Kalabo MP weeps in parliament for calling his constituency a rural area

A tempest in a teapot erupted in Zambia’s parliament yesterday when the Energy Minister, Peter Kapala, dared to describe Kalabo Central constituency as “rural.”

The normally dry parliamentary chambers witnessed a tearful outburst from the constituency’s MP, Chinga Miyutu,.

The dispute arose after Miyutu inquired about government plans for a fueling station in his constituency.

Kapala, in his response, revealed the government’s shift away from funding rural filling stations.

“Madam speaker, it’s a very good question to give an answer on what criteria was used in disengaging from the construction of rural filling stations, madam speaker just like government has disengaged in the procurement of petroleum product, it is on the same basis why we had to disengage from the construction of rural filling stations, I submit,”responded Kampala

This explanation, however, did not sit well with Miyutu.

He argued that Kapala’s use of the term “rural” to describe Kalabo was discriminatory, especially since the constituency boasts a Kalabo Town Council.

Miyutu expressed his disappointment, highlighting the economic disparity between urban and rural areas.

He argued that government support is crucial for rural development, especially when it comes to attracting private investment.

“It hurts me because it shows disregard and negative discrimination, why is it that the government centers on the urban areas?” Miyutu questioned.

“… You know madam speaker, governments are meant to save those without.”

The MP’s emotional plea for the minister to retract the “rural” label was unsuccessful.

However, deputy speaker Malungo Chisangano clarified that the “rural” classification originated from the Ministry of Local Government.

Chisangano said it is not a disadvantage to belong to a rural setting, but rather an advantage with investors who intend on developing such areas as they are given other incentives.

“Ohhh, Don’t cry, don’t cry,” some MP’s were heard shouting in parliament consoling Miyutu.

By Buumba Mwitumwa

Kalemba June 19, 2024

NDOLA ARCHBISHOP BLASTS GOVT, DEMANDS EXPLANATION OVER POLICE DISRUPTION OF CHURCH SERVICES

…We Should not be Taken for Granted… We are not Playing, We are not Joking!!!

In a scathing rebuke, the newly appointed Metropolitan Archbishop of Ndola, H.E. Msgr. Benjamin Phiri, has strongly condemned the police’s actions in disrupting church services in the diocese last Sunday.

Archbishop His Grace, the Most Reverend Dr Phiri expressed deep concern over the incident, describing it as a blatant violation of the fundamental right to freedom of religion and assembly.

“We are not playing, we are not joking here,” the visibly irate Archbishop said. “I found it strange, and I do not know which law is being used by the police officers for them to detain [a congregant] without sufficient reasoning.”

The Archbishop, was referring to the incident at Divine Mercy Parish, where a 66-year-old parishioner, Mr. Kamwale Phiri, was arrested for simply taking photographs of the heavy police presence around the church.

“If I was there, I would have done the same,” the Archbishop declared. “It’s not prohibited to take pictures in this country, especially if you are on your own premises.”

“When I was told of the police presence, I asked the people who told me what the police were looking for and they told me looks like they are looking for opposition leaders.
I said the Church is a wrong place to look for opposition leaders.
I advised my leaders to continue monitoring the situation and report to me,” he said.

The police’s actions extended to the Masala area, where they reportedly “arrived and took over the premises, controlling who comes in and who goes out.” The Archbishop made it clear that he did not authorize such an intrusion, describing it as an “illegal action on our property.”

“At Masala they [police] arrived and took over the premises controlling who come in and who goes out [the church] . I did not authorise that action so it was an illegal action on our property! I expect government to give a good explanation for that rather than the statement which was off the cuff by the police spokesperson.”

Addressing the police spokesperson’s statement, the Archbishop scathingly remarked, “I am not happy about the whole situation, I have made it known to the government, and I do not want such a situation to repeat itself.”

The Archbishop’s stern words reflect the deep unease within the Catholic community in Zambia, who fear that their right to freely practice their faith is under threat.

“People are free to gather and worship,” the Archbishop emphasized. “They should not be unduly inconvenienced or intimidated.”

The incident has raised concerns about the government’s approach to religious institutions, particularly in the wake of the ongoing political tensions in the country. The Archbishop warned that the church will not be taken for granted, and he urged the government to treat the church with respect and engage it properly.

As the Catholic faithful in Ndola and across Zambia grapple with this distressing situation, the Archbishop’s unwavering stance serves as a clarion call for the protection of religious freedoms and the rule of law in the nation.

NDOLA ARCHBISHOP BLASTS GOVT, DEMANDS EXPLANATION OVER POLICE DISRUPTION OF CHURCH SERVICES

…We Should not be Taken for Granted… We are not Playing, We are not Joking!!!

In a scathing rebuke, the newly appointed Metropolitan Archbishop of Ndola, H.E. Msgr. Benjamin Phiri, has strongly condemned the police’s actions in disrupting church services in the diocese last Sunday.

Archbishop His Grace, the Most Reverend Dr Phiri expressed deep concern over the incident, describing it as a blatant violation of the fundamental right to freedom of religion and assembly.

“We are not playing, we are not joking here,” the visibly irate Archbishop said. “I found it strange, and I do not know which law is being used by the police officers for them to detain [a congregant] without sufficient reasoning.”

The Archbishop, was referring to the incident at Divine Mercy Parish, where a 66-year-old parishioner, Mr. Kamwale Phiri, was arrested for simply taking photographs of the heavy police presence around the church.

“If I was there, I would have done the same,” the Archbishop declared. “It’s not prohibited to take pictures in this country, especially if you are on your own premises.”

“When I was told of the police presence, I asked the people who told me what the police were looking for and they told me looks like they are looking for opposition leaders.
I said the Church is a wrong place to look for opposition leaders.
I advised my leaders to continue monitoring the situation and report to me,” he said.

The police’s actions extended to the Masala area, where they reportedly “arrived and took over the premises, controlling who comes in and who goes out.” The Archbishop made it clear that he did not authorize such an intrusion, describing it as an “illegal action on our property.”

“At Masala they [police] arrived and took over the premises controlling who come in and who goes out [the church] . I did not authorise that action so it was an illegal action on our property! I expect government to give a good explanation for that rather than the statement which was off the cuff by the police spokesperson.”

Addressing the police spokesperson’s statement, the Archbishop scathingly remarked, “I am not happy about the whole situation, I have made it known to the government, and I do not want such a situation to repeat itself.”

The Archbishop’s stern words reflect the deep unease within the Catholic community in Zambia, who fear that their right to freely practice their faith is under threat.

“People are free to gather and worship,” the Archbishop emphasized. “They should not be unduly inconvenienced or intimidated.”

The incident has raised concerns about the government’s approach to religious institutions, particularly in the wake of the ongoing political tensions in the country. The Archbishop warned that the church will not be taken for granted, and he urged the government to treat the church with respect and engage it properly.

As the Catholic faithful in Ndola and across Zambia grapple with this distressing situation, the Archbishop’s unwavering stance serves as a clarion call for the protection of religious freedoms and the rule of law in the nation.

DELAYED IMPLEMENTATION OF CAMPAIGN PROMISES DOESN’T NECESSARILY MEAN LYING

Authored By Mupishi Jones

When I tell you that thieves will come and break into your house on Friday, but instead come to break into your house the following Monday, would I have lied to you?

Delayed implementation of some of the UPND promises doesn’t necessarily mean that they were lying unless they are the architectures of the circumstances that led to the delayed implementation.

Secondly, look at the intention, when you look back at the time they were saying these, did they mean each and every word they said? Yes they did, their intentions were pure and unquestionable.Do they still have those intentions even today? Yes! The Republican President and his team have on time without numbers admitted to the challenges facing the country as well as the factors contributing towards delays in fulfilling some of their promises.

Amongst these promises is the issue of mealie meal price.No one can doubt the efforts put in place at the beginning of this farming season.Everything that required government intervention to increase our yield,was put in place.This time even civil servants were geared to contribute.However, draught creeped in and everything went against governments plan.
This again, the government is visibly addressing this maize issue with the seriousness it deserves .
Today we’re talking about winter maize just to ensure that we double yields.
Yes the current government found some maize stocks.The question is where and how did the previous regime acquire that maize? What the previous regime would never tell you is that it used to get that maize on promissory notes,on credit promising to pay farmers on a later date, unfortunately that later date never came until they existed office in 2021 August.This debt was inherited by the current regime and it has since been paid off after selling the maize stocks.

The other remaining teething issue is that of relatively high fuel pump price.The government have explained on main occasions why there seem to be a difference between how the price used to be during the previous regime and how it is today.Previously the government used to add on to the actual market price per every litre citizens purchased to the oil marketing companies.This is called subsidy.
However, the previous government despite committing itself to be paying it’s commitment to these oil marketing companies,it never used to pay.By the time they left government in 2021, the previous regime left a debt of $800m unpaid to these oil marketing companies.The reality is that, had the previous regime won the elections and continued in government,it could have been confronted with not only this debt, but moral issues of losing trustworthiness from these oil marketing companies.We had reached extremely low credibility levels as a country.No one was willing to borrow us anymore and hence those loan defaults as the last painful option.
The price of fuel pump price would have jumped to more than it is today.The current government picked up that $800m debt,sat down with these oil marketing companies, mutually agreed on a payment plan and the government is now paying without accumulating further debt.

That’s how the previous regime used to survive,on credit without any convincing repayment plan,they were operating on borrowed time and funds.

Try to do your own verification research on these issues I’m raising and prove me wrong.

This borrowing without any tangible repayment plan was extended to road construction.A huge debt $18 billion was left unpaid by the previous regime which the current government is paying.

It must be noted that issues of debt, trustworthiness, honesty, integrity are moral issues tied to ones upbringing.

There are some individuals whose habit is not honouring their debts when they fall due even when they have money.Its just an inborn inclination to refuse to take responsibility for their debts.We have such individuals within our communities.This habit is carried along with them in an unfortunate event that they become leaders at whatever level.These are leaders that can plunge their organisations or countries in debt traps.

As I conclude,a leader can only be deemed to be a liar when he is yet to implement his promises if the circumstances that led to the delay in implementing the promises are as a result of his own intentional making.

I submit

Mupishi Jones
0977580386

Too many court cases have gotten me mixed up, Lusambo tells magistrate

THE Economic and Financial Crimes Court has discharged the warrant of arrest which it issued against former Lusaka province minister Bowman Lusambo and his wife Nancy Manase.

Lusambo and his wife were placed on bench warrant last week for missing court without justification.

Yesterday the Bulldozer and the bulldozress walked themselves into detention after playing hide and seek with law enforcement officers during the weekend to ‘elude’ an arrest.

When the case was called before magistrate Faidess Hamaundu yesterday Anti-Corruption Commission prosecutor Daniel Ngwira informed the Court that the warrant was executed as the couple turned up at Court on its own and was detained in the accused doc.

When asked to explain why he missed Court Lusambo said he had a mix up with dates due to many cases on his plate.

“On that material day I had mistaken the days, when we were adjourning the matter there was the issue of 13 and 14. To me I thought we would be coming on 13 and 14 and not the 12th of June. I sincerely apologize to the court for missing the 12th day of appearing before Court it wasn’t deliberate your honor,” he said.

Lusambo said he was informed about his warrant of arrest by the ACC and decided to make his way to Court.

“We received information that the matter has been adjourned to the 18 of June I came to Court this morning voluntarily your honor as always. I have been coming to Court as and when the Court requires me to be present. It was a mistaking of the date. There are so many cases the mistaking of dates was not deliberate,”said Lusambo.

His wife Nancy re-echoed his sentiments.

“I just had in mind of the 13th I never knew about the 12th, I heard the date has been moved to 18th. If I was aware I was going to make myself available or I would have sent the sureties to come. My husband was on the Copperbelt if I was aware I was going to come,”said Nancy.

His lawyer Nkhula Botha apologized for missing court saying he was under the weather when the case came up and he sent his colleague Emmanuel Phiri to inform the court about his absence.

He said he also communicated to ACC prosecutor Chawezi Nalwenga informing her that he was unwell.

“I must apologize to the Court it was not my intention to miss court,” Botha said.

He explained that he sent a message to Lusambo reminding him to attend Court and he had screen shots of their conversation which he was armed with to produce before Court if the magistrate allowed him.

“I sent a message to him (Lusambo) that court was coming up in the morning it was prudent that his wife and his sureties appear before court. He told me that he was out of town and it was practically impossible,” Botha said.

“I have the messages of the communication I had with my client reminding him about Court if the Court may indulge me to produce them. It was not the intention of either one to disobey the authority of this court. As officers of the Court We are mindful and aware of the professional duty we owe to the court and always thrive to live up to the expectations as owed to the Court.”

Chawezi confirmed having received a call from Botha

“I started engaging with Mr Botha on June 10 and I informed him that him that the matter was coming up on Wednesday 12th June,” she said.

“Our decision to engage was owing to the fact that we had witnesses from out of town and had travelled for purposes of attending court on June 12. That’s out of professional courtesy to engage defense counsel. When Mr Botha informed me he was unwell he did intimate that an advocate from the firm would be in attendance.”

Magistrate Hamaundu noted that the case had dragged since 2022 and warned the defense to take the case seriously.

She gave the couple a benefit of doubt and canceled the warrant.

“I will give the accused a benefit of doubt if they fail to attend court without a proper explanation next time this court willl charge them for contempt of Court and will not hesitate to remand them in custody. I hereby revoke the bench warrant,” said magistrate Hamaundu.

She adjourned the case to June 24.

In this matter Lusambo is facing 10 corruption-related charges among them one count of corrupt acquisition of public property, five counts of possessing property suspected to be proceeds of crime, three counts of tax evasion and one count of conspiracy to defraud.

He is jointly charged with Nancy for possessing four houses in Silverest Gardens, Chongwe which are suspected to be tainted.

By Mwaka Ndawa

Kalemba

Too many court cases have gotten me mixed up, Lusambo tells magistrate

THE Economic and Financial Crimes Court has discharged the warrant of arrest which it issued against former Lusaka province minister Bowman Lusambo and his wife Nancy Manase.

Lusambo and his wife were placed on bench warrant last week for missing court without justification.

Yesterday the Bulldozer and the bulldozress walked themselves into detention after playing hide and seek with law enforcement officers during the weekend to ‘elude’ an arrest.

When the case was called before magistrate Faidess Hamaundu yesterday Anti-Corruption Commission prosecutor Daniel Ngwira informed the Court that the warrant was executed as the couple turned up at Court on its own and was detained in the accused doc.

When asked to explain why he missed Court Lusambo said he had a mix up with dates due to many cases on his plate.

“On that material day I had mistaken the days, when we were adjourning the matter there was the issue of 13 and 14. To me I thought we would be coming on 13 and 14 and not the 12th of June. I sincerely apologize to the court for missing the 12th day of appearing before Court it wasn’t deliberate your honor,” he said.

Lusambo said he was informed about his warrant of arrest by the ACC and decided to make his way to Court.

“We received information that the matter has been adjourned to the 18 of June I came to Court this morning voluntarily your honor as always. I have been coming to Court as and when the Court requires me to be present. It was a mistaking of the date. There are so many cases the mistaking of dates was not deliberate,”said Lusambo.

His wife Nancy re-echoed his sentiments.

“I just had in mind of the 13th I never knew about the 12th, I heard the date has been moved to 18th. If I was aware I was going to make myself available or I would have sent the sureties to come. My husband was on the Copperbelt if I was aware I was going to come,”said Nancy.

His lawyer Nkhula Botha apologized for missing court saying he was under the weather when the case came up and he sent his colleague Emmanuel Phiri to inform the court about his absence.

He said he also communicated to ACC prosecutor Chawezi Nalwenga informing her that he was unwell.

“I must apologize to the Court it was not my intention to miss court,” Botha said.

He explained that he sent a message to Lusambo reminding him to attend Court and he had screen shots of their conversation which he was armed with to produce before Court if the magistrate allowed him.

“I sent a message to him (Lusambo) that court was coming up in the morning it was prudent that his wife and his sureties appear before court. He told me that he was out of town and it was practically impossible,” Botha said.

“I have the messages of the communication I had with my client reminding him about Court if the Court may indulge me to produce them. It was not the intention of either one to disobey the authority of this court. As officers of the Court We are mindful and aware of the professional duty we owe to the court and always thrive to live up to the expectations as owed to the Court.”

Chawezi confirmed having received a call from Botha

“I started engaging with Mr Botha on June 10 and I informed him that him that the matter was coming up on Wednesday 12th June,” she said.

“Our decision to engage was owing to the fact that we had witnesses from out of town and had travelled for purposes of attending court on June 12. That’s out of professional courtesy to engage defense counsel. When Mr Botha informed me he was unwell he did intimate that an advocate from the firm would be in attendance.”

Magistrate Hamaundu noted that the case had dragged since 2022 and warned the defense to take the case seriously.

She gave the couple a benefit of doubt and canceled the warrant.

“I will give the accused a benefit of doubt if they fail to attend court without a proper explanation next time this court willl charge them for contempt of Court and will not hesitate to remand them in custody. I hereby revoke the bench warrant,” said magistrate Hamaundu.

She adjourned the case to June 24.

In this matter Lusambo is facing 10 corruption-related charges among them one count of corrupt acquisition of public property, five counts of possessing property suspected to be proceeds of crime, three counts of tax evasion and one count of conspiracy to defraud.

He is jointly charged with Nancy for possessing four houses in Silverest Gardens, Chongwe which are suspected to be tainted.

By Mwaka Ndawa

Kalemba

GOOGLE ENTERS ZAMBIAN ICT SPACE.

19 June 2024

American technology giant Google has entered the Zambian market to revolutionalise the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector following incentives given by the government.

Google, through it’s subsidiary, Google Cloud, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Technology and Science which will see the construction of a Center of Excellence in digital transformation, innovation, offering skills development and knowledge sharing.

Speaking at the signing ceremony in Lusaka, Technology and Science Minister Hon. Felix Mutati has disclosed that the incentives given to the private sector have played a key role in compelling Google to invest in Zambia.

He also disclosed that since the incentives were given a year ago, internet penetration has risen from 53% to 64%.

Mr. Mutati says in the last one year alone, the private sector has laid 5,000 kilometers of fibre optic, which brings the total to 25,000 kilometres of fibre optic laid since Zambia got its independence in 1964, this has significantly increased internent penetration.

“We gave incentives to the private sector last year and what we have witnessed is growth in internet penetration in the past one year. We even saw the entry of 5G which is impressive. This increase in Internet speed, penetration and other incentives given to the private sector has given Google a compelling reason to enter our ICT space,” said Mr. Mutati.

The Minister is hopeful that the coming of Google Cloud will help improve people’s lives.

He also said government is keen on utilising the opportunities that Artificial Intelligence is bringing to the nation.

And Google Cloud Director Global Strategic Initiatives Manuel Greisinger said the company is connecting Zambia to UMOJA, a fibre optic project which will run from Kenya through South Africa to Australia

Mr. Greisinger said UMOJA will help Zambia adapt fast to artificial intelligence so that government services and private sector work can be enhanced.

He said there is need for Zambia to harness the power of technology.

Meanwhile, Women in Technology Network Executive Chairperson Milimo Munyati said the signing of the MoU will enhance the work of those providing mentorship on digital transformation.

Ms. Munyati said her organisation will fully embrace the partnership to ensure that all women benefit from technology.

CIC PRESS TEAM.

GOOGLE ENTERS ZAMBIAN ICT SPACE.

19 June 2024

American technology giant Google has entered the Zambian market to revolutionalise the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector following incentives given by the government.

Google, through it’s subsidiary, Google Cloud, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Technology and Science which will see the construction of a Center of Excellence in digital transformation, innovation, offering skills development and knowledge sharing.

Speaking at the signing ceremony in Lusaka, Technology and Science Minister Hon. Felix Mutati has disclosed that the incentives given to the private sector have played a key role in compelling Google to invest in Zambia.

He also disclosed that since the incentives were given a year ago, internet penetration has risen from 53% to 64%.

Mr. Mutati says in the last one year alone, the private sector has laid 5,000 kilometers of fibre optic, which brings the total to 25,000 kilometres of fibre optic laid since Zambia got its independence in 1964, this has significantly increased internent penetration.

“We gave incentives to the private sector last year and what we have witnessed is growth in internet penetration in the past one year. We even saw the entry of 5G which is impressive. This increase in Internet speed, penetration and other incentives given to the private sector has given Google a compelling reason to enter our ICT space,” said Mr. Mutati.

The Minister is hopeful that the coming of Google Cloud will help improve people’s lives.

He also said government is keen on utilising the opportunities that Artificial Intelligence is bringing to the nation.

And Google Cloud Director Global Strategic Initiatives Manuel Greisinger said the company is connecting Zambia to UMOJA, a fibre optic project which will run from Kenya through South Africa to Australia

Mr. Greisinger said UMOJA will help Zambia adapt fast to artificial intelligence so that government services and private sector work can be enhanced.

He said there is need for Zambia to harness the power of technology.

Meanwhile, Women in Technology Network Executive Chairperson Milimo Munyati said the signing of the MoU will enhance the work of those providing mentorship on digital transformation.

Ms. Munyati said her organisation will fully embrace the partnership to ensure that all women benefit from technology.

CIC PRESS TEAM.

PRINCESS KASUNE’S JOURNEY: FROM PROVINCIAL MINISTER TO JUSTICE MINISTER

By Given Mantanyani

19-06-2024

Princess Kasune, the former minister of Central Province in Zambia, has bid farewell to the province as she begins her new role as the Justice Minister. Her new appointment by His Excellency, President of Zambia, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, marks a significant step in her career as she takes on the responsibility of ensuring justice prevails at all levels in the country.

During her send-off party at Stephen Luwisha Secondary School, Princess Kasune expressed her gratitude and shared her commitment to serving the people of Central Province and the nation as a whole in her new position. Known for her advocacy for human rights, women’s empowerment, and good governance, Kasune brought together various local leaders and officials to bid her farewell.

Notably, she chose to hold her farewell party at Stephen Luwisha Secondary School, owned by the Catholic Church, as a symbol of appreciation for the church’s role in governance and its support during her tenure as the Central Province Minister. She extended special recognition to His Lordship of Kabwe Diocese, Clement Mulenga SDB, for his impartial service to the community.

In addition to acknowledging the contributions of local businesses and individuals, Kasune highlighted the efforts of Mr. Mathew Mohan, a prominent business figure, for creating employment opportunities in the region, especially during challenging economic times. Reflecting on her new role, she emphasized the importance of collaboration between government entities, businesses, and the community for the overall development of the country.

The farewell party was attended by various dignitaries, including Central Province Permanent Secretary who described Minister Kasune as a just and principled leader. He lauded her for her commitment to development and her unwavering dedication to serving the people.

In light of her historic appointment as Zambia’s first female Justice Minister, Princess Kasune’s influence as an inspirational figure for women and the youth in Zambian politics continues to be recognized. Her dedication to promoting fairness, justice, and socio-economic development places her as a pivotal figure in the nation’s political landscape.

Credit:
Alexander Mwaba
Given Mantanyani

PRINCESS KASUNE’S JOURNEY: FROM PROVINCIAL MINISTER TO JUSTICE MINISTER

By Given Mantanyani

19-06-2024

Princess Kasune, the former minister of Central Province in Zambia, has bid farewell to the province as she begins her new role as the Justice Minister. Her new appointment by His Excellency, President of Zambia, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, marks a significant step in her career as she takes on the responsibility of ensuring justice prevails at all levels in the country.

During her send-off party at Stephen Luwisha Secondary School, Princess Kasune expressed her gratitude and shared her commitment to serving the people of Central Province and the nation as a whole in her new position. Known for her advocacy for human rights, women’s empowerment, and good governance, Kasune brought together various local leaders and officials to bid her farewell.

Notably, she chose to hold her farewell party at Stephen Luwisha Secondary School, owned by the Catholic Church, as a symbol of appreciation for the church’s role in governance and its support during her tenure as the Central Province Minister. She extended special recognition to His Lordship of Kabwe Diocese, Clement Mulenga SDB, for his impartial service to the community.

In addition to acknowledging the contributions of local businesses and individuals, Kasune highlighted the efforts of Mr. Mathew Mohan, a prominent business figure, for creating employment opportunities in the region, especially during challenging economic times. Reflecting on her new role, she emphasized the importance of collaboration between government entities, businesses, and the community for the overall development of the country.

The farewell party was attended by various dignitaries, including Central Province Permanent Secretary who described Minister Kasune as a just and principled leader. He lauded her for her commitment to development and her unwavering dedication to serving the people.

In light of her historic appointment as Zambia’s first female Justice Minister, Princess Kasune’s influence as an inspirational figure for women and the youth in Zambian politics continues to be recognized. Her dedication to promoting fairness, justice, and socio-economic development places her as a pivotal figure in the nation’s political landscape.

Credit:
Alexander Mwaba
Given Mantanyani

I’ve not issued a statement against HH – Prof Lumumba

PROFESSOR Patrick Loche Lumumba, a renowned Kenyan constitutional lawyer, Pan-Africanist and an anti-corruption activist has dismissed an online report purported to have been issued by him describing President Hakainde Hichilema as a full blown dictator.

When reached out by the Daily Nation yesterday, Prof Lumumba denied ever having issued any statement and described the story which went viral as fake and nonsensical.

“I have seen the nonsense being circulated and attributed to me. I have made no such statement. It is sad that people misuse social media,” Prof Lumumba told the Daily Nation.

Edgar LUNGU wrote:

Fellow Citizens,

This morning, I came across the latest remarks from Kenyan’s renowned constitutional lawyer and Pan Africanist, Professor Patrick Loche Lumumba concerning Zambia’s political leadership which caught my attention.

Speaking in Kenya yesterday at a radio show focusing on “democracy in Africa” as monitored by News24, the Kenyan distinguished lawyer said “everyone can now see that former Zambian President Edgar Chagwa Lungu was a democrat and that Hichilema is a dictator”. Remember, this is Prof. Lumumba who was very critical of my leadership everywhere, praised President Hichilema in opposition and my administration even blocked him from entering Zambia between 2018 and 2020.

I have read that he was expressing his latest views on recent developments in our country where Zambia Police has been blocking public rallies for the opposition parties since 2021 as well as chasing non UPND political leaders from attending church services including the brutal invasion of the Catholic Church office in Kabwe where armed police went to search for me like a criminal. “It is very clear that Hichilema was all the time pretending to be a democrat”, Prof. Lumumba concluded.

From an honest comparison, I am happy to hear from Professor Lumumba that my efforts to promote and safeguard democracy in our motherland which were undermined then are now deemed to have been far much better when mirrored with HH’s UPND regime. When foreign scholars who at some point criticized you begin to appreciate your efforts on democracy promotion against the person they once deemed better, then it means that their feedback is morally noble and politically sincere.

In September, 2020, I remember Prof. Lumumba saying “President Edgar Lungu is intolerant, paranoid and a demagogue”. Today, I am happy to hear that the same Kenyan lawyer and Pan Africanist is saying “everyone can now see that former Zambian President Edgar Chagwa Lungu was a democrat and that Hichilema is a full fledged dictator”. This gives me a sigh of relief as I am being vindicated for warning everyone that “you will appreciate me when I leave office”.

Therefore, I agree in totality with Professor Lumumba when he argues Zambians to find ways of terminating the mandate of Hichilema in 2026 because “he poses a danger to Zambia’s peace and Africa at large”. Remember, it is the first time since independence that under my successor, a brotherly nation, our own neighboring Zimbabwe now feels so insecure about Zambia because of wrong political leadership and foreign policies in Lusaka. 2026 should be marked as “a year to restore democracy and good neighborliness”.

When a person who praised you as ‘the hope and light of Zambia’ begins to describe you as “the worst dictator since Zambia’s independence”, then wisdom demands that you pose, listen and take a deep self reflection at once. President Hichilema must listen to “his former allies” like Dr. Sishuwa Sishuwa, Bflow, Laura Miti, Brebner Changala, Archbishop Telesphore Mpundu and Professor Patrick Lumumba himself and tone down on his authoritarian and law-fare politics. He is speedily losing stakeholders trust and public confidence both at home and abroad!

And if President Hichilema is to start walking democratic values, he will do better to stay away from political vengeance, bitterness, tribalism, regionalism, selective justice, weaponizing state agencies, suffocating free speech as well as start allowing opposition parties to freely conduct politics in public spaces. It is not by coincidence that Professor Patrick Lumumba, Dr Sishuwa Sishuwa, Brebner Changala, Archbishop Telesphore Mpundu, Bflow or his Laura Miti are all complaining that “he is a dictator and a threat to national peace”.

Once more, I am happy to learn that many stakeholders at home and abroad now appreciating the fact that I was by far a democratic leader who meant well for Zambia than President HH who repeatedly promised to rule democratically better than me but has delivered and shown “the worst despotic politics so far”.

Edgar Chagwa Lungu
Sixth President of Zambia
Patriotic Front President

I’ve not issued a statement against HH – Prof Lumumba

PROFESSOR Patrick Loche Lumumba, a renowned Kenyan constitutional lawyer, Pan-Africanist and an anti-corruption activist has dismissed an online report purported to have been issued by him describing President Hakainde Hichilema as a full blown dictator.

When reached out by the Daily Nation yesterday, Prof Lumumba denied ever having issued any statement and described the story which went viral as fake and nonsensical.

“I have seen the nonsense being circulated and attributed to me. I have made no such statement. It is sad that people misuse social media,” Prof Lumumba told the Daily Nation.

Edgar LUNGU wrote:

Fellow Citizens,

This morning, I came across the latest remarks from Kenyan’s renowned constitutional lawyer and Pan Africanist, Professor Patrick Loche Lumumba concerning Zambia’s political leadership which caught my attention.

Speaking in Kenya yesterday at a radio show focusing on “democracy in Africa” as monitored by News24, the Kenyan distinguished lawyer said “everyone can now see that former Zambian President Edgar Chagwa Lungu was a democrat and that Hichilema is a dictator”. Remember, this is Prof. Lumumba who was very critical of my leadership everywhere, praised President Hichilema in opposition and my administration even blocked him from entering Zambia between 2018 and 2020.

I have read that he was expressing his latest views on recent developments in our country where Zambia Police has been blocking public rallies for the opposition parties since 2021 as well as chasing non UPND political leaders from attending church services including the brutal invasion of the Catholic Church office in Kabwe where armed police went to search for me like a criminal. “It is very clear that Hichilema was all the time pretending to be a democrat”, Prof. Lumumba concluded.

From an honest comparison, I am happy to hear from Professor Lumumba that my efforts to promote and safeguard democracy in our motherland which were undermined then are now deemed to have been far much better when mirrored with HH’s UPND regime. When foreign scholars who at some point criticized you begin to appreciate your efforts on democracy promotion against the person they once deemed better, then it means that their feedback is morally noble and politically sincere.

In September, 2020, I remember Prof. Lumumba saying “President Edgar Lungu is intolerant, paranoid and a demagogue”. Today, I am happy to hear that the same Kenyan lawyer and Pan Africanist is saying “everyone can now see that former Zambian President Edgar Chagwa Lungu was a democrat and that Hichilema is a full fledged dictator”. This gives me a sigh of relief as I am being vindicated for warning everyone that “you will appreciate me when I leave office”.

Therefore, I agree in totality with Professor Lumumba when he argues Zambians to find ways of terminating the mandate of Hichilema in 2026 because “he poses a danger to Zambia’s peace and Africa at large”. Remember, it is the first time since independence that under my successor, a brotherly nation, our own neighboring Zimbabwe now feels so insecure about Zambia because of wrong political leadership and foreign policies in Lusaka. 2026 should be marked as “a year to restore democracy and good neighborliness”.

When a person who praised you as ‘the hope and light of Zambia’ begins to describe you as “the worst dictator since Zambia’s independence”, then wisdom demands that you pose, listen and take a deep self reflection at once. President Hichilema must listen to “his former allies” like Dr. Sishuwa Sishuwa, Bflow, Laura Miti, Brebner Changala, Archbishop Telesphore Mpundu and Professor Patrick Lumumba himself and tone down on his authoritarian and law-fare politics. He is speedily losing stakeholders trust and public confidence both at home and abroad!

And if President Hichilema is to start walking democratic values, he will do better to stay away from political vengeance, bitterness, tribalism, regionalism, selective justice, weaponizing state agencies, suffocating free speech as well as start allowing opposition parties to freely conduct politics in public spaces. It is not by coincidence that Professor Patrick Lumumba, Dr Sishuwa Sishuwa, Brebner Changala, Archbishop Telesphore Mpundu, Bflow or his Laura Miti are all complaining that “he is a dictator and a threat to national peace”.

Once more, I am happy to learn that many stakeholders at home and abroad now appreciating the fact that I was by far a democratic leader who meant well for Zambia than President HH who repeatedly promised to rule democratically better than me but has delivered and shown “the worst despotic politics so far”.

Edgar Chagwa Lungu
Sixth President of Zambia
Patriotic Front President

UPND GOVERNMENT FAILED POLICIES IN THE ENERGY SECTOR

Lusaka-Wednesday 19th June,2024

Food and energy security form part of the critical pillars to national peace and security.

This government has bungled both with little realisation to the extensive damage this is doing to the stability of the country.

We have noted various Cabinet decisions regarding the current food and energy crises.

The decisions do not inspire or in anyway resolve the issues.

ON FUEL

While President Hakainde Hichilema pledged to deliver cheaper fuel, he has done the opposite.

Zambia is now suffering unprecedented high cost of fuel with no relief in sight.

While founder President, Dr. Kenneth Kaunda built the TAZAMA and Indeni Refinery as national strategic assets and as solutions to secure reliable fuel to a landlocked country, the New Dawn Government has abandoned plans to convert INDENI into a full-capacity refinery and have opted to turn the multi-million dollar INDENI Refinery infrastructure into a blender and an ordinary Oil Marketing Company.

It is clear that Government has abandoned plans to import crude oil that guaranteed cheaper fuel and utilised both TAZAMA and INDENI to produce various petroleum products that included Petrol, Diesel, Kerosene, Heavy Oils and Bitumen.

The sector has been beset by corruption and massive confusion and is now driven by illegal ad-hoc decisions.

While the UPND blamed the Patriotic Front Government of accumulating debt to OMCs, and claimed that fuel was cheaper because government was not paying it’s debt, but this government has driven the debt from $400million as at August 2021 to $800million as at June 2024.

ELECTRICITY

When the Patriotic Front Government came into power, they executed plans to uprate ZESCO generation capacity.

Government invested in upgrading Kariba North Bank, Itezhi-Itezhi, and built a brand new power station, the 750 megawatts Kafue Gorge Lower.

ZESCO also upgraded smaller hydro stations such as; Lunzua, Lusiwasi, Musonda and Chishimba Falls.

Government also promoted independent power producers such as Mamba Power Station and IDCs partnership with the private sector where Ngonye and Bangweulu solar companies produced solar power.

Zambia’s installed capacity was upgraded from 1,600 megawatts to 3,500 megawatts by August 2021.

However, this government has concentrated on signing new export agreements and in many cases, detrimental to the development and economic well-being of our country.

The recent drought exposed these schemes to an extent that Zambia is suffering the worst load-shedding and power cuts in decades, yet ZESCO has not halted the huge power exports.

The damage to households and small and medium enterprises that the power cuts have caused are incalculable.

Yet what we see from this government is rhetoric and continued poor decisions.

UNBUNDLING ZESCO

We also wish to express alarm at the recent Cabinet decision to unbundle ZESCO and remove transmission and distribution network infrastructure from ZESCO.

The so called Open Access policy that will be detrimental to ZESCO and to Zambia’s energy security.

The lie that this will bring investment in the sector is a tired argument as we have seen similar decisions made in sectors as mining where the so called policies are made to attract foreign investment but leave Zambia more vulnerable and at a loss than before.

Similarly during privatisation program,.a strategic asset ZCCM’s Power Division was literally given to private entities without proper consideration to public interest.

We saw ZCCM’S prized electricity generation, transmission, distribution and supply company, Power Division, sold to the private sector instead of leaving it under the newly created state-owned investment company, ZCCM-IH.

This careless decision made for such a strategic asset went to benefit local and foreign individuals but robbed ZCCM-IH a key strategic investment, future earnings.

We therefore call for broad and adequate consultations before any attempts are made to unbundle ZESCO.

Further Government has become notorius at ignoring the provisions of Article 210 of the Republican Constitution which requires that any sale,transfer or change of a state-owned company or key strategic national assets, that Parliament grants two-thirds majority.

Issued by;

Amb. Emmanuel Mwamba

Chairperson of Information and Publicity
Member of the Central Committee
PATRIOTIC FRONT

UPND GOVERNMENT FAILED POLICIES IN THE ENERGY SECTOR

Lusaka-Wednesday 19th June,2024

Food and energy security form part of the critical pillars to national peace and security.

This government has bungled both with little realisation to the extensive damage this is doing to the stability of the country.

We have noted various Cabinet decisions regarding the current food and energy crises.

The decisions do not inspire or in anyway resolve the issues.

ON FUEL

While President Hakainde Hichilema pledged to deliver cheaper fuel, he has done the opposite.

Zambia is now suffering unprecedented high cost of fuel with no relief in sight.

While founder President, Dr. Kenneth Kaunda built the TAZAMA and Indeni Refinery as national strategic assets and as solutions to secure reliable fuel to a landlocked country, the New Dawn Government has abandoned plans to convert INDENI into a full-capacity refinery and have opted to turn the multi-million dollar INDENI Refinery infrastructure into a blender and an ordinary Oil Marketing Company.

It is clear that Government has abandoned plans to import crude oil that guaranteed cheaper fuel and utilised both TAZAMA and INDENI to produce various petroleum products that included Petrol, Diesel, Kerosene, Heavy Oils and Bitumen.

The sector has been beset by corruption and massive confusion and is now driven by illegal ad-hoc decisions.

While the UPND blamed the Patriotic Front Government of accumulating debt to OMCs, and claimed that fuel was cheaper because government was not paying it’s debt, but this government has driven the debt from $400million as at August 2021 to $800million as at June 2024.

ELECTRICITY

When the Patriotic Front Government came into power, they executed plans to uprate ZESCO generation capacity.

Government invested in upgrading Kariba North Bank, Itezhi-Itezhi, and built a brand new power station, the 750 megawatts Kafue Gorge Lower.

ZESCO also upgraded smaller hydro stations such as; Lunzua, Lusiwasi, Musonda and Chishimba Falls.

Government also promoted independent power producers such as Mamba Power Station and IDCs partnership with the private sector where Ngonye and Bangweulu solar companies produced solar power.

Zambia’s installed capacity was upgraded from 1,600 megawatts to 3,500 megawatts by August 2021.

However, this government has concentrated on signing new export agreements and in many cases, detrimental to the development and economic well-being of our country.

The recent drought exposed these schemes to an extent that Zambia is suffering the worst load-shedding and power cuts in decades, yet ZESCO has not halted the huge power exports.

The damage to households and small and medium enterprises that the power cuts have caused are incalculable.

Yet what we see from this government is rhetoric and continued poor decisions.

UNBUNDLING ZESCO

We also wish to express alarm at the recent Cabinet decision to unbundle ZESCO and remove transmission and distribution network infrastructure from ZESCO.

The so called Open Access policy that will be detrimental to ZESCO and to Zambia’s energy security.

The lie that this will bring investment in the sector is a tired argument as we have seen similar decisions made in sectors as mining where the so called policies are made to attract foreign investment but leave Zambia more vulnerable and at a loss than before.

Similarly during privatisation program,.a strategic asset ZCCM’s Power Division was literally given to private entities without proper consideration to public interest.

We saw ZCCM’S prized electricity generation, transmission, distribution and supply company, Power Division, sold to the private sector instead of leaving it under the newly created state-owned investment company, ZCCM-IH.

This careless decision made for such a strategic asset went to benefit local and foreign individuals but robbed ZCCM-IH a key strategic investment, future earnings.

We therefore call for broad and adequate consultations before any attempts are made to unbundle ZESCO.

Further Government has become notorius at ignoring the provisions of Article 210 of the Republican Constitution which requires that any sale,transfer or change of a state-owned company or key strategic national assets, that Parliament grants two-thirds majority.

Issued by;

Amb. Emmanuel Mwamba

Chairperson of Information and Publicity
Member of the Central Committee
PATRIOTIC FRONT

Court dismisses Munirs request to quash seditious charges for duplicity

THE Lusaka Magistrates Court has thrown out an application by Lumezi Constituency member of parliament Munir Zulu asking the State to kiss-off some of his seditious charges which have been duplicated.

Zulu wanted the State to choose one count on which it will try him.

In this case the law maker is charged with three counts of seditious practices.

It is alleged that Zulu between May 25 and May 27, 2024 accused President Hakainde Hichilema of instructing the Inspector general of police and the Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security to wipe him out together with others unknown, in order to raise discontent or disaffection among the people of Zambia.

Zulu is said to have declared Eastern province a no-go area and danger zone for Southerners in attempts an act said to promote feelings of ill will or hostility between different communities
or different parts of a community.

He allegedly said that in an event that he was killed, his offspring would avenge his death, as an attack on one person was an attack on all, with an aim to raise discontent or disaffection among the people of Zambia.

Before witnesses could testify in the case yesterday, Zulu’s lawyer Mcqueen Zaza submitted before magistrate Faidess Hamaundu that the charge sheet was bad for duplicity.

Zaza said the charges pressed against Zulu stem from the same facts when he uttered the alleged remarks at Cresta lodge in Ibex Hill on May 26 and not the wrong dates cited by the State.

He said Zulu returned from Rwanda on May 25 and made the alleged utterances on May 26.

“Your honor these offenses slapped on the accused stem from the same facts, same incident and facts, they arose on the 26th of May, 2024, at a lodge called cresta in Ibex Hill. There’s duplicity in the way these charges were formulated,”he said.

“Duplicity arises when a single count charges two or more distinct offences or when multiple counts charge the same offence from the same facts. When we look at the charge sheet we will find the same offence has been charged for two counts.”

He wondered how Zulu will defend himself on duplicated charges.

“These counts were preferred in total breach of Section 134 to 137 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CPC). The purposes of the cited Sections, is to afford an accused person an opportunity for understanding the charges and be able to defend himself, in line with Article 18 of the constitution for a fair trial,” Zaza said.

“It is our humble prayer that these counts be dismissed as they are bad for dublicity, or the State can choose one of the counts they want the accused person tried with.”

In response, State advocate Susan Bess argued that the charges were not duplicated.

She said Zaza had misdirected himself as the charges had different particulars of the offense which Zulu committed on different dates.

“The law is settled on what amounts to duplicity of counts and riding on the Shamwana versus the people case, in relation to charges, duplicity means charging two or more separate charges on the same fact,” Besa said.

“Duplicity of counts is distinguished from multiplicity of counts which entails having several counts arising from the same offence. In this case, there is no duplicity nor multiplicity of counts.”

She said even though the facts in count one and two arise from one incident, each count exhibits a different intention as the various words ultered by Zulu amount to two different offences.

“We implore the court to dismiss the application,” said Besa.

Ruling on the application, magistrate Hamaundu said there was no two fold increase on the charges.

“There is only one offense alleged in each charge and the question alleging duplicity does not arise. The application is refused,”said magistrate Hamaundu.

By Mwaka Ndawa

Kalemba June 18, 2024.

Court dismisses Munirs request to quash seditious charges for duplicity

THE Lusaka Magistrates Court has thrown out an application by Lumezi Constituency member of parliament Munir Zulu asking the State to kiss-off some of his seditious charges which have been duplicated.

Zulu wanted the State to choose one count on which it will try him.

In this case the law maker is charged with three counts of seditious practices.

It is alleged that Zulu between May 25 and May 27, 2024 accused President Hakainde Hichilema of instructing the Inspector general of police and the Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security to wipe him out together with others unknown, in order to raise discontent or disaffection among the people of Zambia.

Zulu is said to have declared Eastern province a no-go area and danger zone for Southerners in attempts an act said to promote feelings of ill will or hostility between different communities
or different parts of a community.

He allegedly said that in an event that he was killed, his offspring would avenge his death, as an attack on one person was an attack on all, with an aim to raise discontent or disaffection among the people of Zambia.

Before witnesses could testify in the case yesterday, Zulu’s lawyer Mcqueen Zaza submitted before magistrate Faidess Hamaundu that the charge sheet was bad for duplicity.

Zaza said the charges pressed against Zulu stem from the same facts when he uttered the alleged remarks at Cresta lodge in Ibex Hill on May 26 and not the wrong dates cited by the State.

He said Zulu returned from Rwanda on May 25 and made the alleged utterances on May 26.

“Your honor these offenses slapped on the accused stem from the same facts, same incident and facts, they arose on the 26th of May, 2024, at a lodge called cresta in Ibex Hill. There’s duplicity in the way these charges were formulated,”he said.

“Duplicity arises when a single count charges two or more distinct offences or when multiple counts charge the same offence from the same facts. When we look at the charge sheet we will find the same offence has been charged for two counts.”

He wondered how Zulu will defend himself on duplicated charges.

“These counts were preferred in total breach of Section 134 to 137 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CPC). The purposes of the cited Sections, is to afford an accused person an opportunity for understanding the charges and be able to defend himself, in line with Article 18 of the constitution for a fair trial,” Zaza said.

“It is our humble prayer that these counts be dismissed as they are bad for dublicity, or the State can choose one of the counts they want the accused person tried with.”

In response, State advocate Susan Bess argued that the charges were not duplicated.

She said Zaza had misdirected himself as the charges had different particulars of the offense which Zulu committed on different dates.

“The law is settled on what amounts to duplicity of counts and riding on the Shamwana versus the people case, in relation to charges, duplicity means charging two or more separate charges on the same fact,” Besa said.

“Duplicity of counts is distinguished from multiplicity of counts which entails having several counts arising from the same offence. In this case, there is no duplicity nor multiplicity of counts.”

She said even though the facts in count one and two arise from one incident, each count exhibits a different intention as the various words ultered by Zulu amount to two different offences.

“We implore the court to dismiss the application,” said Besa.

Ruling on the application, magistrate Hamaundu said there was no two fold increase on the charges.

“There is only one offense alleged in each charge and the question alleging duplicity does not arise. The application is refused,”said magistrate Hamaundu.

By Mwaka Ndawa

Kalemba June 18, 2024.

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE INCREASES ZRA REVENUE COLLECTION BY 60 PERCENT

Technology and Science Minister Hon. Felix Mutati has disclosed that the utilisation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has increased the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA)’s capacity to collect revenue by 60 percent in the past two years.

Mr. Mutati says AI has given the ZRA more tools to increase revenue collection and tax compliance.

Speaking when he delivered a lecture on Artificial Intelligence at the University of Lusaka Silverest Campus in Chongwe District this morning, Mr. Mutati said AI has come to stay and Zambians must embrace it.

He said Artificial Intelligence has many benefits which will help in areas such as justice, business, security and agriculture.

“AI will help in the dispensation of justice by ensuring that those who do not understand English, AI gadgets will translate court proceedings and no one will go to jail for not understanding English,” said Mr. Mutati.

He also disclosed that AI tools are also able to help the country predict adverse weather conditions and plan for such challenges such as floods and droughts.

And the Technology and Science Minister has disclosed that the country has finished connecting seven of its eight neighbors to fibre optic.

Mr. Mutati says the last country remaining to be connected is Mozambique which will be connected by the end of June.

He says the connection of Zambia to all it’s eight neighbors is aimed at improving digital connectivity and providing a conducive environment for business and commerce to thrive.

And Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) Commissioner General Dingani Banda says Artificial Intelligence has helped in automatic fraud detection.

Mr. Banda says ZRA is able to analyse importers and exporters online and detect fraud faster than a human can do.

He says an Artificial Intelligence Unit has been set up at ZRA headquarters and it is staffed by very competent Zambians.

Meanwhile, University of Lusaka Vice Chancellor Professor Pinalo Chifwanikeni said Zambia must come up with short, medium and long term measures in the implementation of Artificial Intelligence.

Professor Chifwanikeni says the New Dawn Government’s agenda is very clear that AI will help in various sectors such as energy and agriculture.

WE LENT MALANJI’S COMPANY UP TO $2M BY 2015 BECAUSE HE HAD CAPACITY

….the Loan was cleared in October 2020, long before his Ankara trip – FNB

Lusaka… Tuesday, June 18, 2024

A state witness has told the Lusaka Magistrate Court that over $2 million was lent to former Foreign Affairs Minister Honourable Joseph Malanji’s company by 2015 because he was a deserving client.

Mr Malanji was only elected Member of Parliament for Kitwe’s Kwacha constituency in 2016 and eventually, appointed Foreign Affairs Minister on January 5, 2018.

Biggy Trywell Banda, a senior manager at First National Bank also told the court that the said loan was in October 2020, cleared by Gibson Power Systems way before Hon Malanji’s Ankara trip.

Mr. Banda was testifying in a matter in which former foreign minister Joseph Malanji and former secretary to the treasury, Fredson Yamba are charged with 10 counts of willful failure to comply with laid down procedures and possession of property suspected to be proceeds of crime.

Yamba is charged with two counts of willful failure to comply with laid down procedures while Malanji is facing eight counts of being in possession of property suspected to be proceeds of crime.

When the matter came up for continued trial, the witness said Malanji’s company was awarded several loans because he was among the deserving clients with properties on the Copperbelt as security.

“In my submission to DEC, I explained the facilities that were obtained by Gibson Power Systems; first facility was granted on or around February, 2013, amounting to 4.9 million Kwacha, a loan that was to be paid over a period of 5 years.

“…there came the need for additional funds which brought the second facility disbursed at about February, 2014. The Second facility was for 7.260 million Kwacha in form of an overdraft which is awarded to deserving customers to draw from their account up to the facility amount to run for a tenure of 1 year,” he said.

Mr Banda disclosed that FNB also approved Gibson Power System’s third Loan facility to the tune of 10.2 million Kwacha in November, 2015.

He further told the court that Malanji’s Company had settled the loan in October 2020, before the Ankara trip.

“I can confirm that the loan was settled in October 2020 way before December, the time for the Ankara trip,” said the witness.

The witness told the court that there was nothing illegal done as regards to the money advanced to Gibson Royal Hotel for purposes of renovations.

He said the bank disbursed over 22.300 million Kwacha in loans to Gibson Power System which at the time would be converted up to $2m.

The matter comes up tomorrow for continued trial.

WE LENT MALANJI’S COMPANY UP TO $2M BY 2015 BECAUSE HE HAD CAPACITY

….the Loan was cleared in October 2020, long before his Ankara trip – FNB

Lusaka… Tuesday, June 18, 2024

A state witness has told the Lusaka Magistrate Court that over $2 million was lent to former Foreign Affairs Minister Honourable Joseph Malanji’s company by 2015 because he was a deserving client.

Mr Malanji was only elected Member of Parliament for Kitwe’s Kwacha constituency in 2016 and eventually, appointed Foreign Affairs Minister on January 5, 2018.

Biggy Trywell Banda, a senior manager at First National Bank also told the court that the said loan was in October 2020, cleared by Gibson Power Systems way before Hon Malanji’s Ankara trip.

Mr. Banda was testifying in a matter in which former foreign minister Joseph Malanji and former secretary to the treasury, Fredson Yamba are charged with 10 counts of willful failure to comply with laid down procedures and possession of property suspected to be proceeds of crime.

Yamba is charged with two counts of willful failure to comply with laid down procedures while Malanji is facing eight counts of being in possession of property suspected to be proceeds of crime.

When the matter came up for continued trial, the witness said Malanji’s company was awarded several loans because he was among the deserving clients with properties on the Copperbelt as security.

“In my submission to DEC, I explained the facilities that were obtained by Gibson Power Systems; first facility was granted on or around February, 2013, amounting to 4.9 million Kwacha, a loan that was to be paid over a period of 5 years.

“…there came the need for additional funds which brought the second facility disbursed at about February, 2014. The Second facility was for 7.260 million Kwacha in form of an overdraft which is awarded to deserving customers to draw from their account up to the facility amount to run for a tenure of 1 year,” he said.

Mr Banda disclosed that FNB also approved Gibson Power System’s third Loan facility to the tune of 10.2 million Kwacha in November, 2015.

He further told the court that Malanji’s Company had settled the loan in October 2020, before the Ankara trip.

“I can confirm that the loan was settled in October 2020 way before December, the time for the Ankara trip,” said the witness.

The witness told the court that there was nothing illegal done as regards to the money advanced to Gibson Royal Hotel for purposes of renovations.

He said the bank disbursed over 22.300 million Kwacha in loans to Gibson Power System which at the time would be converted up to $2m.

The matter comes up tomorrow for continued trial.