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ABOUT THE IMF REPRESENTATIVE IN ZAMBIA ERIC LAUTIER & THE CAKE SYNDROME

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ABOUT THE IMF REPRESENTATIVE IN ZAMBIA ERIC LAUTIER & THE CAKE SYNDROME

August 16th, 2024

“Let them eat cake” is the most famous quote attributed to Marie-Antoinette, the queen of France during the French Revolution. As the story goes, it was the queen’s response upon being told that her starving peasant subjects had no bread. As cake is more expensive than bread, the anecdote has been cited as an example of Marie-Antoinette’s obliviousness to the conditions and daily lives of ordinary people. But did she ever actually utter those words? The Queen did not last long inside the palace after she uttered those words.

This renowned historic fact got me reminded this morning when I read in the press that the Zambia IMF Resident Representative Eric Lautier responded to my statement earlier in the week.

He says Zambians should be going online to read their (IMF) reports and that we confuse economics with politics. He assumes majority ordinary Zambians have data or bundles to log in online. He would not know as being online cost him zero ngwee or cents. Coincidentally Eric Lautier is French and I guess he also has the syndrome of ‘let the people eat cake if there is no bread in the shops’. Very oblivious to the hardships ordinary Zambians are going through because of the same IMF.

Above is my Political response to the IMF Rep in Zambia and maybe he can state ‘Economically’ what the IMF position is on the IDC. What’s their position on State Owned Enterprises (SOEs)? What does their IMF Online report say or guide on ZESCO, MOPANI mine, Zamtel, Zambeef, Fuel & Fertilizer subsidies etc etc.
They don’t need to mention these companies by name as I did, but what’s their position in general terms. Lastly are they that aware Zambians are suffering partly because of their conditionalities on Zambia and African Countries in general?

Lastly may I repeat to Mr IMF that when Zambians have no bread to eat, it also means they have no cake on their tables. When they say they have no nshima to eat, it also means they have no rice, potatoes, KFC or pizza on their tables.

Miles B. Sampa, MP
President, Patriotic Front

2024 TOP TEN RICHEST MUSICIANS IN ZAMBIA

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2024 TOP TEN RICHEST MUSICIANS IN ZAMBIA🇿🇲🇿🇲

1. Yo Maps Yo  – With a net worth of approximately $3 million dollars, Yo Maps tops the list. His melodious tunes and captivating lyrics have earned him a solid fan base both locally and internationally.

2. Macky 2  – With an estimated net worth of approximately $1.2 million dollars, Macky 2 continues to be a prominent figure in Zambian music. His versatility and creativity have contributed to his success.

3. Slapdee  – Slap Dee’s net worth is approximately $1.1 million dollars, making him one of the wealthiest musicians in Zambia. Known for his lyrical prowess and unique style, Slap Dee has cemented his place in the industry.

4. OC Osilliation  – With a net worth of approximately $1 million dollars, Oc Osilliation has made a name for himself with his catchy beats and infectious melodies.

5. Chef 187  – Chef 187 boasts an estimated net worth of approximately $920,000 dollars. His innovative approach to music and energetic performances have garnered him widespread acclaim.

6. Chanda Mbao  – Chanda Mbao’s net worth is approximately $860,000 dollars. As an artist known for blending various musical genres, he has carved out a niche for himself in the industry.

7. King kayombo – With an estimated net worth of approximately $810,000 dollars, King Kayo continues to rise in prominence with his unique sound and compelling lyrics.

8. MAMPI MUSIC QUEEN  – Mampi’s net worth is approximately $530,000 dollars. Her powerful voice and stage presence have earned her a dedicated following over the years.

9. Cleo Ice  Queen – Cleo Ice Queen has an estimated net worth of approximately $455,000 dollars. Her versatility as a rapper, singer, and TV personality has contributed to her success.

10. B Flow  – B Flow rounds off the list with an estimated net worth of approximately $380,000 dollars. His socially conscious lyrics and impactful music have earned him recognition both locally and internationally.

These musicians not only showcase the talent and creativity present in Zambia but also contribute to the growth and vibrancy of the country’s music industry. As they continue to make waves both at home and abroad, their influence and wealth are sure to keep rising in the years to come.

Zambian Stories

People think I’m still ZAAA president because of money but I don’t get paid – Mpondela

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People think I’m still ZAAA president because of money but I don’t get paid – Mpondela

ZAMBIA Amateur Athletics Association (ZAAA) president, Elias Mpondela, has dismissed speculations that he has clung onto the helm of the Association for over two decades because he is receiving too much money.

In a candid interview this morning on Hot FM’s Breakfast show, Mpondela asserted that he receives no financial compensation for his role and will continue serving as long as he lives.

“Retirement means death to me,” he emphatically stated.

The long-serving president, who has helmed ZAAA for 24 years, emphasised that while he understands the concept of retirement, it doesn’t align with his passion for athletics.

He also refuted claims that he clings to the position for financial gain, revealing that he often covers his own expenses, including personal funds for accommodation and meals during international competitions.

“When you retire you die. For me, I believe that when you retire you begin to deteriorate and I think that work is what you enjoy and is expressed in different ways of which I do athletics. Even if I am not president tomorrow I will still be an athlete [and a] family man because that is the life that I have created.”

“And so retiring has got a lot of things but for me it’s God, if he is keeping me alive like this, everywhere he sends me, let me go and do,” said Mpondela.

Mpondela highlighted the numerous sacrifices he has made for Zambian athletics, citing the example of spending his own money during the recent Olympics in Paris where he spent 11 days.

He challenged the nation to identify individuals willing to dedicate their time and resources to the sport without expecting financial reward.

Mpondela asked those who question him about his retirement if they have a replacement for him and told them to bring one forward if at all they have one.

“One time in 2020, a replacement was brought in order for me to resign and that was my very good friend and they brought him to challenge me and I got 100 percent above him.”

“So they are all these things and also retiring, for some people, they think I am getting too much money and that is why I am staying but I don’t get paid. The pay roll is open. How many people in this country are willing to sacrifice their time and be allowed to [go through the] ridicule that I go through with my children that I have? All of them (children) I raised and educated and are well blessed but they hear me being insulted,” shared Mpondela.

Mpondela also questioned the nation on how many people are willing to sacrifice their time and resources for something that they do not get paid for at the end of the month.

“I don’t even get any allowances, sometimes I will sit with the team and I’ll ask them to help me with fuel. Often, even my friends fail to pick my calls because they know I am definitely asking for sponsorship once they pick. So that is what I have gone through for you to see the well built team that you praise when it is representing Zambia,” said Mpondela.

By Buumba Mwitumwa

Kalemba August 16, 2024.

SNAPSHOT IN HISTORY: THE KILLING OF ALICK NKHATA BY SELOUS SCOUTS

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SNAPSHOT IN HISTORY: THE KILLING OF ALICK NKHATA BY SELOUS SCOUTS

ON October 19, 1978, Selous Scouts (a Special Forces Unit of the Rhodesian Army) flew into Zambia using helicopters marked “Rhodesia Air Force” at very low altitudes avoiding Zambian radar.

The main target of the Rhodesian raid was Mkushi Girls Camp where Zimbabwe People’s Revolutionary Army (ZIPRA) was training its guerrillas. ZIPRA was the armed wing of the Zimbabwe African People’s Union (ZAPU), and waging a Bush War against the Rhodesian government of Ian Douglas Smith.

Raids into ZIPRA camps in Zambia were carried out by specialized Rhodesian military units led by the notorious Green Leader, real name Chris Dixon, who openly ordered the Zambian airforce not to interfere with their operations or face similar action.

If the Zambian airforce intervened, warned Green Leader, they would be wiped off the skies. In one video, Greeen Leader can be heard on his radio communicating with the Zambian airport tower and airforce base commander: “This is Green Leader of the Rhodesian military. We request your permission to attack Rhodesian terrorist bases on your territory.”

“You are not the enemy, I repeat, the Zambian government and its people are not the enemy. We are simply targeting Rhodesian terrorists.”

In a shocking response, the Zambian base commander communicating with Green Leader agrees to keep his Soviet supplied MIG Fighter planes on the ground.

In 1974 Alick Nkhata retired to his farm at Mkushi, although he continued to play music occasionally.

The farm he bought was among what were called abandoned farmlands which white farmers had left in the hands of the lands board.

As fate would be, his farm was close to a camp of ZIPRA guerrillas who were then fighting the Smith regime in Southern Rhodesia.

On October 19, 1978, Smith’s forces attacked the camp and Mr Nkhata was killed in the cross fire ending the life of one of Zambia’s gifted musicians and broadcasters.

In July, 2023, President Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe officially renamed Morris Deport Police Academy to ZRP Mkushi Police Academy and unveiled its plaque. The new name is inspired by the Mkushi Girls Camp in Zambia, which was a military training camp for female guerillas during Zimbabwe’s Liberation Struggle.

Black Americans believe U.S. institutions were designed to hold them back, according to new report

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A majority of Black Americans have lost trust in U.S. institutions, believing these systems were intentionally designed to hold them back. These findings come from a recent Pew Research Center report, which highlights widespread perceptions of unfair treatment within the nation’s key systems.

The report reveals that most Black Americans view U.S. institutions—including the prison, political, and economic systems—as racially biased. According to the study, 74% of Black respondents believe the prison system is structured to disadvantage them, while 67% hold similar views about the political system, and 65% about the economic system.

This deep-seated mistrust is rooted in a long history of racial injustice, including slavery, Jim Crow laws, and the rise of mass incarceration. These historical events, along with persistent racial disparities in income, wealth, education, and health outcomes, have shaped Black Americans’ skepticism toward U.S. institutions.

The Pew study, conducted in September 2023, aimed to gauge how Black Americans perceive U.S. institutions and their impact on Black success. The survey included 4,736 Black adults, who were asked about their awareness and beliefs regarding systemic harm against Black people.

Respondents were first asked if they had heard statements about U.S. institutions intentionally or negligently harming Black people. They were then asked if they believed these harms continue to affect Black communities today.
Key Findings from the Survey

76% of Black adults believe that Black public officials are singled out for discrediting in ways that White public officials are not.
76% also say that police do little to prevent guns and drugs from flooding Black communities.
74% think that Black people are more likely to be incarcerated because prisons profit from their imprisonment.
67% believe businesses target luxury products at Black people to drive them into debt.
55% say secret, nonconsensual medical experiments, like the Tuskegee study, are still happening to Black people today.
55% believe the government encourages single motherhood to eliminate Black men from Black families.
51% think the government promotes birth control and abortion to reduce the Black population.

The survey also found that Black Americans who have experienced racial discrimination are more likely to believe that U.S. institutions intentionally or negligently harm Black people. Although there are modest differences in beliefs based on gender, education, family income, and political affiliation, majorities across various Black demographic subgroups are familiar with these narratives and believe they reflect ongoing realities.
Voices from the Survey

The report includes poignant testimonies from survey participants, offering personal insights into the deep mistrust many Black Americans feel:

Low-Income Woman, Early 50s: “I believe there are strategic works, behind the scenes, that are being done to sabotage a Black person’s effort. … You could be on the road to success with nothing stopping you. But then, all it takes is one incident that was planned and plotted against you to destroy your life.”
Young Adult Woman, Late 20s: “As Black people, we are always fighting some type of fight. … We always get to some type of height of success. And then there’s always something that takes us down. … There is always something in the way.”
High-Income Man, Late 30s: “There are institutionalized things that are in place that one has always suspected, but because they are seemingly benign, you can’t really call them out on it. … I think [these things] are purposely built into society or industries to keep certain numbers down because of access to financial gain.”
Republican Woman, Late 20s: “I trust the government to an extent, but when it comes to certain things, I don’t. For example, take the pandemic. They had all this help out there for people, but there were certain people that applied for help that just couldn’t get it and they were literally just struggling to get by. … I feel like us Black people are helped the least because we’ve always had the short end of the stick.”

The Pew report underscores the enduring mistrust that many Black Americans have toward U.S. institutions, rooted in both historical and contemporary experiences of racial inequality. As these findings reveal, this mistrust is pervasive, affecting how Black Americans perceive their chances for success within these systems.

I TRANSFERRED OWNERSHIP OF MY PROPERTIES TO ESTHER LUNGU WITH A GUN POINTED TO MY HEAD – WITCHDOCTOR

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I TRANSFERRED OWNERSHIP OF MY PROPERTIES TO ESTHER LUNGU WITH A GUN POINTED TO MY HEAD – WITCHDOCTOR

A WITCHDOCTOR has told the Lusaka Magistrates Court that with a gun pointed to her head, she feared for her life and signed a document transferring her property to former first lady, Esther Lungu.

The property was bought from part of the US$400, 000 pocket change Esther had entrusted her niece, Catherine Phiri to keep for her.

But Catherine squandered the money, using some of it to pay witchdoctor, Elizabeth Phiri for giving her charms that would make men attracted to her as well as conceive.

In court on Wednesday, Elizabeth Phiri said Esther made her sign documents to transfer ownership of her properties under duress.

During cross examination by Makebi Zulu before magistrate Mbuywana Simvula, the voodooist said she told Esther to give her back the house because she worked hard to purchase it and proposed that they share other properties into half.

She said she offered to repay the former First Lady a K350, 000 on reasons that she feared for her life.

During cross examination by Boniface Chiwala, Phiri was asked if she told the first lady that the house was purchased for her by Chief Mukuni and she responded in the negative.

“I couldn’t tell her I got the money from well wishers because of the manner in which I was approached,” Phiri explained.

Asked if at all it made sense for someone to grab tittle deeds for her house over a K4, 000, Phiri said it did not make any sense.

When asked if it was possible to grab property over a K2 million debt, the witness agreed.

She said Esther had no claim of right over her properties.

Phiri was asked if she had the capacity to buy a canter and a vehicle to which she responded in the affirmative.

When asked if she had a license to operate as a herbalist, Phiri quoted a bible verse as justification that her business was not illegal, as she has been in the juju game since she was eight years old.

“According to Jeremiah 1:5, I have been doing the right thing, I started this business since was eight,” she said.

During cross examination by Jonas Zimba the witness expressed ignorance when she was asked if at all she used her national identity card to change some dollars at a bureau at lewanika mall and Cairo road in 2022.

When asked about the time her vehicles were allegedly grabbed from her, Phiri indicated that it was during the night.

“I made to sign transfer of owner under duress at Esther’s home in Ibex,”said Phiri.

Earlier the Court had directed Esther’s lawyers to institute separate criminal proceedings against Phiri for perjury.

Zulu made an application that Phiri be cited for contempt of court when she lied that she never received a k2 million but instead received a K4, 000 from Catherine, and later admitted when Zulu challenged her.

In this case Esther, is jointly charged with James Phiri a police officer of house no.753 Obama, Lee Chisulo 31, a police officer of new Chilenje, Kapambwe Lungu a police officer and her niece Catherine Banda on three counts of theft of motor vehicle and one count of theft.

The case has been adjourned to October 8 for continued cross examination.

By Mwaka Ndawa
Kalemba

2026 POLLS WILL BE A GRAND REMATCH, HH SHOULD PREPARE FOR LUNGU-MUSUKWA

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2026 POLLS WILL BE A GRAND REMATCH, HH SHOULD PREPARE FOR LUNGU-MUSUKWA

WHEN Edgar Lungu insists that he will be on the ballot in 2026, it’s a grand rematch of the century, and HH must be prepared, says former mines minister Richard Musukwa.

Musukwa adds that Lungu will be on the ballot paper in 2026, whether President Hakainde Hichilema likes it or not.

And Musukwa says the UPND is a government of traitors, hypocrites and criminals engaged in grand corruption.

Speaking during a briefing attended by some opposition leaders, Thursday, Musukwa said the 2026 elections would be a grand rematch of the century.

“I have very little to say just to thank you presidents most sincerely for offering solidarity to the first family, his excellency Dr Edgar Chagwa Lungu, the wife and children, especially after this concerted barbaric attack from state agents which are sponsored by the government. I know most of you listened to what the president said when he was in Sinazongwe a couple of days ago, clearly you can see the President was directly agitating state agents such as DEC, ACC to continue the barbaric attack on the former president and the former government, which is very unfortunate,” he said.

“I want to state very clearly that President Hakainde Hichilema and the UPND are in the political scene and they must be able to ensure that they play the game. When Edgar Lungu insists that he will be on the ballot in 2026, it is a grand rematch of a century, and he must be prepared. He must not use state agents to intimidate political opponents. If you won with 2.8 million, why are you scared of who is saying alebwelelapo? You won the election, if you legitimately won the election, there is what they call a rematch.

What is wrong with Edgar Lungu exercising his political right to ensure he stands in the 2026 elections? If you are a democrat, you must ensure you give political space to your political opponents”.

Musukwa charged that the UPND is a government of criminals.

“This country is for all of us, this country will not be mortgaged to the highest bidder who wants to control everything at the helm of political opponents. The Zambian people voted for UPND to look at the cost of living, to reduce the fuel as the good promises were. That is what Zambians are looking for, not this pettiness that we are seeing where you want to start following [people] for obvious reasons, political persuasion. Did anyone follow Hakainde Hichilema about the construction of his Community House? This is a government where we have seen grand corruption, in all sectors there is grand corruption,” he said.

“In order to cover their grand corruption, they continue to want to postulate that the former government and ministers were involved in these illicit activities. I think the Zambian people are there to see that this is a government of traitors, hypocrites, criminals, corrupt, experienced corrupt people who are skilled in ensuring that they deprive the Zambian people and its economy. Someone was saying this is privatization reloaded”.

Musukwa said the PF stood in solidarity with Lungu and his family.

“We have seen how police, DEC, ACC and all governance institutions, how they have been infiltrated by political cadres. I want to ask the President of the Republic of Zambia, Dr Hakainde Hichilema, when you ask for democracy, it is not just for you, it is for everybody. President Edgar Lungu will be on the ballot in 2026 whether you like it or not. You are not the alpha and omega of Zambia, you are not in charge of Zambia’s history. It should not be an offence to have served in Edgar Lungu’s government, us as the Patriotic Front we stand with the first family, and we stand with Tasila Lungu. The use of state apparatus such as DEC, ACC, police and other agencies to intimidate and harass the former president will not be condoned by the people of Zambia,” said Musukwa.

Meanwhile, Christian Democratic Party president Danny Pule urged government to subsidise mealie meal.

“It is our concern that the government is failing to address the high cost of living. People are suffering! Things have become harder. Government should subsidise mealie meal, it can be done. I speak as someone who was in-charge of the national budget as deputy minister of finance in the 90s, during the (Fredrick) Chiluba government, I know how it can be done,” said Pule.

(Diggers)

HH thinks he can insult, belittle and intimidate people in anyway he chooses- Fred M’membe

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I WILL WHIP YOU; THERE IS A WAY IN WHICH I WHIP PEOPLE – “KUNUSULA BANTU”, SAYS HICHILEMA

Mr Hakainde Hichilema should find a way of controlling himself. We say this because we have noted that his violent language has consistently been followed by action. There is no doubt that power has gotten to his head and every time he is given a platform to speak, he thinks that now that he is President, he has the passport to speak to Zambians anyhow. He thinks he can insult, belittle and intimidate people in anyway he chooses.

He has used unpalatable language that is unimaginable as coming from a Head of State from kukama pamukosi
Kuvwibula (beating), calling other national leaders hyenas and threatening to whip citizens if they do not follow his instructions. This is shameful, unacceptable and disgraceful!

Just from this trip he undertook to Maamba recently, one can sense panic and anger, and the appetite to belittle citizens in his speeches. Commissioning a project should not make him so big headed such that he can start threatening citizens with whips, KUNUSULA, KUVWIBAULA and calling other leaders as Hyenas. If this behavior is this pronounced on projects he hasn’t funded, we shudder to think about what goes on in his cattle ranches or businesses? How does he treat his employees and their families? This attitude and disrespect is quite telling and it presents him as a man he truly is.

This is how part of his speech went (translated):

“If your relatives didn’t get employed (In phase one), they will get employed next time. Is it not so? Now we have brought Maamba phase two, 300 mega watts so that other Maamba based people should get employed. The people from Mweemba, Sinazongwe should get employed. I have already given instructions. So whosoever will not follow the instructions, I will whip them because there is a way in which I whip people”.

We have never had a leader, a servant of the people who threatens his masters with a whip. What leadership is this? Is this the leadership that can take us far? With such leadership, we shouldn’t be shocked about everything happening today. He is the one whipping every one, from opposition to citizens. He is detaining us in cells for no reason, he is keeping us in poverty for no reason and so on and so forth.

Mr Hichilema needs to change his ways. This is not a way to run a country. Let him show maturity, respect and honest leadership for once. Otherwise, the Zambian people will whip him real hard on voting day in 2026, since they too have a way they whip arrogant, pompous and corrupt politicians.

Fred M’membe
President of the Socialist Party

Kasanda intended to sell fake gold to Egyptian, witness tells court

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Kasanda intended to sell fake gold to Egyptian, witness tells court

A Witness yesterday told the Lusaka High Court that the minerals that businessman Shadreck Kasanda intended to sell to his Egyptian client was not gold but Copper mixed with Zinc.

This is in a matter where Kasanda is charged with aggravated robbery.

It is alleged that Kasanda on August 13, 2023 whilst armed with a pistol, stole US$5,000,000.00 from Egyptian Micheal Adel Michel Botros and immediately after stealing, used or threatened to use actual violence against the Egyptian national, in order prevent him from retaining the stolen money.

Testifying before High Court judge Chilombo Maka yesterday, William Mutesa a Chemist narrated that the standard mineral certificate that was obtained from the ministry of mines regarding the purported gold bars that were sampled upon being confiscated from Kenneth Kaunda International Airport, were comprised of Copper and Zinc.

“It was a consutituent of two minerals copper and the zinc. The majority was copper followed by zinc and other minor elements were tin and nickel,” said Mutesa.

“There were 602 pieces of the minerals in the four boxes which amounted to US$787, 000.”

During Cross examination by Nkula Botha, the witness confirmed that the documents from the ministry of mines do not depict Kasanda’s name.

He admitted that his role was to tell the court about the minerals and nothing to do with aggravated robbery.

When asked by Clement Andeleki if at all he had produced any evidence relating to aggravated robbery, Mutesa denied.

Meanwhile judge Maka threw out an application by Kasanda’s lawyers to have him admitted to constitutional bail on reasons that there was unreasonable delay by the State in prosecuting the case.

She said Kasanda has been on trial for 47 days and the same does not amount to unreasonable delay.

“Constitutional bail is granted on exceptional circumstances. Am of the view that trial of the accused person cannot be said to be unreasonably delayed. This is not a proper case for bail to be granted. The application to admit the accused person to constitutional bail fails and is hereby dismissed,”said judge Maka.

Trial continues today.

By Mwaka Ndawa

Kalemba August 16, 2024.

DEC’S RAID ON ECL’S HOUSE IS SHAMEFUL-  Peter Chanda

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DEC’S RAID ON ECL’S HOUSE IS SHAMEFUL- CHANDA

…wonders why the DEC is mute over the 13.5 million dollars illicit transaction involving Zambeef.

LUSAKA, THURSDAY, AUGUST 15,2024 [SMART EAGLES]

NEW Congress Party President Peter Chanda says the raid on former President Edgar Lungu’s house by the Drug Enforcement Commission in the guise of delivering a callout for Tasila Lungu is uncalled for and shameful.

Speaking at a media briefing in Lusaka today, Mr. Chanda said expressed concern at the conduct of the DEC.

He said it is a well known fact that Tasila Lungu, the daughter to former President Edgar Lungu and Chawama lawmaker is out of the country on maternity leave.

“I want to put it on record that the DEC’s action to swing on the former President Edgar Lungu’s house while he was at court, to try and force themselves in to get Tasila Lungu out who they know that is out of the country and were told that she will be coming back in October is uncalled for and shameful and every well meaning Zambian should condemn this,” Mr. Chanda said.

“DEC taking over 70 officers to former President Edgar Lungu’s residence, wasting taxpayers money on fuel just to take a call out to a mother who is on maternity leave, I want reiterate that this is a big shame, what country are we living in where institutions of governance are losing respect due to their bad conduct, I personally have lost respect for these institutions, ” he said.

And the NCP leader wondered why the DEC are mute on the Zambeef $13.5 million illicit transaction but busy harassing citizens.

“…when the same DEC has failed to pounce on Zambeef which is at the center of the illicit transaction involving $13.5 million in the Chiawa farm saga. The Chiawa farm was advertised at $3.5 million and we expect the DEC to swing in and investigate. We are concerned with the conduct of institutions of governance, much more upset with the conduct of the DEC an institution that is mandated with the responsibility to pounce on any illicit financial activities in the country,” the NCP leader said.

Meanwhile Mr. Chanda said the Zambeef farm saga will come to haunt the UPND in future and urged Parliament and all opposition members of parliament to intervene and stop the $13.5 million illicit transaction.

#SmartEagles2024.

GIVING TAX BREAKS
THEN BEGGING FOR HELP-Fred M’membe

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GIVING TAX BREAKS
THEN BEGGING FOR HELP

There is really no need to be in a rush to give away our minerals to foreign transnational mining corporations for next to nothing, and then turning ourselves into beggers. Does it really make sense?

Anglo American, Anglovaal, Glencore, Vendata, Mopani and other mining corporations are interested in our minerals because there are gigantic profits to be made now and in the future.

Today, the prices of copper and cobalt have risen dramatically, and so are their profits. How can we benefit from are minerals fully if we are giving tax holidays?

It takes 180 pounds of copper to make a Tesla or other electric vehicle. This is five times the amount of copper needed to make a combustion engine motor vehicle. It takes 450 pounds of copper to build a normal house, once you include electric appliances, wiring and fixtures. If you put solar panels on it that will take another 100 to 150 pounds of copper wiring. A solar farm used to generate energy requires five times the copper it takes for an equivalent natural, coal, or nuclear power plant.

• If we are going to turn our cars into electric vehicles, we are going to need a lot more copper over the next ten years.
• If we are going to build houses for all the millennials – the largest generation on the planet – we are going to need a lot more copper.
• If renewables, such as wind and solar power, are used to build those things and supply energy then we are going to need a lot more copper.

This red metal is sometimes called Dr Copper because it has an uncanny ability to predict recessions and economic booms. The reason for this is that we unlikely to go into recession when we are in a building boom, whereas we are more likely to when we are not.

Industry, factories, homes, appliances and cars, all require copper, and that is never going to change because, if you look at the periodic table, you will see that there is no alternative to copper, except for silver. Silver conducts electricity better than copper but because it is so expensive it will never serve as a viable replacement. Plus, global copper reserves are estimated to be around 870,000,000 tonnes, whereas silver reserves are put at 530,000 tonnes.

Let us take this conversation further. Statistics show that 20 percent of the world’s population uses 50 percent of its copper; 13 percent of the population has no electricity; three out of four people on the planet – 75 percent – don’t have access to a car; so, if the 80 percent of the world that doesn’t currently use that much copper starts to do so as a result of increased energy needs – by buying appliances, electric cars, building houses and so on – then we will see a significant increase in the demand for copper. The price of copper, even though it has risen, will be so much higher when that demand increases.

The upshot is that the demand for copper is going to continue increasing significantly and so is its price. Under these circumstances, it has never made sense to give tax breaks and other unnecessary incentives to transnational mining corporations. Why would we do that? Today, we are begging for help as though we can think, plan and see.

The UPND has certainly not acted wisely. I can think of no reason why a government would do it, unless it was out of acting out of ignorance or corruption.

Fred M’membe

MAUREEN MWANAWASA TO BE BURIED ON THE DATE HER HUSBAND DIED

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Maureen to be buried on late husband’s memorial day, Government declares national mourning

AS a tribute to woman who stood beside one of Zambia’s most respected leaders, former First Lady Maureen Mwanawasa has been accorded a national day of mourning and will be laid to rest on Monday, August 19, 2024—the same day that marks the death memorial of her husband, the late President Levy Mwanawasa.

Maureen, who passed away on Tuesday, August 13, leaves behind a legacy of service and compassion that resonated deeply with the Zambian people.

In recognition of her contributions to the nation during her tenure as First Lady from 2002 to 2008, the government has accorded Maureen an official funeral.

President Hakainde Hichilema has declared August 19 as a day of national mourning, symbolising the profound respect and admiration that the nation holds for her.

Maureen Mwanawasa will be buried at Leopards Hill Memorial Park in Lusaka, where she will join her late husband in eternal rest.

The funeral will be preceded by a church service at the Anglican Cathedral of the Holy Cross at 10:00 hours.

Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick Kangwa, in announcing the official arrangements, emphasised that the day of mourning is a time for the nation to reflect on Maureen’s contributions to Zambia.

She was not just a First Lady; she was a champion for the vulnerable, a voice for women, and a steadfast supporter of her husband’s vision for the country, some mourners have shared.

As the country prepares to say its final goodbyes, Kangwa reminded citizens that during the national mourning period, from 06:00 to 18:00 hours, all entertainment activities on radio and television will be suspended, and flags will fly at half-mast in her honour.

The overlapping of Maureen’s burial with her husband’s death memorial serves as a powerful reminder of their shared journey in both life and service to Zambia.

For those who plan to attend the official funeral, Kangwa urged adherence to public health measures to ensure safety during the gathering.

Maureen Mwanawasa’s life was one of dedication and service, and as she is laid to rest on a day that already holds deep significance for the nation, Zambians will undoubtedly remember her for the strength and grace with which she carried out her role as First Lady.

Kalemba August 16, 2024

The August 2021 UPND Rigging Machinery in Southern Province & Zambezi Regions was brutally horrific and so historic: 12 Reasons Why that will Never Happen Again as Bally is Going Home- Dr. Chris Zumani

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The August 2021 UPND Rigging Machinery in Southern Province & Zambezi Regions was brutally horrific and so historic: 12 Reasons Why that will Never Happen Again as Bally is Going Home

…..We are talking about known ECZ polling officers having the liberty to walk out of the polling station with ballots boxes, mark them for HH in hidden places outside, bring ‘their results back inside, compute and announce them as HH’s landslide victory results against ECL. In this manner, they voted for the sick, dead and those who were drinking kachasu and mabisi at home-they voted Bally for the whole village. In our electoral life since independence, this only happened on 12th August 2021 in Southern province. But both in Southern province & entire Zambezi regions, it will never happen again in 2026 or beyond because their zeal to risk & fight for HH has been undermined, weakened, betrayed and destroyed by HH himself…..

By Dr. Chris Zumani Zimba

Introduction

It is now over three years since Hakainde Hichilema (HH) of the UPND won power after scoring 2,852,348 votes (58%) against sitting President then, Edgar Chagwa Lungu (ECL) of the PF who scored 1,870,780 votes (38%). However, today, we want to scrutinize what exactly happened and how HH found himself with a lion’s share of votes and consequently the winner for State House. This article critically examines all electoral facts by comparing the voting patterns in all the ten provinces so that you appreciate the historical and horrific UPND rigging machinery that swept the Zambezi region on 12th August 2021.

1. The total rejected ballots for 2021 ‘performed’ better in third ranking with 126,569 votes (3%) in a presidential poll which attracted 4,959,332 voters countrywide against 7,023,499 total registered voters in Zambia representing a 71% voter turnout. Clearly, it was purely a two men’s political horse between HH and ECL. The fourth scorer was a presidential candidate who in this case is number three dwarfed by the top two and ‘rejected ballots’ in Harry Kalaba of DP who scored 25,231 votes (0.5%).

2. Generally, we don’t have problems to accept that HH won the 2021 presidential elections. But the manner in which he won especially in the Zambezi region is of paramount importance in this discourse. In these elections, ECL won in the four (4) traditional PF provinces while HH won his three (3) Zambezi provinces plus the three (3) line of rail industrial provinces (battleground economic regions). Let’s examine everything in critical details and in brutal truth!

3. ECL won (1) in Eastern by 54% versus HH at 38%, (2) in Northen province, ECL won by 56% votes while HH scored 37% votes, (3) in Luapula, ECL won by 61% against HH who got 31% (4) in Muchinga, ECL got 62% while HH got 31%.These figures clearly show a normal voter behavior and unquestionable voting pattern in the four PF provinces between ECL and HH as the winning and losing percentages are within acceptable and anticipated margins.

4. 2021 elections were free and fair in the four PF strongholds as HH even won in some constituencies such as Sinda, Chadiza, Malambo, Chiengi, Senga Hill, Mbala, Mpulungu and Kaputa. In total, HH won in eight (8) constituencies in these PF strongholds! When you combine the total votes of Eastern, Muchinga, Northern and Luapula, ECL scooped 946,081 votes while HH got 571,227 (more half a million votes). This is normal electoral pattern and indeed sober voter behavior.

5. In the battleground provinces of Central, HH got 62% versus ECL at 38%. In Copperbelt, HH won by 57% versus ECL at 40% and in Lusaka, HH won by 54% while ECL got 43%. In these economic provinces, we see HH winning across board but again ECL was losing with normal and unquestionable margins: here, elections were still free and fair. In these three rail line blocks, HH got a total of 1,139,370 votes while ECL 816,685 votes. Yes, HH won most constituencies here but ECL equally won in many too and only lost with a margin of 322,705.

6. The last three provinces are the RED UPND strongholds popularly known as the Zambezi region of HH. In North Western, HH got 88% versus ECL at 9% , in Western, HH won by 82% while ECL got 13%, and in Southern, HH brutally won by 92% against ECL with only 6%. This whole voter behavior and voting pattern is a big RED flag and an electoral malpractice disgrace just on face value! This is where HH and UPND rigged big in a historic and horrific manner!

7. Strange enough, the three UPND RED provinces had the highest voter turnout with 88% for Southern, 78% for North Western and 75% for Western province. Why? In Southern, North Western and Western provinces, UPND thugs employed a “scatter the opponent and vote or mark ballots for yourselves strategy”. PF polling agents, election observers and monitors were harassed, beaten, physically chased and in case of the Solwezi episode of Jackson Kungo, PF North Western Chairman was brutally mobbed and cruelly murdered in cold blood at the polling station in full view of everyone by known UPND members.

8. Neither HH or his SG has apologized for this barbaric murder nor talked about Jackson Kungo in any of their public comments! Consequently, HH got the total of abnormal 1,141,751 votes while ECL shamefully only got 108,014 in Southern, Western and North Western provinces. HH got his FREE OVER ONE MILLION VOTES and scooped the landslide victory into State House from these RED provinces.

9. The fact is, in Southern province, the UPND rigging machine was horrific and historic in all aspects. By having the liberty to carry ballot boxes outside the polling stations as seen in video evidences online, known polling officers even voted for the dead, sick in hospital and those who didn’t come to vote on 12th August 2021 in favour of HH and artificially made sure voter turnout was at its highest ever above every region.

10. And the Southerners artificially made HH win abnormally with 92% total votes in one province while a Republican President got less than 6%. This was the worst tribal voting experience for Zambia. With HH getting 88% and 82% respectively, North Western and Western provinces also vomited the worst regional politics and voting pattern in 2021. In these three provinces, a sitting president failed to get 13% of total votes. It was and is horrific and historically bad. Today, HH is not even ashamed that he got above 38% in Eastern, Northen, Muchinga and Luapula provinces of PF and ECL.

11. With all the gross and aggravated rigging by the UPND in the three provinces in August 2021, which gave them more than 1.1 million votes excess for HH, the good news is that in entire Zambezi regions, that will never happen again either 2026 or beyond because their zeal to risk & fight for HH has been undermined, weakened & betrayed over this New Dawn Rule by no one but HH himself. Bally has has totally failed them and has not met their tribalistic and regionalistic political expectations at all, not even by 40%.

12. Even in the four PF strongholds regions of Eastern, Muchinga, Northern and Luapula where HH got more than half a million votes in 2026 due to a mountain of promises he showered them, that will not happen again in 2026 or beyond. Across the economic three provinces of Lusaka, Central and Copperbelt where Bally overall votes in 2021, the vote of no confidence in HH is above 70%.

Conclusion

No matter what they UPND can do, there is no compelling reason, room or hope for HH to both rig and win in 2026 or beyond as most Zambians see him as a terrible liar, political conman, addicted tribalist, thieving kleptocrat, political dealer and worst president ever in Zambian history. This is why HH will truly fall, politically embarrassed and shamelessly be defeated in two years time regardless of what he tries to do by the signature of his main rival, ECL.

In the last by election in Chirundu, HH’s tribesmen protested against their 2021 rigging machinery strategy, caught district officials who wanted to steal ballot boxes to artificially count and win for UPND as per practice and made sure an independent councilor won. This is what will happen everywhere in 2026 for HH and UPND!

Dr Chris ZUMANI Zimba is a Political Scientist, Researcher, Author & Consultant specialized in Comparative Global Governance and Democratic Theories. He holds a PhD, MA, BA and Cert in Political Science. Zimba was President Lungu’s Political Advisor from December 2019 to August 2021. By philosophical approach, Dr. Zimba is a Pan Africanist as well as Afro-Christian by religion.
Email:chriszumaniZimba.cz@gmail.com

IGNORE INSULTS: HICHILEMA IS NERVOUS AND DESPERATE- Fred M’membe

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NoIGNORE INSULTS: HICHILEMA IS NERVOUS AND DESPERATE

It is evident that Mr Hakainde Hichilema is a very agitated, nervous, and desperate man. And all this stems out of the realisation that a heavy electoral defeat is very near. Mr Hichilema has sensed defeat. He knows that the UPND faces an uphill battle in the 2026 general elections and that he will struggle to garner even 30 per cent of the total votes cast once the tally is completed. 

We are aware that even his bazungu handlers have already informed Mr Hichilema in detail about the several failures of his regime and the impending electoral defeat. They have raised concern about the political and socio-economic uncertainties, constitutionalism, democracy, governance, the rule of law and other numerous illegalities he is tolerating, which all end up affecting the integrity, credibility and acceptability of his regime, and eventually making it very difficult for citizens to consider Mr Hichilema for a second term of office.

“His bazungu friends know that HH and his entire administration’s public ratings are currently at an all-time low. They know that there is a growing and irreversible narrative that he is a highly corrupt leader, running a looting machine. The corruption tag has been magnificently bestowed on him. Further, the tormenting of opposition leaders and condensing the freedoms of citizens, polarisation and bitter tribal divisions in the country and how the same keeps deepening, is part of the many reasons why it is highly improbable that HH can be re-elected in 2026,” an impeccable source has revealed.

“So, all this exchange of referring to fellow national leaders as hyenas, izyabufubafuba (stupid things) and other insults you are seeing from the president are out of frustration and failure. He is extremely agitated, nervous and desperate, especially after his bazungu friends made it clear to him that his re-election is not guaranteed. That is why he is unrelentingly berating, abusing, and describing his political opponents in such a resentful manner. He is an angry man. The pressure is too much. They have lost the narrative.” 

The source disclosed that Mr Hichilema’s bazungu backers have also pointed out that the present political atmosphere disobeys the traditional Zambian way of civilized, mature, and stable politics. 

But to alter the narrative, the source said Mr Hichilema’s regime plans to heighten the activities of their abusive and divisive State House based rogue media or propaganda machinery, and hire several voices to support his re-election bid.

“They hope to lift their diminishing political fortunes by targeting weaker opposition leaders and Members of Parliament, religious leaders, some chiefs, student leaders, civil society, and labour leaders to begin speaking in their favour. There is a huge budget for this, and very soon, you shall see voices that were once critical of the regime softening down or start parroting the UPND agenda without shame. They also plan to spread serious division and confusion in most opposition political parties,” the source revealed.

However, our message to Mr Hichilema and his league is that we have gone several steps ahead of him. we are fully aware that as the campaign period approaches, more disruptive, cruel and reckless antics will be deployed on us to try and halt the momentum, but it’s too late, it will not work. Our message already resonates with the youths, the poor working class of this country, the traditional and religious leaders, the crestfallen majority of urban and rural voters, and the unemployed masses among many groups in this country.

Our desire to create a fair, just, patriotic, and people centred governance system in this country is unstoppable and transcends all barriers or dark forces intentions on continuing under the current order. In due course, the people shall triumph!

Fred M’membe
President of the Socialist Party

IT IS DRAINING BEING IN OPPOSITION: M’membe Is Likely To Be Zambia’s First Oldest And Longest Opposition Leader By 2031

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IT IS DRAINING BEING IN OPPOSITION: M’MEMBE IS LIKELY TO BE ZAMBIA’S FIRST OLDEST AND LONGEST OPPOSITION LEADER BY 2031

Koswe Editorial

Since the time African countries started ruling themselves after the colonial days, many leaders have emerged.

Many of them at the time of colonialism became Presidents by circumstances as the colonialists were giving up power, and so Africans began to side among themselves.

However, when Africans took to the stage of leadership, some if not most of them started refusing to leave the top leadership, and they had to be removed by military people or a serious revolt. The military leaders would also refuse to call for elections, and if they did, they would choose amongst themselves and turn into dictators and beat up anyone against them.

Some of the African leaders that hid under democracy were only removed by certain unfortunate incidents and natural challenges.

Narrowing to Zambia, Edgar Lungu was and is the only circumstantial and bereavement citizen turned into a President as he had never imagined being one but he became one and all thanks to Micheal Sata who Zambians had not had enough of and died while in office and Zambians decided to be sympathetic with Edgar Lungu.

However, the party we call PF today was a breakaway party from MMD, and when Sata created it, he was surrounded by others, and in there was Fred M’membe.

In 2001, Sata formed this party as opposition leader and started working with M’membe and todate we can safely say M’membe has been an opposition leader for now 25 years and he still has another 10 years to go while in opposition.

These years entail that M’membe will be the oldest and longest opposition leader by 2031.

We have noted that M’membe has started losing his key political members, and most of them have serious issues noticed from the inside of his group.

Largely, we are aware that M’membe is running his group like a family bicycle that should only be available to himself, including resources from “dirty men.”

But ladies and gentlemen and our followers, it is not easy to run a political party, and this is why Zambia today has over 50 political parties, but at elections, only two show strength of mobilising.

Yes, M’membe has a lot of money from the Vaseline Movement supporters he calls IMPERIALISTS during the day time but in the night assuring them that he is just politicking and needs votes but this money is his and his children.

The challenge M’membe now faces is that he has to share this money equally with his party members.

Some of his party members need money for rent, money for food, money for transport to meetings and M’membe is tired of this and those running his secretariat have to be on a full time salary and given vehicles but this is not what M’membe a born capitalist dressed in socialism would support.

This is why we say that it is not easy to run a political party as an opposition leader. On top of his party members wanting salaries, rentals, transport, the Vaseline Movement KINGPIN has to pay lawyers to defend his mouth, and those of his party members found practising their movements outside the law.

Other than that, M’membe has to pay for the information from government workers and he has to promise people that if they involved themselves in undemocratic and unlawful orders, he would appoint them as commanders or senior government officials but these are tactics not worthy risking for someone whose political future is blurry.

As things stand, M’membe is destined to be Zambia’s first oldest and longest opposition leader who never got elected but this is not to discourage him but if the man in the next 10 or 20 years, will still be inspiring the emerging young voters who would like to see at least their fellow leading them, then M’membe has to pass on the button to even the young people he is initiating into his Vaseline Movement to carry on with his dream which died many moons ago.

Otherwise, it is not easy to run a political party in opposition, and only the strong make it to the Presidency. Otherwise, one can end up selling Vaseline to the suppliers of the commodity.

We know that M’membe may not agree with our Editorial that while he has been calling the current President all sorts of names since he (HH) is younger than him (M’membe), what we have stated is the actual truth and the Vaseline Movement KINGPIN thinks ahead, he must start baking someone to start prepping up the take over from him.

This is also a challenge to the young people of Zambia. You can’t have young people like Jackson Silavwe clapping for dead horses and dancing around with rejects.

Chilufya Tayali, Sean Tembo even Thomas Sipalo are some of the old youths who are really turning themselves into political comedians at the expense of inspiring the true young people that after President Hakainde Hichilema’s 10 years rule, another person who is young than him and not older and off course with a vision for Zambia would come through unlike Jackson and team surrounding themselves with people who have run out of mouth break fluids.

UPND Govt Chipantepante Strategy Will Surely Land Some Govt Officials In Prison After Change Of Govt: The Case Of Chiawa Farm Fishy Govt Procurement Of Us$13.5 Million- Peter Sinkamba

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By Peter Sinkamba

UPND GOVT CHIPANTEPANTE STRATEGY WILL SURELY LAND SOME GOVT OFFICIALS IN PRISON AFTER CHANGE OF GOVT: THE CASE OF CHIAWA FARM FISHY GOVT PROCUREMENT OF US$13.5 MILLION

Last week, Zambia Nation Service (ZNS) and Zambia Correctional Service (ZCS) announced to the nation that they had purchased Chiawa Farm at the whooping cost of US$13.5 million.

Perusal of the budget estimated and Appropriation Act for 2024 concerning the two institutions does not show any allocation and approval by Parliament to the two institutions to buy such an asset.

Perusal of the Public Procurement Regulations 2022 and Public Finance Management Act 2018 does not show which authority the two institutions could have relied upon to procure this asset.

Most irritating is perusal of the Land Act 1995. This Act vests all land in the President. The Act does not have any provision which allow Governmentent to buy land in Zambia. How then Government, through ZNS and ZCS, has bought land in Zambia beats everybody’s imagination.

Now, the Secretary to the Treasury (ST), who is the public officer vested with the authority by the Public Finance Management Act 2018 to issue treasury authority for disbursement of public funds says ZNS and ZCS were never granted authority to buy Chiawa Farm. The ST says iather, it is Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) that is interested to buy the farm.

The question is: when did ZNS and ZCS join the IDC group of companies? Put differently, when did ZNS and ZCS convert to be come parastatal companies?

Someone somewhere is not telling the truth. But whatever the case on this Chiawa Farm, it appears to me that heads will roll one day soon after 2026 elections, when UPND is no more in government.

There is clear breach of attendant laws and procedure on the procurement of the farm be it by ZNS, ZCS or IDC.

Only time will tell which individuals have stacked their necks on the chopping board.😄😄😄😄

Court listens to K2 million recorded conversation of Esther Lungu and Juju woman

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Court listens to K2 million recorded conversation of Esther Lungu and Juju woman

A PHONE conversation between former First Lady Esther Lungu and Voodooist Elizabeth Phiri was yesterday played in Court, unmasking Esther of having grabbed the herbalist’s house and vehicles to recover the K2 million Phiri had allegedly squandered out of the US$400,000 that Esther had given her niece for safe keeping.

In the phone conversation, Esther was heard pleading with the witch doctor to return her K2 million but the voodooist swore that she only received a K4, 000 from Lungu’s niece Catherine for making her fertile and the charms she gave her to attract rich men.

According to Phiri Lungu’s niece had lied to her that she had won a jackpot and she had no business to question her source of income.

In this case Esther, is jointly charged with James Phiri a police officer of house no.753 Obama, Lee Chisulo 31, a police officer of new Chilenje, Kapambwe Lungu, a police and her niece Catherine Banda on three counts of theft of motor vehicle and one count of theft.

When the case came up before magistrate Mbuywana Simvula for continued cross examination, an audio recording was played regarding the phone conversation that Esther had with Phiri when she told the latter that she could not lose out on her money.

In the recording, Esther was asking the witch doctor to give her back the money which she claimed her niece had stolen from her.

“We signed somewhere and you agreed that you worked for Catherine, she stole that money and brought it to you but why are you refusing to return it? I also want to recover something,” she said.

In response, Phiri advised Esther to sort out the issue with her niece and not to involve her in their family feud whilst blaming Catherine for not being honest.

“I was expecting Catherine to be open and tell me that she’s Lungu’s niece, she trapped me when she took me to his sister’s house in Chawama.She just said escort me to my aunty,” Phiri said.

She explained that Catherine told her that she won a jackpot when she increased her pay, as appreciation for taking away her shame of being called a sterile woman.

“I didn’t know Catherine stole the money, she’s not honest. She told me she won a jackpot. She never tells the truth, she must never step foot in my house she’s not honest, am afraid of dealing with stolen money,” she said.

Esther wondered who would win a jackpot when the country’s economy had collapsed

“Who would win a jackpot with this economy? since you said you are afraid of people’s things why didn’t you ask her where she got the K2 million but instead you decided to use it?,” She questioned.

“Am at a loss and I won’t get much from these properties (house and vehicles) that’s why am saying you bring it back, You can’t benefit from stolen money,” she said.

But Phiri insisted that she questiones her niece as she did not benefit a coin out of the stolen K2 million.

“She gave me the money, she would bring K250 until she increased the amount after she got pregnant I don’t know where she got the money,” Phiri said.

“Why are you changing your statement when you accepted that you benefited from the money she stole? Do you think you will win the case when I take you to court, you cannot be at peace to sleep in a house bought with stolen money, drive a car bought with stolen money and and wear clothes bought with stolen money,” Esther told the witch doctor.

“Don’t expect to be profit making all the time!
I’m at a loss because there’s nothing that I have recovered. You are telling me you used to charge people K2 million for your services? “

But Phiri proposed that Esther gives her back the house and they share the remaining proportion so that nobody was at a loss, as the fool was her niece Catherine who had double crossed them.

Esther was however not in agreement with the proposal by Phiri and told her to accept her loss.

“Every business has a loss, so you want to be a winner through and through? you can’t expect to be a winner on all sides! So you want me to give you everything and I should be at a loss?,” questioned Esther.

By Mwaka Ndawa

Kalemba

Corruption being witnessed is the worst ever, John Sangwa is right- Amb. Emmanuel Mwamba

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Corruption being witnessed is the worst ever, John Sangwa is right

By Amb. Emmanuel Mwamba

The recent revelations by former Anti-Corruption Commission Board member and University of Zambia Law Lecturer, Dr. Obrien Kaaba detailing that there was extensive abuse of office at State Chambers (Attorney General and Director of Public Prosecutions) and that the chambers were active participants in corruption and the looting of the Treasury, echoed the fears of many stakeholders.

Kaaba gave credence to what were before this, mere allegations.

For example, the recent dubious awards of UPND cadres who were awarded huge amounts through unjustified consent agreements, was testament to the loot going on.

The subsequent resignation of the ACC Director General and later dissolution of the ACC Board affirmed the problem and everyone hoped that a credible solution shall be effected amd a reset in the fight against corruption would begin.

It was not to be.

Further it has been established that the Forfeiture of Proceeds of Crimes Act of 2010 is a law that is being used to unfairly seize assets without trial or conviction or reasonable suspicions.

It has become a tool to oppress, scandalise and destroy political opponents and critics of the UPND Government.

Renowned constitutional lawyer and public commentator of governance and human rights, John Sangwa SC has echoed these concerns.

In his interview with Costa Mwansa on diamond TV, Sangwa bemoaned the fallen fight against corruption.

However, the Director of Public Prosecutions, Gilbert Phiri bemoaned the remarks by Sangwa crying that the country was undergoing a review for compliance with the United Nations Convention against Corruption.

It must be noted that the DPP is clearly deluding himself. Corruption has risen, is systematic and institutions such as Law Enforcement Agencies and national security offices have not helped.

The Financial Intelligence Centre has revealed in its 2023 Trends Report that suspected corruption had risen by over 130%.

Clearly, the fight against corruption is in tatters, has collapsed and State Chambers have participated and have been in the forefront in the ruination of the noble cause.

Law Enforcement Agencies have been weaponised against members of the Opposition and while grand and sophisticated acts of corruption, theft, fraud and looting of the Treasury is currently taking place.

Respected men like Gilbert Phiri or Musa Mwenye and others are expected to either resign in such a dirty scenario or up their game to bring the rotting and festering wounds to healing.

Below is the ZNBC Report on DPP’s views.

SANGWA’s remarks unfortunate – DPP

By Masauso Mkwayaya

Director of Public Prosecutions -DPP- GILBERT PHIRI says constitutional lawyer JOHN SANGWA’s comments made during a recent interview suggesting that the Forfeiture of Proceeds of Crime Act is being abused is unfortunate.

Mr. PHIRI says Mr. SANGWA’s comments are not only misleading but also come at a critical time when Zambia is under review for compliance with the United Nations Convention against Corruption.

Mr. PHIRI says the Forfeiture of Proceeds of Crime Act is designed to combat organised crime and does not require a prior criminal conviction for assets to be forfeited.

He says this legal approach is consistent with international standards, citing similar laws in other countries and the endorsement of such measures by the United Nations.

The Director of Public Prosecutions says asset forfeiture cases in Zambia are handled with diligence and transparency, and that the law serves as a crucial tool in the fight against sophisticated financial crimes.

In a statement to ZNBC News today, Mr. PHIRI also refuted claims of abuse, noting that investigations are thorough and conducted in the public interest.

He said his office is committed to prosecuting cases fairly and ensuring that the laws in place are used effectively to recover assets illicitly acquired, with the ultimate goal of safeguarding the interests of ordinary Zambians.

UPND GOVERNMENT SHOULD BE TRUTHFUL: THE CASE OF GEOLOGICAL MAPPING- Peter Sinkamba

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UPND GOVERNMENT SHOULD BE TRUTHFUL: THE CASE OF GEOLOGICAL MAPPING

In the Daily Mail today, 15th August, 2024, it is reported that President Hakainde Hichilema yesterday launched the “first-ever” country wide high resolution geological mapping survey to be carried out by Xcalibur for a period of 18 to 24 months.

It is further reported that “Zambia has not had any mapping since 1972 and relies on archaic information for its mineral exploration”.

Its good that further geological surveys are conducted in Zambia. However, President Hichilema and his government officials should shake off vanity. It is a lie to state that this is the first time ever that Zambia will carry out a high resolution geological mapping. It is also a lie to claim that Zambia has not carried out any geological mapping since 1972. It is also another lie that Zambia relies on archaic geological information for its mineral exploration.

Such lies are actually an insult to countries like China that have assisted the Zambia government in recent years to carry out geological mapping in Zambia using state-of-art technology in recent years.

The cooperation between China Geological Survey and Zambia Geological Survey began in 2012.In
July 2012, China and the Republic of Zambia signed an agreement in respect of the project “CHINA-AIDED REGIONAL GEOLOGICAL AND GEOCHEMICAL MAPPING IN KASAMA, NORTHERN PROVINCE, ZAMBIA “.

The project was put into practice in 2013, the main field work was done in 2014, and the laboratory work for the samples was finished by May 2016.

The coverage of regional geochemical survey on 1:100 000 is around 6064 square kilometers;
the coverage of regional geological survey on 1:100 000 is around 6064 square kilometers; 39 elements were determined by the various methods;
More than 180 geochemical maps are compiled.

Based on the above-mentioned investigation, in December 2014, China andZambia signed an agreement to carry out the project
China-aided airborne geophysical survey and geological-geochemical comprehensive mapping in north-eastern part of Zambia.The project included: the aerogeophysical survey in
Northern and Luapua Provinces of Zambia, 1:100000 geological mapping in the west of Kasama,
Northern province, and 1:250000 regional geochemical mapping in Kasama, Northern province. The aerogeophysical survey used the advanced drone (CH-3), as the carrier for aeromagnetic and
areoradioactivity equipment .

In April 2016, Director Zhong, China Geological Survey, paid a visit to Zambia, and signed a Memorandum of Understanding in geosciences with Geological Survey Department of Zambia.Built on the corner stone of these existing geological cooperation projects, more extensive cooperation in geosciences have been carried out in the research of basic geology, mineral geology, environment geology, agricultural geology, and so on. Through these comprehensive study of geology, deposit and remote sensing, resource potential has been evaluated.

China and Zambia have been collaborating on geological surveys since early 2000s.

In February, 2010, for example, the Ministry of Land and Resources (MLR) of the People’s Republic of
China and the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development of the Republic of Zambia signed the MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING in the field of geology and mining.

In October 2005, in accordance with the agreement earlier signed between the governments of China and Zambia, China Geological Survey dispatched a delegation consisting of 8 experts to Zambia for an investigation.

In October, 2010, China Geological Survey dispatched a delegation consisting of 7 experts to Zambia and a follow-up delegation in November, 2010.

Additionally, individual mining companies have continued to carry out state of art geological mapping since 1998.

Please stop vanity.

SADC SUMMIT BEING HELD AMIDST REGIONAL TENSIONS

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SADC SUMMIT BEING HELD AMIDST REGIONAL TENSIONS

..its time SADC invoked and invited the Panel of the Wise to help lower regional tensions among states…

● Namibia and Botswana have banned imports of some fruits and vegetables from South Africa.

● Zambia and DRC have had border and trade tensions.

● Ideological differences on foreign policy approaches constrains Zambia and Zimbabwe relationship.

● Rwanda and DRC security tensions at an all time low

● Mozambique is battling with terrorism attacks and threats with a higher threat in Cabo Delgado and in Erati and Memba districts of Nampula province.

By Amb. Emmanuel Mwamba

The 44th Ordinary SADC Summit of Heads State and Government is being held on in Harare, Zimbabwe, under the theme: “Promoting Innovation to unlock opportunities for sustained economic growth and development towards an Industrialised SADC”.

However the Summit is being held amidst serious regional economic, security and political tensions and threats.

During his visit to Russia, Zimbabwean President, Emmerson Mnangagwa made accusations that the United States of America is consolidating its regional military presence and strength in Zambia.

This threw bilateral relations between the sister states in a whirlwind.

Zambia has denied that a military base is being set up and has stated that it has merely enhanced security cooperation with the USA Government.

Zambia has also stated that the USA AFRICOM, an active combatant unit of the USA Army responsible for Africa, has merely opened a security office at the USA Embassy in Lusaka, Zambia.

Similarly, a trade war is looming as a ban on fresh produce imports from South Africa, implemented by Botswana in 2022, has been extended until 2025.

Namibia has also imposed similar restrictions spaning from 2021 to 2025.

Further, heavy tensions broke out between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda, which have led to several alleged attacks by Congolese and Rwandan forces on each other’s territory.

In eastern DRC, the M23 rebels, an armed group formed largely of congolese Tutsis, are engaged in a deadly offensive with the Congolese military that has led to a massive humanitarian and displacement crisis.

According to the UN expert group report, 3,000 to 4,000 Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) members are fighting alongside the M23 in DRC. A previous UN report accused Kigali of supporting and aiding M23.

The tensions have restrained bilateral relations to the extent that President Felix Thsiekedi skipped President Paul Kagame’s inauguration ceremony of his fourth term in Kigali.

Similarly, President Hichilema was expected to attend the Summit especially that he is to hand-over the Chairpersonship of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation to President Mnangagwa in Harare.

However with the simmering tensions, President Hichilema may skip the Summit and delegate the responsibility to an alternate probably led by Ministers of Defence and Minister of Foreign Affairs.

This is probably the ideal time to invoke the role of the Panel of the Wise (PoW) under SADC and the African Union to initiatae mediation to lower political, security and trade tensions rising quickly in one of the most successful regional economic grouping in Africa.

A spike in insurgent attacks in northern Mozambique continues to drive a growing humanitarian and displacement crisis.

SADC has deployed security missions in Eastern Congo and Mozambique to restore peace and security to the areas that have seen escalated armed conflicts.

The SADC Summit is responsible for the overall policy direction and control of functions of the Community, ultimately making it the policy-making institution of SADC.

The Ordinary SADC Summit is held every year and is attended by Heads of State and Government from the 16 SADC Member States namely, Angola, Botswana, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

It is also attended by heads of continental and regional bodies as observers.

PRESIDENT HH MOCKING THE YOUTH WHO VOTED FOR HIM- UKA Youth League

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PRESIDENT HH MOCKING THE YOUTH WHO VOTED FOR HIM

….This is not the economy of the champions league the youth voted for, it is serious relegation leading to serious poverty.

15th August, 2024

The remarks attributed to President HH indicating that,”IF YOU CHOOSE LEADERS ANYHOW YOU WILL END UP WITH HYENAS” is mockery to the people of Zambia.

This is so because the youth that massively voted for him hoped that his leadership will “fix” the major economic problems the youth faced and continues to do in his dispensation.

President Hichilema’s caution has rather come in too late when the youth some in graduating gowns who voted for him have been subjected to the realities of his failed campaign promises.

As United Kwacha Alliance (UKA) Youth League, we would like to remind President HH that since his administration came into office;

a) The standard of living is worsening daily, more families struggling to put food on the table.

b) Power outages have crippled most local small and medium businesses.

c) Serious shortages of medicines in health centers.

d) For three farming seasons our local farmers continue receiving farming inputs late if not nothing at all.

e) We will not even talk about fuel and the cost of doing business.

After three years, President Hichilema’s constant solution is blaming his failures on the past government. This is not what the youth voted for, they voted for change not blame games.

Now the Nation is witnessing scandal after scandal UPND buffet, it’s raining scandals at every UPND dawn. Yes the people of Zambia are watching President Hichilema and the ‘parte  after parte’ scandals.

We the sober youth would like to remind this UPND government that the same way Zambians voted out UNIP, MMD and now PF is the same way the UPND will go because they have simply failed!

Things are very tough such that if there was any strand of honesty in this government the entire cabinet should have resigned because they have terribly failed to FIX whatever they said they will fix.

Yes Bally it is true come 2026 we will do everything possible to avoid hyenas! Three fingers are pointing right back at you.

Lengwe Chungu
Spokesperson
UKA Youth League

John Legend And Daughter Work On New Children’s Album

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Multiple award-winning star John Legend is working on a music compilation for children and has roped in his eight-year-old daughter Luna.

In a recent interview, the All of Me hitmaker said Luna was helping design the cover art for the singles on the album titled My Favorite Dream.

“I’ve had Luna design the single art for each of my singles from the children’s album I’ve been working on. That’s been pretty cool. Having my daughter design my single covers was definitely a first,” he stated.

The first of the art pieces were revealed on Friday, August 9, when the singer shared snippets of the album on social media handles.

John Legend said Luna, apart from designing the cover art for the tracks, also provided backing vocals with brother Miles, 6, and mom Chrissy Teigen.

“The first single is the signature anthem for the album. It’s called ‘L-O-V-E’ and it features Chrissy, Luna, and Miles singing backing vocals…And Luna designed and drew all the single covers for the album too!”, the proud dad noted.

“My kids go to a school that encourages them to be creative. Luna, especially, is really into creativity. She loves to paint and draw and build and create, and the school really encourages that. So I’m always excited for them to go back because they come home with so many cool projects.

“I’ve been talking to Luna a lot. I see how empathetic she is and it just reminds me that we should all try to be more empathetic. It’s important to pay attention to other people’s concerns and needs and feelings. I see that in Luna and it makes me proud and reminds me I should strive to be like that too,” he added.

John Legend has also partnered with Box Tops for Education, a non-governmental organization, to celebrate great teachers and encourage families to support their schools and give back through the Box Tops app.

In addition to Luna and Miles, the father of four also spoke about his 13-month-old, Wren Alexander, and 18-month Teigen, who also love music.

“We do a little music class with other kids their age at our house. So it’s like a bunch of one-year-olds and in a room banging on little percussion instruments and singing along with their teachers,” he added.

Why Simone Biles’ mother abandoned her as a kid and now begging for forgiveness

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Shanon Biles, the biological mother of seven-time Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles, remains hopeful for a future relationship with her daughter but says it’s up to Simone, now 27, to reach out.

In an interview with the Daily Mail, Shanon expressed her desire to seek forgiveness from the Olympian for her past.

Shanon, 52, gave up Simone and her younger sister, Adria, to their grandparents, Ron and Nellie Biles, when the girls were toddlers.

She made this decision while struggling with drug and alcohol addictions, according to the New York Post.

“I would like to make amends with Simone personally — I’m just waiting for her and [her younger sister] Adria,” Shanon told the Daily Mail. “I speak to Adria more than I speak to Simone. I would just ask her to forgive me. Can we move forward? Don’t judge me on my past. Let’s move forward.

“I’m waiting for the opportunity but I’m waiting on her to be able to come to me. Let’s sit down. I just have to be patient.”

In an interview published shortly after the Summer Olympics, she revealed her pride in watching her daughter, Simone Biles, win three gold medals and a silver, bringing her career total to 11.

Shanon, who followed the games from her home in Columbus, Ohio, said she has followed Simone’s journey, including her time in foster care before being adopted by her grandparents in Texas.

Despite Simone’s achievements, Shanon revealed that they are not close and currently have no direct communication.

“What I hear about Simone I hear through my dad. I speak to my dad all the time. We’re good now. It was just his birthday, and I called to wish him happy birthday,” Shanon said.

“If I need to know anything I call my dad. I ask him about Simone, and he keeps me posted,” she added.

Ron and Nellie Biles raised Simone and Adria in the Houston area, providing them with the stable home life they lacked while with their biological mother.

Although Simone’s feelings toward Shanon are not well-known, the Associated Press reported in 2015 that Simone corrected anyone who referred to Shanon as her mother.

Shanon, now clean and sober, currently works as a cashier at Save A Lot, a discount grocery store.

“I’m not the person I used to be. I’m OK, today. I’m a loving person,” she said, while still feeling the pain of missing out on some of the biggest moments of Simone’s life such as her wedding with Bears safety Jonathan Owens.

She hopes to get the opportunity one day to communicate with Simone and Adria to share her side of their early years and express her love and pride for Simone.

She also mentioned that Simone’s biological father, Kevin Clemons, has expressed a desire to build a relationship with Simone and that Shanon has been in contact with him.

Although Shanon has Simone’s direct number, she stated that she would not be the one to make the first contact.

“I do have a direct number, but I won’t use it,” Shanon said.

“I want her to reach out to me. She’s 27 now. She’s married. I would have liked to have been a part of that, but I just have to wait for her. You can’t push anybody.

“It hasn’t happened yet, but I have patience. I’m waiting on her.”

Our soldiers advancing farther into Russia – Zelensky

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Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky said on Wednesday, August 14, his troops were “moving further” into Russia, as Kyiv’s biggest ever cross-border attack entered a second week.

The Ukrainian army entered Russia’s Kursk region on August 6, capturing scores settlements in the biggest offensive by a foreign army on Russian soil since World War II.

On Tuesday night, Ukraine separately targeted four Russian airfields overnight with drones in the “largest attack” of its kind since Moscow invaded in 2022, a source in Kyiv’s security services told AFP.

"In the Kursk region, we are moving further. From one to two kilometres (0.6-1.2 miles) in different areas since the beginning of the day," Zelensky said on social media.

He also said Ukraine had captured “more than 100 Russian servicemen” over the same period and that this would “speed up the return home of our boys and girls”.

The neighbouring Russian region of Belgorod meanwhile declared a state of emergency, as Ukraine also prepares to invade the region.

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) indicated Wednesday that Ukrainian troops had advanced over an area of at least 800 square kilometres of Russia as of Monday.

Russia in a statement said it had repelled attempts by Ukrainian forces to push deeper into Kursk region in five areas.
Our soldiers advancing farther into Russia – Zelensky says as Ukrainian soldiers distribute food to Russian civilians

"The attempts by enemy mobile units using armoured equipment to break through deeper into Russian territory have been repelled," its defence ministry said.

Ukraine said Tuesday it would not hold on to Russian land it captured and offered to stop raids if Moscow agreed a “just peace”.

"The sooner Russia agrees to restore a just peace... the sooner the raids by the Ukrainian defence forces into Russia will stop," Ukrainian foreign ministry spokesman Georgiy Tykhy said.

Also Ukraine said Russia left its citizens without food, water and medicine, and that the Ukrainian army will provide Russian citizens left in Kursk with adequate care.

US says it aims to ‘lower temperature’ in Middle East

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The US is aiming “to turn the temperature down” in the Middle East, the country’s ambassador to the UN has said, as fears of an Iranian retaliatory attack on Israel loom.

On Tuesday, Linda Thomas-Greenfield told the UN Security Council in New York the US wanted to “deter and defend against any future attack and avoid regional conflict”.

There are fears Iran could retaliate against Israel following July’s assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran – something Israel has not taken responsibility for.

US President Joe Biden suggested reaching a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas in Gaza could help deter Iran from launching an attack on Israel.
“That’s my expectation but we’ll see,” he said when asked by a reporter on Tuesday.

“We’ll see what Iran does and we’ll see what happens if there’s any attack, but I’m not giving up,” he said, while exiting his plane during a visit to New Orleans, Louisiana.

A new round of ceasefire talks is scheduled to take place in either Doha or Cairo on Thursday.

But Hamas official Ahmad Abdul Hadi has reportedly said Hamas will not take part in the talks, according to reports by the New York Times and Sky News.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken postponed plans to travel to the Middle East on Tuesday to participate in negotiations on ending the war in Gaza.

International mediators from the US, Egypt and Qatar have been pushing for a ceasefire deal that would see Israeli hostages released to their families and Palestinian civilians returned to their homes.

Meanwhile, Washington has also approved a shipment of arms sales worth $20bn (£15.5bn) to IsraAt the Security Council meeting in New York, Ms Thomas-Greenfield called for a ceasefire deal to be finalised.

“A broader regional conflict is not inevitable,” she said.

“The United States’ overall goal remains to turn the temperature down in the region, deter and defend against any future attacks, and avoid regional conflict,” she added.

“That starts with finalizing a deal for an immediate ceasefire with hostage release in Gaza. We need to get this over the finish line.”

But Palestinian ambassador to the UN, Riyad Mansour, accused the Security Council of not doing enough to stop Israel’s military operation in Gaza.

“Wake up. Stop finding excuses. Stop imagining that you can reason with the Israeli government so it stops killing civilians by the thousands, imposing famine, torturing prisoners, colonising and annexing our land, all while you appeal to them, call on them, demand them to stop,” Mr Mansour said.

Israeli ambassador Gilad Erdan claimed Hamas used civilians as human targets in Gaza.

Israel launched a military campaign in Gaza to destroy Hamas in response to an unprecedented attack on southern Israel on 7 October, during which about 1,200 people were killed and 251 were taken hostage.

More than 39,920 people have been killed in Gaza since then, according to the territory’s Hamas-run health ministry.

Hundreds of people have also been killed in the almost daily exchanges of fire between Hezbollah and the Israeli military across the Israel-Lebanon border since the day after the start of the conflict.

Amid a flurry of international diplomacy to de-escalate tensions, Iran on Monday dismissed calls from the UK and other Western countries to refrain from retaliation against Israel for the killing of Haniyeh.

Israel, which did not say it was involved in Haniyeh’s assassination, has meanwhile put its military on its highest alert level.

The US has warned that it is preparing for “a significant set of attacks” by Iran or its proxies as soon as this week, and has built up its military presence in the Middle East to help defend Israel.el – the arms will take years to reach Israel.

Taylor Swift set to return to the stage in London following thwarted terror attack plot in Vienna

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Taylor Swift will return to the stage at London’s Wembley Stadium on Thursday, just over a week after three of her Eras Tour concerts in Vienna were canceled when police in the Austrian city thwarted a terror attack plot targeting one of her shows.

Swift last performed her concert in front of audiences in Warsaw, Poland at the beginning of August. She was supposed to begin a three-show stop in Vienna on August 9 when Austrian authorities said they had prevented an ISIS-inspired plot to attack one of her concerts during that leg.

Three teenagers have since been detained in connection with the investigation and are suspected of plotting a suicide attack.

Investigators found a stockpile of chemicals, explosive devices, detonators, and over $20,000 in counterfeit cash at the home of the main suspect, a 19-year-old ISIS sympathizer who had been radicalized online, according to Franz Ruf, public security director at Austria’s interior ministry.

Swift has yet to publicly comment on the cancellation and the terror threat but CNN has reached out to her representative for comment.

Thursday’s concert will kick off the first of five shows Swift is scheduled to perform at Wembley Stadium, the run serving as her final European tour stop before she heads back to North America. The first show is scheduled to start at 4:55 pm GMT (11:55 am ET), according to the venue’s website.

The band Paramore will open for Swift for every show, with a different supporting opening act every night. Recording artists Sofia Isella, Holly Humberstone, Suki Waterhouse, Maisie Peters, and Raye will respectively fill that role over the five nights.

CNN has reached out to representatives for Paramore and each supporting artist for comment.

Heightened safety measures

With safety and security top of mind following the Vienna cancellations, both Wembley Stadium and London authorities have publicly outlined their plan to keep concertgoers safe.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan told Sky News in an interview last week that the capital city has “a huge amount of experience in policing these events” and that they’re “never complacent.”

Recalling the “many lessons” learned from the horrific 2017 Manchester Arena attack, which left 22 people dead and injured hundreds at an Ariana Grande concert, Khan said that they would be “working closely with police (and) ensuring that the Taylor Swift concerts can take place in London safely.”

CNN has reached out to a representative for Grande for comment.

“London plays host to a significant number of very high profile events each year with millions of visitors having a safe and enjoyable experience,” a spokesperson for the London Metropolitan Police told CNN in a statement on Tuesday.

The statement continued: “There is nothing to indicate that the matters being investigated by the Austrian authorities will have an impact on upcoming events here in London. As always, we will continue to keep any new information under careful review.”

The Met Police will work closely with the venue’s security teams and other partners to ensure that the appropriate safety measures are in place for the event, the statement added.

Wembley Stadium also outlined on its official website that the venue will “collaborate closely” with police, the Safety Advisory Group, and relevant authorities “to ensure that the stadium’s security protocols meet the highest standards.”

Wembley Stadium — which already hosted Swift for Eras Tour shows in June — also specified that people who do not have tickets to the concerts are not allowed to stand outside of the venue, outlawing a tradition that many Swifties have participated in at various venues throughout the tour.

Backlash as Botswana requests money for Olympic heroes

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People in Botswana have reacted with outrage on social media after the government asked citizens to donate money to reward the country’s historic gold-medal winning Olympic team.

The fund would be a way for citizens to honour the athletes by “contributing rewards to our champions”, said the government in a statement on Monday.
Letsile Tebogo brought glory to Botswana after he became the first African athlete to win the men’s 200m at the Olympics, bringing home the country’s first ever gold medal.

But the government’s request for donations has halted celebrations for some, who question why their taxes aren’t being used to reward the Olympians.

“We are already paying tax, give our champions [sic] money from the government purse,” raged one user on Facebook.
The Botswana government did not respond to the BBC’s request for comment and it is unclear if they are also contributing to the reward pot.

“I would love to donate in support of the boy’s historic achievement, but unfortunately, I’m currently an unemployed electrical engineering graduate with a bachelor’s degree,” one user said.
Another suggested that the cabinet lead by example and donate 25% of their salaries.

Other countries in Africa have often rewarded the winners of Olympic gold medals, or the Africa Cup of Nations, with houses or lump sums of cash.
Botswana has one of the highest levels of income per head in Africa, but also one of the world’s highest rates of youth unemployment, according to Afrobarometer.

Although Botswana is one of the world’s largest producers of diamonds, the southern African country has recently experienced a slump in diamond revenues, forcing the government to cut spending, according to Bloomberg.
Despite the objection to the fund, there have been some voices of support for the Olympic reward pot.

One person enthusiastically suggested the fund be opened for anyone across the continent to send money.

“Open it to all Africans, I want to contribute from Kenya,” said one voice of support.

Tebego set an African record 19.46 seconds in the 200m, and also won a silver medal in the men’s 4x400m relay alongside his teammates.

On Tuesday, tens of thousands of people gathered in the National Stadium in the capital, Gaborone, to welcome the Olympic team home after President Mokgweetsi Masisi declared it a half-day holiday.

NO MONEY TRAIL HAS BEEN SHOWN BY DALITSO TO PROVE EDGAR LUNGU BOUGHT HIM HIS PROPERTIES

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NO MONEY TRAIL HAS BEEN SHOWN BY DALITSO TO PROVE LUNGU BOUGHT HIM HIS PROPERTIES

THE State says former president Edgar Lungu’s son Dalitso has not produced a money trail to prove that his father bought him a fleet of vehicles, pieces of land and a gas station.

It says though the properties belong to Saloid Traders limited, they were not legally acquired and they are tainted property as Dalitso has not produced evidence that his father had the financial muscle to buy all the properties.

In this matter, that State wants to have 69 vehicles worth over K24 million and 25 pieces of land dotted across the country in Kanakantapa of Chongwe district, Chibombo, Chisamba, Solwezi, Masaiti in Ndola district, Chilanga, Petauke and Nakonde belonging to Dalitso confiscated on reasons that they were acquired through grand corruption.

Dalitso filed an affidavit in opposition to the motion moved by the Director of Public Prosecutions Gilbert Phiri to have his property forfeited to the State.

He told the Economic and Financial Crimes Court that he did not engage in crime to acquire the pricy cars, gas station and pieces of land across the country, saying the former president heavily invested in him by gifting him the properties.

Dalitso said though he did not earn much from his job his properties were legally acquired with the assistance of his parents as Saloid Traders limited is a family business which is owned by his father Edgar.

But in an affidavit in reply to affidavit in opposition to affidavit in support of notice of motion, Pardon Liuma a detective inspector at police headquarters under the criminal investigations department said  Dalitso has not produced evidence proving that the Toyota Land cruiser bearing registration no.BAT 3703 registered under saloid Traders was bought by his father, Edgar.

“I wish to state that  Dalitso has not produced any documentation or evidence to substantiate his assertion that the subject vehicles registered under saloid Traders limited were bought by his father,”Lima said.

“Dalitso’s father Edgar has not appearance as an interested party in this matter to categorically state that the motor vehicles were bought by him.”

He said Dalitso has not proven to the EFCC that Lungu had the means to purchase the subject motor vehicles.

“I wish to state that contrary to the assertion made by Dalitso, the credit sale agreement produced shows that only two Shacman Tipper trucks were purchased by Saloid Traders limited. 

Dalitso, has not produced any evidence to demonstrate that the subject four motor vehicles found concealed in a warehouse at Ndozo lodge are the same as the two motor vehicles in the credit sale agreement,” Liuma argued.

“Dalitso has not exhibited the lease to show that the four motor vehicles concealed in a warehouse at Ndozo lodge were used under normal business operations and were hired out to various clients under the normal course of business.”

He said no bank transfers or receipts to show that Toyota Land cruiser bearing registration number BLA 5922 was paid for by his father have been exhibited.

“Lungu has not entered appearance and not demonstrated the source of the funds allegedly used to purchase the subject motor vehicle. I contend that Dalitso has not produced any evidence that his father mainly financed the purchase of the subject vehicles at different times and prices,” Liuma said.

He clarified that the value of the 48 motor vehicles at K23,050,842.49 was obtained from the Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA).

“I aver that the interested party has not exhibited any document to show that his father facilitated and financed the purchase of the motor vehicles but admit that the interested party owns a filling station operated by Saloid Traders on a lease to Total Energies at $8,000 per month,” Liuma said.

“I wish to state that the interested party has failed to produce any evidence of the other various sources of income that he alleges financed the running of the business of Saloid Traders limited.”

He said Dalitso did not prove that Saloid Traders  Limited is a family business as the records at PACRA only shows him and his wife, as directors and shareholders of Saloid Traders limited.

“Properties listed in the affidavit in support belong to Dalitso and that they are proceeds of crime as Dalitso failed to produce evidence that the same were legitimately acquired,”Liuma said.

“Dalitso has not exhibited any proof supporting the assertion that his parents assisted him in the acquisition of the assets subject for forfeiture as he has not indicated whether his parents deposited the money into this bank account or gave it to him as cash, or whether his father paid directly for the purchase of the property.”

He added that there is no traceable sources of income relating to the acquisition of property hence it must be forfeited.

Kalemba

Be patient, choosing leaders anyhow, will end you with hyenas that will eat you – Hichilema

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Be patient, choosing leaders anyhow, will end you with hyenas that will eat you – Hichilema

PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema has advised Zambians to exercise patience with government adding that if people rush to vote in leaders anyhow, they might end up with hyenas that will eat them up.

The President said this yesterday during the ground breaking ceremony of the construction of a new 300 Mega Watts Thermal Power Plant by Maamba Energy in Mamba district, Southern Province, a project that stands important in addressing the nation’s energy deficit.

The current drought that the country is facing has diminished about 80 percent of the Hydropower capacity, and the project aims at making the weight lighter as Zesco and Maamba penned a 20 year power purchase agreement.

“And I want to ask Zambians to learn to be patient, when things are being done in the positive directions, learn to be patient and allow the processes to take their course quicker of cause and then you can see this plant in a few months time. Because people have to do a lot of work behind the scenes for you to see what you are able to see now.”

“If you will be choosing leaders anyhow, you will choose hyenas and they will eat you. We learn lessons from these things. Copperbelt is back, North Western is back,” President Hichilema said.

The President said that despite inheriting  a country whose economy was on the death bed due to debts and litigations, the UPND government has worked towards bringing the mining sector back to life.

“All mines, most of them were in litigation and I say to [Paul] Kabuswe (Mines minister) to take the cases out of court and today, I can proudly say we have reconstructed the mining sector.  Mopani is back from the graveyard, shaft 28, CNMC (China Nonferrous Metal Mining Company) is back having been buried 23 years ago, we have exhumed it, it’s back and kicking, KCM (Konkola Copper Mine) which was like a very difficult project, today, KCM is back.

“We have more, we have new projects, we have brought Lubambe back on the road towards the burial site, we have brought it, Muyanda nzi nobana Zambia? Muyanda babeleka, na muyanda bayimukanwa? (what do you Zambians want? do you want people who work, or those who only talk), let’s work in this country,” the President said.

The Head of State further said there is need to do things in an organised way in order to make progress were there is non.

“So Mamba Energy, this project is not your project, this is our project together, this is a Zesco project, Zesco is an off taker you have signed a power purchase agreement for 20 years, the market is secured, that’s how business works, otherwise how do you bring NAPSA, banks if there is no off taker? This is it, this is our project important to all sectors,” stated President Hichilema.

He called on Sinazongwe residents to support the project, as it will bring revenue to the council, adding that all stakeholders must work together to complete the project ahead of time, and once completed, it should prioritise on employing the locals first.

“Let the people of Mamba feel that this is theirs because their children are working here. If the children are not skilled, train them, there is a skills training school, employment, skills that are not available in the area must come from any part of the county.”

“That’s how it should be, and if they are not available in Zambia to keep this power station producing 300 Mega Watts and they are on the moon, under the sea, we should get those skills here, immigration should not be a problem they should help us to operate this project. That is the vision that we have,” said President Hichilema.

By Buumba Mwitumwa

Kalemba August 13, 2024

Witness tells EFCC ‘ichola’ meant to purchase a chancery in Turkey was diverted by Malanji

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Witness tells EFCC ‘ichola’ meant to purchase a chancery in Turkey was diverted by Malanji

A Turkish witness yesterday told the Economic and Financial Crimes Court that he was directed to pick up two bags of money from the işBank by the late Zambia’s ambassador to Turkey Joseph Chilengi, which former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Joseph Malanji returned with to Zambia.


The witness told the Economic and Financial Crimes Court that the bags were loaded on the cargo bay of the private jet which was waiting for Malanji at the airport.

According to sources, the money in question was in the tune of US$5 million which was released by the Zambian government, meant for the purchase of a Chancery for the Zambian mission in Turkey but was diverted by the former Minister of Foreign Affairs who personally went to collect it from Turkey.

Testifying before principal resident magistrate Irene Wishimanga, Cetin Eskiduman of Ankara Turkey who is a driver at the Zambian Embassy in Turkey said, on December 29, 2020 the late Chilengi instructed him to go to the işBank and wait outside for the account at Zambian embassy, Sam Sankenga who would meet him there.

“I waited there for a long time it was early morning when the Bank opened at 09:00 hours  after waiting for some time up until in the afternoon when Mr Sankenga came with some people and brought two bags of money,” he said.

Eskiduman said notable among the men was Burhan a driver of lawyer Ashak Safak.

He said the bags of money were put in the ambassador’s car and he drove to Sheraton Hotel where he found Malanji and diplomats of the Zambian mission seated at the lobby called Luger.

“The minister’s delegation was waiting to go to the airport and we proceeded immediately I arrived,” Eskiduman said.

“When we reached the airport we were told to drive our cars to a Zambian plane, everyone got out of theirs cars and put the the bags to the cargo bay of the plane and we were told to leave, because the plane was about to touch off.”

Gulce Senger an Interpreter at the Zambian
Embassy in Turkey said according to the contract for the purchase of property the Landlord had requested for US$1.5 million but receipts show that less money was paid.

She said when the late Chilengi went to Turkey he complained that the chancery that the Zambian mission was renting was too small he needed the mission to move to a bigger building.

Senger said with the area there was a building that was being rented out and Chilengi decided to meet the landlord and they had a meeting.

“The ambassador said he wanted to rent the property and in future he wanted to buy it for the Zambian embassy and the landlord said in future he might consider selling the property,” she said.

“The ambassador asked the landlord to refurbish the building. In 2019 December we moved in the building as tenants and through the end of October 2020 the ambassador wanted to have another meeting with him on zoom. Chilengi asked the landlord if he was still willing to sell the building and the landlord agreed on a condition that we agree on the price.”

Senger said Chilengi asked the landlord to prepare a quotation with the necessary information which he would send to Zambia for evaluation.

“ he said It should contain the floor plan, full address and the amount of the building which would go to Zambia for approval. I received the quotation from Mr Sam Sankenga for me to translate it was in Turkish I interpreted and sent it to Sankenga. The ambassador said he would communicate with his lawyers for price negotiations,” she said.

“During COVID times Mr Chilengi was hospitalized for a few weeks in 2021 and he could not survive. Because he had died I thought the landlord had stopped the process for the purchase of property, I thought it was canceled.”

She said during winter she found out from the landlord’s personal assistant that the building belonged to the Zambian government, when he refused to check the air conditioners after she requested him to do so, as he told her to find someone else to do the job.

“I was surprised to hear that I asked the landlord who was the new owner and he said as the Embassy you (Zambia) bought it. At that point I asked around I didn’t know who knew what, to what extent,” Senger said.

“After some time the first secretary political  Lawrence Mulango said he wanted to see me and would give me confidential documents for interpretation. It was the tittle deed for the chancery.”

She said each floor of the building was registered for separately at the lands office and was paid for with different amounts.

“It ( tittle deeds) was three pages the official document from the Turkish government it was issued on August 10, 2021 with the amount, there were three documents because the building had three floors and the floors were registered separately at the land office and the prices were different,”she said

“The  building was 11, 700,000 TL (TRY) the title deeds when calculated was close to quarter the amount there was no much difference 9, 700, 000TL(TRY) I thought they negotiated on the price.”

She said when she had sight of the title deeds which were registered in the Embassy of Zambia she was shocked and when she converted the currency to the US$ it showed that the landlord had requested for $1.5million but the chancery was paid for at a lesser amount.

In this case Fredson Yamba a fomer secretary to the treasury and his co-accused Malanji are accused of failing to adhere to guidelines relating to the management of public resources and possessing property suspected to be proceeds of crime.

Yamba is alleged to have abrogated the law relating to the management of public property when he approved the transfer of K154, 201, 197 for the purchase of a chancery in Turkey.

Malanji is accused of possessing two helicopters BELL430 and a BELL 206 Jet Ranger helicopter suspected to be proceeds of crime.

Trial continues on August 16.

By Mwaka Ndawa

Kalemba August 14, 2024.

I only get a salary of K53,000 – President Hichilema

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I only get a salary of K53,000 – Hichilema

PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema has disclosed that a president in Zambia gets a salary of K53,000 per month, asserting that Government jobs do not offer a lot of money.

President Hichilema stated this to encourage Zambians to invest in businesses instead of crying for the Government to employ them.

Officiating at the Energy Forum for Africa Conference in Lusaka yesterday, the President stated that there was need for Zambians to invest in the energy sector, using the drought as an opportunity for citizens to turn into entrepreneurs.

“Don’t cry about being not given a job, invest in genuine businesses not crying about not being given a job. You want to get a job in Government, do you know how much you will be getting in Government? K20, 000 per month.”

“Now I will tell you this, the president in this country gets a salary of K53,000. Now the whole of me queuing for K53,000 for what? People don’t understand what they are asking for. Yet if they got together, 10, 20 of them, [the can now invest] we have now made it possible quickly for them to invest in five megawatts. Zesco, ERB, if the business generates five megawatts you will get a decent amount, you learn to work hard, you learn to be patient,” stated President Hichilema.

He also called on Zambians living in the diaspora to invest back home, especially at a time when the country is grappling with effects of the drought.

President Hichilema urged banks to create attractive packages that will enable citizens to access funding for investment in the sector.

“Let’s encourage Zambians even in the diaspora to invest back home. Why are you sitting there, focusing on brown, bread, yellow bread, pink bread, invest back home, you are in a market where you can access capital at a lower cost, the interest rates are lower in Europe. Ten of you can get together and form five megawatts,” he advised.

He said Government had already taken both regulatory and legal reforms in the sector to make it attractive, challenging experts across various sectors of the economy to come up with innovative ideas and solutions to address the current energy crisis.

By Catherine Pule

Kalemba, August 15, 2024

Lungu lied about home raid – DEC

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Lungu lied about home raid – DEC

FORMER president Edgar Lungu yesterday advised his wife to keep a cool head not to be impassioned and scrappy like a hyena.



As the couple was leaving the Magistrates Court after the theft case, Esther became angry when Lungu showed her some pictures on his phone and misinformed her that police had raided their home in Lusaka East.

“We are here (at court) why send police officers to our home when we are away? “ she questioned.

However Lungu asked her to be calm not until they get home and assess the situation.

“They are talking of hyenas, today we are talking of hyenas they are still not ok,” he said whilst poking his head.

“We shouldn’t behave like hyenas let’s get home we see what they have left, then we contact the lawyers.”

Despite her husband having asked her to cool her temper, Esther still huffy saying the State was trying to pick a fight with her family.

“Because this is a fight,”she said.

But Lungu advised her not to be emotional and combative.

“If you become hysterical like hyenas, then the  difference between you and them will not be noticed,” said Lungu before getting into his car.

The couple thanked their followers for their support and promised to update them.

However, two hours later the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) dispelled the false narrative created by Lungu that a joint team of investigative wings had raided his home.

DEC public relations officer Allan Tamba in a statement clarified that officers of the Commission had gone to Tasila’s house in Chifwema to serve her a call out so that she can appear before the Commission tomorrow for questioning at 11:30 hours.

“Contrary to social media claims and speculations that a joint operations team from the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC), and the Anti- Corruption Commission (ACC), today August 14, 2024, did surround the house to the former Republican President of Zambia; Mr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu while him and his wife Mrs. Esther Lungu, were attending Court, at the Lusaka Magistrate Court, the DEC wishes to refute and dispel such assertions as no such operation took place,” the statement read.

“The Commission wishes to place on record that today, acting within the provisions of the Laws of the Republic of Zambia, a team of DEC officers did visit Mr. and Mrs. Tasila Lungu Mwansa’s residence which is believed to be property Number F/4142/9/14/P- Farm behind Economic Zone- MFEZ Chifwema. The purpose of the said visit was to serve a Call- Out under Warrant, to Mrs. Tasila Lungu Mwansa, who was said to be not at the residence.”

Tamba said the DEC officers introduced themselves to Tasila’s security personnel and one of them went to approach them with a short gun forcing them to re-introduce themselves and explain the purpose of their visit.

He said the security guards refused to collect the call out on the premise that Tasila was not home.

“Officers then got the original copy of the Call-Out and enclosed it in an envelope which was then addressed to Mrs. Tasila Lungu Mwansa. Upon sealing the envelope, officers slid the subject envelope under the gate and drove-off,” said Tamba

“Mrs. Tasila Lungu Mwansa is currently wanted for questioning by the Commission. The Commission wishes to indicate that we remain resolute in enforcing the law in a professional and judicious manner in order to ensure that justice prevails.”

By Mwaka Ndawa

Kalemba August 15, 2024.

WARNING TO THE NATION: PROTECT THE JUDICIARY’S INDEPENDENCE- Professor Edgar Ng’oma

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WARNING TO THE NATION: PROTECT THE JUDICIARY’S INDEPENDENCE

By Edgar Ng’oma, Philosopher and Distinguished Governance Expert

Thursday, August 15, 2024

Without fear or favor

Zambia, beware! Your peace and stability are precarious. The judiciary is the only safeguard against internal civil strife, and its independence is crucial. If the judiciary fails to remain impartial, the consequences will be catastrophic.

*DO NOT TAKE PEACE FOR GRANTED*

While the legislative and executive branches may err, an independent judiciary can correct their mistakes. However, if the judiciary loses its independence, Zambia will plunge into unprecedented civil unrest, leading to a bloodbath.

*THIS IS NOT A DRILL*

For the first time in Zambia’s history, the very fabric of our nation is at risk. We must not let our guard down. The judiciary’s independence is not a luxury, but a necessity.

*PROTECT THE JUDICIARY, PROTECT ZAMBIA*

Let us not wait until it’s too late. We must act now to ensure the judiciary remains independent, impartial, and strong. The fate of our nation depends on it.

In this analysis, I highlight the crucial role of an independent judiciary in maintaining stability and preventing civil strife in Zambia. If the judiciary loses its independence, the following dangers may arise:

1. *Erosion of trust*: Citizens may lose faith in the judiciary’s ability to deliver impartial justice, leading to widespread disillusionment and mistrust in the government.

2. *Executive overreach*: An impartial judiciary can check the executive’s power, but a partial judiciary may enable the executive to consolidate power, leading to authoritarianism.

3. *Legislative manipulation*: A compromised judiciary may fail to prevent legislative overreach, allowing laws that favor specific groups or individuals to be passed, further polarizing society.

4. *Human rights violations*: A partial judiciary may fail to protect human rights, leading to increased violations, repression, and marginalization of certain groups.

5. *Social unrest*: When the judiciary is seen as biased, citizens may take to the streets to protest, leading to social unrest, demonstrations, and potentially violent clashes.

6. *Breakdown of the rule of law*: An independent judiciary ensures the rule of law; without it, the legal system collapses, and vigilantism, mob justice, or even civil war may ensue.

7. *Polarization and division*: A partial judiciary can exacerbate existing social, political, or ethnic divisions, leading to increased tensions and conflict.

8. *Economic instability*: Investors and businesses rely on an independent judiciary to resolve disputes fairly; without it, economic instability and decline may follow.

9. *International isolation*: A compromised judiciary can lead to international criticism, sanctions, and isolation, further weakening the country’s global standing.

10. *Civil strife and conflict*: Ultimately, a partial judiciary can create an environment conducive to civil strife, as citizens may feel forced to take matters into their own hands, leading to violent conflict.

FINALLY:To Chief Justice Mumba Malila and your esteemed team of judges,
We implore you: safeguard the independence of the judiciary at all costs. An independent judiciary is the cornerstone of stability, human rights, and the rule of law in Zambia. If it falls, the consequences will be catastrophic.

You are the guardians of justice, the protectors of our rights, and the defenders of our peace. Your independence is the only bulwark against the forces of chaos and tyranny.

We beg of you: do not let your guard down. Do not compromise on your independence. For if you do, Zambia’s peace and stability will be lost forever.

You are the last line of defense against the erosion of trust, executive overreach, legislative manipulation, human rights violations, social unrest, and economic instability.

We pray that you will remain vigilant, impartial, and strong. We pray that you will protect the judiciary’s independence with every fiber of your being.

For if you fail, Zambia will burn. And we will all suffer the consequences.

Please, Chief Justice Mumba Malila and your Honorable judges, do not let that happen. Protect the judiciary’s independence. Protect Zambia’s peace.

We are counting on you.

Without fear or favor, I submit.

*_By Professor Edgar Ng’oma, Philosopher and Distinguished Governance Expert.*_

FORMER ECONOMIC ADVISOR TO PAST PRESIDENT E.C LUNGU REFUTES THAT HIS PROPERTIES ARE NOT PROCEEDS OF CRIME

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FORMER ECONOMIC ADVISOR TO PAST PRESIDENT E.C LUNGU REFUTES THAT HIS PROPERTIES ARE NOT PROCEEDS OF CRIME

FORMER economic adviser to immediate past president Edgar Lungu, Hibeene Mwiinga has refuted allegations that his properties are proceeds of crime.

Mr Mwiinga has also wondered how he is accused of having properties deemed to he proceeds of crime when he already had money and other investments before he was appointed in 2015.

The accused told a magistrate that he earned not less than U$S2million when he worked for African Development Bank (AfDB) ffrokn2006 to 2010.

Mr Mwiinga wondered why he is being accused of acquiring assets using proceeds of crime when he worked for his hard earned money even before being appointed by Mr Lungu.

He adds that he earned and saved a lot of money when he worked as AfDB director group advisor to the board of directors and also had extra money from his business ventures.

“The last time I calculated, I earned over US$ 300,000 for four meetings I attended as AfDB board director”.

Mr Mwiinga adds that when he worked for AfDB in Tunisia, the accused and his wife ordered clothes and shoes from Scotland and re-selling them, from which the couple made profits in excess of US$3million.

He said with all that money, “Can I spent all that money on chocolates? No, I invested”.

Mr Mwiinga, who is a former Ministry of Finance principal economist,  added that

“I went on a minimum of 20 foreign trips while at State House and I earned a minimum of US$ 7,000 per trip”.

This is in a case Mr Mwiinga, 60, of Mwembeshi, his wife, Mercy, 56, and son Hakaantu, 33, are charged with numerous counts of possession of properties valued about K41 million and over US$238,900, reasonably suspected of being crime proceeds.

An investigator had narrated that Hibeene earned between K10 million and K15 million from 2015 to 2021.

But in his defence yesterday, the accused denied the allegations he is alleged to have committed between 2015 and 2021.

The court heard that he  has always been entrepreneurial and started investing through his bakery, livestock, chicken rearing and fish farming businesses before being appointed.

Mr Mwiinga also told the court he had a bakery he open in 2011 and would supply bread upto as far as Chibombo.

“When we started the business, a loaf of bread was K9, K10. Bread is sold and made every day, if you make 2000 loaves, you make alot of money”.

Mwiinga argued that the K12.4million at which his Mwembeshi farm was valued by the State was inaccurate because some construction works were carried out by Hakaantu.

He said in 2011, he invested in fish farming at a cost of US$200million.

“The two ponds gave us 200,000 pieces of fish every year. Each fish was sold at K40”.

The businessman said he also has 30 tonne trucks which were being hired out and one trip earns him K300, 000”.

Mr Mwiinga said the time he worked for AfDB in Tunisia from 2006 to 2010, he earned over US$2million and “I had in excess of US$500,000 allowances when I worked for the bank when I travel abroad.

“By the time we came back to this country, we had so much cash”.

Mwebantu

DEMOCRACY: It’s time to have an honest conversation

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DEMOCRACY: It’s time to have an honest conversation

By Dingindaba Jonah Buyoya

Zambia has for many years been a good example of democracy in Africa. The country has successfully voted for 7 different presidents in its 60 years of independence. Whether or not the leaders chosen have satisfied the electorate is a different story, but the bottom line has been that these people choose who must lead them.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/V6ddsPSHuGPiE5MN/?mibextid=oFDknk

Much of Zambia’s stability can be attributed to its ability to respect democracy. Scholars have observed that leaders in this Southern African country remain checked and largely steer clear of totalitarian styles of leadership because democracy stands in their way. Leaders who show signs oppression are voted out, reinforcing political and civil stability in the country.

This in itself is perhaps the greatest attribute of what democracy is. After all, democracy is the one system that allows the general population the power to choose how they’re led and by whom. It is undeniable that democracy is a noble way of leading people and that’s perhaps why even dictatorial leaders want to present the pseudo impression of democracy.

While democracy remains highly popular in Africa, the popularity has dropped by about 7%. The Afrobarometer in their latest findings report that Africans are largely in favour of democracy, but are equally frustrated by the consistency with which their leaders are corrupt and sometimes simply incompetent.

The poor leadership across the continent is an indictment on the integrity of democracy and leads some people into losing confidence in the system. They feel that their voice is wasted as they end up with poor leadership nonetheless.

Charlotte Salivaji, an activist and Executive Director of Mzenga Lives Foundation, believes the continent must strengthen accountability and only democracy can do that.

“Democracy can only work if there is accountability. People are losing trust in their governance systems, not because they’re allowed to elect their leaders, but because the leaders they elect do not honour their end of the bargain”, she says.

“Democracy goes two ways. You promise to develop your country and people promise to vote for you. When the people keep their promise, you must keep yours.”

The failure by African leaders is a complete let down on the people, but in no way a demonstration of what democracy is.

This very dynamic is perhaps what can be regarded as democracy’s greatest strength.

Rwandan President, Paul Kagame, who has received widespread criticism for his very long stay in office (24 years), argues that democracy must be in the context of each country and basically that it is okay for leaders to serve such long terms in office.

While this may sound like a great argument, there’s several reasons for why it may fail. First of all, such a long stay in office in itself allows the leader to curate a system that suits them and creates an individual cantered government.

A democracy allows people the opportunity to get rid of leaders they’re not pleased with. The very corruption by their leaders that frustrates many Africans should be why they uphold democracy. It provides people the power to remove corrupt leaders who would otherwise latch onto power despite the people’s rejection.

Zambia has done this since 1991 and there’s clearly no stopping. The 2024 elections in South Africa and the UK are also testament to the power of democracy to remind political leaders that true power lies in the hands of the people.

The people of Zambia must in fact take pride in their alertness. A strong and effective civil society and media have always raised alarm when things don’t look right. The famous ‘third term bid’ by President Frederick Chiluba was strongly rejected by civil society and published by the media.

This is perhaps why it is no surprise that over 85% (Afrobarometer) of Zambians are in support of democracy because it clearly works to uphold the will of the people. One could argue that democracy has actually united the people on more occasions than one.

Citizens First party President Harry Kalaba points out that the support of the people is always the most important component of leadership.

“The reason why even dictators first seek approval [of sorts] from the people is because support and buy-in of the people make leadership effective. That is why you need democracy. It informs what you must do for the people because that is what they actually want or need.”

There’s pretty much nothing to envy about military and autocratic rule. Think of Nigeria’s military dictatorship under General Sani Abacha (1993-1998). His regime was marked by human rights violations, corruption, and mismanagement, leading to economic decline and social instability. Similarly, the autocratic rule of Idi Amin in Uganda (1971-1979) resulted in widespread human rights abuses, including extrajudicial killings, torture, and forced disappearances, ultimately leading to economic collapse and social chaos.

The lack of democracy will often prioritize the interests of the ruling elite over those of the general population and while this is possible in a democracy too, the difference is that in a democracy, you can do something about it and quickly too.

The autocratic rule of Omar al-Bashir in Sudan (1989-2019) led to multiple conflicts, including the Darfur genocide, resulting in hundreds of thousands of deaths and millions of displaced people. 
Remember, these undemocratic regimes have often relied on repression and violence to maintain power, leading to cycles of violence and instability.

For now, Africa must assess the present state of democracy and enhance public discourse on the topic.

Kalemba August 14, 2024

Let’s not glorify criminality in the. name of democracy – Kabuswe

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Let’s not glorify criminality in the
name of democracy – Kabuswe

MINES Minister Paul Kabuswe says
politicians should not use politics as an excuse to make careless statements that can put the national security at risk in the name of democracy.Kabuswe also says former president Edgar Lungu will never return to govern the country.On Friday, Lungu demanded the release of Socialist Party president Dr Fred M’membe, who was detained after being arrested and charged with sedition.He said the political oppression, persecution and police brutality escalating
under the new dawn government were “offside in football terms” and must end.

Commenting on Lungu’s remarks, Monday, Kabuswe said politicians should not use
politics as an excuse to make statements that could put the country at risk.“The democracy levels have not gone down, they have actually improved. What we must do as a nation is to write and advise politicians not to hide in the name of being an opposition or political leader so that you can now just make statements, you can say what you want. So you can’t just be ranting in the name of democracy, you just want to say whatever you want to say whether it puts the security of  the nation at risk, you can’t!

Edgar Lungu cannot, he is far away in terms of democratic Space relating to the time he was President of Zambia. That was the time even cadres beat up ministers. His own cadres.

Didn’t we have a case in court where [Given] Lubinda was beaten by his own cadres?


Look at what happened to KBF when he wanted to challenge him? They were even
stopping people from going to conventions. That is how bad it was in Lungu’s days.
Hakainde couldn’t fly because Lungu was flying in the air in Zambia, they said, ‘Hakainde cannot fly’. Are we doing that
ourselves? Isn’t he moving all over the country flying, have we stopped him?” he said.


Kabuswe said criminality should not be glorified.“We need to be fair, in Lungu’s days it was an animal farm, that is what it
was. Today, somebody can say, ‘no, don’t arrest people arbitrary’, criminality must
not be glorified. You can’t hide behind a veil of a political party or behind a veil of being a political leader, then you can say and do anything. How do you get arrested for doing nothing? Him, he was arresting people for doing nothing. He ran this country like it was on autopilot, the rule of law went to negative I
don’t know. There was no rule of law under Edgar Lungu, so what is he talking about?


Them, they are going all over radio stations, has anyone gone to take them out? So all
these things we need to itemise them, comparing Hakainde’s time and Lungu’s time. There is no shrinking of [democratic
space],” he said.Kabuswe urged Lungu to
watch how the UPND governs the country.

he lost by a million votes. A government that is working, you have seen the impact of CDF, you have seen the free education policy, can
Zambians say, ‘no we don’t want free education’? KCM has just been paying utility
companies, it has paid councils. That is triggering now money circulating in the economy. Will a retiree who stayed years
without being paid say, ‘I want Edgar Lungu’? No! So Edgar is not coming back, he is not!


He can have confidence, it is dark courage, he can have confidence in his statements,
but he is not coming back. Let him retire and watch, let him watch abaishiba ukuteka
ichalo ifyobateka (let those who know how to govern the country govern),” said
Kabuswe.

MALANJI HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH PURCHASE OF PROPERTIES IN ANKARA, TESTIFIES A TURKISH NATIONAL

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MALANJI HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH PURCHASE OF PROPERTIES IN ANKARA, TESTIFIES A TURKISH NATIONAL

Lusaka… Wednesday, August 14, 2024

A state witness of Turkish nationality has told the Lusaka Magistrates Court that former foreign affairs minister Joseph Malanji had nothing to do with negotiations for the purchase of the mission properties in her country.

42 year-old Gulce Senger, employed as an interpreter at Zambia’s Embassy in Ankara, told court that the name Joseph Malanji never appeared anywhere in the Sales Contract.

Ms Senger testified that according to an official receipt before the Lusaka Magistrate Court, a Turkish property management company, Mita, acknowledged $6.877m as down-payment for the purchase of 12 properties in Turkey on behalf of the Zambian government.

Asked by defence Counsel Nkhula Botha to describe a document handed to her, Gulce Senger said, “it is a legal receipt for payments towards the Chancery with amounts issued by Mita, with description one of $4m for a three storey building, description two of $1.8m service costs and $1.077m as penalty fees. The total amount came to $6.877m.”

Ms. Senger was asked to describe before court the nature of another document.

“It is a Sale and Transfer of units of real properties. The parties approved the price of 12 units at $19,500,000, and the seller will pay a specified amount in consideration of the real properties in question,” Ms. Senger testified.

She told court that the late Ambassador Joseph Chilengi signed the purchase contract for properties in Ankara on behalf of the Zambian government on 28 December 2020.

And that, in her interactions with Ambassador Chilengi, her role was to strictly interpret and translate both spoken and written  communications.

She was testifying, Tuesday, in a matter in which former foreign affairs minister Joseph Malanji and former secretary to the treasury Fredson Yamba are charged with wilful failure to comply with procedure relating to procurement, and being in possession of property reasonably suspected to be proceeds of crime.

Meanwhile, another Turkish national employed as official driver for Ambassador Chilengi testified before the Lusaka Magistrates Court that he never received any instructions from Hon Malanji during his official visit as Presidential Envoy to Turkey in December 2020.

Mr Cetin Eskiduman told court that on 29 December 2020, Ambassador Chilengi asked him to drive to the bank where he would meet a diplomat, Sam Sankenga.

And that after waiting at the bank for hours, two bags were brought to the Ambassador’s vehicle by people who were in the company of Mr Sankenga, “and I immediately drove to the Hotel where I found the Ambassador, visiting foreign affairs minister and other diplomats from the Embassy.”

“Who else was in your vehicle when going to the hotel?” Asked Defence Counsel Nkhula Botha. “I was just alone,” Mr Eskiduman replied.

“From the hotel, we went straight to the airport together with the Police, the vehicle that was given to the visiting minister. Also, the car for the lawyer was there.”

“In the entire testimony you have given to court, Hon Malanji never instructed you to take anything to the plane?” Asked Defence Counsel.
“The Minister never gave me any instruction, only the late Ambassador gave me instructions,” Mr Eskiduman stated.

And you don’t know what was in the bags? “No. We gave the bags to the crew upon arrival at the airport and left because the plane was starting off.”

“You have no idea of any conversation between Ambassador Chilengi and the crew?” Asked Defence Counsel. “No,” replied the witness.

We went to serve a call out to Tasila Lungu at her home, for questioning and not at Edgar Lungu’s house-DEC

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DEC REFUSES TO HAVE STORMED FORMER PRESIDENT EDGAR CHAGWA LUNGU’S HOUSE TODAY

PRESS STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Lusaka, Wednesday 14th August, 2024.

Contrary to social media claims and speculations that a Joint Operations Team from the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC), and the Anti- Corruption Commission (ACC), today 14th August 2024, did surround the house to the former Republican President of Zambia; Mr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu while him and his wife Mrs. Esther Lungu, were attending Court, at the Lusaka Magistrate Court, the DEC wishes to refute and dispel such assertions as no such operation took place.

The Commission wishes to place on record that today, acting within the provisions of the Laws of the Republic of Zambia, a team of DEC officers did visit Mr. and Mrs. Tasila Lungu Mwansa’s residence which is believed to be property Number F/4142/9/14/P- Farm behind Economic Zone- MFEZ Chifwema.

The purpose of the said visit was to serve a Call- Out under Warrant, to Mrs. Tasila Lungu Mwansa, who was said to be not at the residence. However, upon arrival, officers found a Security Guard from Corvus Security. Officers then introduced themselves and explained the purpose of the visit. In the ensuing conversation, the security guard mentioned that he wasn’t the one in charge of the property and as such, resolved to contact a fellow Security Guard who came with a Shot Gun. Officers then re-introduced themselves to the second Security Guard and explained to him the purpose of the visit.

Initially, he was compliant and willing to receive the Call-Out, but requested to get instructions from an unknown person and upon return from the Guard House located at the entrance to the said property, he refused to receive the Call-Out.

Officers then got the original copy of the Call-Out and enclosed it in an envelope which was then addressed to Mrs. Tasila Lungu Mwansa. Upon sealing the envelope, officers slid the subject envelope under the gate and drove-off.

Members of the public may wish to note that Mrs. Tasila Lungu Mwansa is currently wanted for questioning by the Commission.

The Commission wishes to indicate that we remain resolute in enforcing the law in a professional and judicious manner in order to ensure that justice prevails.

Issued by:

Allan Tamba
Public Relations Officer
Drug Enforcement Commission.

Kenyan Tycoon Stanley Livondo Embroiled in $21million Zambian Military Contract Scandal

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Zambia’s Corruption heats up in Nairobi

Scandal; $21million as shareholders fight over collasal profit

● we supplied the equipment to Zambia worth  $6 million while we invoiced $21million.

● Stanley Livondo has pocketed $14million profit

A vicious battle has broken out at DLS
International Group Ltd, the Kenyan firm
accused of bribing Zambian officials for a
Sh2.7 billion construction contract, a
situation that has triggered a court-
ordered freeze on the firm’s bank accounts
in Kenya.

Simon Njoroge Ndungu, one of the
shareholders who was also the firm’s
managing director, has sued his business
partners Stanley Livondo, David Kiguongo
Kanja and Agnes Naini Walyaula at the
Milimani High Court, with the two sides
trading accusations of funds.

Stanley Livondo, Chairman of the company (DLS group) registered in February 2023 and was immediately awarded the heavily overpriced contract.

According to the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) his company opened a local bank account in April and was awarded a contract worth US$21 million (K532,802,340.00) to supply hospital equipment to the Ministry of Defence.

In August the Company received advance payment of US$5.6 million (K142, 080,624.00).

The report stated that a check on contract status in December 2023 revealed that the company had not delivered anything despite receiving partial payment.

But ZNBC has been reported that Permanent Secretary for Information and Media, Thabo Kawana stated that Livondo has fulfilled its obligations.

Lungu should be allowed to stand in 2026 – Kalala

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Lungu should be allowed to stand in 2026 – Kalala

By Kholiwe Miti(The Mast)

JACK Kalala says former president Edgar Lungu should be allowed to stand in the 2026 presidential and general election because it is his constitutional right.

Kalala,a former special assistant to the President for policy and project implementation and monitoring, however says Lungu will still lose the election.

‘’The people of Zambia know very well former President Lungu’s financial status before he became President. He didn’t have money. He led a very ordinary life in Chawama. He could not even afford to pay electoral fees when he first stood in Chawama. Other people had to help him meet the fees but today he could afford to dish out millions of Kwachas to his children while he left the country heavily indebted. As patriotic Zambians we want him to account for his instant wealth,’’ Kalala said in a statement yesterday. ‘’It is for this reason that he should be allowed to stand in 2026, so that after losing again he will not cry foul that he had been denied to stand in order to persecute him. If he does not stand, he will be claiming that he would have won had he been allowed to stand. As long as there is no law that stops him from standing let him stand. I am confident beyond any iota of doubt that he will definitely and lamentably lose the elections. His party will also lamentably lose. There is NO WAY that former President Lungu and his PF can win an election in this country. NO WAY! Zambians are not naïve!’’

Kalalasaid he is one of those that would not want to see Lungu blocked from contesting in 2026.

He nevertheless called for the lifting of Lungu’s immunity if he loses that election.

‘’Recently, when former President Edgar Changwa Lungu met some PF Mayors and Council Chairpersons, he is reported to have stated that he would be on the ballot paper in 2026 as a presidential candidate for PF.

No problem! As a citizen of Zambia, he has every right to aspire for any position of his choice. I am one of those people who would be very happy if his party adopted him to be their Presidential candidate for 2026 so that, once again, he could be defeated. This time around the defeat would be much more disastrous and humiliating as there would be no place he is going to call the PF stronghold,’’ Kalala said. ‘’Thereafter, his immunity should be lifted to facilitate his prosecution. He should be made to account for the atrocities that he allowed during his autocratic reign of terror. He should also be made to explain the source of his enormous wealth. Evidence is there that before becoming Republican President, he literally had nothing. Upon ascending to the position of President, he became a multimillionaire! The people of Zambia would like him to explain how he accumulated the massive wealth he has, failure to which he should be prosecuted as per the law established. We need accountability. Actually, former President Lungu’s right place is not on the ballot paper but in prison. He should serve as an example to future Presidents that the office should not be abused for personal gain but to serve the people of Zambia with honour and integrity.’’

Kalala explained that founding president Kenneth Kaundaand his cabinet members left government as poor people.

He wondered how Lungu got wealthy immediately he became president.

‘’After the elections, his immunity should be lifted and make him account for the wealth accumulated in the seven years of his corrupt rule. From his declarations of assets, records are there to show how much he is worth. He cannot lie,’’ said Kalala. ‘’The founding President, KK, ruled the country for 27 years but he never accumulated such wealth as President did. KK left State House with literally nothing just like he had entered it. He had to be helped by friends for him to make ends meet. His children had nothing to show off. He had spent the 27 years serving the people of Zambia and indeed Africa and the world at large. To the people of Zambia, I say: ‘Always look forward and never look backward as you risk to be turned into a pillar of salt.’

To former President Lungu I say: ‘See you on the ballot paper and later in prison’!’’

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