers and cadres will backfire very badly.
Zambia Police can detained as suspects as long as investigations are on-going.
Yet the Constitution prohibits arbitrary arrest and detention. It also provided for the right of any person to challenge the lawfulness of their arrest or detention in court.
We know he is UPND.
But when he was appointed as Attorney General, we expected him to be professional and discharge his duties with a sacred responsibility imposed by the Constitution.
L But under his office, he has facilitated over K47million illegal compensations to be paid to UPND cadres who were facing criminal cases that were discontinued on a Nolle Prosequi basis and stand an active chance to be reopened.
But it is his false claim in the latest United States Country Report on Human Rights Practices in Zambia that the Constitution of Zambia allows prolonged detentions and allows the Zambia Police to detain suspects as long as investigations were on-going and remained inconclusive!
The Report states that; “In August Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha claimed that the law allowed authorities to detain a suspect for as long as investigations remained inconclusive and stated that detained individuals only had to be presented before court 48hours after conclusion of the investigation, rather than after arrest”
Article 13 (3) of the Constitution states that no one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest or detention.
The Criminal Procedure Code (Section 33) also stipulates that suspects must be brought before court within 24hrs.
“33. Detention of persons arrested without warrant When any person has been taken into custody without a warrant for an offence other than an offence punishable with death, the officer in charge of the police station to which such person shall be brought may, in any case, and shall, if it does not appear practicable to bring such person before an appropriate competent court within twenty-four hours after he was so taken into custody, inquire into the case, and, unless the offence appears to the officer to be of a serious nature, release the person, on his executing a bond, with or without sureties, for a reasonable amount, to appear before a competent court at a time and place to be named in the bond: but, where any person is retained in custody, he shall be brought before a competent court as soon as practicable”.
This matter has been resolved and settled by the Supreme Court in the cases of; 1. Daniel Chizoka Mbandagoma v Attorney General (1979) Z.R. 45 (H.C.). 2. In Re Siuluta & Three Others (1979) Z.R. 18 (H.C.). 3. Attorney General and Others v Masauso Phiri (SCZ Appeal No. 161 of 2014). 4. Simposya v Eric Masauso Phiri and others (SCZ Appeal No. 158 of 2009).
“It is improper for the police to detain persons pending further investigations without bringing them before court as soon as practicable, but it is equally improper to require persons released on bond to present themselves at the police station for the same purpose…”
Apostle instructed to keep my hubby’s dead body for powers, Garden woman tells family
THE elder brother to late George Kalaba whose skeletal remains were discovered on his matrimonial bed recently in Garden Compound has revealed more about his sister-in-law who is accused of killing the deceased nearly two years ago.
Davies Kalaba while at Mutumbu Cemetery following the burial of George’s skeleton, told a group of journalists at the sight that his brother’s wife, Sylvia Kalaba denied killing her husband, claiming that he died of an Asthma attack.
According to Davies, Sylvia said she kept George’s body following an instruction from a foreign Papa to help her have supernatural powers on her path to become a prophetess and build a church.
“We knew our brother for a very long time and he was never asthmatic. He was a very healthy person,” Davies disagreed with Sylvia’s claims.
“She had intentions of opening up her own church. And they would even conduct prayers in the same house with the same foreign pastor, so they knew what they did to my brother.”
Davies further revealed that upon inspection of the bones, the family noticed that they were very white than usual, suggesting that Sylvia used to clean them.
Meanwhile, a postmortem was carried out on Wednesday to determine the real cause of George’s death but the results are yet to be ready.
Police Spokesperson, Rae Hamoonga told Kalemba in an interview that a pathologist took out some samples from the deceased but a conclusion on the results is yet to be ascertain, which will in turn drag the investigations’ time.
“Due to the delay in the results, Sylvia and her four daughters remain in police custody because they are still suspects until police know exactly the cause of death of the deceased,” said Hamoonga.
Yesterday, George’s family and friends gathered at Mutumbi Cemetery to pay their last respect to him with a burial.
Unfortunately, none of his immediate family members which include his wife and four daughters were present as they are all locked up in police custody as investigations continue.
“We will always cherish the memories we had together, from family gatherings to the quick moments of advise,” said his niece, Catharine Kalaba.
“Only God knew when we would find you. We suffered searching and looking for you until God himself revealed were you were. Go well my friend, go well,” said George’s friend, Harrison Wasa.
IS IT RULE OF LAW OR RULE BY LAWFARE, ASKS NDOLA BASED CLERGY
By Rev Chilekwa Mulenga
Friday 17th January, 2025
His Excellency the President Dr Hakainde Hichilema should take keen interest in the arrests of those perceived to be critics of his government by the Zambia Police Service. The operations of the Police on the arrests of those with dissenting views has the potential to dent President Hichilema’s administration in the eyes of the majority of Zambians and the international community on human rights violations.
We ask this administration under President Hichilema to consider the following critical questions in light of recent arrests on citizens such as Pastor Duncan Simuchimba, Hon Jay Emmanuel Banda, Hon. Mumbi Phiri and Hon. Binwell Mpundu to mention but a few;
1. Why does the sedition law seem to be wielded against those critical of President Hichilema and his government?
2. What makes UPND cadres immune to sedition while other Zambians are thrown behind bars?
3. Has the Police become a political machinery for the UPND administration?
4. Is the arrest of Hon Mumbi Phiri and Hon Binwell Mpundu about the law or lawfare?
5. Who is issuing instructions to the Police to arrest perceived political opponents on alleged seditious practice?
6. How in God’s name did the Police arrive at charging Hon Mumbi Phiri with aggravated robbery case?
7. Are people who are saying the UPND government has violated the rights of many citizens wrong?
We respectfully remind President Hichilema that selective justice is not just unfair; it is a direct injury on democracy and therefore should be frowned upon. The Zambia Police should be encouraged to uphold the rule of law without fear or favor in line with the pronouncements made by His Excellency the President. If sedition applies to Hon Mpundu for a legitimate call to action in defense of personal safety, then why have the hate-filled, violence-promoting UPND cadres who openly insulted and threatened the Fifth Republican President Dr Edgar Lungu gone untouched? How about the comments made by the then opposition leader Mr Hichilema about self defence? Did that amount to sedition?
On the 24th of August, 2021 during the inauguration of the Republican President at the packed National Heroes Stadium, the following were promised and we quote; “We said Bally and team will fix our economy, but we will do more than that. We will grow our economy so we can lift more people out of poverty than ever before. We will promote unity in diversity and ensure respect for the fundamental human rights and freedoms for all. We will restore the rule of law, general order in our public places and communities, and return our country back to normalcy,” said President Hichilema.
Let the Police enforce the law equally or the Police will be the reason for President Hichilema’s administration complete loss of credibility costing them votes. Why should cadres be the ones instructing Police to arrest some citizens? It happened during President Lungu it is happening under President Hichilema and unless measures are applied to correct the situation, the people may vote President Hichilema out for gross negligence. Don’t say you were not warned. Scripture admonishes us;
Pro 11:14 “Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety”
THE SYLVIA KALABA STORY: A Tragic Exposé of the Church’s Decline Under the Prosperity Gospel
The heart-wrenching and shocking story of Lusaka Prophetess, Sylvia Kalaba, who reportedly cohabited with her husband’s corpse for 18 months under the instruction of her Tanzanian based “spiritual father” to gain miraculous powers and attract crowds, serves as a wake-up call to the Church.
This tragedy highlights the urgent need for believers to turn back to the True Gospel. The false teachings of the so-called Prosperity Gospel — emphasizing wealth, possessions, and miracles — have led many astray, making them vulnerable to manipulative individuals masquerading as prophets, apostles, or pastors.
It is time for the Church, particularly within Pentecostal and Charismatic movements, to reclaim the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ—centered on His crucifixion, resurrection, and the salvation He offers.
The rise of such deceptions is a consequence of abandoning this foundational message for a superficial, materialistic message that leaves people spiritually impoverished and morally misguided.
Now is the moment for action. The Church must return to the Gospel, which is “the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16).
Let us remind ourselves of these essential truths:
✍️1. Jesus Christ is the Essence of the Gospel.
✍️2. Sound Doctrine is Non-Negotiable.
✍️3. The True Gospel is about Salvation from Sin, not Material Gain.
✍️4. The Gospel Brings Conviction, Leading to Repentance, Holiness, and Righteousness.
✍️5. The Gospel Calls Us to Moral Responsibility—First to God, Then to One Another.
✍️6. The Gospel Inspires Love for God and Neighbor.
✍️7. The Hope of the Gospel is Eternal Life, Not Perishable Possessions.
✍️8. The Gospel Reminds Us of Eternal Judgment, Where No Evil Escapes Divine Justice.
✍️9. The Gospel Instills Ethics and Values, Offering Freedom from Sin, Not Freedom to Sin.
✍️10. The Gospel is Christ-Centered, Not Miracle or Prophecy-Centered.
Ultimately, the reward of believing and living by the Gospel is the glory of eternity with Christ. This eternal hope motivates us to remain steadfast in our faith, regardless of circumstances.
Returning to the Gospel in its true essence will help save countless souls from the schemes of false teachers and spiritual exploitation.
Let us rise and return to the transformative power of the Gospel, proclaiming Christ crucified and resurrected for the salvation of humanity.
UPND RECEIVED PARTY LESS PEDESTRIAN, MWANAWINA LEFT CF IN 2023 – CHINTU
“Mawanawina resigned from CF in 2023, he can’t claim to have defected in 2025.”
Lusaka, January 17– Citizens First (CF) wishes to put the record straight that Mr. Kwibisa Mwanawina whom the UPND staged a welcome ceremony for yesterday, did not defect from CF as he resigned and ceased to be a party member in 2023.
Our party records show that Mr. Mwanawisa informed our party President Dr. Harry Kalaba of his resignation on 9th April, 2023 and he formally handed in his resignation letter to the Secretary General on 13th April 2023.
Therefore, it’s laughable that the UPND can show such desperation to parade someone who left CF almost two years ago and fake a defection.
This only goes to show that the outgoing UPND is dead scared of the unstoppable momentum of the CF and they are looking for very flimsy reasons to try and discredit the incoming government under the trusted leadership of Dr. Kalaba.
Commenting on yesterday’s purported defection, CF Secretary General, Mr. Vincent Chintu, dismissed what he termed an “imposter defection” saying what the UPND received was a “partyless pedestrian” who is looking for political relevance.
While it’s true that Mr. Mwanawina was once a party spokesperson, but the fact that CF has had two other spokespersons after him in the names of Frank Sichone and most recently Dalitso Tembo, shows how far back Mwanawina has been gone.
“It is morally wrong for someone who resigned from CF in 2023, to only come and make a fake defection claim in 2025, it just doesn’t make logical sense to any discerning mind,” he said, adding that he pits the UPND for accepting individuals joining the ruling party on false pretenses.
Mr. Chintu challenged Mwanawina to come clean and tell the truth that he left CF a long time ago and he cannot be promising to take members from a party where he doesn’t belong and has zero impact.
THE UNITED CHURCH OF ZAMBIA APPLAUD NEW DAWN GOVERNMENT
…..As Hon Chipoka mulenga officiate at the 60 years diamond jubilee thanks giving service of the church in mindolo,Kitwe.
Hon Chipoka mulenga, Chingola constituency MP, Minister of Commerce, trade and Industry,who represented the Republic President at the function in his keynote speech expressed the Presidential warm greetings to the entire church family and recognised the role of church play in the national unity and economy growth. He emphasised on the need of the church to continue providing critical prophetic voice to governance issues of the country as it’s play vital partnerships in development.
Hon Chipoka mulenga further sent the massage of goodwill on behalf of President who has so far contributed k250 000 towards the building of the Copperbelt presbytery united church of Zambia in mindolo and himself also contributed k50 000 toward various activities of the church.
In the spirit of Christianity and humanity, Mr Mupeta Ian also sowed a seed of k20000 toward the same church construction cost.
General secretary Rev chipasha musaba told the congregates and guest of honour that, the church appreciate the support of the new dawn government efforts of implementing policies which are aimed to alleviate the suffering of the people and provision of conducive working relationships with the church and it’s desire to respond to church calls at any given time.
The church has maintain it’s core value of promotion of social justice among it’s faithful and vulnerable community members in the society like education, economic activities,health care among others . He pointed out that all these have been success story for the past 60 years.
While a youth representative enchoed the need of the church to continue recognising the effort of the youths as leaders for today as they play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the church in the community and nation at large.
His grace synod bishop Festus chulu express happiness on many developmental success so far scored as a church. He reminds the congregates to bear mind that the climate change been experienced is real and hence the need of switching to the climate change method as a way mitigation measure of the crisis. He implore the Christian family to continue living in harmony and spreading of good news to all Human kind in line with what the bible mandate. He also informed the guests that the church will continue to partner with the government of the day in order to serve humanity better and for national unity.
The honourable MP who doubles as Minister of Commerce,trade and industries was accompanied by the Copper Provincial deputy secretary, Mr kamenga, kitwe mayor, chingola district upnd leadership led by vice chairman for administration,Bishop ,DR Ricky kamuwanga, top treasurer, Hon musonda mulenga Jeff, Chairlady, Mrs Mary Nyirenda, Vice secretary Mr Elijah Mwape and Deputy IPS, Mr Limata Willie.
CHURCH CONDEMNS RISE IN CASES OF WIVES KILLING THEIR HUSBANDS
BATTLE Cry for Zambia Founder Apostle Obrian Mayambu has called on the Church and marriage counsellors to put more emphasis on Conflict resolutions in marriages as they prepare couples for marriage.
Speaking in an interview with ZANIS news today, Apostle Mayambu stated that it makes sad readings to know the number of women who have continued committing suspected murder of their partners.
“As a church we are very much concerned about the happenings in the country where we have seen that women have been involved in the issues of murdering their spouse, it is contrary to our culture and Biblical values” Apostle Mayambu said.
He said couples should always strive to seek help whenever they are faced with a problem, they feel they are unable to resolve.
“People must not be able to take the law into their own hands to the extent of wanting to murder someone” Apostle Mayambu said.
The clergy said that pre-marital counselling should never be underplayed as it has been the case in the recent past as it plays a critical role in maintaining peace and order in homes.
Meanwhile Apostle Mayambu stated that there is need for the nation to go back to the drawing board and establish why olden days’ marriages lasted longer than the modern ones.
“People don’t understand the concept of marriage; you and I can attest that in the past we never used to marry someone you just met on the bus or at School it was parents who were choosing partners for children,” Apostle Mayambu said.
He said while many people would disagree with the old concept, it worked like magic to preserve homes.
“In the beginning it was God himself who was watching over Adam, it was God himself who gave Eve to Adam, Adam never gave himself Eve” Apostle Mayambu said.
A woman of Lusaka was recently found with the skeleton remains of her husband, suspected to have been murdered two years ago.
… it is a joke of the year to say the Police were professional in Kawambwa.
LUSAKA, FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2025 [SMART EAGLES]
Nkana member of parliament Binwell Mpundu says it is a joke of the year for Transparency International Zambia – TIZ to insinuate that the police were professional during the just ended Kawambwa central by election.
Speaking during the ‘Let the People Talk’ program on radio Phoenix in Lusaka today, Hon. Mpundu said the TIZ must be serious in the matter they deal with national matters.
He said PeP President Sean Tembo was attacked by suspected UPND cadres right in front of a senior police officer and nothing was done to protect him.
” TIZ must be serious. It is a joke of the year to say the police acted professionally in the Kawambwa by election. PeP President Sean Tembo was attacked right in front of a senior police officer a Mr. Yuyi. This is a mockery to the Zambian people, ” Hon. Mpundu said.
And Hon. Mpundu said Zambia needs a government that will have a political will to ensure that the police service is independent.
” If I become President I will ensure that the police is independent. The President must stay off and ensure the police works according to the law. The police are working under heavy instructions, Hon. Mpundu said.
Meanwhile, Hon. Mpundu said he will always stand with the people even if it means being taken to jail or labeled.
” I would always stand with the people, even if you bring a USD10 million dollars I will always stand with the people. No matter the circumstances I am prepared to be insulted, labeled or taken to jail,” Hon. Mpundu said.
ZNS SWIFTLY RESPONDS TO FLOODING DISASTER IN SOUTHERN
In a prompt response to the devastating flash floods affecting Kazungula and Dundumweze Districts, in Southern Province, Zambia National Service (ZNS) has committed to swiftly collaborate with the Road Development Agency (RDA) for installation of Acrow bridges across Ngwezi and Nabulangu rivers.
Southern Province has this rainy season received unprecedented heavy rains, resulting in communities on either side of the Ngwezi River at Chile Village in Kazungula and Nabulangu River in Dundumwezi District, being inaccessible due to flooded bridges.
Meanwhile, the ZNS Commander Lieutenant General Engineer Maliti Solochi II has expressed concern over the state of the affected bridges and has since released funds for works to commence, as the Institution awaits funds from RDA.
The floods which have left residents stranded, has led to a tragic loss of life involving a local resident who attempted to cross one of the submerged bridges, while some livestock has also been reportedly washed away.
The Commander directed the Chief of Land Development Branch (LDB), Brigadier General Jephan Mukanda, to quickly mobilize and undertake immediate works to restore connectivity.
“This is an emergency. We must act swiftly to prevent further loss of lives and ensure that our communities can continue with their daily activities,” Lt Gen Solochi stated.
Lt Gen Solochi who highlighted the critical role the submerged bridges play in enhancing free flow of not only humans but goods and services. He bemoaned the disruption the disaster had caused to on-going construction works of the Chileya Dam indicating that the project was essential to the region’s continued development.
He stated the importance of swiftly resolving the issue, stressing the necessity of not only protecting lives and sustaining key development projects but of enabling the resumption of social and economic activities in the region as well.
The ZNS Commander assured the residents of the two Districts, of government’s quick intervention, through ZNS’ works of putting up higher and flood-resistant bridges.
And Kalomo District Commissioner Mr Joshua Sikanduli praised ZNS for its dedication to constructing infrastructure that withstands the test of time.
He called for support from the local communities towards the works being undertaken by ZNS in the area.
Meanwhile, Brig Gen Mukanda confirmed the immediate mobilization of personnel to the affected areas.
He explained that the floods have also hindered access to Chileya Dam, a major infrastructure project that is currently 45 per cent completed.
“Chileya Dam is crucial for local communities, as it will provide water for livestock, horticulture, aquaculture, and domestic use. We are also working on four other dams in the Province,” Brig Gen Mukanda said.
Meanwhile, Lieutenant Michael Nkumbi, Chileya Dam Project Officer, stressed the urgency of restoring access to the dam site, which will benefit not only the local population but also contribute significantly to regional development once completed.
And some Kazungula residents have pleaded for immediate intervention to address the dire situation caused by the floods.
Mr Josphat Munakondwa, a resident of Siamujambizi village, shared his concerns, stating that the floods have caused significant destruction, which he said included loss of life and drowning livestock.
“The situation is dire. People are losing vehicles, and others properties. The floods have caused unimaginable damage and disrupted our daily lives, with children unable to attend school due to the submerged bridges. This is making it harder for members of the communities around here,” Mr Munakondwa added.
EFFECTIVE AND INDUSTRIOUS DIALLO HAS ‘ONE OF BEST WEEKS IN MY LIFE’
Even Manchester United’s own social media team nearly gave up.
The drive for interactions is intense at every Premier League club on match nights.
But sometimes, there doesn’t seem to be much point.
“Probably an obvious winner but the poll’s open regardless,” was the notification United pushed through about 10 minutes after the final whistle had sounded on their 3-1 success over Southampton.
They knew, as anyone in the stadium did, who the man of the match would be.
Amad Diallo was not even off the pitch at that point. After grabbing the match ball and acknowledging the adulation of all four sides of Old Trafford, the Ivorian was dragged to the portable broadcast table quickly erected pitchside to talk about his momentous achievement, equalising eight minutes from the end of what had been a tepid performance before scoring twice in stoppage time to give United victory.
“In football you have to believe,” the 22-year-old began.
He was referring to the game. He could have been talking about his entire time at United.
At the point of Erik ten Hag’s dismissal on 28 October, 2024 Diallo had started 12 games since joining the club from Atalanta in 2021. He had spent 18 months on loan at Rangers and Sunderland and with his contract due to expire at the end of the season, there was no obvious likelihood it was going to be extended beyond triggering the option that would mean he wasn’t simply able to walk away for nothing.
How different Diallo’s world looks now.
He has started 12 games since Ten Hag left, first under Ruud van Nistelrooy, then Ruben Amorim. He has scored eight goals, including a late winner at Manchester City, a late equaliser at Liverpool and now a 12-minute hat-trick in the closing stages of a home game against bottom club Southampton that was threatening to become a hugely embarrassing defeat.
He has also signed a new five-and-a-half-year-contract.
“[It is] maybe one of the best weeks in my life,” Diallo told TNT after scoring his first senior hat-trick.
“We believed until the end and are happy to win this game. We drew with Arsenal and Liverpool so the confidence was there.”
Diallo was speaking about United’s previous two results, which Amorim admitted before the game had come with a counter-attacking tactic United simply could not deploy at Old Trafford against a side that had won just once previously in the league, and were cut adrift at the bottom of the table.
Yet Amorim’s concerns were in danger of turning into a horrible reality as the clock ticked down on a performance as poor as any since he left Sporting to try and sort out the mess United has become. [BBC News]
“Stop This Nonsense!”: Nelson Chamisa Warns Against Attempts to Keep Mnangagwa in Power Beyond 2028
Former Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader Nelson Chamisa has fiercely opposed efforts to amend Zimbabwe’s Constitution, which could allow President Emmerson Mnangagwa to exceed his two-term limit and remain in power beyond 2028.
Zanu-PF and CCC MPs Join ED2030 Push Chamisa’s remarks come amid a push by Zanu-PF and a faction of the CCC to extend the terms of the President, legislators, and councillors by at least five years. This proposal has drawn sharp criticism, especially as Mnangagwa himself has previously stated that he will leave office when his second term ends.
Chamisa Slams Push to Extend Mnangagwa’s Term In a scathing rebuke, Chamisa labelled the proposed amendment as a perpetuation of the challenges plaguing Zimbabwe. He accused its proponents of seeking to prolong the country’s pain, suffering, and systemic failures.
“STOP THIS NONSENSE!! You want to extend pain and suffering. You want to extend extreme and deadening poverty. You want to extend unemployment. You want to extend hunger and lack. You want power outages, electricity shortages and water shortages. You want to extend this currency crisis and cash shortages. You want to extend high taxes and skyrocketing prices. You want to extend oppression. You want to extend fear, hate and intimidation. You want to extend terror and violence. You want to extend conflict. You want to extend the nation’s isolation. You want to extend looting and corruption. You want to extend bribery and chicanery. You want to extend the dying hospitals and the dying in hospitals. You want to extend the chaos in education. You want to extend the suffering of teachers under squalid conditions. You want to extend the suffering of workers and civil servants. You want to extend the suffering of pensioners You want to extend the closing down of businesses. You want to extend the capital flight and brain drain. You can’t!,” he said.
Chamisa accused Zanu-PF of stealing the people’s mandate and now seeking to extend that theft.
“You stole the people’s mandate, hopes and votes. And you want to extend that theft. You can’t extend theft. It can’t. Stop it!! #ItCan’t nc,” Chamisa said.
Wendy Williams just broke her silence on the conservatorship she’s been placed on.
The former talk show host and her niece, Alex, called into Power 105.1’s The Breakfast Club, hosted by DJ Envy, Charlamagne tha God and Jess Hilarious, on Thursday, Jan. 16.
During the interview, she spoke about her court-mandated guardianship, comparing her life to a “prison” these days.
Williams was first placed under financial guardianship in 2022 when her financial advisor claimed she wasn’t of “sound mind.” Her bank froze her accounts out of fear that her reported cognitive issues would leave her susceptible to exploitation.
She was later diagnosed with dementia and aphasia, the latter of which affects a person’s ability to communicate.
In November 2024, her guardian’s attorney filed documents in court claiming Williams was “cognitively impaired, permanently disabled, and incapacitated.”
Wendy Williams said she isn't incapacitated or impaired, she said she's in JAIL pic.twitter.com/igMXDI3XpV
“Do I seem that way, God damn it?” Wendy Williams countered while calling into the radio show, declaring, “I am not cognitively impaired.”
“But I feel like I’m in prison,” she said, referencing the New York City care facility she’s reportedly been living in since 2023. “I’m in this place where the people are in their 90s and their 80s and their 70s…There’s something wrong with these people here on this floor,” she said to emphasize that the people she’s been placed with require medical attention which she feels she does not.
Her niece, Alex compared the facility to a “luxury prison,” describing the small “apartment” with a singular window in which Williams lives.
While Williams can reportedly call her family, they cannot contact her directly, and the media personality claimed she is denied internet access. There is also a high-level security presence that makes it difficult for family members to visit and impossible for Williams to go anywhere.
Williams also countered claims in a lawsuit filed by her guardian, Sabrina E. Morrissey, in an attempt to put a stop to A&E and Lifetime’s docuseries about her. While Morrissey claimed the project was exploitative, Williams says it was her idea in the first place.
“Look, this system is broken, this system that I’m in. This system has falsified a lot,” she emphasized. “Who I naturally am is who I naturally am.”
‘Betrayed’ Man Chases Away His 3 Children From Home After Learning He Raised Someone Else’s Child For 21 Years
A Harare man, devastated after discovering he unknowingly raised a child who wasn’t his for 21 years, has ignited controversy after chasing away his three other children from their home. The man, Macdonald Makenzi, has accused his wife, Patience Chitongo, of betraying him by withholding the truth about their eldest child’s paternity.
The emotional fallout has now escalated to legal action, with Patience dragging her husband to court and seeking a protection order against Macdonald.
Protection Order Granted Amid Allegations of Violence
H-Metro reports that Patience approached the Harare Civil Court, claiming that her husband had become violent and was demanding DNA tests for their other three children. She told Magistrate Meenal Naratom how her life had become unbearable since the revelation.
“My husband assaults me every day ever since our child was taken by his biological father,” she said.
Patience revealed that the situation had affected the entire family.
“I no longer have peace in my own house. My other children were chased away from the house since he is demanding a DNA test for them.”
She emphasised the emotional distress caused by her husband’s behaviour, adding that she feared for her and her children’s safety.
Magistrate Naratom granted the protection order, ordering Macdonald to refrain from harassing his wife and family.
Husband’s Painful Revelation
Macdonald did not deny the allegations but instead explained his perspective, describing how the discovery shattered his trust and confidence.
“My wife did not reveal the whole truth to me when we got married,” he said.
According to Macdonald, the truth came to light when the child’s biological father came forward, claiming his child. The revelation left him heartbroken.
“I discovered it when the child’s father came claiming his child. She did not deny that the child was not mine, which pains me most.”
Macdonald said the betrayal was compounded by the fact that he had loved and raised the child as his own for 21 years, only to learn the truth later in life.
“It pains me to know that the child I treated like my own does not belong to me. If only my wife had told me the truth, at least, it would have been better than discovering it on my own.”
Accusations of Humiliation
The fallout from the paternity revelation has also led to accusations of public humiliation within the marriage. Macdonald claimed that Patience ridiculed him in front of their children and extended family.
“She claims that I am not good in bed in front of the children and our daughter-in-law,” he alleged.
He added:
“Patience claims that my manhood is small and cannot satisfy her.”
Macdonald said these statements had left him feeling disrespected and emasculated.
A Fractured Family
The couple’s three other children have also been caught in the crossfire. Macdonald reportedly ordered them to leave the family home until DNA tests confirm their paternity. Patience described the ordeal as traumatic for the children, who now feel rejected by their father.
While Macdonald remains adamant about uncovering the truth, concerns have been raised about the psychological impact on the children.
Top Harare Council Official Earns US$12K Monthly Amid Service Delivery Struggles
A senior official at Harare City Council, Mathew Marara, is reportedly earning a staggering $12,000 a month while the local authority struggles to provide uniforms for its workers and maintain basic services.
This revelation came during the ongoing Commission of Inquiry investigating the operations of Harare City Council since 2017, where Marara appeared on Tuesday.
Marara, who serves as the Human Capital Director, disclosed that his salary includes benefits and is paid at the interbank rate. He has also been criticized for allegedly awarding himself the position of Executive Assistant to the Town Clerk under questionable circumstances, with the backing of the suspended Town Clerk, Hosiah Chisango, but without approval from the Ministry of Local Government.
“My salary is currently is US$12,000 paid at interbank rate. It is inclusive of salary, allowances, motor benefits because I use my own vehicle,” said Marara.
This comes at a time when the City Council is failing to secure basic necessities, such as uniforms for its employees and fuel for its vehicles. Despite these issues, Marara’s salary totals $144,000 annually.
Marara has been at the center of controversy after reportedly receiving $320,000 in compensation for a period of suspension related to corruption allegations. This amount raised eyebrows, especially given the City of Harare’s ongoing struggles to meet its responsibilities.
In response to the concerns, Marara claimed the reported figure was exaggerated, explaining that he had not received the full amount.
“That is not correct. The figure that was signed for by the negotiating committee was US$131,000. They are still paying. So far I have received US$116,000,” he said.
Marara is set to continue his testimony on January 21, where he will provide more details about his salary and the situation at Harare City Council.
The tumultuous relationship between Cardi B and Offset shows no signs of quieting down. The rapper took to X Spaces on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, to accuse her estranged husband and his mother, Latabia Woodward, of stealing from her.
However, Cardi did not specify what she believed had been taken.
“I stopped listening after you and your mom robbed me,” Cardi alleged during the broadcast. “Yeah, you and your mom robbed me cold—wiped my nose. I told you to stop f**king playing with me.”
The 32-year-old artist further criticized Offset, claiming he was absent during the holidays and accusing him of neglecting their three children—Kulture, 6; Wave, 3; and their newborn. She alleged that Offset prioritized buying gifts for his children from previous relationships while ignoring their kids.
“You just called your daughter for the first time this year—yesterday. Your newborn,” Cardi said. “You claim you love your kids so much, but you didn’t buy them sh*t for Christmas. Instead, you came to New York to shop for your other kids. You didn’t get my kids anything on purpose to spite me. And we were cool—we weren’t even fking, but we were cool. Stop fing playing with me.”
Cardi also opened up about the toll their rocky relationship has taken on her emotionally. She revealed that she often put Offset’s needs above her own, saying, “I couldn’t even enjoy my own wins because I felt like he was going through something. And this is the realest sht someone could ever do for you. I used to pray for this person before I prayed for myself. And then this motherf*ker had the nerve to say I was being competitive.”
The pair, who filed for divorce again in August, have repeatedly aired their grievances in public. Last year, Cardi unleashed a fiery rant about her estranged husband, expressing her disdain for him.
“Bro, I wish the worst on this man,” she wrote on X in October. “I’ve never hated someone soooo much, and these bi**hes be so thirsty to have him.” She went on to describe Offset as a “garbage bag” and implored others to “take him off her hands.”
“Please take this man off my hands; this garbage bag is too heavy,” Cardi continued. When fans reminded her that Offset was her chosen partner, she fired back, “Yeah, he is—that’s why I don’t wish him death. But I truly hate this dirty a** narcissistic piece of sh*t. And his family and friends never check him.”
The “ED2030” campaign is not an initiative driven by President Emmerson Mnangagwa or legislators, Zanu-PF chief whip Pupurai Togarepi has asserted.
In an interview with NewZimbabwe.com following the MPs’ visit to Mnangagwa’s farm at Precabe Farm last Sunday, Togarepi emphasized that the visit was not connected to extending Mnangagwa’s tenure beyond 2028.
About 34 opposition MPs attended the visit, with reports claiming they received US$5,000 each. This has sparked speculation that the visit was part of a strategy to push for Mnangagwa’s continued presidency. However, Togarepi dismissed such claims, asserting that the campaign originated from the people of Zimbabwe, not from party officials or MPs.
“His supporters brought the idea and you all remember that at the Zanu-PF conference in Bulawayo late last year, a resolution was made to the effect that the party members want their leader to continue at the helm of the country beyond 2028. This is not an agenda by the MPs who have come to this farm but by Zimbabweans themselves. This idea cannot be stopped by anyone or myself. It is coming from the people of Zimbabwe and MPs are representatives of the people in all 10 provinces,” Togarepi said.
Mnangagwa is currently serving his second and final term, which will conclude in 2028. Despite this, there are supporters advocating for his continued leadership. Mnangagwa, however, has repeatedly dismissed these calls, affirming that he will adhere to the constitution and step down when the time comes.
“This is not an agenda for MPs, but the people of Zimbabwe,” Togarepi added. “Who can stop what we have seen here? Look at the development that we see is what people want beyond 2028. The truth is that people may trouble themselves on this issue, debarking the wrong tree but the openness that we have witnessed here has made us wiser than before. We have realized that this criticism from the opposition is crucial for us the ruling party to do the right thing. We want that constructive criticism in order to build the nation.” – NewZimbabwe
A Kenyan government minister has alleged that the country’s national intelligence agency was behind the abduction of his son last year, as criticism against the rising cases of abductions continues.
Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi said that it took a call by President William Ruto to have his son released by the National Intelligence Service (NIS).
Muturi is the first member of the cabinet to publicly criticise the government’s handling of the spate of abductions in Kenya.
In a statement to the police crime investigations unit on Tuesday, Muturi gave a detailed account of how his son, Leslie, was abducted on 22 June last year.
Mr Ruto and the intelligence agency have not commented on his allegations.
At least 80 people, including the minister’s son, have been abducted in the last six months, according to a state-funded rights group.
The wave of abductions started after protests against tax hikes last June, and have continued since then.
Some of those abducted have been released following public pressure.
Earlier this week, the minister told journalists that he had not received answers about the abduction of his son, despite reaching out to top security officials.
Muturi said the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) subsequently urged him to record a statement with them, telling him the matter was still under investigation.
In his statement to the DCI, Muturi recalled calling the inspector-general of police, the interior minister, the DCI head, the head of the intelligence agency and other top officials as he desperately looked for his son – but, he added, all were unable to help.
He said that he also messaged Ruto, but later decided to visit his official residence to raise the matter directly with him.
“I then narrated the ordeal [to the president] including my interactions with various senior government officials who had been unable to help. I expressed my belief that NIS was holding my son,” Muturi said in the statement.
He said that the president made a joke about the issue and then made a call to the head of the intelligence agency, who promised to release his son in a hour.
“I heard the president ask [NIS director] Noordin Haji if he was holding my son. [He] confirmed that indeed he was holding my son and the president instructed him to release Leslie immediately,” Muturi added.
Muturi has faced calls from some government-allied politicians to resign for publicly criticising the government in which he serves.
Foreign nationals have also been abducted, including prominent Tanzanian activist Maria Sarungi Tsehai, who on Monday narrated how she was kidnapped by armed men and released several hours later.
Last year, Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye was kidnapped in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, allegedly by Ugandan security officials, and taken across the border for trial by a court martial.
T.I. and Tiny‘s son King Harris says he has an agreement of sorts with his child’s mother, J’Nijah “Nana” Epps that allows him to be with other women.
Going live on Instagram this week, the new father had a PSA to women who think they could expose him for trying to holla at them.
“If I DM a girl, or I get a girl number or a girl at the studio, just know, my baby mama doesn’t care,” King began. “So don’t try to pull [no exposing behaviors]. My baby mama don’t care so you’re not upping one. You’re just here because I’m able to do that. It’s not nothing special, we just kicking shit and having a good time.
“My baby mama don’t mind so you can’t try to be messy and say no shit like, ‘Someone’s baby daddy is trying to xyz.’ No, no, no, because the baby mother doesn’t care. I’m just putting it out there.”
After noting that a girl recently denied his advances because she thought he was trying to cheat, he added, “I’m not a bad baby daddy, so I got more leeway than other baby daddies. This ain’t your normal baby daddy.”
Twenty year old King Harris and J’Nijah welcomed son King Jr. in November.
T.I. first revealed the pair were expecting during a visit to Atlanta’s 107.9 radio station in late August, where he casually slipped the news in as he spoke about his other son Domani having recently welcomed a daughter.
“He just became a father so I got two grandchildren now,” he said, also referring to stepdaughter Zonnique’s daughter who was born in 2020. “I got two granddaughters, I got a grandson on the way. King’s about to have a son. And I told him, I’m gonna make this the greatest gangster of all time.”
The rapper also recalled joking to King that he was going to teach the baby to “torture you the way you tortured me. I promise you there will be an indictment in this young one.”
Zimbabwean Teen Sought in Connection with London Bus Murder A 15-year-old Zimbabwean boy, Colin Chabikwa, is being sought by UK police in connection with the fatal stabbing of Kelyan Bokassa on a London bus. Police have now confirmed that Chabikwa had been missing for months before the tragic attack that took place on January 7th.
A Growing Search Chabikwa vanished from Gillingham in Kent on September 23, 2024, and was previously listed as a missing person. His photo was circulated by Kent Police, who also noted his connections to Woolwich, southeast London.
Now, police are linking him to the murder of 14-year-old Kelyan Bokassa. The stabbing occurred on the 472 double-decker bus in Woolwich Church Street just before 2:30 PM. Despite efforts from paramedics and the London Air Ambulance, Kelyan tragically died shortly after being attacked.
Det Chief Insp Sarah Lee, who is heading the investigation, expressed her thoughts for Kelyan’s family and community. She stated,
“Firstly, my thoughts are with the family and friends of Kelyan. I know his death has deeply affected many in the community and I would like to thank people in Woolwich for the support they have shown.”
Police are working “around the clock” to catch those responsible, appealing to the public for help in locating Chabikwa and his 16-year-old accomplice, Mosawar Zazi.
Gang Tensions and A Haunting Last Post Kelyan, a budding drill rapper known as Grippa, had reportedly been involved in a gang-related feud prior to his death. Investigators believe he may have been targeted in a gang rivalry, possibly linked to an Instagram post he made just before the stabbing. The post showed Kelyan asking his followers if anyone had a “mindy,” a slang term for a knife.
Kelyan’s mother, Marie Bokassa, has described her son as a “very caring” young man who loved football, drawing, and cooking. However, she also revealed that Kelyan had struggled with gangs since he was just six years old. She recalled,
“I feel hurt because I tried to prevent it. I’ve tried so many, so many times. I screamed it, I said ‘my son is going to be killed.’”
Sadly, Kelyan’s death comes just three months after another teenager, Daejaun Campbell, was fatally stabbed in Woolwich. This area has seen a troubling rise in youth violence, with authorities now increasing patrols and searches in response to the recent tragedy.
Police Urge Public to Stay Alert The Metropolitan Police have urged the public not to approach Chabikwa or Zazi if they are spotted. Instead, they are calling for immediate contact with authorities.
“We would like to speak to Chabikwa and Zazi. If seen, we urge the public not to approach them, but to contact police as soon as possible.”
The hunt for these two teens continues, and police are determined to bring justice for Kelyan.
LeBron James has disclosed that playing alongside his 20-year-old son, Bronny James, in the NBA is his greatest achievement. Speaking on the New Heights podcast with Jason and Travis Kelce on January 15, the 40-year-old Lakers star reflected on their historic milestone as the first father-son duo to play together in the NBA, achieved in October 2024.
“When it comes to the titles, that’s one separate thing,” LeBron said. “But to be able to play in this league and also being able to do it alongside Bronny right now, that’s one of the biggest accomplishments and probably the No. 1 accomplishment I’ve ever been able to do.”
He added, “To work with your son — I’ve heard it from a lot of people and, not only [in] sports, but I’ve heard it in business and [other] walks of life, and they say it’s the greatest thing you could ever have.”
LeBron, who shares sons Bronny, 20, and Bryce, 17, and daughter Zhuri, 10, with his wife Savannah, noted that playing alongside Bronny in the NBA has helped him make up for the time he spent away from his family during Bronny’s childhood due to his career, as reported by PEOPLE.
“To see him every day, grinding and going through the process of trying to become who he wants to become while I’m sitting there and just watching him, and doing the things that he wants to do and being able to just take it all in … it helps me get some of the minutes and hours and years back that I did not have with him because I was playing so much and on the road and doing my own thing, and traveling,” LeBron continued.
He added, “So to be able to get some of his time back now, man, it’s pretty special.”
“I didn’t have to deal with the social-media trolls either, growing up,” he said. “And I didn’t have to deal with my father being this f—ing guy that’s on a pedestal.”
UFC star, Conor McGregor is facing a new civil lawsuit filed by a woman accusing him of s£xu@l ass@ult during the 2023 NBA finals in Miami.
The lawsuit, filed on Tuesday in the US district court for the southern district of Florida, also names the Miami Heat and Basketball Properties LLC, which operates the Kaseya Center, as defendants.
The woman alleges that McGregor s3xually assaulted her in a bathroom at the arena after Game 4 between the Miami Heat and the Denver Nuggets on 9 June 2023.
The plaintiff, identified as a 49-year-old Wall Street vice president, claims McGregor was served alcohol by arena staff despite being visibly intoxicated.
The lawsuit accuses McGregor of battery and the Kaseya Center of gross negligence for failing to ensure a safe environment. It alleges that McGregor led the woman into a restroom stall and s£xually ass@ulted her after an associate forcibly took her to McGregor.
The suit seeks compensatory damages exceeding $75,000, medical expenses, and other relief.
The incident was initially reported to Miami police on 11 June 2023.
However, in October 2023, the Florida state attorney’s office declined to pursue criminal charges. McGregor has denied the allegations, calling them a “shakedown”. His attorney, Barbara Llanes, stated, “Almost two years and at least three lawyers later the plaintiff has a new false story. We are confident that this case too will be dismissed.”
The lawsuit also highlights an earlier incident that night when McGregor punched the Miami Heat mascot, Burnie, during a half-time skit promoting a pain relief spray, resulting in the mascot’s hospitalization.
Despite this, arena staff allegedly continued serving McGregor alcohol.
The plaintiff’s attorney, Jim Dunn, said that the civil suit is his client’s only remaining avenue for justice. Dunn noted that his client aims to raise awareness about sexual assault and is concerned about the lawsuit’s potential impact on her career. “Nonetheless, her main goal in filing this suit is to raise awareness and encourage others to report sexual assault,” Dunn said.
Sengezo Tshabangu Dismisses ‘Selling Out’ Claims Amid Criticism over Visit to President Mnangagwa’s Pricabe Farm
Self-appointed CCC interim secretary-general Sengezo Tshabangu has defended his visit to President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Pricabe Farm.
The visit, which took place over the weekend, included a few CCC MPs.
The visit sparked criticism, with some accusing Tshabangu of betraying opposition principles by engaging with ZANU PF. However, Tshabangu has dismissed these claims.
Sengezo Tshabangu’s Perspective on Engagement Speaking during an interview with The Herald on Sengezo Tshabangu argued that engaging with the ruling party does not equate to “selling out.” He stated:
“It is certainly strange reasoning to suggest that an opposition which engages with the ruling party is ‘selling out.’ How else should State affairs be conducted? Democracies worldwide have healthy interactions between the ruling party and the opposition.”
Tshabangu further stressed the importance of maintaining the CCC’s independence while offering solutions that are “made by Zimbabweans, for Zimbabweans, and about Zimbabweans.”
“The tragedy is to assume that the opposition should oppose it for its own sake. It is not enough to oppose. It is not the task of the opposition.
The task is to offer alternative, objectively sound, and home-grown solutions made by Zimbabweans, for Zimbabweans, and about Zimbabweans.”
Election Postponement Clarified During the visit, Tshabangu appeared to support ZANU PF’s proposal to postpone the 2028 elections and extend Mnangagwa’s term to 2030. However, he clarified that CCC had not formally discussed the issue.
“At present, it is a matter internal to ZANU PF. ZANU PF has neither approached us on the issue nor presented it to the appropriate legislative body for deliberations,” Tshabangu said.
He added that any discussions on deferring elections must focus on how such a decision benefits the nation.
“Deferring elections cannot be an end in itself,” he emphasized.
