Humiliated Donald Trump’s ‘Tantrum’ Sparks Health Fear’s After Three – Word Warning
Donald Trump sparked health concerns after having a ‘meltdown’ on TV.
Humiliated Donald Trump’s tantrum sparks health fears after three-word warning Donald Trump has sparked health concerns after delivering a furious, rambling speech following a legal defeat. Viewers described the performance as a “full meltdown,” noting that the President appeared totally unhinged and manic while oscillating between aggressive threats and a tone that sounded as if he were about to cry.
The public outburst followed a major humiliation where the Supreme Court ruled he exceeded his authority by imposing global tariffs under national emergency laws. Trump’s volatile reaction to being told he cannot “charge a dollar” led many observers to suggest he is clearly unwell and requires immediate medical attention.
Observers expressed alarm over Trump’s ominous warnings during his rant, where he claimed he had the power to “destroy the country” or “destroy the trade” via embargoes. This dark rhetoric, combined with his furious public reaction, has intensified calls from critics for the President to be removed from office due to his perceived mental state.
While attending a breakfast with governors, Trump reportedly branded the judicial verdict a “disgrace”. His inability to maintain composure, described by some as a “huge tantrum,” has led to social media users and commentators demanding he undergo urgent “mental checkups” to determine his fitness for the rigors of the presidency.
Concerns about Trump being severely unwell were further heightened by reports of him appearing to fall asleep just moments before his televised outburst. The combination of physical exhaustion and manic behavior has created a narrative of a president in the midst of a significant health or psychological crisis.
Golden Party Demands End To Monetary Consent Judgements, Cities Abuse Of Public Funds.
The Golden Party of Zambia (GPZ) has called for far-reaching legal reforms to abolish monetary consent judgments, arguing that the mechanism has been exploited to siphon public funds without thorough judicial oversight.
GPZ president, Jackson Silavwe, said the law allowing the Attorney General and Solicitor General to enter monetary consent judgments has created fertile ground for what he labelled “legalised white-collar plunder.”
In a statement issued under the party’s Reset Vision Campaign on Friday, Silavwe said that under a GPZ administration, monetary consent judgments would be eliminated entirely, insisting that public funds should only be released through a transparent, fully adjudicated court process.
“The law which empowers state legal officers to enter into monetary consent judgments has been grossly abused by those wielding state power. Easy access to taxpayers’ money must be stopped,” Silavwe said.
He explained that the GPZ intends to amend existing statutes to scrap provisions permitting out-of-court financial settlements involving public money.
“Instead, all state monetary compensations would be required to pass through the courts, ensuring judicial oversight, transparency and accountability,” he added.
According to the party, compensation paid by the state should arise only after a matter has been fully heard and determined by a competent court, rather than negotiated privately behind closed doors.
Silavwe said the proposed reforms form part of a wider national reset agenda aimed at safeguarding Zambia’s financial resources and restoring public confidence in public institutions.
“Zambia must reset. Public resources belong to the people and must be protected through due process,” he said.
Debate over monetary consent judgments has grown in recent years, with civil society and governance experts warning that the escalating cost of such settlements posed an increasing burden on the national treasury.
WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA
Government To Recruit 4000 Teachers And Health Workers This Year Reveals President Hakainde Hichilema.
PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema says the New Dawn administration will this year recruit 4000 teachers and health workers, as part of government’s quest to improve service deliver.
Mr Hichilema told Parliament that 2000 teachers and 2000 health workers are earmarked for recruitment.
He said yesterday when he addressed Parliament to update the nation of the application of national values and principles, that the planned teacher recruitment will address barriers in access to education.
“The UPND New Dawn administration remains firmly committed to addressing economic and social barriers to children’s participation and progression in education.
“In 2021, we re-introduced the free education policy. As always, education remains the best investment, equaliser, and inheritance,” Me Hichilema said.
He said with the implementation of this policy, over 2.5 million children have been given the opportunity to go back to school.
Mr Hichilema said that to ensure access to quality education, his administration has recruited 41,917 teachers.
“This year, an additional 2,000 teachers will be recruited,” he said as Members of Parliament exclaimed with hiya, hiya.
Mr Hichilema said government has also scaled up support to vulnerable girls through the keeping girls in school initiative.
“The programme benefitted 127,233 girls in 2025, from 38,551 in 2021. The geographic coverage has also increased to 95 districts from 39 in 2021”.
Meanhwile, the President said Government will also recruit additional 2000 health workers to improve access to healthcare delivery.
“To promote human dignity and equity, the UPND New Dawn government prioritised investment in the health and wellness of our people.
“Since 2021, we have recruited over 18,000 health workers with an additional 2,000 to be recruited this year,” Mr Hichilema said.
He said government has continued to improve access to health services for our citizens through the construction and equipping of health facilities at all levels across the country.
ZANU-PF Calls Mugabe Son’s Arrest a ‘Private Matter’
Zimbabwe’s ruling party, ZANU-PF, has distanced itself from the arrest of Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe, the 28-year-old youngest son of the late former president Robert Mugabe, calling it a “private matter.”
Bellarmine Mugabe was arrested at his Hyde Park home in Johannesburg on Thursday alongside a 33-year-old co-accused. Both face attempted murder charges after a 23-year-old gardener was shot, sustaining critical injuries and police recovered a cartridge at the scene while searching for the firearm. Authorities said the suspects have not cooperated in revealing the firearm’s location.
ZANU-PF spokesperson Farai Marapira emphasized that the party maintains “zero tolerance for impunity” but will await South African authorities’ investigation before commenting further, describing the case as a matter involving a private citizen.
The Mugabe family has a history of legal controversies. Bellarmine’s older brother, Robert Mugabe Jr., was fined last year for marijuana possession, and their mother, Grace Mugabe, was accused in 2017 of assaulting a model in Johannesburg but had diplomatic immunity at the time.
King Mswati had S.3£.X with Jacob Zuma’s daughter for only three months and focused on other wives, 💔
It’s reported that King Mswati allegedly spent time with Nomcebo Zuma for only 3 months after marrying her — then turned his attention to his other wives 😳💔
Nomcebo, the daughter of ex-President Jacob Zuma, was said to be crying hysterically before she ran away from the Palace😢. She told people she couldn’t handle going months without seeing her husband and she was very thirsty 💔😭
A royal source said King Mswati usually focuses on new wives until they fall pregnant — but this time, things changed fast 💔.
Nomcebo was reportedly left heartbroken and even accused her bodyguards of stealing — but her jewellery was later found 😢
Zuma’s family is said to still be angry, especially Jacob Zuma, who allegedly never supported the marriage in the first place 😤
Royal officials are reportedly still trying to calm the situation, but many believe the damage has already been done 😭
🚨 Breaking News : Russian Agents Rented Flats Near Kyiv Presidential Office in Plot to Unalive Zelenskyy – Report 🚨
According to a CNN investigation reported by RBC-Ukraine, Russian intelligence operatives covertly rented apartments in close proximity to the Office of the President of Ukraine in Kyiv at the outset of the full-scale invasion with explicit orders to ass∆ssinate President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and seize control of Ukraine.
📍 What happened:
• At the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, agents linked to Russian intelligence secured multiple rental flats immediately adjacent to Ukraine’s presidential headquarters in central Kyiv reportedly stationed there with orders to either capture or unalive President Zelenskyy if he did not flee.
• A source close to the Ukrainian president told CNN these agents were deployed specifically as part of Kremlin plans to decapitate Ukrainian leadership and force state collapse.
• Zelenskyy has survived nearly a dozen documented ass∆ssination attempts by Russian operatives since the invasion began, and he has publicly confirmed multiple plots against his life.
📌 Previous uncovered plots include:
• In April 2024, Ukrainian and Polish intelligence uncovered a Russian agent preparing to unalive Zelenskyy during a visit to Poland.
• In May 2024, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) exposed a Russian network planning to unalive top Ukrainian security officials including Zelenskyy.
• In June 2025, a Polish national recruited by Russian intelligence was uncovered planning a major ass∆ssination attempt on Ukrainian soil near Rzeszów Airport, using drones or sniper systems. The plot was foiled by Ukrainian and Polish security services.
💬 The CNN reporting highlights that these ass∆ssination plans were not isolated incidents but part of a broader Russian strategy early in the war to dismantle Ukraine’s leadership and morale.
📰 Source: Report by RBC-Ukraine citing CNN investigation.
PF created Lungu poisoning story, they should not blame us for SA probe – Mwiimbu
HOME Affairs and Internal Security Minister Jack Mwiimbu says PF has no moral right to blame government for the South African police inquiry into former president Edgar Lungu’s death, because the opposition party is the one that made the poisoning allegations.
Mwiimbu said government was now being unfairly accused of engineering an international investigation that only exists because PF members publicly claimed that Lungu had been poisoned.
This was in response to Shiwang’andu PF MP Stephen Kampyongo who demanded that President Hakainde Hichilema personally addresses the situation surrounding Lungu’s remains during parliamentary debates on Thursday.
Mwiimbu said government had never obstructed or politicised the matter, stating it was Lungu’s family that resisted procedures meant to facilitate the former president’s burial in Zambia.
“Taking into account that this matter has been raised on the floor of this House, it is my duty and responsibility to respond to the same thing,” Mwiimbu said.
“Madam Speaker, this government has always been desirous to bring the body of the late president to be buried in Zambia. It is the family, Madam Speaker, who do not want certain procedures to be taken. They wanted to bury [him] in South Africa. As a responsible government, on behalf of the people of Zambia, we decided to go to court in order to bring the body here, to be buried in his own homeland. That is the issue.”
He revealed that government dispatched emissaries to South Africa multiple times to plead with the family, only to later discover that some people purporting to speak on the family’s behalf were using the matter as a political tool.
“We, as government, are desirous to have the body brought home, given a dignified funeral and buried in Zambia. The issue was brought about by themselves, the PF,” he said.
“They are the ones who alleged that the president was poisoned. If you make such an allegation in a civilised society, the police will move in. That is what has happened in South Africa.”
Mwiimbu said government, like millions of Zambians, was alarmed when PF figures claimed Lungu had been poisoned.
He added that if the Lungu family has now decided they want the burial to take place in Zambia, government is fully ready to facilitate the repatriation of the body.
Earlier in the week, the case took a new twist when the South African Police Service (SAPS) questioned five members of Lungu’s family over the poisoning claims.
SAPS also issued a subpoena to Two Mountains Funeral Services, the funeral home keeping Lungu’s body, demanding that the remains be released for a police post-mortem.
SHOW US THE ROADS YOU’VE CONSTRUCTED, PF CHALLENGES UPND
SHIWANG’ANDU PF MP Stephen Kampyongo says instead of condemning the road projects that the PF did, the UPND should show citizens which roads they have constructed.
On Thursday, Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development Minister Charles Milupi said the UPND government was redoing some PF projects due to poor quality, stating that most of their projects were substandard.
In an interview, Thursday, Kampyongo said every road required maintenance and what the UPND government was doing was simply maintaining the roads.
“He’s a liar, which projects has he done? Every road requires maintenance, which road is done permanently? And even him, what roads have they done which will be permanent without being maintained? Let him single out the roads that he has done.
He’s a liar because he’s got no serious projects to point at so he’s now trying to find excuses. That’s why these people should just dissolve themselves instead of firing each other like they are saying these two have been fired. They should just dissolve because they have all failed.
It’s very unfair to start singling out a few like Muchima and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development [minister] as the only ones who should be fired at the last minute. The best they should do is just to dissolve themselves because now they’ll just be lying like [Charles] Milupi is doing,” said Kampyongo.
“How can he say he is redoing the works that were done before, he knows very well that every road is not done permanently, there’s durability so that’s why he should have a maintenance policy for the roads. Even [in] Lusaka here, you’ve seen the road network how we’ve expanded the roads in order to match the road network with the growth of motor vehicles in terms of statistics, moving on our roads.
One wonders how it would have been by now if we didn’t do that Lusaka expansion project which saw the expanding of the major roads in Lusaka here for example. And we started working on major roads, you had Mazabuka-Lusaka, that stretch which was a death trap, Luangwa into Chipata, we had Great North Road starting from Nakonde coming all the way to Chinsali then the next phases were going to continue like that, what have they done? That’s what he should be speaking to”.
NKOMBO SLAMS TAYALI’S FALSEHOODS,REFUSES TO BE DRAWN INTO OUSTER CLAIMS Opposition Economic and Equity Party (EEP) leader Chilufya Tayali has welcomed the dismissal of Health Minister Elijah Muchima and Small and Medium Enterprise Minister Elias Mubanga.
In a video circulating on social media, Tayali alleged he has a list of ministers and Members of Parliament including the two dismissed ministers who are allegedly working with the opposition to unseat President Hakainde Hichilema.
He further claimed that former Local Government and Rural Development Minister Garry Nkombo is the mastermind behind the alleged scheme.
Tayali further challenged Nkombo to clear his name if what he had unearthed was not true Speaking when contacted for comment, Nkombo dismissed the allegations as baseless and unworthy of his attention as he would not dignify falsehoods with a response.
Leader of the Socialist Party, Dr Fred M’membe, has pledged to employ all trained but currently unemployed health workers, teachers and agriculturalists within one month of forming government if elected in the August 2026 general elections.
Dr M’membe made the remarks during a radio programme in Muchinga Province this week, where he is touring party structures to mobilise support ahead of next year’s polls.
He described the 40,000-plus teachers and health workers recruited under President Hakainde Hichilema’s administration as insufficient when weighed against the number of qualified but unemployed professionals.
“40,000 is nothing. We need to be talking about 250,000. When we form government, we shall employ all trained health workers, teachers and those in agriculture within the first one month,” Dr M’membe said.
He added: “With or without money, we shall do this.”
The Unemployment Numbers
Available sector estimates suggest that Zambia has tens of thousands of trained but unemployed professionals: * Teachers: Estimates from unions and training institutions suggest over 100,000 trained teachers remain unemployed or underemployed.
* Health workers: Nursing and medical associations have previously indicated that between 30,000 and 50,000 trained health professionals — including nurses, clinical officers and other paramedics — are not on government payroll. * Agriculturalists: Thousands of agriculture graduates from universities and colleges remain without formal employment, with some estimates placing the figure above 20,000.
Combined, analysts estimate that the total pool of trained but unemployed professionals across these three sectors could exceed 150,000 to 200,000 people, depending on classification.
The Cost Implications
Employing 200,000 additional public
service workers would carry significant fiscal implications.
Assuming a conservative average monthly gross salary of K6,000 per employee across the three sectors, government would require approximately: * K1.2 billion per month * K14.4 billion per year
This excludes pension obligations, housing allowances, training costs and other employment-related expenditures.
For context, Zambia’s annual national budget currently stands at over K170 billion, with a large portion already committed to debt servicing, infrastructure, health, education and social spending.
Criticism of Government Priorities
Dr M’membe criticised the Hichilema administration for what he described as misplaced priorities, arguing that government claims of limited fiscal space contradict its expansion of political and administrative structures.
He cited the proposed creation of 70 new constituencies under the ongoing delimitation process, arguing that such reforms would place additional strain on the national treasury.
“It is more expensive to employ and maintain a District Commissioner than to employ a health worker,” he said.
Dr M’membe, who is the presidential candidate for the People’s Pact — an opposition alliance of four political parties — has promised what he terms a “revolutionary government” that would include traditional leaders, religious leaders and business representatives in national governance structures.
He was accompanied on the tour by former Commerce Minister Bob Sichinga.
Political Stakes in 2026
Socialist Party members listening to Dr. Fred M’membe
The Socialist Party leader accused President Hichilema of failing to deliver meaningful economic transformation, describing flagship programmes such as free education and the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) as inadequate.
He called on residents of Muchinga Province, which he described as among the poorest regions in the country, to rally behind his party in the 2026 general elections.
Economists, however, note that while large-scale public sector recruitment could stimulate short-term employment, sustainable implementation would depend heavily on revenue growth, fiscal discipline and broader economic expansion.
As the 2026 elections approach, employment creation is emerging as one of the central campaign issues, with opposition parties positioning job creation as a key battleground against the ruling party’s economic record.
DECRIMINALISE MISINFORMATION AND DISINFORMATION – REFLECTIONS ON THE PRESIDENT’S REMARKS ABOUT SOCIAL MEDIA ENGAGEMENTS
As Zambians, we must push for the decriminalization of misinformation and disinformation.
If it has to be an offense, reduce it to a civil matter and let the value of damages not amount to making the guilty insolvent.
As citizens, we have just handed politicians the most precious gift ever.
With it, the ruling party will willy nilly send every opponent and critic to jail.
These politicians, in and outside government, routinely engage in misinformation, disinformation and outright lies.
When they are in office, they want to portray an image of righteousness, epitomes of moral virtue and excellent examples of what it is means to be patriotic and model citizens.
Try suing a government or ruling party official for lying or hate speech.
Due to inbuilt double standards, it won’t happen. Those in power don’t sin. Only those outside are sinners, is the reasoning.
This government has sent to jail individuals that are only guilty of engaging with politics in a manner even the ruling party benefitted from while in the opposition.
The remarks the President made to parliament yesterday calling for “responsible” engagement on social media may have sounded innocent and well-intended.
But anyone who knows how political parties, including UPND, engaged in propaganda while in the opposition knows all too well that his remarks didn’t come from a place of sincerity.
For a country that hosted political exiles at the height of the apartheid regime to produce its own political exiles is equivalent to pouring scorn on the struggles of freedom fighters.
We need to be the best examples of what tolerance and freedom of expression feels and looks like.
Our struggle for independence was bitter and humiliating because we believed in these rights.
We hosted liberation war movements and suffered the loss of human lives and destruction of property for these rights.
What was that all about if we can still go to jail for the same offenses colonial authorities sent us to jail?
Have we inadvertently lost our sense of history or it’s deliberate? To me, the latter seems more like it.
The damage or threat to law and order we imagine is occasioned by misinformation or disinformation is a political construct which serves as a perfect cover for the ill-intentions of those in power.
ACC UNDER POLITICAL CAPTURE: ZAMBIA DESERVES BETTER
By Thandiwe Ketiš Ngoma
Zambians must ask themselves a hard question: can an anti-corruption body led by a ruling party loyalist ever fight corruption honestly? The recent clearing of Copperbelt Minister Elisha Matambo, Ministry of Information and Media Permanent Secretary Thabo Kawana, and Solicitor General Marshal Muchende exposes a glaring problem. Every senior official absolved of wrongdoing is aligned with the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND). And at the helm of this Commission is Daphne Chabu — a known UPND cadre.
This is not coincidence. This is political capture.
During a media briefing in Lusaka, Chabu announced that investigations found no evidence linking Muchende to bribery, despite serious allegations involving half a million dollars from former Konkola Copper Mines provisional liquidator Milingo Lungu. She emphasized that the ACC has received 143 cases so far in 2026 and that no cabinet minister is under investigation. Chabu insists that the Commission operates without bias and targets corruption regardless of political affiliation. But citizens are not convinced.
The facts speak for themselves. How can a Commission led by a political loyalist, whose desk is reportedly at State House, credibly investigate those in power while pursuing opposition figures? The Executive is supposed to have no hand in how the ACC operates. Yet here we are. The proximity of the Commission to State House is a glaring signal: the ACC is not independent. It is shielded by those it should scrutinize.
This pattern of selective accountability is dangerous. Opposition figures are pursued aggressively, publicly investigated, and in some cases detained on trumped-up charges. Meanwhile, ruling party officials are cleared swiftly, often with no explanation beyond “no evidence.” Public perception is now a reality: loyalty to the ruling party guarantees protection, while dissent guarantees persecution.
Daphne Chabu’s position is symbolic of the deeper rot. A partisan head cannot enforce impartiality. A body under political influence cannot investigate fearlessly. And a Commission co-located with the Executive cannot hold power to account.
Zambians deserve better. They deserve an ACC that is independent, fearless, and professional — one that pursues corruption without regard to party or position. If those in power truly believe in their integrity, they should welcome scrutiny, remove political interference, and restore the ACC’s credibility.
The fight against corruption cannot be a political shield for the ruling elite. Zambia’s democracy and the public’s trust demand a Commission that serves the nation, not a party. Daphne Chabu and her politically captured Commission must answer to the people. The time for impartial oversight is now, or the ACC risks becoming a tool for shielding the powerful while punishing the powerless.
TONSE ALLIANCE COPPERBELT CONCERNED WITH HOSPITALISATION OF MIKE MANDA
The Tonse Alliance on the Copperbelt has received with concern the news that former Mufulira District Commissioner, Mike Manda, who has been in police custody since 14th February, has been admitted to Ronald Ross Hospital after developing serious health complications.
As Tonse Alliance Copperbelt, we wish him a quick and full recovery. We further call on the authorities to ensure that he receives proper medical attention while in police custody and that his rights, dignity, and wellbeing are fully respected.
Issued by:
Charles Kabwita Tonse Alliance Copperbelt Province Youth Secretary Political & Media Date: 21st February 2026
Grace Mugabe is reportedly enraged following the arrest of her son, Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe, in Johannesburg on Thursday.
Bellarmine, 28, and another man were taken into custody at Bramley Police Station after a gardener was shot at their residence in the Hyde Park suburb. Both men are facing attempted murder charges.
According to sources cited by SABC News correspondent Sophie Mokoena, Grace Mugabe has expressed deep frustration over her children’s behaviour.
“I spoke to someone who has a strong relationship with the Mugabe family,” Mokoena reported. “He indicated to me that the former first lady, Grace Mugabe, is very angry because she has been speaking to her children, telling them to behave. Because if you remember, the other son was arrested in Zimbabwe last year with dagga. And also, the very same son who is now arrested in South Africa, at some point in time, he made court appearances in Zimbabwe.”
Sources say the Mugabe family is reportedly distressed over the repeated legal troubles involving Grace Mugabe’s children, highlighting ongoing concerns about their conduct.
Ray J allegedly used fake blood around his eyes during his February 14 concert in Shreveport, Louisiana, sparking concern online. The R&B singer addressed the claims, saying the blood was real and urged fans to ignore the rumors.
The 45-year-old drew attention when he appeared on stage with blood near his eyes and a chest monitor. Clips from the performance circulated quickly, fueling speculation about whether it was staged.
Photographer Tommy Nard II told a local news station that Ray J used “fake blood and things like that” on stage. He described the singer as someone who “loves the camera. He loves the attention. Anybody that knows him, it’s all theatrical,” suggesting the performance was staged for attention.
Ray J addressed the claims in a Facebook video on February 19, thanking fans and dismissing the controversy. “Forget what they’re talking about. Forget what you’re hearing. Thank you for your prayers,” he said, according to People. “Thank you for your love. And again, all we can do is get better. Salute, I love you.”
His manager, Melinda Santiago, defended him, pointing to Ray J’s ongoing heart and health issues and noting that his medications can cause side effects that might explain the bleeding. His wife, Princess Love, also supported him publicly, commenting that the performance “wasn’t fake.”
Earlier this year, Ray J revealed serious health struggles, saying doctors warned he might only have months to live and that his heart was functioning at 25 percent. He had been hospitalized in Las Vegas for severe pneumonia and heart pain in January.
Despite this, Ray J continues to perform, heading next to Atlanta and Los Angeles after the Shreveport show.
Experts Speak on Bellarmine Mugabe’s Diplomatic Immunity Status
Following the arrest of Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe in South Africa, questions have emerged over whether he could claim diplomatic status or immunity.
The issue gained traction on social media, prompting a response from South Africa’s Head of Public Diplomacy, Clayson Monyela.
Responding to a question on X, Monyela made it clear that there is no automatic immunity for family members of a head of state — particularly in the case of a former president.
‘No Automatic Immunity’ Monyela explained that diplomatic immunity is not inherited and does not automatically extend to relatives.
“No Automatic Immunity: Family members of a head of state (in this case, former HoS), do not automatically benefit from immunity from jurisdiction in a foreign state like South Africa,” he said.
He added that diplomatic immunity generally applies when an individual is officially part of a diplomatic mission and performing recognised state functions. Even then, immunity does not protect against serious international crimes and may not apply if the individual is a national or permanent resident of the receiving country.
“Diplomatic Immunity Context: If a child is part of a diplomatic mission, they will enjoy privileges accorded to diplomats. Exceptions: Immunity does not protect against serious international crimes and generally does not apply if the child is a national or permanent resident of the receiving state. In summary, their immunity is typically derived from official capacity or courtesy rather than an automatic, inherent right,” Monyela noted.
‘Purely Criminal Matter’ Speaking to IOL, political analyst and international relations expert Gideon Chitanga echoed the view that there are no clear legal grounds for immunity in this case.
“Primarily, there are no grounds for diplomatic immunity. Robert Mugabe was a former president and he is no longer alive. There are no treaties that address a situation like this,” Chitanga said.
He stressed that diplomatic immunity is not transferable to family members simply because of their relationship to a former head of state.
“This is a purely criminal matter. You cannot invoke the Vienna Convention or diplomatic immunity under these circumstances. The Vienna Convention relates to individuals acting as state representatives, not private citizens,” he explained.
Diplomatic Passport Not a Shield Chitanga further noted that members of the Mugabe family residing in South Africa do so as private individuals, not accredited officials of the Zimbabwean government.
“They might live in South Africa, but not as representatives of the government of Zimbabwe. They live as individuals and will be treated as individuals in terms of the law,” he said.
While acknowledging that Chatunga may possess a diplomatic passport issued during his father’s presidency, Chitanga emphasised that such documentation does not automatically confer immunity.
“Holding a diplomatic passport does not mean you are immune from prosecution. Immunity is tied to official status and recognised diplomatic functions. Under the circumstances, he is not a representative of any government,” he said.
He added that although diplomatic passports may carry certain privileges, they do not provide blanket protection in cases involving serious criminal allegations.
“The only thing that could happen, subject to the rule of law in South Africa, would be some form of political engagement between Zimbabwe and South Africa. But in strict legal terms, he is facing a serious situation,” Chitanga said.
As legal proceedings unfold, officials have indicated that the matter will be handled within South Africa’s judicial framework, with no indication of special diplomatic protections.
American actor Eric Dane left behind a deeply emotional final message for his daughters, Billie and Georgia, before his death at the age of 53.
Dane d!ed aged 53 on February 19, following a brief battle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).
He was diagnosed with the degenerative disease in April 2025 and was very open and honest about the illness, making it his mission to raise awareness about ALS, which affects as many as 350,000 people worldwide.
The actor, best known for his roles in Euphoria and Grey’s Anatomy, recorded an hour-long conversation described as his “last words,” offering heartfelt advice and encouragement to his children.
In one part of the interview, the Grey’s Anatomy favorite gave a heartbreaking message to his teenage daughters, urging them to pursue their passions and embrace life fully.
“Billie and Georgia, these words are for you,” Dane begins his message. “I tried. I stumbled sometimes but I tried. Overall, we had a blast, didn’t we. Remember all the times we spent at the beach, the two of you, me, and mom in Malibu, Santa Monica, Hawaii, Mexico.”
He continues: “I see you now playing in the ocean for hours, my water babies. Those days, pun intended, were heaven.
“I want to tell you four things I’ve learned from this disease, and I hope you won’t just listen to me, I hope you’ll hear me.
“First, live now. Right now, in the present. It’s hard, but I learned to do that. For years, I would wander off mentally, lost in my head for long chunks of time, wallowing in worry and self-pity, shame and doubt.
“I replayed decisions, second-guessed myself. ‘I shouldn’t have done this. I never should’ve done that.’ No more.”
He also urged Georgia and Billie to ‘fall in love’. Dane explains: “Not necessarily with a person, although I do recommend that as well. But fall in love with something. Find your passion, your joy. Find the thing that makes you wanna get up in the morning.”
Thirdly, he urges the girls to chose their friends wisely.
“Find your people and allow them to find you, and then give yourselves to them,” the Euphoria star shares. “The best of them will give back to you. No judgement. No conditions. No questions asked.”
Lastly, Dane told his daughters to fight with all they had and never give up.
Trump is set to have Palm Beach International Airport renamed in his honor, as his company has filed trademarks for the potential new name. The filings raise questions about conflicts of interest and the unusual steps taken by a sitting president.
Florida lawmakers recently advanced plans to rename the airport near Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate as “Donald J. Trump International Airport.” The proposal is moving quickly through the GOP-controlled legislature and has sparked both excitement among supporters and criticism from watchdogs.
According to ABC News, a company tied to the Trump Organization, DTTM Operations, filed trademark applications on February 13 for names including “President Donald J. Trump International Airport.” The filings are meant to protect the name from misuse, according to Trump Organization spokesperson Kimberly Banza.
Banza emphasized that Trump and his family will not receive any money from the airport renaming. “To be clear, the President and his family will not receive any royalty, licensing fee, or financial consideration whatsoever from the proposed airport renaming,” she said, framing the filings as a preventive measure rather than a profit attempt.
Critics argue that even without direct profit, the situation illustrates potential conflicts of interest. Dylan Hedtler-Gaudette of the watchdog group Project on Government Oversight said, “public cannot discern whether President Trump’s decisions are guided by the public interest or his own personal profit.”
Trademark lawyer Josh Gerben noted, “While presidents and public officials have had landmarks named in their honor, a sitting president’s private company has never in the history of the United States sought trademark rights in advance of such naming.” He added this raises legal questions about whether a publicly owned airport would need to license the name from Trump’s business.
Trump has also expressed interest in having other major locations, like Dulles Airport and New York’s Penn Station, carry his name, though he later denied those claims. The Palm Beach airport naming effort remains the most concrete move so far.
Zanu-PF spokesman Christopher Mutsvangwa has claimed that opposition Members of Parliament are aligned with the ruling party on the contentious Constitutional Amendment Bill Number 3, which seeks to extend the tenure of President Emmerson Mnangagwa beyond the constitutionally stipulated two terms.
The bill aims to rewrite the 2013 Constitution to prolong both the presidency and Parliament, effectively suspending the 2028 general elections that would mark the end of Mnangagwa’s current mandate. The move stems from resolutions adopted at a recent Zanu-PF party conference prioritising an extension of the octogenarian leader’s tenure.
Despite objections from opposition parties and civil society, Mutsvangwa insisted there is “a common consensus between all the parties in Parliament” on the bill.
“So far we are very happy that there is a common consensus between all the parties in Parliament as to what concerns this bill. There are some discordant voices, but they are discordant voices which are outside Parliament and most of them is the usual crowd which has an inborn attitude against Zanu-PF. They do not want Zanu-PF to be in power, particularly miffed that our President made it to become the leader of Zimbabwe and they make all sorts of noises,” he said.
The amendment also contains provisions that would allow traditional leaders, currently prohibited from engaging in politics under the existing constitution, to participate in political activities.
Legal experts, however, maintain that any amendments to the constitution must be subjected to a public referendum before being enacted into law.
Mutsvangwa expressed confidence that the bill will pass easily in the Parliament of Zimbabwe, which is dominated by Zanu-PF.
“This resolution number one we are very confident as a party that it will sail through Parliament, and it is not peculiar to Zimbabwe. Even President Trump is looking at how he could also get an extension of his term or possibly run again for a third term,” he said.
Chatunga Mugabe Brought Back Home On Friday After SA Police Fail To Find Gun Despite Divers, Dogs & Draining Pool In a dramatic turn of events that has gripped South Africa and Zimbabwe, Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe, the 28-year-old son of the late former Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, was transported back to his family’s lavish Hyde Park residence on Friday afternoon as part of a frantic, escalating search for a missing firearm. The suspect, who is in police custody for the alleged attempted murder of his gardener, was escorted by officers back to the scene of the crime after investigators deployed sniffer dogs, divers, and even drained the swimming pool in a desperate but ultimately fruitless bid to locate the weapon.
The stunning development was confirmed by eNCA reporter Heidi Giokos, who has been providing live updates from the scene. The search, which has now entered its second day, has failed to recover the gun that police believe was used to shoot a 23-year-old employee on Thursday. The victim remains in a critical condition in a Johannesburg hospital.
Also Read: Bellarmine Mugabe’s Lawyer Speaks on His Client’s Attempted Murder Charge Pool Drained, Gun Still Missing The intensity of the police investigation reached a fever pitch late on Thursday night when specialised divers were summoned to the upscale property. Authorities held a firm belief that the weapon may have been disposed of in the murky water of the swimming pool to conceal evidence. The operation, however, proved to be a costly dead end.
Providing a real-time account of the painstaking search, eNCA’s Giokos posted on X:
“eNCA understands that the son of Former President Robert Mugabe who is accused of attempted murder and is currently in police custody was brought back to the home on Friday afternoon. Police brought the suspect back to the home in search of the alleged firearm that was used when a 23 year old employee was shot on Thursday at the home.”
She further detailed the extent of the police operation, adding:
“Police have still not been able to locate the gun. Cartridges were found on the scene but no gun. Late on Thursday night, divers were brought in to drain the swimming pool where police thought the gun could be.”
Despite these exhaustive measures, which involved draining the pool completely, the firearm remains conspicuously absent, deepening the mystery surrounding the Thursday afternoon shooting.
Illegal Siren Car Seized in Chaotic Scene The investigation took an even more bizarre twist on Thursday evening when officers returning to the property witnessed a luxury vehicle attempting to flee the scene. The car, a black BMW, was promptly stopped and impounded, leading to the discovery of unauthorised police equipment that has left law enforcement officials stunned.
Giokos reported on the shocking find:
“When police arrived for the second time, this car was leaving with 3 occupants inside. One being the helper. The car is also fitted with white lights and a siren. This is illegal.”
The seizure of the vehicle, which contained the suspect’s helper among its three occupants, has raised serious questions about the security protocols at the property. The South African Police Service (SAPS) clarified the severity of the violation, with Giokos noting,
“But the sirens aren’t. It’s a police siren that’s only authorised for SAPS.”
Mugabe and his co-accused, a 33-year-old man, have been formally charged with attempted murder and are expected to appear before the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 23 February 2026. The motive for the shooting, according to initial police statements, stemmed from an altercation regarding the gardener’s absence from work.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent hinted that the American people would never see the return of $175 billion in tariffs collected by the Trump administration after the Supreme Court struck down the president’s ability to impose them.
During an event at the Economic Club of Dallas on Friday, Ray Washburne noted that the administration had collected about $175 billion in tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) before the court ruled it unconstitutional.
“But is that going to be in dispute?” Washburne asked. “Like who gets it back?”
“Yeah, it’s in dispute,” Bessent confirmed. “The Supreme Court did not rule on that today. They pushed it back down to the International Tax and Trade Court. And my sense is that could be dragged out for weeks, months, years.”
“Well, that’s going to be a food fight going after the $175 billion,” Washburne observed.
“I got a feeling the American people won’t see it,” Bessent predicted.
Trump has vowed to continue imposing tariffs despite the court’s ruling on Friday.
A 12-year-old boy in Monroe, United States, shocked police officers after he was caught driving himself to school when he missed his bus.
According to New York Post, officers stopped an SUV around 8:30 a.m. after noticing suspicious behaviour and discovering the vehicle had a fictitious license plate.
During the stop, officers were stunned to find a child behind the wheel.
When questioned, the boy reportedly told police he missed his school bus and decided to drive himself to school instead.
A school resource officer was contacted and later took him safely to his campus.
Police have since warned parents to secure their car keys and ensure children cannot access vehicles without supervision, stressing that allowing an unlicensed minor to drive poses serious safety risks.
Authorities also confirmed that a referral has been made to social services while officials continue working with the boy’s family to ensure his well-being.
High Court Orders Walter Magaya To Pay US$3m Debt, Shoots Down “Unjust Enrichment” Scheme & Slaps Prophet With Costs The High Court of Zimbabwe has ordered controversial Prophetic Healing and Deliverance Ministries (PHD) leader Walter Magaya to repay a staggering US$3 million (approximately R54 million) to an Israeli business partner. In a fiercely worded judgment, Justice Maxwell Takuva not only dismissed Magaya’s attempt to use exchange control laws as a shield but also denounced his conduct as standing in “stark and troubling contrast” to the scriptures he preaches, awarding costs against the prophet on a higher scale.
The judgment arises from a Memorandum of Agreement dated 12 May 2022, under which Magaya received US$3 million from Israeli businessman Ronny Aharon Musan Levi for a mining project. The agreement stipulated that Magaya would register a first-ranking mortgage over his Yadah Hotel Properties within 30 days as security. However, court papers revealed that Magaya neither registered the bond nor repaid a single cent.
A “Shield Of Fraud” Dismantled Magaya, through his lawyer Advocate Garikai Sithole, argued that the deal was void from the start, citing sections 4 and 11 of Zimbabwe’s Exchange Control Regulations. He claimed that because the transaction lacked Reserve Bank approval, it was illegal and unenforceable, going so far as to suggest he could repay the debt in the depreciating local currency rather than US dollars.
Justice Maxwell Takuva, however, delivered a scathing rebuke of this defence. The court ruled that exchange control regulations apply to Zimbabwean residents, not foreign nationals like Levi, who brought capital into the country.
“The defendant had an obligation to seek authority for a future payment. Surely, the defendant cannot now use his potential or actual breach as a shield to invalidate the entire agreement,”
Justice Takuva stated in his ruling.
The Judge emphasised that allowing Magaya to benefit from the full sum and then hide behind technicalities would turn the law into “an engine of fraud.” Advocate Tazorora Musarurwa, representing Levi from Chinawa Law Chambers, had passionately argued that accepting Magaya’s defence would set a dangerous precedent.
“If the defendant is successful, he will be unjustly enriched to the tune of US$3 million (R54 million). This is contrary to public policy,”
Justice Takuva ruled, cementing the principle that the law will not allow someone to profit from their own deceit.
A Divine Contradiction In a portion of the judgment that has reverberated from the pulpits to the pavements, Justice Takuva directly addressed the hypocrisy of Magaya’s position as a man of God.
“The defendant’s conduct in this matter stands in stark and troubling contrast to the very scriptures he professes to hold as a man of God, pastor, and leader of a Christian Ministry,” the Judge remarked pointedly.
This comparison between Magaya’s legal tactics and his spiritual calling has added a layer of moral condemnation to the financial penalty. The court found that Magaya had prescribed the method of payment and directly benefited from the transaction, and could not later challenge the arrangement that put the money in his pocket.
The Cost Of Justice The ruling clears the way for the immediate enforcement of the US$3 million claim. The court ordered that the debt attracts interest at a rate of 3 percent per month, compounded monthly, from 1 July 2022, until the full amount is settled. Furthermore, the order includes provisions to make Magaya’s immovable property executable to satisfy the debt if he fails to pay. The awarding of costs on a higher scale underscores the court’s disapproval of what it saw as an abuse of process by the PHD leader.
This financial catastrophe is the latest in a series of legal nightmares for Magaya. He is currently facing four counts of rape involving adult congregants from Harare and Chegutu, with allegations spanning from 2016 to 2023, charges he vehemently denies. Just this week, in a dramatic twist to that trial, Magaya’s lawyers requested the recusal of prosecutor Tendayi Shonhayi, alleging she is a member of rival preacher Emmanuel Makandiwa’s United Family International Church and is on a mission to “destroy him and his church.”
As the prophet of PHD Ministries grapples with a court-ordered debt that could strip him of his hotel assets and a rape trial that threatens his liberty, the judgment serves as a stark reminder that, in the eyes of the law, no man—prophet or otherwise—stands above its reach.
Late Jeffrey Epstein’s estate has agreed to pay as much as $35 million to resolve a class action lawsuit that accused two of the disgraced financier’s advisers of aiding and abetting his s£x trafficking of young women and teenage girls, according to a court filing on Thursday.
Boies Schiller Flexner, a law firm representing Epstein victims, announced the settlement in a brief filed in federal court in Manhattan.
The deal, if approved by a judge, would bring an end to a 2024 lawsuit filed against Epstein’s former personal lawyer, Darren Indyke, and former accountant Richard Kahn, who are co-executors of Epstein’s estate.
Epstein’s estate previously set up a restitution fund that paid out $121 million to victims. The estate also paid out $49 million in additional settlements to victims.
Neither Indyke nor Kahn “made any admission or concession of misconduct” as part of the settlement made public on Thursday, their lawyer Daniel H. Weiner said in an emailed statement.
“Because they did nothing wrong, the co-executors were prepared to fight the claims against them through to trial, but agreed to mediate and settle this lawsuit in order to achieve finality as to any potential claims against the Epstein Estate,” Weiner said.
Weiner said the settlement would provide “a confidential avenue for financial relief” for Epstein victims who have not already resolved claims against the estate.
Epstein died in a New York jail in August 2019. His death was ruled a su!cide.
In the 2024 lawsuit, lawyers at Boies Schiller Flexner said Indyke and Kahn helped Epstein create a complex web of corporations and bank accounts that let him hide his abuses and pay victims and recruiters, while leaving them “richly compensated” for their work.
The Boies law firm previously helped obtain $365 million of settlements with JPMorgan Chase and Deutsche Bank after accusing them of missing red flags about Epstein, once a lucrative client.
British media personality Gemma Atkinson has revealed she was once ‘offered lots of money’ to speak negatively about Cristiano Ronaldo after their short-lived romance ended back in 2007.
“When we broke up, I was offered a lot of money to speak badly about him, and I didn’t want it because I had nothing negative to say about him, so I see no reason to speak ill of him,” Atkinson told Key 103 Radio, via Transfer News Live.
The actress and footballer, both 41, set tongues wagging when they stepped out together nearly two decades ago during his time at Manchester United. But they ended things in October 2007
The soap star is now married to Gorka Marquez and shares two children, Mia, six, and Thiago, three.
Meanwhile, Cristiano is engaged to fiancée Georgina Rodríguez.
The couple shares daughters Alana and Bella together and welcomed twins Eva Maria and Mateo through surrogacy.
Bella had a twin brother named Angel, but he sadly passed away shortly after birth. Ronaldo has a final child, Cristiano Jr, from an earlier relationship.
Georgia and Ronaldo met in 2016 when she caught his attention working as a sales assistant in a Madrid Gucci shop.
Opposition leader Nelson Chamisa has challenged President Emmerson Mnangagwa to explain why he is allegedly afraid of elections, accusing him of seeking to extend his term of office despite twice claiming victory at the polls.
Zanu‑PF has initiated a constitutional amendment process that includes proposals to extend Mnangagwa’s term to 2030 and introduce a system where the President is elected by Parliament rather than through a popular vote.
Last week, the amendment bill was tabled before Cabinet, and Speaker of Parliament Jacob Mudenda has since gazetted it, paving the way for debate in both the National Assembly and Senate.
Posting on X (formerly Twitter), Chamisa questioned Mnangagwa’s confidence in his electoral legitimacy.
“DEAR MR ‘LISTENING PRESIDENT’… A true and proper constitutionalist must not be afraid of proper elections or at all cost seek to avoid the people,” Chamisa wrote.
“Why are you so scared of the people of Zimbabwe if you claim you are supported? Has the time not come for you to persuade the persuaders not to persuade you to murder the constitution?”
The proposed amendments have sparked widespread debate, with critics arguing that they undermine democratic principles and entrench executive power.
Summer Smith, the African American mom whose teenage son, SeMarion Humphrey, was tricked into drinking urine at a birthday sleepover, has been ordered to pay $3.2 million to the white teen she allegedly called a racist bully. The jury ruled her claims caused severe emotional distress and invaded the teen’s privacy.
In 2021, Asher Vann, then an eighth-grader in Plano, Texas, was caught on video with classmates during a birthday sleepover playing pranks on SeMarion Humphrey. The video showed the teens tricking Humphrey into drinking his own urine.
Smith publicly accused Vann of racially motivated bullying, claiming he and his friends used slurs and even shot her son with a BB gun. Her posts attracted national attention, with calls for the teens to be punished. Police investigated but never arrested or charged anyone.
Now 19 and in college, Vann said the incident was not about race. “This wasn’t me doing a racist act. This isn’t me hating someone because of their skin color. This was me at an immature stage of my life at a sleepover for my birthday, doing immature, dumb things,” he said. “It was immature. It was stupid. It was nasty. But that’s not who I am, and that’s not me today.”
Vann filed a lawsuit, arguing that Smith’s social media campaign ruined his life. The jury agreed, awarding him $3.2 million in damages, according to the New York Post.
Smith said she plans to appeal and defended her actions as protecting her son. “I never wanted anyone to threaten anyone at the school or anything. I simply wanted them to be held accountable in the proper way,” she said, though she acknowledged Vann faced public abuse over the years.
Vann admitted the case left a lasting mark. “There was no winner in the end,” he said. “Things are getting better. But I don’t feel like I am who I should’ve been at this age because of that.”
Bellarmine Mugabe’s Lawyer Speaks on His Client’s Attempted Murder Charge
The legal representative of Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe has declined to provide details regarding the Hyde Park shooting incident that has sparked intense public scrutiny.
Speaking to journalists, attorney Sinenhlanhla Mnguni said he could not comment on the matter at this stage.
“At this stage I am not at liberty to disclose anything. We just want the process to unfold and there is still a lot that needs to happen. We just want the police to conduct the investigations so that we can proceed with the matter and attend to whatever necessary steps to enforce the rights of our client,” he said.
Attempted Murder Charge Under Investigation When pressed on whether the attempted murder charge would stand, Mnguni remained guarded.
“I have no comments with regards to that. At this point the matter is still very early. The investigations haven’t been finalised so we can’t speak on that,” he said.
Mugabe and his co-accused are expected to appear in court on Monday, where they will face attempted murder charges. Police investigations are ongoing, with authorities still searching for the firearm allegedly used in the shooting.
Gardener Remains in Critical Condition The incident reportedly occurred during a dispute at the Hyde Park property, where a gardener was shot. The 23-year-old victim remains in critical condition in hospital.
Law enforcement officials have indicated that the missing firearm remains central to the investigation.
Zimbabwe Family Lawyer Defers to SA Counsel Meanwhile, Mugabe family lawyer Ashel Mugiya confirmed that the family is aware of the arrest but declined to comment on legal proceedings in South Africa.
“I don’t practice in South Africa myself. There are determined jurisdictions. We, Zimbabwean lawyers, are confined to Zimbabwe. South African lawyers are confined themselves to South Africa. In terms of any developments on that issue, I think South African lawyers will be the best to comment,” Mugiya said.
As the legal process unfolds, both defence teams appear intent on allowing investigations to run their course before making further public statements.
🚨 CHAOS, FEAR AND FINANCIAL RUIN CLAIMED AS SOUTH AFRICAN REFUGEE FAMILIES REPORT SUDDEN US FLIGHT PAUSE AFTER SELLING EVERYTHING TO START NEW LIVES
Panic and confusion are spreading among some South African refugee applicants after reports surfaced that departures to the United States may have been unexpectedly paused from late February.
While no formal public statement has confirmed a blanket suspension, several affected individuals claim they were informed their flights would not proceed as scheduled — leaving families stranded after selling homes, vehicles and personal belongings in preparation for relocation.
Some say they are now stuck in temporary accommodation while waiting for answers, raising fears of financial hardship and emotional distress as uncertainty deepens.
The lack of clear communication has fueled speculation online about possible geopolitical or administrative reasons behind the delays, although these claims remain unverified and officials have not publicly linked the situation to any specific global event.
Migration analysts warn that refugee travel can be disrupted at short notice due to policy reviews, security vetting processes, funding constraints or logistical issues — realities that can dramatically impact families during critical transition periods.
For many applicants, the sudden uncertainty has turned what was supposed to be a life-changing opportunity into a stressful waiting game with no clear timeline.
Affected individuals are being urged to stay in contact with resettlement agencies and rely only on official updates as the situation develops.
incident happened during his time in the English Premier League. The Hanover Park-born star shares the experience in his first memoir, Benni. In the book, he reflects on the highs and lows of his football career.
The biography includes a special foreword by world-famous coach Jose Mourinho. It is now available in bookstores and online.
From Cape Flats Football to European Glory In his memoir, McCarthy describes his rise from “gangster football” in the Cape Flats. He later played for major international clubs across Europe. He also discusses his strained relationship with the South African Football Association. He believes the tension affected his performances for Bafana Bafana. During his career, he played for Ajax Amsterdam, Celta Vigo, Porto, Blackburn Rovers, and West Ham United.
However, in 2010, after joining West Ham, he suffered a serious knee ligament injury. The injury ruled him out of training and matches. As a result, he gained weight during recovery. He had maintained about 80 kilograms throughout his career. Soon, he found himself “four to five kilos overweight and struggling to get into the team”.
At the time, the club faced relegation pressure and his form declined. He was repeatedly fined for weight gain. Critics quickly targeted him. West Ham vice-chairperson Karren Brady criticised his weight in a Sun column.
She wrote: “Rather than the super scorer we hoped for, we acquired a super size, a player devoted to filling his belly more than filling the net. As time went by, he grew bigger and bigger, and although in time he made a great effort to slim down, he’d passed the waistline of no return. “
McCarthy responded strongly to the criticism. He wrote: “A lot of hurtful, frankly unnecessary stuff, but when the newspapers asked me for my reaction, I called her ‘the devil with t*ts,’ and that certainly grabbed the headlines. In fact, it cost me about 100 00) pounds because the mutual termination contract had a clause in it that I could not say anything disparaging about the club, and at that stage, they hadn’t paid the termination in full”.
Over the years, he and Brady continued exchanging barbs in the media.
Clash with Chiefs and the Pirates Comeback McCarthy also faced criticism after returning to South Africa in 2011. His West Ham contract had been terminated. Kaizer Chiefs manager Bobby Motaung publicly dismissed signing him. He stated: “Chiefs sign big fishes, not fishes who cannot swim anymore.”
McCarthy was 33 years old at the time. He believed he was “far from finished.”
He wrote:
“Maybe it was a quip, but that kind of talk always gets my blood boiling, and my character is such that the first thing I think of then is ‘I’ll show you who is a has-been and who is not.”
Motivated by the remarks, he signed with Orlando Pirates. He later enjoyed memorable victories against Kaizer Chiefs.
He recalled one derby victory, writing:
“It was probably one of the easiest derbies that Pirates had ever won, and when Bobby Motaung approached me afterwards, I told him in no uncertain terms, ‘As long as I’m playing for Pirates, Chiefs are never going to beat us. You said an old fish can’t swim, I’ll show you”.
Motaung later apologised.
However, challenges continued at Pirates. Incoming coaches sometimes labelled him the “fat guy”.
He said:
“That’s no joke for me. There should always bea level of respect between people in the game”.
After a 17-year professional career, Benni McCarthy retired from football in 2013.
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker (D) demanded that President Donald Trump refund the households in his state after the U.S. Supreme Court found that the administration did not have the legal authority to collect $175 billion in tariffs.
“Your tariff taxes wreaked havoc on farmers, enraged our allies, and sent grocery prices through the roof,” Pritzker wrote in a letter to Trump on Friday. “This morning, your hand-picked Supreme Court Justices notified you that they are also unconstitutional.”
“On behalf of the people of Illinois, I demand a refund of $1,700 for every family in Illinois. There are 5,105,448 households in my state, bringing the total damages you owe to $8,679,261,600,” the governor continued.
“The Supreme Court has ruled that this is yet one more unconstitutional act by you and your administration. This letter and the attached invoice stand as an official notice that compensation is owed to the people of Illinois, and if you do not comply, we will pursue further action.”
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent responded to the Supreme Court ruling by doubting that Americans would ever see a refund.
President Donald Trump went out of his way, following the Supreme Court decision striking down his move to impose tariffs under emergency powers law, to say he will keep the tariffs in place, using a different set of federal statutes that he claims still put the policy on lawful footing — something Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh argued he could try to do in his dissent.
However, economic historian Phil Magness warned that Trump’s new order to impose a 10 percent global tariff under the so-called Section 122 power already faces massive legal problems.
“Trump’s new Section 122 10 percent tariff order is already on shaky legal ground,” wrote Magness, posting a screenshot of the relevant statute. “This law only applies when there are ‘large and serious United States balance-of-payments deficits’ under a fixed exchange rate system.”
The problem with that, said Magness, is that “The world abandoned the fixed exchange rate system in the 1970s.”
This comes as Trump’s Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessent, similarly echoes promises that the administration will continue its tariff system, and that he expects to continue collecting roughly the same amount of revenue as before the Supreme Court decision.
German soccer powerhouse Werder Bremen is pulling the plug on its summer trip to Minnesota, citing violence and chaos stemming from the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration crackdown.
“Playing in a city where there’s unrest and people have been shot, that does not fit with our values here at Werder Bremen,” Christoph Pieper, the club’s head of communications, told Politico in a Friday statement. “Furthermore, it was unclear for us which players could be able to enter the United States due to the stricter entry requirements.”
The cancellation comes amid President Donald Trump’s Operation Metro Surge, which deployed roughly 3,000 federal immigration agents to Minneapolis beginning in December. The enforcement push turned deadly, with agents killing two protesters in separate incidents last month.
Though White House border czar Tom Homan announced the surge’s end last week, Minneapolis city leaders reported a more than $200 million financial impact.
The four-time German champions have cultivated a progressive image, famously abandoning X for Bluesky in 2024 over “hate speech, hatred towards minorities, right-wing extremist posts and conspiracy theories.”
“We as a club, we have clear values,” Pieper emphasized Friday. “Our club stands for an open, pluralistic and united society. We are committed to ensuring that all people — regardless of their origin, skin colour, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age or disability — are naturally included and have a firm place in our community.”
The snub comes after FIFA President Gianni Infantino presented Trump a Peace Prize and pledged support for his Board of Peace initiative.
“Take Back Our Wealth!”: John Dramani Mahama Rallies Africa to Reclaim Its Resources
Ghana’s President, John Dramani Mahama, received thunderous applause at National Assembly of Zambia after delivering a bold message to the continent: Africa must stop handing control of its vast natural resources to foreign interests.
Addressing lawmakers in Lusaka, Mahama challenged African nations to rethink long-standing arrangements that leave outsiders managing key sectors from minerals to energy “as if we are somehow too ashamed to do it ourselves.”
His remarks struck a chord, drawing cheers from the chamber as he declared that Africa holds an “enormous advantage” in its abundant land, talent and untapped wealth.
The speech has since sparked fresh debate about economic sovereignty and self-reliance across the continent. With global demand for Africa’s resources surging, Mahama’s call signals a renewed push for African-led ownership and a powerful shift in tone about who truly controls the continent’s future.
TUNISIAN MP JAILED FOR EIGHT MONTHS OVER POSTS MOCKING PRESIDENT
A Tunisian court has sentenced a lawmaker to eight months in prison over social media posts mocking President Kais Saied following recent deadly floods.
Ahmed Saidani was arrested earlier this month after he posted on social media about Saied’s visits to flood-hit areas, calling him the “supreme commander of sanitation and rainwater drainage”.
He was jailed on Thursday on charges of insulting others via communication networks, a judicial official said.
Saidani’s lawyer, Houssem Eddine Ben Attia, told AFP news agency that his client was being prosecuted under a telecommunications law against “harming others via social media”, an offence punishable by up to two years in prison.
Human rights groups have criticised what they describe as an escalation of Saied’s crackdown on dissent since he suspended Tunisia’s parliament in 2021 and began ruling by decree.
Tunisia’s president – saviour or usurper of power? Saidani, once a supporter of Saied’s consolidation of power and the arrest of opposition figures, has recently turned into an outspoken critic of the president.
In his Facebook post, the lawmaker mocked the president for “taking up the hobby of taking photos with the poor and destitute” while visiting flooded areas in the capital, Tunis and other parts of the country.
Saidani, who was elected as a lawmaker in 2022, has also accused the president of monopolising decision-making while avoiding responsibility, leaving others to take the blame.
“This is a violation of the law and an attack on institutions. How can parliament hold the executive authority to account if it carries out an unlawful arrest over critical views,” fellow MP Bilel Mechri told Reuters news agency.
At least five people died and several remain missing after Tunisia experienced its heaviest rainfall in over 70 years last month.
President Saied was elected in 2019 promising a return to stable government following years of political instability after long-time leader Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali was ousted by the “Arab Spring” street protests in 2011.
His critics accuse him of reimposing aspects of authoritarian rule and curtailing political freedoms.
Last November, a Tunisian court handed jail terms to dozens of opposition leaders, lawyers and businessmen accused of attempting to overthrow the president.
The 67-year old leader rejects claims of dictatorship, insisting he is upholding the law and working to “cleanse” the country.
Tunisian lawmakers have parliamentary immunity, protecting them from arrest while performing their official duties, though they can be detained for committing a criminal offence.
DPP CALLS FOR URGENT MEASURES TO REDUCE COST OF DOING BUSINESS AND PROTECT SMEs
Opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) president Antonio Mourinho Mwanza has called on government to urgently address the high cost of doing business in Zambia, warning that the growing burden on small and medium enterprises (SMEs) threatens economic stability and job creation.
In a statement, Mwanza said SMEs, which form the backbone of the country’s economy, were facing mounting operational pressure due to a combination of statutory obligations and broader economic challenges.
He explained that the difficulty for many businesses was not merely the tax rate itself, but the cumulative burden of multiple statutory requirements, including turnover tax or VAT, PAYE, NAPSA contributions, workers’ compensation, council levies, property rates and various compliance procedures.
Mr. Mwanza added that when these obligations were combined with high energy costs, limited access to affordable financing, delayed payments on government contracts, currency volatility and policy unpredictability, businesses were effectively squeezed from every direction.
While acknowledging that domestic revenue mobilisation remained essential for national development, the DPP leader cautioned that the sustainability of the country’s tax base depended on the survival and growth of businesses.
He warned that a system that overburdened compliant enterprises risked undermining economic recovery, discouraging investment and slowing job creation.
According to Mwanza, government had a responsibility to collect revenue, but stressed that if businesses collapsed, there would ultimately be no revenue to collect.
He further stated that compliance should not feel like punishment and enforcement should not resemble harassment, emphasising that honest and struggling enterprises must not be treated as offenders.
Mr. Mwanza therefore proposed a series of urgent and practical reforms aimed at easing pressure on SMEs.
He called for the simplification of compliance procedures through the establishment of a unified and harmonised system that would reduce duplication of licences, certificates and inspections, and eliminate the need for businesses to move from office to office.
On taxation, he urged government to review the turnover tax and VAT frameworks to ensure they were fair and did not disproportionately affect small businesses operating on thin margins.
He cautioned against tax structures that triggered sudden and punitive compliance shocks when businesses began to grow.
The DPP president also appealed for improved access to affordable finance through expanded credit guarantee schemes and incentives for lower-interest lending, stating that SMEs should be empowered to invest and expand rather than borrow merely to survive.
He further called for the stabilisation of energy costs through predictable electricity tariff frameworks and incentives for SMEs to invest in alternative and renewable energy solutions.
On government obligations, Mwanza urged the implementation and strict enforcement of a 30-day payment rule for suppliers, noting that delayed payments severely constrained business cash flow and increased indebtedness.
Additionally, he advocated for promoting formalisation through incentives by making business registration simple, affordable and beneficial, rather than intimidating or excessively costly.
Mr. Mwanza emphasized that SMEs were not adversaries of the state but strategic partners in national development, employment creation and economic resilience.
He maintained that reducing the cost of doing business should not be viewed as a concession, but as a long-term investment in Zambia’s economic growth and fiscal sustainability.
MPUNDU DECLARES “ICHABAICHE WILL NOT DIE” AFTER JOINING TONSE ALLIANCE AS MUNDUBILE PROMISES MASSIVE YOUTH EMPOWERMENT
Tonse Alliance President Brian Mundubile has promised that, if elected, his government will place the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Arts under State House, rather than placing Investigative Wings under the Presidential authority as currently structured by the UPND.
Mr Mundubile said positioning the ministry under State House will accelerate youth programs, ensuring they are driven by direct Presidential oversight and concern.
Speaking at a media briefing, he lamented that young people have long been neglected but assured that his government will address the plight of youths critically and effectively.
Meanwhile, Mporokonso Member of Parliament has welcomed the Movement for Good Governance popularly known as Ichabaiche into the Tonse Alliance faction, promising to support young people in reaching their full potential.
At the same briefing Ichabaiche President Binwell Mpundu Justified his decision to work with the Mundubile led Tonse Alliance stating that it is deliberate and guided by the principle of unity.
Mr Mpundu maintained that his movement has not ceased to exist by joining the Tonse Alliance, but has instead aligned with a bigger platform aimed at liberating Zambians.
FIRED Minister of Health Elijah Muchima has dismissed as false assertions that President Hakainde Hichilema dismissed him because he voted against Bill 7 of 2025.
Dr Muchima said that if politician Chilufya Tayali were in Zambia, he would sue him for defamation of character over the allegations made against him. The Ikelenge lawmaker said this last evening when he featured on Diamond Television.
When asked why he was fired on Wednesday, the former Lands Minister said he was unaware of the reasons because the dismissal letter did not state them, although some people have been speculating. He said he is also wondering why he was relieved of his duties but is unhappy with some claims being made about his dismissal. Dr Muchima said allegations that he connived with Mazabuka lawmaker Garry Nkombo in a bid to take over the UPND leadership, and that he voted against Bill 7, are untrue.
“Tayali should concentrate on his issues. He should not bring in things he does not understand and implicate people. Where is he getting this data?
“This Tayali, what he is committing is cybercrime. “Where is Tayali getting this information to bring me into disrepute? I have been extremely loyal. How could I connive with Garry, and for what?”
He wondered why he is being accused of voting against Bill 7 when he is an “extremely” loyal UPND member who was actually a champion of the piece of legislation.
“Let’s be sober. I am the champion for Bill 7. I supported every step my boss asked us to take. God in heaven.” The anchor then asked why people would falsely accuse him of conniving to take over UPND leadership with Mr Nkombo, who is the party’s elections chairperson.
“In life, as you grow up, be careful, even with your own wife or friends. People will start creating stories. This is an election year. If you can bring a Bible here, God knows what I did.
“I am not deceitful. In politics, people are not happy; they want to bring you down.” Mr Muchima said, however, that there is an individual causing problems who wants to contest the Ikelenge parliamentary seat. “I don’t want people creating negative and misleading statements that I want to unseat my President. One chap—the one causing problems, a former DC—was celebrating [my dismissal] two days ago. He will not make it.
“In life, be careful. Don’t think everyone will love you when they see you doing well; they start creating stories. This is an election year. Politics—people are not happy; they want to bring you down.”
The accountant and lawyer said he has been nothing but loyal to President Hichilema and will continue to be so. “I am an accountant and a lawyer. I am one person who has never been fired before. I will never be deceitful, and if all these allegations are investigated, it will be seen that they are not true,” Mr Muchima said. (Mwebantu, Saturday, 21st Februray, 2026)
🇿🇲 ANALYSIS: Energy Reckoning and Mining Realignment in Hichilema’s Pre-Dissolution SONA
President Hakainde Hichilema’s Friday address to the National Assembly was constitutionally anchored in Article 8 values. But politically, it was something else. It was the President’s first term final national values speech before Parliament dissolves in May. It was part report card, part confession, part economic positioning ahead of August 13.
Two sectors defined the subtext of the speech: energy and mining. Both have shaped the political temperature of this administration. Both are now central to the 2026 narrative.
♎ The Energy Reckoning
The President did not dodge the crisis. He named it bluntly.
He described the blackout period as “the decapitation of the generating capacity because of the trial drought.” That was not poetic language. It was admission. Zambia’s hydropower backbone collapsed under severe climate shock. More importantly, Hichilema acknowledged structural neglect: “As a nation for decades, the energy sector has been neglected.”
That sentence carries historical weight. Zambia built its electricity architecture around hydro dependency without serious diversification for decades. The drought exposed that fragility. What many citizens interpreted as incompetence was, in fact, long-standing structural vulnerability meeting climate reality.
Then came the apology.
“Madam Speaker, once more, we take this opportunity to apologize to the people of Zambia for the pain they endured during the difficult times with electricity shortages.”
Presidents rarely apologize in Parliament. This was calculated humility. He went further: “On behalf of those who sat in the chair, I say today, I want to apologize for not having taken proactive measures.”
This apology extends accountability beyond his tenure. It reframes the crisis as systemic rather than partisan.
The political pivot was transparency: “We acknowledged that we had a problem in electricity… We don’t want to hide. We don’t want to conceal a problem. We want to acknowledge a problem and deal with it.”
The communication failure of the energy crisis was not absence of action. It was absence of visible narrative. Solar projects, clean coal expansion, open access frameworks, emergency imports, and private participation reforms were underway. But they were poorly explained to households experiencing 18-hour load shedding.
Now the message is clearer: loadshedding hours are being “drastically reduced” and in some locations “completely ending.” Nearly 60,000 new connections were completed even during crisis conditions. Connection fees have been reduced in peri-urban and rural areas. Solar plants and clean coal diversification are being institutionalised.
Energy was President Hichilema’s weakest political flank. His address attempted to close that vulnerability before election season intensifies.
⬆️ Mining: From Recovery to Strategic Positioning
If energy was apology, mining was assertion. The President declared that in just over four years, Zambia has attracted: “Well over $12 billion” in mining investment.
This figure is not trivial. It coincides with global copper demand surging due to artificial intelligence infrastructure, electric vehicles, defence supply chains, green transition commitments, and power grid upgrades. Copper is no longer just a commodity. It is geopolitical infrastructure.
The global copper rush is real. AI data centres require massive energy and copper wiring. EV manufacturing multiplies copper demand. Renewable grids demand more transmission capacity. Zambia sits on one of the largest untapped copper endowments globally.
The President’s message at Indaba earlier this month was blunt: “All minerals are critical minerals.” This Parliament address aligned with that strategic repositioning.
Copper production has rebounded. Investment pipelines are expanding. Local content is being formalised under Statutory Instrument No. 68, which prioritises Zambian suppliers in mining procurement.
But mining is not just copper.
January’s Kikonge gold rush episode revealed another dimension. When informal gold discoveries triggered chaotic migration and unregulated activity, the military intervention caused a rapid exodus. That incident exposed both opportunity and governance gaps. Gold rushes can stimulate rural economies. They can also trigger lawlessness and fatalities.
The President acknowledged the need to strengthen the regulatory framework to promote: “Safe mining, secure, legal, structured, sustainable mining practices to avoid the needless loss of life.”
Language choice here was not accidental. It directly addresses the artisanal surge and the Kikonge-type volatility. At the same time, he announced projected job creation in Sinda’s phosphate project:
“Mark my words, we will have over 5,000 to 10,000 jobs in Sinda.” This settles in like a campaign-grade language. But it is tied to mineral diversification strategy.
🔖 The Global Context
The copper rush is not sentimental. It is structural. China continues dominating smelting capacity. The United States is launching critical mineral supply chain initiatives. Gulf investors are entering African mining jurisdictions. Europe is accelerating energy transition policies. AI buildout in the US and Asia is increasing copper wiring demand exponentially.
Zambia is now positioned not as a distressed miner, but as a stabilised supplier in a tightening global supply market. This matters for the Kwacha. It matters for reserves. It matters for bond inflows. It matters for fiscal space.
Mining is financing macroeconomic recovery. The IMF programme concluded. Inflation has returned to single digits. The currency is strengthening. Bond auctions are oversubscribed. Those trends are not independent of mining recovery.
🔴 The Political Subtext
President Hichilema’s address was not just a constitutional speech on national values. It was a framing speech.
– Energy: apology and correction. – Mining: momentum and opportunity. – Diversification: value addition instead of raw exports. – Governance: regulatory tightening after Kikonge chaos. – Election: implicit request for continuity.
The President also took time after the address to mingle across the aisle. Opposition members engaged cordially. The visual matters. Stability matters in investment cycles.
Zambia is entering an election year with:
– Single-digit inflation
– Strengthening currency
– Rising copper demand
– Increased mining investment
– Diversification of energy sources underway
The vulnerabilities remain. Energy diversification is not complete. Gold regulation must mature. Local value addition still lags. Mining revenues must translate visibly into jobs and social outcomes.
But structurally, the trajectory has shifted. The President’s first term pre-dissolution address was less about national values in theory and more about economic legitimacy in practice.
Energy was the scar. Mining is the engine.
The August election will test whether voters see those two stories as credible enough to renew the mandate.
DEFEND AND CAMPAIGN FOR PRESIDENT HICHILEMA, IGNORE DETRACTORS AND PROPHETS OF DOOM—KASABI ————————————————- Western Province UPND Presidential Campaign Team Coordinator General Max Kasabi has called on all citizens of Western Province in particular and Zambia in general to defend President Hakainde Hichilema from detractors and prophets of doom who are doing everything to tarnish the President’s image by spreading falsehoods.
The Coordinator General said this when he addressed PCT members today in Namushakende Ward, Mongu Central Constituency yesterday.
.
He went on to remind them of how the province was marginalized by previous administrations in terms of development, however President Hichilema has changed all that by rolling out robust inclusive national development to all ten provinces without leaving anyone behind, hence the need for all citizens particularly in Western Province to defend him to the last man and woman standing.
” I’m appealing to all of you to ignore detractors and prophets of doom who are spreading falsehoods against government, as you can see what President Hichilema has done and continues to do for the people of Western Province to improve their welfare.”
The meeting came to a close with the crowd assuring the Coordinator General that detractors and those fighting the President won’t be tolerated in Namushakende Ward as PCT structures are solidly behind the leadership of President Hichilema, who has done and continues to do so much for citizens in rural areas such as Western Province.
Issued by
Spuki Mulemwa
Western Province UPND Presidential Campaign Team Media Coordinator.
