Petauke Central MP denies distancing himself from PF
Petauke Central Member of Parliament, Hon. Simon Banda, has dismissed as false a statement circulating on social media alleging that he disowned the Patriotic Front’s role in his election and is seeking adoption under another political party.
In an official statement, Hon. Banda described the claims as fabricated and intended to mislead members of the public. He emphasized that he has never made such remarks.
The lawmaker reaffirmed his commitment to honest leadership and respectful politics, stating that his priority remains delivering development, promoting unity, and serving the people of Petauke Central.
He has since urged the public to disregard the fake statement and rely only on official communication platforms for accurate information, calling on citizens to remain focused on unity, progress, and development.
OFFICIAL STATEMENT FROM HON. SIMON BANDA, MP – PETAUKE CENTRAL
My attention has been drawn to a false statement circulating on social media claiming that I said PF had no role in my election and that I am seeking adoption under another political party. I want to clearly state that this information is not true. I have never made such remarks, and the statement being shared is completely fabricated to mislead the public.
I remain committed to honest leadership and respectful politics. My main focus is to deliver development, promote unity, and serve the people of Petauke Central effectively. I will not allow false information or political rumors to distract me from my work.
I urge members of the public to ignore the fake statement and to rely only on official communication platforms for accurate information. Let us stay united and focus on progress and development instead of division said Simon Banda.
OUR POSITION ON THE PROPOSED ELECTORAL REFORMS AHEAD OF THE AUGUST 2026 ELECTIONS. ——————————————————————- Electoral reforms must first benefit the ordinary Zambian. They must improve the quality of representation, strengthen accountability, and build stakeholder confidence in national institutions such as the Electoral Commission of Zambia.
Electoral reforms must also be progressive. They must show that Zambia, as a nation, is continuously learning, correcting past mistakes, refining its systems, and improving its democratic culture.
However, such reforms must never be allowed to come at the expense of national unity. Where changes to the electoral process threaten shared confidence in key institutions, particularly the electoral process, caution and consensus become more important than speed.
DELIMITATION
Of the proposed reforms, delimitation stands out as a necessary and beneficial development. Regardless of whether one is from the ruling party or the opposition, we can all agree that Zambia’s population has grown and shifted significantly.
We all know that urban constituencies, in particular, have become disproportionately large, placing heavy demands on Members of Parliament, weakening effective representation, and placing a disproportionate burden on a one size fits all constituency based developmental pocket, such as the new and improved Constituency Development Fund (CDF).
If conducted transparently and fairly, delimitation will bring representation closer to the people. It will allow for more manageable constituencies, more responsive leadership, and more equitable delivery of the development resource envelope. In this respect, delimitation is not simply an administrative tool. It is a developmental strategy. It reflects a nation adjusting its structures to match present realities. In fact, without delimitation, the entire strategy of the expanded CDF, as implemented under the UPND, will have missed the opportunity, among other things, to ensure that the CDF is distributed equitably among all the people in all corners of the nation, regardless of political or party considerations. Delimitation is the distribution arm of the CDF strategy. It will ensure that CDF is not just given fairly among all constituencies, but it will also ensure that the constituencies themselves are demarcated in equitable proportions.
Naturally, this process must be open and consultative to avoid any perceptions of partisan advantage. Although the principle of equal and efficient representation is sound, it is more important that Zambians are represented effectively during a period of rapidly changing demographic realities, rather than using old, unrealistic, and outdated boundaries simply for fear of suspicion from the opposition, which has often demonstrated a negative disposition towards government reforms, regardless of their conceivable merits.
ELECTION DAY PROCEDURES
Perhaps the more contentious proposal in the public space right now is the removal of the stamp at the back of ballot papers. The Electoral Commission of Zambia has strongly argued that this change would reduce rejected ballots and advance the principle that every vote must count. That objective alone is legitimate.
One might recall and acknowledge that this proposal is not new. It has been discussed in previous administrations, including during the time of the Movement for Multi-Party Democracy and later under the Patriotic Front.
However, as far as we are concerned, Zambia at this moment remains politically polarised. The constitutional disagreements surrounding Bill 7 and other national issues over the last four years have left lingering divisions and a lack of trust among key stakeholders, especially between the government or the ruling UPND and its allies on the one hand, and the PF and other opposition parties on the other. In such an environment, electoral reforms affecting the mechanics of voting require wisdom and broad agreement to be effective.
The ballot stamp is viewed by many in the opposition as an important control mechanism. It provides visible authentication and trusted, age old reassurance that ballots were properly issued at the polling station. The removal of this stamp, even if technically defensible, risks giving the opposition license to fuel a strong narrative that votes may be manipulated and that pre marked ballots can easily be introduced because of weakened safeguards or controls.
While every vote must count, the advantage we can gain by preventing a limited number of rejected ballots may be outweighed by the damage that will be caused if major stakeholders, such as opposition parties, lose confidence in the process and take to the media to discredit the entire process. Zambia’s democracy cannot only be anchored on procedural accuracy, but it must also be firmly anchored in shared trust and confidence in the ECZ, as we have always advocated.
PROGRESS VERSUS CONSENSUS
Zambia must therefore continue to improve its systems. We must continue to modernise and refine our institutions. But progress must also strengthen national consensus, not weaken it.
Where reforms such as delimitation clearly improve representation and development delivery, they should be supported. We must all support it if we mean well for the ordinary Zambian. But at the same time, where such reforms risk deepening the divisions that already exist in a fragile and sensitive political environment, we propose that such reforms should be deferred until broader agreement is achieved.
THE NEED FOR SHARED CONFIDENCE
As the New Nation Party, while we are not fielding a presidential candidate in the coming election and have chosen to firmly support President Hakainde Hichilema and the United Party for National Development under the UPND Alliance, we firmly believe that our position is guided by our shared vision and party principles, and our desire that this government delivers the electoral reforms that we have jointly espoused and advocated for from our time together in the opposition.
We believe that electoral reforms must serve the ordinary Zambian citizen from Kazungula to Mufumbwe, from Chadiza to Chinsali, and from Mongu to Mpika. Electoral reforms must reflect national learning and progress. Above all, they must protect our national unity and shared confidence in our electoral institutions.
Let us all work together to ensure that we safeguard and protect the Zambian interest, Zambian unity, and Zambian stakeholder confidence and consensus, as a way to also ensure that we safeguard and defend Zambian democracy itself, which we all paid a high price to secure for ourselves.
Dr Nevers Sekwila Mumba
President – New Nation Party
DON’T BITE THE HAND THAT FED YOU: IF PF IS “DEAD,” WHY ARE YOU STILL IN PARLIAMENT, HON. SHAKAFUSWA?
_By Michael Zephaniah Phiri Political Activist_
Hon. Christopher Shakafuswa’s latest remarks declaring that “there is no PF” expose not the weakness of the Patriotic Front, but the depth of his own political inconsistency.
Let us confront the facts head-on.
When the UPND challenged his parliamentary seat in Mandevu, was there “no PF” then? When anxiety filled his camp over the possibility of losing that seat, it was the Patriotic Front structures, and the decisive intervention of Edgar Chagwa Lungu, that ensured Mandevu was protected from political manoeuvres that could have destabilised his position.
The very party he now calls a “shell” stood firmly behind him.
The same grassroots structures he dismisses mobilised, campaigned, and defended his mandate. They gave him legitimacy. They gave him numbers. They gave him Parliament.
So the question is simple and unavoidable:
If there is truly “no PF,” why is Hon. Shakafuswa still sitting in Parliament on a PF ticket?
You cannot enjoy the fruits of a political platform while publicly declaring it dead. That is political hypocrisy at its highest level.
If he genuinely believes the PF does not exist, the honourable course of action is clear, resign the seat and seek a fresh mandate under the banner he truly believes in. Anything less is opportunism.
*A Pattern of Political Convenience*
This is not an isolated contradiction. In 2014–2015, he openly supported Hakainde Hichilema. In 2016, he repeated that stance while contesting local office. He once called for the expulsion of party leaders he now claims to defend in principle.
He was forgiven.
He was rehabilitated.
He was supported to become Deputy Mayor of Lusaka.
He aspired to be Mayor and was assured of future consideration.
He was later appointed Lusaka Provincial Chairman.
At every stage, the PF extended political goodwill.
Yet today, he speaks as though he owes the party nothing.
*On Bill 7 and Trust*
The people of Mandevu have not forgotten his vote on Bill 7. That decision alone placed him in direct conflict with the broader sentiment of citizens. It weakened trust. It raised serious concerns about whose interests he prioritises.
And now, he lectures others about party legitimacy?
*A Direct Challenge*
Hon. Shakafuswa must answer one fundamental question:
Are you PF only when it benefits you, and something else when it suits you?
You cannot declare a party dead while drawing power, title, and protection from it. That is biting the very finger that fed you.
If there is no PF, resign.
If there is no PF, stop using its name.
If there is no PF, explain why you depended on it when your seat was under threat.
Political courage is measured by consistency, not noise.
*A Word to Hon. Brian Mundubile*
Hon. Brian Mundubile must tread carefully. Political history shows that alliances built on shifting loyalties often end in disappointment. The same individual who once shifted camps, who has grey areas that limit his criticism of the ruling party, and who voted against public expectations, cannot suddenly become the anchor of stability.
Loyalty tested and proven is different from loyalty declared for convenience.
In conclusion,the Patriotic Front has challenges, yes. But it is not erased by rhetoric. It is not dissolved by frustration. It is not buried by individuals who rose through its ranks and now attempt to discredit it.
Hon. Shakafuswa should first reconcile his own political record before questioning the existence of the movement that made him Member of Parliament.
State of the Economy & IMF Extended Credit Facility (ECF) Programme Update — as at December 31, 2025
– By Hon. Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane, MP, Minister of Finance and National Planning
Fellow citizens, this afternoon in Parliament, I delivered a ministerial statement on where the economy stands, what has improved, what remains challenging, and what the Government is doing next.
1) The big picture: Zambia is stabilizing—and now pivoting to growth
When the New Dawn Administration took office in 2021, Zambia faced heavy debt distress, high inflation, exchange-rate instability, low reserves, and reduced investor confidence. Since then, reforms have been implemented to restore credibility, stabilize the macroeconomy, and protect livelihoods. The results are now showing—more clearly in 2025 and into January 2026. The Ministerial statement was also about transparency: we believe that with this accurate information, it will become harder for some people to misinform and mislead the nation.
2) Growth is picking up: the economy expanded faster in 2025 – GDP growth for 2025 (Preliminary): 5.2% (up from 3.8% in 2024).
The improvement in 2025, came mainly from:
• Agriculture (a rebound supported by improved rainfall, extension services, and full rollout of the e-voucher FISP system);
• Mining (higher output and a more predictable operating environment); and,
• ICT (via continued expansion).
Copper production rose by 7.8% to 890,345.79 metric tonnes in 2025 (from 826,000 metric tonnes in 2024), supported by increased output from major mines including KCM, MOPANI, KANSANSHI, and LUBAMBE.
Maize harvest: 3.66 million metric tonnes (bumper harvest) was produced, thereby strengthening food security and easing food-price pressure.
3) Inflation and the Kwacha: real relief is beginning to show
Here’s what many households feel directly—prices and currency stability:
• Inflation fell to 11.2% by end-2025 (from an average 15% in 2024);
• January 2026 inflation returned to single digits: 9.4% (first time since early 2024);
• The Kwacha strengthened in 2025: It appreciated by 21.07% from December 2024 to December 2025, averaging about K22.13/US$ in December 2025; and,
• January 2026: The Kwacha has strengthened further, trading around K18.8/US$,
What’s driving this? Stronger foreign exchange inflows—especially from mining—and renewed confidence, including inflows into Government bonds.
4) Energy reforms are raising supply and opening space for private investment
Government reforms—like the Electricity Open Access Framework, Net Metering, and the Energy Single Licensing System—are enabling more private sector participation. Electricity generation increased by 7.8% to 14.36 million MWh in 2025 (from 13.32 million MWh in 2024), with additional solar and thermal generation of 149,761 MWh recorded in 2025.
5) The 2025 Budget: stronger revenues, tighter spending, smaller deficit
Total revenues and grants: K187.85 billion (above the target of K185.46 billion).
• Domestic revenues were above target, with solid income tax performance.
• Grants underperformed due to lower remittances and delays—especially affected by reduced USAID-related health inflows.
Total expenditure: K223.73 billion (below the projection of K232.98 billion). Key spending included:
Domestic debt rose slightly (about 0.4%) and is consistent with programmed financing needs under the Parliament-approved 2025 Annual Borrowing Plan.
7) External sector: reserves strengthened, current account improved
• The current account deficit narrowed sharply to US$25.1 million (from US$541.6 million earlier in 2025), supported by stronger exports.
• Gross reserves rose to US$5.5 billion by end-December 2025, equivalent to 5.2 months of import cover.
8) IMF ECF Programme: concluded successfully—moving to a successor programme
The Government successfully concluded the 38-month IMF ECF programme (which began in August 2022), with an immediate disbursement of US$190 million, bringing total programme support to US$1.7 billion.
The Government will not request a one-year extension. Instead, Zambia will engage the IMF on a successor programme focused on:
• Growth;
• Investment;
• job creation; and,
• expanding productive capacity.
Key achievements under the programme include:
• stronger fiscal discipline (deficit reduced significantly compared to 2021);
• major progress on debt restructuring (Government indicates 94% of external debt restructured);
• improved investor confidence and new/expanded investments;
• better access to concessional financing and cooperating partner support; and,
• strengthened governance and public financial management systems.
What this means for citizens
• A stronger Kwacha and falling inflation reduce pressure on prices over time (especially food and imported essentials);
• Higher agricultural and mining output supports jobs, exports, and Government revenue;
• Better reserves are strengthening Zambia’s ability to manage shocks; and,
• The sustained budget discipline is protecting critical services like free education and social protection while reducing the risk of future instability.
Final message: growth with discipline—and borrowing with accountability
Zambia’s direction is clear: from economic repair to growth, investment, and job creation—but we will do it with discipline.
And let me be direct: borrowing must never be casual. It must be anchored in transparency and accountability. That is why the Government will continue to strengthen debt management through the Parliament-approved Annual Borrowing Plans—so that every new loan is justified, planned, and aligned with national priorities that citizens can track.
Together, we will build a stable, productive, and more inclusive economy—where the benefits of stability reach every communit
SAPS Confirms Firearm Still Missing After Chatunga Mugabe Hyde Park Shooting The South African Police Service has released more details after Chatunga Bellarmine Mugabe, the son of Zimbabwe’s late former president, was implicated in the shooting of a gardener in Johannesburg’s elite Hyde Park, confirming they are yet to locate the weapon used in the attack.
Officers have launched a desperate manhunt for the firearm, deploying specialist sniffer dogs to scour the upmarket property after a single cartridge was recovered from the scene. The victim, initially identified as a security guard but now confirmed by police to be a gardener employed at the residence, is currently fighting for his life in a local hospital after the Thursday afternoon shooting.
Police Hunt For Missing Weapon As Victim Fights For Life Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi, the police spokesperson, confirmed that while the investigation is moving forward, the central piece of evidence remains missing. She stated that at the moment, they do not have the firearm.
She confirmed that they have since deployed the canine unit to search for the weapon. Colonel Nevhuhulwi added that they have recovered the cartridge that was ejected during the shooting, and that cartridge has been taken by the forensics unit and will be used to form part of the investigation.
The shooting has sent shockwaves through the quiet neighbourhood. The police have confirmed that two individuals who were present at the time of the incident have been taken into custody to assist with the probe.
Colonel Nevhuhulwi emphasised the cooperative nature of the suspects so far, but stressed that the full picture has yet to emerge. She confirmed that they were present at the time of the shooting, hence they will be questioned to help establish what happened at the Hyde Park residence. Colonel Nevhuhulwi added that the two suspects are cooperating with the police.
The victim’s condition remains dire. Medical personnel rushed him to a nearby hospital shortly after the incident. Colonel Nevhuhulwi said that the shooting victim has been taken to the hospital and is reported to be in critical condition, although they are hoping that he will be fine.
Chaos And A Siege In Hyde Park The incident, which occurred just after midday, quickly escalated into a tense standoff. According to the SABC News, reports initially indicated that the suspect had barricaded himself inside a room, prompting hostage negotiators to race to the scene.
Anti-crime activist Yusuf Abramjee provided real-time updates on the dramatic events on X. He posted that a security guard had been shot and wounded at a house in Hyde Park, Johannesburg. He stated that it was believed that the house owner and the guard had an argument.
The situation grew more fraught as the afternoon wore on. Abramjee reported that it was believed that the son of the late former Zimbabwe President, Robert Mugabe, opened fire on the guard. He added that the suspect locked himself in a room and was refusing to open it, and that police hostage negotiators were racing to the scene.
While the siege has since been resolved, the exact circumstances leading to the shooting remain shrouded in mystery. Colonel Nevhuhulwi revealed that a dispute over work may have been the trigger and clarified the victim’s true identity.
She said that the police had received a report that there had been an altercation before the shots were fired. She explained that the police are still establishing the facts, but the victim is now being identified as a gardener who works at the property. Colonel Nevhuhulwi added that it was alleged the victim had failed to come to work, and that there was a squabble over this.
The police are yet to establish precisely how many shots were fired, with only a single cartridge found at the scene. Investigations are ongoing.
A Troubled History Comes To The Fore This arrest marks yet another violent episode for the 29-year-old, who has a string of previous run-ins with the law in both South Africa and Zimbabwe.
In a horrifying incident in Zimbabwe in June 2025, Chatunga was charged with five counts of assault after a violent rampage at a mining site in Mazowe. According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe, he allegedly led a group of armed men onto a mining concession, where they brutally beat victims.
The court heard how the accused persons charged towards the complainant, whom they accused of harbouring illegal miners. They altogether assaulted the complainant with open hands and fists before he fell. The court further heard that the trio stomped on the complainant several times whilst he was lying down. They then ordered the complainant to carry a sack of gold ore to their premises, where they also took turns to assault him using wooden logs and an iron bar.
In that case, he and his bodyguards were released on US$200 (approximately R3,700) bail each.
Months earlier, in September 2024, he was in trouble at a Beitbridge roadblock. He allegedly brandished a knife at a police officer, shouting, “Do you know who I am?” when asked for documents. The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe stated that the police officer ordered the driver to park the vehicle on the side of the road.
It was alleged that the accused person complained after the police officer requested that the driver park the motor vehicle off the road. It was further alleged that he disembarked from the vehicle and charged towards the police officer, shouting about being delayed and questioning whether the officer knew who he was.
Given the severity of the Hyde Park shooting, where a man is currently fighting for his life, sources suggest this time the consequences may be far more serious for the son of the late Zimbabwean president.
Former Zimbabwean first lady Grace Mugabe faces a painful dilemma as her son battles a storm in South Africa. A viral shooting saga has placed her son, Chatunga Mugabe, at the centre of public scrutiny. Yet, despite the family crisis, Grace cannot fly to be by his side.
Viral Shooting, Absent Mother Videos and reports of the alleged shooting incident spread quickly across social media platforms. Zimbabweans expected Grace to rush to support her embattled son in Johannesburg. However, her absence has raised questions, speculations, and deep criticism from many observers online. Some see a mother trapped by her past. Others argue that the law has finally limited a once untouchable figure.
The 2017 Case Still Haunts Grace Award-winning journalist Hopewell Chin’ono highlighted the real obstacle blocking Grace’s travel. He explained that she still carries an outstanding warrant of arrest in South Africa. It dates back to 2017, when she allegedly assaulted model Gabriella Engels in a Johannesburg hotel. “The tragedy is that Grace Mugabe cannot travel to South Africa to support her son,” he said. He added that the warrant relates to the alleged assault on Engels that year. Therefore, any attempt to enter South Africa could see Grace arrested on arrival. Consequently, she remains confined to watching events unfold from afar.
A Powerful Family Under Pressure This situation exposes how past actions continue shaping the Mugabe family’s present reality. Once, political power shielded them from many consequences. Now, legal processes in South Africa restrict Grace’s movements and choices. Supporters believe she should still be allowed to comfort her son privately. Critics insist that justice must apply equally, regardless of former titles.
Meanwhile, Chatunga faces his own troubles as investigations around the shooting dominate headlines. Grace, however, has different fires to extinguish, rooted in that 2017 incident. Her silence and distance speak loudly about changing times for Zimbabwe’s former first family. Ultimately, this saga blends motherhood, justice, and history into one uncomfortable storyline. And for now, Grace Mugabe can only watch, wait, and deal with unresolved ghosts.
Graduates Without National Youth Service Certificate May Struggle to Get Jobs in Zimbabwe, Minister Machakaire Reveals
Minister of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training, Tino Machakaire, has warned that university and college graduates in Zimbabwe may struggle to secure employment if they do not hold a National Youth Service (NYS) certificate.
Minister Machakaire said completing the youth service programme is a key requirement for young people seeking jobs in the country.
Social Media Buzz Over NYS Requirements The minister’s remarks have sparked a lively debate on social media, with many users seeking clarification. One netizen asked on Facebook what exactly the National Youth Service entails and why it could make it difficult for degree holders to secure employment if they don’t have the certificate:
“Hon Minister Tino Machakaire with greatest respect, make it clear NYS kunenge kuchiitwa nezvei which makes it difficult for a degree holder kuwana basa if asina that certificate.”
Minister Machakaire responded by explaining the purpose behind the programme:
“As Minister of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training, my mandate is to advance the empowerment and holistic development of our young people through diverse programmes and initiatives. However, true empowerment and development cannot exist without a strong foundation. A young person cannot be fully developed if they are not firmly grounded in their identity, values and history. When we understand where we come from, we are better equipped to define where we are going,” he said.
Programme Relaunch and Goals The National Youth Service was first introduced under former President Robert Mugabe but was paused due to resource constraints.
It was relaunched by President Emmerson Mnangagwa in May 2024, with the goal of training 100,000 young Zimbabweans over five years.
UK blocks US from using British bases for strikes on Iran.
United Kingdom has refused to grant US forces permission to use British military bases for potential strikes against Iran, The Times reported on Thursday.
The decision has heightened tensions with Washington and prompted criticism from President Donald Trump.
Under longstanding agreements, American aircraft could operate from RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, home to US heavy bombers, and the joint US–UK base on Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean, only with prior approval from the British government.
U.S is worried china and Russia could use the drill in Iran as cover to provide anti-ship missiles capable of sinking u.s warships to iran…
Breaking: Iran, Russia, and China have kicked off “Maritime Security Belt 2026” naval drills in the Strait of Hormuz amid rising U.S.-Iran tensions.
Russian corvette Stoikiy (Project 20380) carries Uran anti-ship missiles, Redut air defense systems, and strong anti-submarine capabilities, making it highly effective in coastal waters.
China’s task group includes the Type 052DL destroyer Tangshan (hull 122) with powerful radars and long-range anti-ship missiles, the Type 054A frigate Daqing (hull 576) specialized in anti-submarine warfare, and the Type 903A replenishment ship Taihu (hull 889) for extended logistical support.
The U.S. is deeply concerned because these exercises occur during American military buildup in the region, potentially complicating any planned operations against Iran and highlighting a growing anti-U.S. naval alignment.
Analysts warn the drills could serve as cover for mapping U.S. submarine patrol patterns using advanced sonar from participating ships.
Additionally, Russia and China might transfer missile technology or provide weapons systems to Iran, significantly enhancing its ability to target American carriers, bases, and assets if conflict erupts.
Washington must closely monitor these capable warships, as they pose real threats to U.S. naval dominance in this critical oil chokepoint and could escalate tensions rapidly.
US Begins Syria Troop Withdrawal as Nearly 1,000 Soldiers Set to Leave
The United States is preparing a major military drawdown in Syria, with about 1,000 troops expected to withdraw over the next two months.
According to reports, US forces have already carried out an “orderly departure” from key positions, including the al-Shaddadi base in northeast Syria and the strategic al-Tanf garrison near the Jordan-Iraq-Syria border…once an important hub in operations against ISIS.
Officials say the move follows a January 29 agreement aimed at reorganising Syria’s security structure. The plan would see the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) integrated into the Syrian army under interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, a step seen as an attempt to stabilise the country after years of divided control.
The withdrawal comes as regional tensions involving Iran remain high and signals a reduced US military footprint in Syria.
Kim Jong Un Hands Over Homes to Families of Soldiers Killed in Ukraine War
North Korea says it has completed a new housing district in Pyongyang for the families of soldiers who were killed while fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine.
Leader Kim Jong Un described the project as a tribute to the war dead and personally oversaw the handover of the apartments.
The move is seen as further evidence of growing military cooperation between North Korea and Russia during the ongoing Ukraine conflict.
Nigeria and Morocco Unite to Build Multi-Billion Dollar Gas Pipeline
Nigeria and Morocco are collaborating towards building a multi-billion-dollar gas pipeline that aims to transport gas between the two countries.
It is estimated to cost $25 billion and will take at least 10 years to complete.
It will span over 4,000 kilometers, connecting Nigerian gas fields to key demand centers in Morocco and other West and North African countries.
Once operational, the pipeline will transport approximately 15 to 30 billion cubic meters of natural gas per year, equivalent to about 0.8 to 1.7 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day.
This massive capacity will provide reliable energy for households, industries, and power generation across North Africa and neighboring West African nations.
This is the Africa we want to see; this is what the African dream is made of.
U.S Watches helplessly as Iran, China and Russia Hold Joint Naval Drills
Russia, China and Iran have launched high-intensity joint naval exercises in the Gulf of Oman and northern Indian Ocean, near the strategic Strait of Hormuz…a key global oil shipping route.
The “Maritime Security Belt” drills involve warships and aircraft and signal closer military coordination between the three countries.
The exercises come as US-Iran nuclear talks continue and Washington maintains a military presence in the region, highlighting growing strategic rivalry in Middle Eastern waters.
Analysts say the manoeuvres carry both military and political messaging, demonstrating expanding cooperation among the three powers in one of the world’s most sensitive maritime corridors.
UPDATE: HYDE PARK HORROR, MUGABE SON HELD OVER ‘ATTEMPTED MURDER’!
Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe the youngest son of former Zimbabwean leader Robert Mugabe has been arrested in South Africa and charged with attempted murder after allegedly shooting his gardener in a heated dispute.
Police rushed to a luxury property in Hyde Park, Johannesburg, where they found a 23-year-old man bleeding from a gunshot wound. The victim was taken to hospital in critical condition. Mugabe, 28, and a 33-year-old accomplice were taken into custody.
According to Gauteng police spokesperson Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi, the shooting allegedly followed an argument over the gardener’s absence from work. Officers recovered a spent cartridge at the scene, while a police dog unit was deployed to track down the firearm.
The arrest adds to a growing list of legal troubles for Mugabe, who has previously faced charges in Zimbabwe, intensifying scrutiny around the controversial Mugabe family.
A senior Confederation of African Football (CAF) official has issued a rare public apology to Morocco’s national team over the chaotic Africa Cup of Nations 2025 final, saying the rules were not applied correctly and Morocco was treated unfairly.
Samir Sobha, president of the Mauritius FA and a member of CAF’s executive committee, told The Guardian he wanted Morocco’s federation to accept an apology.
“I want to plead with the Moroccan FA to forgive us for the injustice done to them. The rules have not been respected, as they should have been in this match. They were robbed,” Sobha said.
Sobha argued that Senegal should have faced automatic punishment once they left the field. “It’s clear that after the Senegalese team left the field, all the players should have been sanctioned with a yellow card,” he said. At the same time, he stressed the trophy should not be taken away because “what happened has happened.”
His remarks revive debate about the controversial final played in Rabat on January 18, when Senegal controversial win against Morocco 1-0 after extra time.
The match descended into chaos late in regulation after Morocco were awarded a clear penalty following a VAR review. Senegal’s players walked off in protest, causing a 14‑minute delay before returning.
When play resumed, Brahim Diaz missed the penalty, and Senegal later won in extra time through Pape Gueye’s 94th‑minute goal. Reports said captain Sadio Mane helped convince his teammates to come back onto the pitch.
CAF condemned the “unacceptable behaviour” in the final, said it was reviewing footage, and promised action through its disciplinary bodies.
Weeks later, however, the federation issued sanctions that observers deemed shocking and unfair, , including only a five‑match ban and $100,000 fine for Senegal coach Pape Thiaw, a $615,000 fine for the Senegal federation, and two‑match suspensions for Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr.
Morocco were also fined $315,000, while Achraf Hakimi and Ismael Saibari received bans for incidents late in the game. Morocco announced it would appeal, but the bid to overturn the result was rejected.
In the same interview with The Guardian, Sobha also criticized CAF’s internal governance.
He said Secretary-General Véron Mosengo‑Omba is no longer legally in office after his extension ended in October 2025.
“As per the statutes, he is occupying the seat illegally right now,” Sobha said, urging CAF president Patrice Motsepe to “rectify this position.”
CAF’s disciplinary ruling has already been applied, but debate in Morocco has only grown because many felt the penalties were too light for what happened in the Africa Cup of Nations final.
An aspiring rapper whose XL bully dogs mauled a pensioner to death is facing jail after being found guilty at Chelmsford Crown Court.
Ashley Warren, 41, left 68-year-old Esther Martin at his home in Jaywick, Essex, with 10 dogs on February 3, 2024 , two days after the breed was banned in the UK. Mrs Martin suffered “dozens and dozens” of bite wounds, including one that “completely fractured” her arm. Jurors heard that police officers equipped with riot shields had to deploy tasers on the animals before it was considered safe enough to enter the property.
Prosecutors described her death as “a tragedy waiting to happen”. Warren was found guilty of owning an XL bully named Bear which caused injury resulting in death while dangerously out of control in a private place. He was cleared of being in charge of another XL bully, Beauty, which also injured Mrs Martin.
Jurors were shown Ring doorbell footage from days before the fatal attack showing Warren struggling to pull one of the adult dogs back to the property after it escaped.
Prosecutor Chris Paxton KC told the court: “If the defendant struggled, how would the 5ft 3in 68-year-old Esther Martin cope with these XL bully dogs?” He said the “combined weight of the pack” was between 180kg and 190kg and described the animals as “unpredictable, towering, muscular”. “In old money that’s about 26 to 28 stone, not of static Roman statues but living, writhing, fighting dogs,” he added.
The court heard Mrs Martin had restricted movement following a hip replacement, as well as arthritis and a limp. Mr Paxton said it was “ludicrous” to suggest she was a “fit and proper person” to control the dogs.
Warren, now of Addlestone, Surrey, had asked Mrs Martin to look after the animals so he could travel to London to film a music video. Prosecutors said she had little to no experience of being left alone with the dogs for a prolonged period.
Mr Paxton told jurors: “Ashley Warren expected Esther to be able to handle and control these two adult XL bully dogs, as well as their eight puppies, with the weight, size, power and unpredictability they possessed, with no or minimal training.
“Given Esther’s age and her mobility issues, as well as other factors, Esther was clearly not a fit and proper person to look after these 10 dogs in that situation, but no doubt, members of the jury, it suited this defendant to have her do so, so he could pursue his own agenda that day. It was, you may think, a tragedy waiting to happen, given the imbalance that arose between 68-year-old Esther, short in stature, and the towering power of these banned XL bully dogs.”
He added: “Such was the ferocity of the dogs that police officers and emergency services were unable to enter the home until the police deployed and used their tasers.”
An attending officer described the dogs as being “in a frenzied state” and said they “formed the view it was not safe to enter the house, believing that (police) were at risk of death or serious injury if they tried to enter”.
Giving evidence, Warren said he “never thought in a million years” that the “loving, friendly” dogs would attack someone. “They weren’t raised to attack or bite,” he told the court. “I never seen this coming in a million years. I would never have left Esther with the dogs if I thought they were dangerous.” He added: “She knew the dogs. I never thought for one second this would happen. They were always loving dogs.”
Defence barrister Allan Compton KC asked him: “Knowing then you cannot walk them unless they’re neutered, muzzled and leashed, why didn’t you get on with it?”
Warren replied: “I’m on PIP (benefits), most of the times if I want something I have to save for it. “I can’t just go and get it. I don’t have a lot of money.” Mr Paxton suggested the cost of a muzzle was around £20, to which Warren responded: “I know the price of a muzzle, I know they were cheap.” Asked about the price of his train ticket to London, Warren said: “£40.”
Warren was also convicted of possessing a bladed article without good reason or lawful authority at Clacton railway station on February 3, 2024. He accepted having a knife but claimed it was a prop for a music video filmed that day in London. He now faces sentencing at a later date.
Romeo Beckham has appeared to signal where his loyalties lie in his family’s ongoing feud after he was seen “liking” a social media post that criticised his sister-in-law Nicola Peltz.
The Beckham family has endured a turbulent period in recent months following a bombshell statement from Brooklyn Beckham in which he reportedly described his parents, Victoria Beckham, 51, and David Beckham, 50, as “controlling”.
Now Romeo, 23, has drawn attention online after “liking” a video posted by influencer Ash Cantley. In the clip, Cantley claimed that “Victoria and David are trying to rescue their son” and alleged that Brooklyn’s wife Nicola, 31, was “the problem”.
Fans quickly reacted after noticing Romeo’s interaction with the video, with one writing: “Romeo liked this!” Another commented: “Not Romeo Beckham liking this!”
In the footage, Cantley says: “I take it all back. Nicola is the problem. Victoria and David are trying to rescue their son, I think Nicola forced him to make that statement.
“I saw an interview with Victoria, and she was like ‘I’m a girls’ girl, I love girls, that’s why I have the business I have, and you have to be a real a-hole for me not to like you.’ And I was like ‘oh yeah Nicola’s an a*e.’”
The development comes days after Romeo’s younger brother, Cruz Beckham, saw his girlfriend Jackie Apostel share a supportive post amid the reported rift. Apostel posted a behind-the-scenes image from Cruz’s rehearsals for his upcoming tour, showing an instrument case labelled “Harper’s brother.” Tagging both Cruz, 20, and Harper Beckham, 14, she captioned the image: “So true.”
Meanwhile, Harper herself has posted images on Instagram showing her with all three of her brothers, including Brooklyn. In one Valentine’s Day message, she wrote: “I love you all so much, words can’t describe it,” and in another described them as “the best big brothers in the whole wide world”.
The posts were initially visible only to the 93 followers of Harper’s private account, but were later reshared by her mother Victoria.
Despite the public gestures, Brooklyn and Harper are not believed to be in contact, although he has reportedly felt “protective” over his younger sister. Brooklyn does not follow Harper on Instagram, and it remains unclear whether he has blocked her.
The tensions come amid reports that Brooklyn previously sent a legal letter to his parents insisting that future contact be made through lawyers. He also shared a six-page Instagram statement last month criticising his parents, in which Harper was not mentioned.
In a separate development, Brooklyn recently unfollowed celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay after Ramsay spoke publicly about his hopes for reconciliation within the family. Ramsay, a close family friend, told The Sun: “I just want Brooklyn to take a moment to himself. And remember: you’re half mum, half dad. And you’re an amazing young man. Time’s going to be the best healer.”
It is understood that members of the wider Beckham family remain hopeful that relations between Brooklyn and Nicola and the rest of the family may eventually improve.
KING CHARLES RESPONDS TO ANDREW MISCONDUCT ALLEGATIONS
King Charles III has expressed his “deepest concern” following the arrest of his younger brother, Prince Andrew, born Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, over suspicion of misconduct in public office.
In an official statement, the monarch said he had learned of the news with “the deepest concern” and emphasized that a full, fair and proper process must now follow.
He stated that the matter would be investigated in an appropriate manner by the relevant authorities and reaffirmed that they have the Royal Family’s “full and wholehearted support and co-operation.”
The King made it clear that “the law must take its course”, adding that, as the process continues, it would not be appropriate for him to comment further on the matter. In the meantime, he said that he and his family would continue carrying out their duty and service to the public.
As these underwater forces expand, tensions are rising in key maritime regions — especially the Pacific, Indian, and Atlantic Oceans — as nations compete for strategic advantage beneath the seas.
Prince Andrew Arrested in the UK – Epstein Associate
Andrew Mountbatten‑Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, has been arrested in the United Kingdom on suspicion of misconduct in public office. He is currently in police custody following a formal arrest by Thames Valley Police on 19 February 2026.
Police confirmed they arrested a man in his sixties from Norfolk. He remains in custody while searches continue at properties in Berkshire and Norfolk. Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said a full investigation is underway and stressed the importance of protecting its integrity.
The arrest is linked to documents related to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Reports suggest Mountbatten‑Windsor may have shared sensitive government information during his time as a UK trade envoy.
He was stripped of his royal titles in 2025 amid ongoing scrutiny over his past associations. Buckingham Palace has acknowledged the seriousness of the situation but has not issued further statements.
This is a developing story, and more updates are expected as the investigation continues.
Governance And Human Rights Advocate Brebnar Changala Has Advised President Hakainde Hichilema To Instruct The Attorney General To Withdraw In The Court Case Involving The Government And The Family Of The Late Former President Edgar Lungu Regarding His Burial.
Mr Changala Says The Ongoing Issues Around The Body Of The Former Head Of State Is Emotionally Draining To The Family And Financially Draining To The State.
Mr Changala Tells Q News That It Is Important To Accept That People Have Moved On From The Death Of Former President Lungu As Can Be Seen By The Fact That The Government Is Fully Operational As If The Body Is Not In The Mortuary.
He Notes That President Hichilema Has Been Conducting Business As Usual Going In And Out Of The Country Which He Says Is Also A Sign That Everyone Has Moved On.
Mr Changala Highlights That The Government Should Pull Out Of The Funeral And Let The Family Do As They Please.
And Mr Changala Has Questioned How The Government Plans To Bury The Body Of The Late Former President If They Win The Case And The Family Decides To Pull Out.- Q FM
Former Minister of Health Elijah Muchima has described his dismissal as Health Minister as normal,saying such decisions are part of governance and not unusual even in other countries.
Speaking in an interview with Diamond News following his removal from Cabinet by President Hakainde Hichilema, Mr Muchima says his support for the Head of State remains steadfast, stressing that his loyalty is based on principles and the direction the country is taking, not on holding a government position.
Mr Muchima, who was relieved of his duties together with former Small and Medium Enterprise Development Minister Elias Mubanga, says he stood with President Hichilema even when the party was in opposition and had no Cabinet positions, and sees no reason to withdraw that support now.
He has further dismissed allegations raised by Chilufya Tayali that his dismissal as as a result of voting against Bill 7 as mere speculation, noting that appointments and dismissals remain the prerogative of the appointing authority.
ACC CLEARS SOLICITOR GENERAL, MATAMBO AND KAWANA IN CORRUPTION PROBES
By Darius Choonya
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has closed its corruption investigation against Zambia’s Solicitor General, Marshal Muchende.
ACC Director General Daphne Chabu during a media briefing disclosed that findings from the investigations revealed no evidence linking Mr. Muchende to bribery.
Mr. Muchende was initially investigated in 2024 over allegations that he received US$500,000 from former Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) provisional liquidator Milingo Lungu
Meanwhile, ACC Director of Investigations Gibson Chizanda has described the amount involved in the allegations as substantial.
The Commission has also closed a corruption case involving Copperbelt Minister Elisha Matambo and Ministry of Information and Media Permanent Secretary Thabo Kawana.
DON’T POINT AT ME, I ALSO DON’T KNOW HOW LUNGU DIED – KABESHA
ATTORNEY General Mulilo Kabesha says he should not be blamed for calls to release former president Edgar Lungu’s body for a post-mortem, stressing that he does not know how the late president died.
Kabesha says Zambians should not forget who made the initial poisoning allegations after Lungu’s death.
Appearing on South Africa’s Newzroom Afrika on June 18, 2025, PF faction Secretary General Raphael Nakacinda said the Lungu family’s request for a post-mortem by independent specialists was aimed at addressing their concerns over the cause of his death.
“I think that looking at the fact that among the procedures the family are insisting should take place is basically to establish the cause of death through post-mortem or indeed any of such procedures by independent specialists. Basically, it speaks to the fact that there could be concerns that have been raised by the family and as for us as Patriotic Front and Tonse Alliance, we stand with the family on that because I think good closure requires that all questions the family may have need answers,” said Nakacinda.
Meanwhile, earlier this week, the South African Police Service (SAPS) subpoenaed Two Mountains Burial Services, where Lungu’s mortal remains are believed to be held, demanding that they release his body for a post-mortem to determine whether he died of poisoning as alleged.
Reacting to this, Lusaka lawyer Makebi Zulu accused government of hiring a private investigator in an attempt to conduct a post-mortem on Lungu.
However, in an interview, Wednesday, Kabesha said he had nothing to do with criminal investigations into Lungu’s death.
“You know me, it’s not good to point at me. I have a case before the court, a civil matter. I went to court to say that the remains of president Lungu should be brought and be buried here. The High Court in Pretoria gave me judgement, the Lungu family appealed and where we are now, we are waiting for their grounds of appeal. Their leave to appeal was granted and they filed a notice of appeal, we are waiting for grounds of appeal, what are the reasons? If people have complained or if there are criminal matters going on, that’s not my role. For me, my role is civil matters. In criminal matters I have no say. But what I’m seeing also in the media is that there appears to be some criminal investigations or allegations of the former president having been poisoned, but that’s not for the Attorney General. It’s the police there and police in South Africa, not even police in Zambia, don’t trouble the police in Zambia,” Kabesha said.
“And also, Zambians should stop being forgetful. What is it that the Zambians heard when president Lungu had just died? Some person screamed poisoning, so why do Zambians want to forget about those allegations of poisoning? Why should you now pretend that you don’t want a person who screamed poisoning to substantiate? Is that the reason why we are delaying the burial because we know more? We don’t know, as government we don’t know, but those who screamed poisoning, in all fairness to the Zambians, should justify if they were just emotional, they should say, ‘no, I was just emotional’. So, don’t trouble the Attorney General, the Attorney General has nothing to do with [that]. Am I the one who screamed poisoning? Have you ever seen the Attorney General say there was no poisoning? How do I know? I don’t even know how Lungu died, all I know is that he died, and we were saying if at all he died, please let’s give him an honourable burial here in Zambia. As to how he died, I don’t know”.
He noted that while Zulu had agreed to negotiate quietly with government, he had continued to issue statements to the media.
“Please, Zambians should not misdirect their attention to me. Why should some Zambians now start attacking me? So, in short, I have nothing to do with whether there are investigations, I don’t know. And the investigators have not even requested me for any information or statement. And also, if it’s to do with what the spokesperson for the family [said], what I’m told was that as they negotiate, the Secretary to the Cabinet is the leader of that negotiating team. As they negotiate, they had agreed with that Makebi [Zulu] that, ‘please let’s avoid going to the media’, but Makebi is busy going to the media, what’s wrong with that? What is going on? He is the one who talks about not trusting the government, but they agreed that, ‘please let’s negotiate quietly, we go to the media when we have reached an agreement’,” said Kabesha.
“But from the other side, we are seeing [people] rushing to the media, the other side are respecting the promise. So, ask also the Secretary to the Cabinet if that’s what they agreed that Makebi should be the spokesperson to go and talk to the media”.
🇿🇲 BRIEFING | Cabinet Reshuffles Spark Early Political Readings as Opposition Calls Timing into Question
President Hakainde Hichilema has dismissed Health Minister Elijah Muchima in an unexpected late-night Cabinet reshuffle, a move that also saw Small and Medium Enterprise Development Minister Elias Mubanga removed from office.
State House said the changes were made in line with Article 116(3)(a) of the Constitution, adding that the President had conveyed appreciation to both ministers for their service, with successors to be announced “in due course.”
The decision immediately triggered competing political interpretations in Lusaka, even as government offered no detailed explanation beyond constitutional procedure.
Muchima, appointed to the health portfolio in July 2024, became one of the more visible Cabinet figures, and his sudden removal has fuelled speculation in political circles about internal discipline, performance reviews, and election-year positioning.
Speaking this morning, Mr Muchima struck a notably restrained tone, describing being fired as “normal” and part of governance. “Such decisions are part of governance and not unusual even in other countries,” he told Diamond News, insisting his support for President Hichilema remains “steadfast” and not dependent on holding office.
He also dismissed claims that the move was linked to voting dynamics around Bill 7, calling such suggestions “mere speculation” and reiterating that appointments and dismissals remain the prerogative of the appointing authority.
State House Chief Communications Specialist Clayson Hamasaka framed the reshuffle as routine executive authority, saying the President thanked both ministers and wished them well.
The Presidency’s statement offered no indication of wrongdoing, policy dispute, or broader restructuring, leaving analysts to read the move through a political lens rather than an administrative one.
Opposition figures, however, have moved quickly to challenge the timing and intent. Citizens First leader Harry Kalaba described the dismissals as “ill-timed” and politically motivated, arguing they were done for “political expedience” rather than reform.
“The reshuffles are surprising… it is merely an academic exercise,” Kalaba said on Hot FM, suggesting the two ministers had become “sacrificial lambs” and calling for the nation to be given reasons behind their removal.
Kalaba’s comments reflect a broader opposition argument that major accountability decisions should have come earlier in the term, not in the shadow of an approaching general election. He also questioned what the reshuffle signals to cooperating partners and the wider public, as Zambia continues to market stability and reform credibility internationally.
For now, the immediate facts remain clear: two ministers have been removed, the President has not publicly detailed the rationale, and replacements have not yet been named. Muchima has responded with acceptance rather than confrontation, while opposition leaders are attempting to frame the move as political theatre.
The next signal will come from who replaces the dismissed ministers, and whether this reshuffle marks an isolated adjustment or the beginning of a wider election-year recalibration within government.
The announcement by the Patriotic Front that it may now use a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to hold its long-awaited General Conference is not only mischievous but a textbook case of double posturing, hypocrisy, and political dishonesty
So, Mr Celestine Mukandila, Secretary General of the Patriotic Front, what exactly was so difficult about doing this two months ago, when Hon Brian Mundubile and many others made the same proposal?
I am also aware that Peter Sinkamba, President of the Green Party and leader of the People’s Pact, before exiting the Tonse Alliance out of frustration with endless procrastination, formally offered his Pact as a neutral platform for the Patriotic Front to hold its long-delayed Conference.
That Conference, whose postponement had become the single biggest obstacle to progress within Tonse, was rejected.
The offer was not rejected because it was impractical, but because holding a democratic Conference was never the intention in the first place.
This further exposes the dishonesty of the PF leadership’s excuses. The problem was never logistics, legality, or court processes, the problem was fear of a Democratic outcome they could not control.
You and Acting President Hon Given Lubinda chose to hide behind the excuse of “waiting for the Court judgment,” to restore PF, completely oblivious or conveniently indifferent to the realities of the August 13th electoral calendar.
What is now abundantly clear is that you and your sponsors simply could not stomach the idea of a Brian Mundubile Presidency. The signs were unmistakable: the membership wanted Mundubile. In response, you deployed every trick in the book to postpone the elections.
Even the Party Spokesperson, Emmanuel Mwamba, admitted in our telephone conversation, that he was shocked by the unjustified postponements and delays in holding the Conference.
He agreed with me that the injunction was being conveniently used to justify the postponement of the Congress, despite the party freely holding other similar meetings during the same period.
This confirms what many already knew: the PF hierarchy had no intention of proceeding with the Congress as long as Brian Muntayalwa Mundubile remained a candidate.
Plans were set in motion to suspend and expel Mundubile. These efforts began with a calculated dismantling of his support base among Members of the Central Committee and Members of Parliament.
However, when Brian Mundubile finally decided to bite the cherry and contest elections under the Tonse Alliance—an alliance to which he was appointed by the late President Edgar Chagwa Lungu as an alternative to the PF’s endless internal shenanigans—panic broke out.
Hon. Given Lubinda’s Central Committee immediately went into overdrive. Mundubile was expelled in haste, and suddenly, miraculously, the same leadership that had spent years postponing elections announced that it would now hold the Congress before the end of February.
The hypocrisy was breathtaking.
But by then, the membership was done. They were no longer buying the same recycled lies that had been fed to them for four consecutive years. They began moving to Tonse like shifting sand, starting with long-standing senior figures such as Hon Stephen Kampyongo, Presidential Candidate Hon Mutotwe Kafwaya, and several Central Committee members.
Provincial, District, Constituency, Ward, and Branch officials across all 10 Provinces have since been captured in several public videos openly shifting allegiance to the Brian Mundubile Tonse, rebranding PF offices across the country.
Yet the PF Secretariat, now sounding more like a war-time propaganda unit continues to downplay the mass exodus, even going as far as expelling members who had already left and branding them “sellouts.”
The reality, however, is brutal and unavoidable: whatever remains of the Patriotic Front exists only in the imagination of its leaders. The structures have bolted for survival. They needed something—anything—to cling to as 13th August approaches.
Under these circumstances, it is difficult to see how the PF can credibly hold this so-called Congress, let alone miraculously assemble the much-talked-about 4,000 delegates—ironically under an SPV, the very mechanism they have consistently condemned and opposed.
The best course of action left for the PF leadership is to heed the advice of PF veteran Yamfwa Mukanga and others to support the Mundubile Tonse project, after all it is ECLs project.
That path, however, demands maturity, magnanimity, and humility—from both sides of what once was the PF.
Both the Mundubile and Lubinda camps owe it to their departed leaders, Michael Sata and Edgar Chagwa Lungu, to salvage something meaningful from this political wreckage.
Above all, they owe it to the Zambian people and to their colleagues languishing in prison or stranded in the diaspora on politically related cases, to rise above personal egos and do what history will judge as right.
When Government Bonds Are Oversubscribed: What It Really Means for Zambia’s Economy
By Prof Lubinda Haabazoka
As published in the Daily Nation Wednesday 18th February 2026
In recent days, the Government of the Republic of Zambia (GRZ) bond auction results released by the Bank of Zambia have attracted significant attention. The figures show that the bond auction was heavily oversubscribed. But what does this mean? And why should ordinary citizens, businesses, and policymakers care?
Let us begin with the basics.
What Is a Bond? A bond is essentially a loan. When you buy a government bond, you are lending money to the government for a specified period. In return, the government promises two things:
1. To pay you interest (called a coupon) at an agreed rate, and 2. To repay your principal (the original amount invested) at maturity. Unlike Treasury Bills, which are short-term (usually less than one year), government bonds are medium- to long-term instruments, typically ranging from 2 years to 15 years or more.
Who Issues Government Bonds? In Zambia, government bonds are issued by the Ministry of Finance through the Bank of Zambia (BoZ), which acts as the government’s agent. The BoZ conducts regular auctions where institutional investors such as commercial banks, pension funds, insurance companies, asset managers, and sometimes individuals submit bids indicating how much they are willing to invest and at what interest rate.
Why Does Government Issue Bonds? Government bonds serve several important purposes:
● Financing infrastructure such as roads, schools, and hospitals ● Supporting budget deficits when revenue is insufficient ● Refinancing maturing debt ● Developing the domestic capital market ● Providing safe investment instruments for pension funds and financial institutions A well-functioning bond market is a cornerstone of financial sector development and macroeconomic stability.
What Happened in the Latest Auction? According to the Bank of Zambia’s official results for Bond Tender No. 02/2026/BA held on February 13, 2026:
● Total amount offered: K4.2 billion ● Total amount bid: K21.335 billion ● Total amount allocated: K9.879 billion In simple terms, investors were willing to lend the government more than five times the amount initially offered.
For example:
● The 15-year bond had K560 million on offer but received bids totaling K8.824 billion Bonds-Press-Results-02-2026-BA . ● The 10-year bond had K600 million offered but attracted K4.287 billion in bids Bonds-Press-Results-02-2026-BA This is what we call oversubscription. When demand for bonds exceeds the amount the government is seeking to borrow.
What Does Oversubscription Mean? Oversubscription sends several powerful signals about the economy. In an election year, oversubscription is a signal from investors of approving continuity and being sure that those managing economic affairs of the country will be around beyond the elections. Other meanings include:
1. Strong Investor Confidence When investors aggressively bid for long-term government bonds, it suggests:
● Confidence in macroeconomic stability ● Belief that inflation will moderate over time ● Trust that the government will honor its debt obligations Investors do not commit billions of kwacha to 10- or 15-year instruments unless they believe the economic environment will remain relatively stable.
2. Excess Liquidity in the Financial System Oversubscription can also indicate that there is substantial liquidity in the banking system. Commercial banks and institutional investors may be sitting on surplus funds and view government bonds as a safe and attractive investment.
This is particularly likely in an environment where:
● Private sector credit growth is moderate ● Risk appetite toward SMEs is cautious ● Banks prefer low-risk sovereign assets 3. Attractive Yields The auction results show cut-off yields ranging from:
● 14.5% for 2-year bonds ● 16.6% for 10-year bonds ● 17.59% for 15-year bonds Bonds-Press-Results-02-2026-BA In a declining inflation environment, these yields may be viewed as attractive in real terms, especially for pension funds seeking long-term predictable returns.
Is Oversubscription Always Good News?
While oversubscription is generally positive, it must be interpreted carefully.
The Positive Side ● It reduces borrowing pressure. ● It allows government to reject excessively high interest rate bids. ● It demonstrates market appetite for government securities. ● It supports development of Zambia’s domestic capital market. The Cautionary Side If banks prefer buying government bonds instead of lending to businesses, we may see a phenomenon called crowding out, where private sector credit growth slows.
When financial institutions can earn 16–17% from government bonds with minimal risk, they may become less incentivized to lend to SMEs or entrepreneurs who carry higher default risk.
This can affect job creation and private sector expansion.
What Does This Mean for Households and Businesses? For households:
● Strong bond demand can reflect macroeconomic stability. ● Stable yields may support pension fund performance. ● It may signal confidence in long-term inflation control. For businesses:
● If liquidity remains strong, lending rates may gradually decline. ● However, if government borrowing expands aggressively, private sector credit could tighten. For the broader economy:
● Oversubscription enhances Zambia’s credibility in domestic debt markets. ● It strengthens the case for reduced reliance on external commercial borrowing. ● It deepens financial market development. The Bigger Picture In recent years, Zambia has been navigating debt restructuring, inflation pressures, and currency volatility. A bond market that is oversubscribed five times over suggests that domestic investors are increasingly confident in macroeconomic direction.
However, policymakers must strike a careful balance:
● Maintain fiscal discipline. ● Ensure borrowing finances productive investments. ● Avoid excessive domestic debt accumulation. ● Promote private sector credit growth. Oversubscription is not merely a technical financial term. It is a reflection of market sentiment. It tells us how investors view Zambia’s economic trajectory.
At this stage, the signal appears positive.
But sustained confidence will depend on continued macroeconomic prudence, inflation management, and growth in real sector productivity.
Government bond oversubscription is therefore not just about numbers. It is about trust — and trust is the currency of economic stability.
Dr Lubinda Haabazoka is Associate Professor of Banking and Financial Economics and Director at the Graduate School of Business, University of Zambia.
MIKALILE, AN ENTREPRENEUR WHO SHOULD INSPIRE EVERY NORMAL ZAMBIAN-Actually, the government of Zambia borrowed 300 million dollars from Mikalile, at least 5 years ago to finance public service delivery.
As we talk about the famous debt restructuring, did you even know that Mikalile Trading Company of Hong Kong, wholly owned by a Zambian entrepreneur, Dr. Stephen Mulenga Mikalile is the only Zambian company on the list of Zambia’s external creditors?
Briefly, Dr. Stephen Mulenga is the chairman of the Mika Group of Companies. Under this umbrella; he owns Mika Hotels & Hospitality which includes a number of hotels in Lusaka and Livingstone. He owns a major meat processing and butchery company with operations in Zambia and Tanzania called “Mika Meats”. In importing and exporting of office and home furniture and building materials in 2006 he opened Mikalile Trading Ltd which remains operational and has expand across Zambia and beyond borders. He also runs Mika Clearing & Forwarding, which is more active in Tanzania. The company is also into farming as well as mining and has presence in Zambia, Tanzania, Angola, and China.
Echoing the above, according to Africa Business Pages website, Mikalile started business in the year, 2000. His main business was supplying electronic goods, furniture, baby gifts, and general merchandise to different shop owners on the Copperbelt, Kabwe and Lusaka.
His company imported the listed items from around the world: dealing directly with manufacturers from South America, Indonesia, Malaysia, China, Thailand and South Korea-which made their prices very competitive.
Mikalile has supplied and delivered goods to many institutions, both public and private such as; Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Local Government, Legal Aid Board, The National Assembly, Mulungushi Conference Center, Ministry of Defense (Zambia Army, ZNS, ZAF), The University of Zambia, Evelyn Hone College, Ministry of Works and Supply, Chainama Hills College Hospital, Zambia Telecommunications Company LTD, Ministry of Health, UTH, WHO, ZRA, National Museum Board, ZESCO Ltd, Lusaka City Council, Zambia National Building Society, Ministry of Tourism, TAZARA, MTN Zambia, the list is endless….
You may ask what has been Mikalile supplying to the above listed Ministries and companies, let me just mention a few for you;
According to the Auditor’s General report , in 2016, Ministry of Home Affairs entered into a contract with Mikalile Trading Company Ltd of Hong Kong to supply police uniforms and equipment at $59,997,107-without confirming the availability of funds. And following the non-availability of funds, the Ministry of Finance further signed a Supplier Credit Agreement with Mikalile Trading Company Limited of Hong Kong at a sum of $69,869,630.23, that included interest of $8,909,570 and arrangement fees of $989,952.
Note: companies are always willing to do business with governments on credit, knowing that governments do not default.
According to the Ministry of Finance’s Debt Summary Report, In 2017, the Ministry of Education signed a contract with Mikalile Trading Company worth US$401,838,720 for the supply and installation of school materials and equipment……
When I see Mikalile winning entrepreneurship awards, I see a hardworking man being recognized.
🇿🇲 ZAMBIA 2026 ELECTIONS: A QUICK SWOT ANALYSIS — INCUMBENT (UPND) vs OPPOSITION
No noise. No emotions. Just the reality on the ground.
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✅ STRENGTHS
INCUMBENT (UPND) • Holds state power, visibility, and nationwide structures • Controls government machinery and messaging • Can point to ongoing programmes (CDF, free education, social protection) • Benefits directly from a divided opposition
OPPOSITION • Public frustration over the cost of living is real • Urban dissatisfaction continues to grow • Many voters are searching for a credible alternative • Anti-incumbency sentiment naturally favours challengers
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❌ WEAKNESSES
INCUMBENT (UPND) • High cost of living undermines credibility • Unemployment and perceived regional undercurrents fuel frustration • Expectations are higher — explanations no longer satisfy • Urban voters are increasingly restless and demanding
OPPOSITION • Deep fragmentation and internal competition • No widely accepted national leader • No clear Message. Messaging lacks clarity and coherence • Weak organisation and limited resources
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🌍 OPPORTUNITIES
INCUMBENT (UPND) • Even modest improvements in household living costs could restore confidence • Continued opposition infighting works in their favour • Strong rural mobilisation and loyalty remain an advantage
OPPOSITION • Unity behind a single candidate would instantly change the race • Prolonged economic hardship increases protest voting • High youth turnout could significantly alter outcomes
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⚠️ THREATS
INCUMBENT (UPND) • Growing voter fatigue and impatience • Youth frustration turning into “vote-against” behaviour • Complacency, especially in traditional strongholds
OPPOSITION • Vote splitting almost guarantees defeat • Time is fast running out • The structural advantage of incumbency is difficult to overcome
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🧠 THE BOTTOM LINE
📌 As things stand: The incumbent enters 2026 with the upper hand.
📌 What will decide the election: • Cost of living • Jobs and livelihoods • Opposition unity versus division • Whether citizens feel improvement in their personal economic situation
📌 Simple truth: If life feels better → the incumbent wins If life feels worse and the opposition unites → the race tightens fast
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🇿🇲 2026 will not be decided by slogans — it will be decided by survival.
Former Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane says he is open to returning to the PSL. He also hopes to coach the national team again in future.
Mosimane spoke to podcaster Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh on the SMWX show on Wednesday. He said he still has goals to achieve locally and internationally.
Early National Team Experience Mosimane first led Bafana Bafana after the 2010 World Cup. He previously served as Carlos Alberto Parreira’s assistant during the tournament.
However, his tenure ended after the team missed the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations. Despite this setback, the role gave him valuable experience. He learned about pressure, expectations, and leadership at the highest level.
Success at Sundowns and Abroad Before moving overseas, Mosimane spent eight successful years at Mamelodi Sundowns. He won five Betway Premiership titles and the CAF Champions League.
He left the club in 2020 and later won two more Champions League titles with Al Ahly. His success strengthened his reputation across Africa and the Middle East.
Now without a club, he has been linked with a return to Sundowns. His name has also surfaced in discussions around Kaizer Chiefs.
“It’s possible. Why not?” remarked Mosimane when asked about returning to the PSL.
Afcon Dream Still Alive When asked about the Bafana job, he said: “I’m interested.
“The Afcon medal is the one that I want to close everything. That’s the medal I don’t have. I would love to win Afcon with Bafana Bafana. That’s the one I want.
“I’m not campaigning. SAFA will put whoever they think is right. But if you ask me to sign the contract, I’ll sign it today because it means a lot to me. I think we are at the right time, with the right generation… to win Afcon.
“Sundowns, Pirates and Chiefs also have the capacity to give us players to fight, because I like it when Chiefs are playing Confederation Cup, Pirates and Sundowns are in Champions League. That’s where you test yourself. We have the capacity [to win Afcon] and we should not be making excuses.”
With Hugo Broos set to retire after the World Cup, the Bafana job may soon open. For Mosimane, the timing could be perfect. He aims to shape the next era of South African football.
“No More Middle East Wars!”: Thomas Massie Pushes Emergency Vote on Potential Iran Conflict
U.S. Representative Thomas Massie is moving to force an emergency congressional vote on any potential war with Iran, sounding the alarm over the recent American military buildup in the region.
Massie made his position crystal clear, declaring he will “put America first” by voting against further military action in the Middle East. The Kentucky lawmaker argues that Congress not the White House alone must decide if the nation enters another conflict.
His bold stance is already fueling debate on Capitol Hill, where tensions are rising alongside troop movements.
With the drums of war growing louder, Massie is drawing a line in the sand and demanding lawmakers take a public stand before any shots are fired.
Former South Korean president, Yoon Suk Yeol, has been sentenced to life imprisonment after being found guilty of leading an insurrection during his declaration of martial law in December 2024.
The ruling, delivered by Seoul Central District Court Judge Jee Kui-youn, was lighter than the death penalty prosecutors sought at the trial’s final hearing in January. The ruling was aired live on South Korea’s major broadcasters.
Jee said in the verdict that Yoon led an insurrection and committed acts to subvert the country’s constitutional order.
The court added that Yoon “took the lead in planning the crime and involved a large number of people,” and that it was “difficult to see any sign of remorse from the defendant, who also refused to appear in court.”
Yoon had previously reportedly refused to appear in court for questioning last year.
The court also found Yoon had ordered South Korea’s military to capture individuals during the martial law declaration, including the current president Lee Jae Myung.
Yoon also had the intention to “paralyze” the country’s parliament by deploying troops to blockade the National Assembly and arrest key politicians, Jee said.
Five others were also sentenced, including former defense minister Kim Yong-hyun, who was sentenced to 30 years in prison.
The defendants may appeal the ruling within a week.
The sentence follows a separate ruling on Jan. 16, when Yoon was given a five-year prison term for attempting to obstruct his arrest after he was impeached and suspended from office.
Other senior officials have been sentenced over the failed martial law bid. Former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo was sentenced to 23 years in prison, while former Interior Minister Lee Sang-min received a seven-year sentence.
Yoon was the first sitting South Korean president to be arrested in an operation involving over 3,000 police personnel that involved a standoff with presidential security agents.
During the final hearing, special counsel Cho Eun-suk’s team said Yoon declared martial law “with the purpose of remaining in power for a long time by seizing the judiciary and legislature,” according to South Korean media reports.
Yoon reportedly maintained his innocence, arguing the declaration was within his constitutional authority and was intended to “safeguard freedom and sovereignty.”
He imposed South Korea’s first instance of martial law in 44 years during a late-night address on Dec. 3, claiming that the then-opposition Democratic Party of Korea was engaging in “anti-state activities” and colluding with “North Korean communists.”
Troops were deployed to the country’s National Assembly, while soldiers and police clashed with protesters outside the compound.
Then-defense minister Kim Yong-hyun also reportedly ordered troops to “pull people inside the National Assembly building outside.”
But the martial law order was overturned within three hours, after 190 of the 300 National Assembly lawmakers gathered in the chamber and unanimously voted to do so. Yoon eventually lifted martial law about six hours after announcing it.
He was impeached 11 days later and removed from office on April 4, 2025.
🇿🇦 History, Survival, or Strategy? Why Many Township and Rural Voters Continue Supporting the ANC
As South Africa prepares for another election cycle, political analysts continue to highlight a clear voting pattern: strong ANC support in many townships and rural communities, particularly among older voters.
For many residents, this support is deeply rooted in history. The ANC is widely associated with the struggle against apartheid and the achievement of political freedom in 1994 — a memory that remains powerful, especially for those who lived through that era.
Economic realities also play a role. Rural and township communities often rely heavily on government programs such as social grants, housing initiatives, and public services, which are perceived as safety nets that must be protected. This can create trust in continuity rather than risk with unfamiliar alternatives.
Grassroots political structures further strengthen loyalty. In many areas, community leaders, local branches, and traditional authorities maintain long-standing relationships with ANC networks, shaping political identity at a local level.
Access to information and exposure to political alternatives can also differ. Urban youth increasingly engage with digital debates and criticism, while some rural voters rely more on community meetings and traditional media, influencing perspectives on governance.
However, the conversation is changing. Younger voters across townships and rural areas are raising questions about unemployment, corruption, and service delivery — creating a visible generational divide that could reshape future elections.
👉 Is continued ANC support a reflection of trust and history? 👉 Or does it signal a need for stronger political competition and new ideas?
One thing is certain: understanding township and rural voting behavior is key to understanding South Africa’s political future.
💬 Your view: What do you think shapes voting decisions the most — history, economic survival, or performance?
Amidst the regime’s noise, the truth remains a haunting whisper.
The formal gazetting of the Constitutional Amendment (No. 3) Bill marks a dark turning point in Zimbabwe’s democratic journey – or what remains of it.
If you value my social justice advocacy and writing, please consider a financial contribution to keep it going. Contact me on WhatsApp: +263 715 667 700 or Email: mbofana.tendairuben73@gmail.com
By initiating a process to extend the presidential term from five to seven years and, perhaps more sinisterly, removing the right of citizens to directly elect their leader in favor of selection by Parliament, the authorities have sent a clear message: the survival of the elite is more important than the survival of the nation.
We are told this is about “stability and continuity” and giving the President enough time to “finish his program.”
Let us be blunt: this is a transparent, desperate facade designed to mask an abysmal and unmitigated failure of governance.
The suggestion that Zimbabweans are suffering because a five-year term is “too short” is not just a political lie; it is an insult to the millions of citizens currently drowning in a sea of poverty and deprivation.
In reality, the 2030 Agenda – the push for President Emmerson Mnangagwa to remain in power beyond the constitutional 2028 limit – is nothing more than a sentence for the continued suffering of the Zimbabwean people.
The 2030 Agenda means the continuity of poverty.
It is the continuation of a status quo where nearly 80% of our population languishes in poverty, with over 40% trapped in the soul-crushing depths of extreme poverty.
These are not just statistics; they are human beings – mothers who cannot afford to feed their children and fathers who have forgotten what it feels like to provide.
According to recent World Bank data, since the promise of a “New Dispensation” in 2017, food poverty alone has jumped from 30% to nearly 40%.
If a leader cannot significantly develop a country and lift the majority of its citizens out of poverty in eleven years, what miracle does he expect to perform in thirteen?
If the foundation hasn’t been laid in a decade, two more years will only serve to deepen the cracks.
To expect a sudden windfall of prosperity between 2028 and 2030 is not just optimistic; it is foolhardy.
This agenda will mean the continuity of thousands of Zimbabweans needlessly losing their lives in our public hospitals.
They are not dying because the President wasn’t given seven years; they are dying because our theaters lack basic sutures, our pharmacies are empty of essential drugs, and our medical staff are demoralized and underpaid.
The “2030” banner serves as a shroud over a healthcare system where the money meant for life-saving equipment is diverted to fund the lavish lifestyles of a well-connected few.
It means more years of pregnant women being asked to bring their own buckets of water to give birth, and more years of preventable diseases claiming our elderly because the state prioritizes power over pulses.
Furthermore, it will mean the continuity of a decimated education system.
We are witnessing the destruction of our youth’s future before it even begins.
Schools without adequate learning materials, rural classrooms that are hollow shells where children sit on cold floors, and a curriculum that lacks the resources to prepare students for a modern economy.
This neglect feeds a vicious cycle; as the economy fails, the girl child faces the brunt of this collapse through a rise in underage pregnancies and early marriages, driven by desperation and a lack of institutional support.
The “continuity” promised by the ruling elite is, for the Zimbabwean youth, the continuity of a dead-end street.
In our urban areas, the 2030 Agenda translates to years more of dry taps and potholed roads.
Most local authority management is protected by the ruling elite, ensuring that accountability is a foreign concept.
While the government boasts of “infrastructure-led development,” the reality for the ordinary citizen is navigating craters on the road and carrying containers for kilometers to find water.
This systemic failure is compounded by the “continuity” of Chinese investors who, shielded by high-level political patronage, frequently treat Zimbabweans as second-class citizens in their own country – displacing communities and flouting labor laws with impunity.
But most painful of all, the 2030 Agenda will mean the continuity of state-sanctioned corruption and the looting of national resources.
Zimbabwe remains one of the most corrupt countries in the world, with a 2025 Corruption Perception Index (CPI) score of 22 out of 100.
This stagnant score is an indictment of the “New Dispensation,” proving that the only thing that changed since 2017 were the faces of the looters.
The country continues to lose billions of dollars each year due to shady tenders, mineral smuggling, illicit financial flows, and the dubious disposal of state assets.
This rampant corruption, particularly at the top, is the primary reason why Zimbabweans have never benefited from the vast resources our land holds.
The administration may point to glowing GDP figures, but as long as that growth only lines the pockets of those at the apex of power, these numbers are hollow.
The disconnect between “macroeconomic stability” and the empty pots in the kitchens of Binga or Rutenga is a chasm that no amount of state propaganda can bridge.
The real reason for these constitutional amendments is not development; it is protection.
By extending terms and removing the direct vote, the elite are building a fortress to ensure they can continue to loot without the “inconvenience” of being held accountable by the citizens.
Zimbabweans must stand together and make their voices heard loud and clear: we will not accept the continuity of this administration beyond 2028.
We deserve a renewal of leadership.
We deserve new ideas and a fresh start where we can finally enjoy a life worthy of the citizens of a resource-rich nation.
If eleven years of power have only brought more poverty, more death in our hospitals, and more corruption, then more time is not the solution – it is the threat.
We must demand a future that belongs to the people, not a 2030 Agenda that only serves the survival of a failing regime.
NPA Rejects Magaya Recusal Bid Over Makandiwa Spiritual Daughter Allegations HARARE – In a stunning courtroom defeat that has intensified the explosive rivalry between Zimbabwe’s two most powerful televangelists, PHD Ministries leader Walter Magaya has spectacularly failed in his bid to remove a top prosecutor from his rape trial – after claiming she is the spiritual “daughter” of his arch-nemesis, Prophet Emmanuel Makandiwa, and on a divine mission to destroy him.
The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) on Wednesday delivered a crushing blow to the self-styled prophet, flatly rejecting his application to have Chief Director of Prosecutions, Tendayi Shonhayi, thrown off his case. Magaya’s legal team had launched a sensational attack, alleging that Shonhayi, whom they describe as a spiritual offspring of Makandiwa’s United Family International Church (UFIC), was using the might of the State to wage a spiritual war from inside the courtroom.
The ‘Spiritual Daughter’ Bombshell The drama unfolded on February 17, 2026, when Magaya’s lawyers, Rubaya and Chatambudza Legal Practitioners, fired off an urgent letter to the Prosecutor General’s office. In it, they didn’t just ask for Shonhayi’s recusal – they painted a picture of a sinister conspiracy, accusing her of being on a personal crusade for her spiritual father, Makandiwa.
“Our client instructs, and has it on good authority, that Ms Tendayi Shonhayi is a member of a rival church known as United Family International Church (UFIC), which is considered by our client as a rival church to Magaya’s church, PHD Ministries, as well as to Magaya himself,” the letter dated February 17, 2026 read.
The defence team went further, alleging that her professional conduct was merely a cover for a higher calling dictated by her spiritual lineage.
“It is our client’s considered view that Ms Tendayi Shonhayi is on a mission of her own to try and persecute him on the basis that she wants to destroy our client’s church for the benefit of UFIC, which is a competing rival church. She is doing the bidding for her own ‘PAPA’ Prophet Emmanuel Makandiwa in circumstances where she should be detached from the case,” the lawyers argued.
Magaya’s legal team claimed that Shonhayi’s status as Makandiwa’s spiritual daughter had poisoned the entire prosecution. They alleged she unilaterally pushed to move the trial to the Victim-Friendly Court before any official ruling, a move they believe was designed to create the impression that Magaya is already guilty.
‘Guerrilla Tactics’ Alleged The defence laid out what they called a clear pattern of “guerrilla tactics” by Shonhayi, alleging she had manipulated legal documents and proceedings to suit her agenda. They pointed to the initial charge sheet and witness statements, which they claimed were served without the names of the complainants – a direct violation of Section 146 of the Criminal Procedure and Evidence Act.
“She only had to serve Magaya’s defence counsel with new charge sheets, which now had names after they had taken her to task. She further had to write the witness names on the typed witness statements using a blue pen. For your convenience, we have attached the defective documents that our client was once served with,” the letter stated.
They further accused her of running the show behind the scenes, overstepping her role and whispering instructions to the lead counsel.
“Our client has also observed that the proceedings seem to be marred by the overbearing preponderance of Ms Shonhayi, who is not the lead counsel. Instead of leaving Mr Clemence Chimbari (lead counsel) to argue, she is always seen whispering something to him, showing that she is the one in charge,” the lawyers alleged.
The defence also claimed she previously raised what they term “flimsy reasons” for the recusal of a High Court judge during bail proceedings and was pushing to appeal the very bail Magaya was granted.
NPAZ Fires Back: ‘No Substance’ However, the NPAZ was having none of it. On February 18, 2026, the authority issued a terse but firm statement, confirming that Prosecutor General Loyce Matanda-Moyo had personally conducted a “thorough investigation” into the sensational claims. The conclusion was damning for Magaya.
“The allegations are without substance and were made without any cogent evidence of any prosecutorial impropriety,” the NPAZ statement read.
The prosecuting authority firmly dismissed the idea that a prosecutor’s spiritual affiliation could ever influence the course of justice, given the constitutional safeguards in place.
“Whilst the complaint is premised on alleged rivalry between Magaya’s church and some named church, the Prosecutor General reiterates that, in terms of the Constitution of Zimbabwe and the National Prosecuting Authority Act, the Prosecutor General and officers of the National Prosecuting Authority are independent and are not subject to the direction or control of any person or authority in the exercise of their prosecutorial functions,” the statement asserted.
The NPAZ declared there was “no rational or lawful basis” for Shonhayi’s recusal, and Magaya’s lawyers have been formally notified of the decision.
Trial Gridlock Continues The failed recusal bid is just the latest drama in a trial that has become mired in legal trench warfare. Magaya is facing four counts of rape involving adult congregants from Harare and Chegutu, with allegations dating from 2016 to 2023. The trial itself remains gridlocked as Magaya’s lawyers push to have the matter referred to the Constitutional Court, fighting a ruling that allows some witnesses to testify via video link. He is also due back in court on March 2, 2026, on separate rape allegations involving two other women.
Chatunga Mugabe arrested after shooting at Hyde Park residence, gardener critically wounded
Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe, youngest son of late Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, has been arrested following the shooting of a gardener at his Hyde Park residence, adding to a growing list of violent allegations against him.
Gauteng police took Mugabe, 28, and another 24-year-old suspect into custody this afternoon, Thursday after private security flagged down officers reporting gunfire at the property. The victim, a 23-year-old gardener employed at the residence, was rushed to hospital in critical condition.
Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi confirmed investigators recovered a cartridge but were still searching for the firearm. The suspects initially refused to open the property to officers, requiring lengthy negotiations before police could enter.
Thursday’s arrest is far from Mugabe’s first encounter with law enforcement. He is reportedly linked to at least seven open criminal cases across South Africa and Zimbabwe, including allegations of assault, torture, and firearms offences.
In June 2024, Mugabe was accused of leading an armed group in an attack at the Ultimate Mining site in Zimbabwe bordering his mother Grace Mugabe’s private estate. Witnesses claimed he arrived with men wielding AK-47 rifles, accusing mine security of allowing illegal panners onto the family’s land. At least three workers sustained serious injuries including skull fractures and broken ribs.
He also faces charges alongside two bodyguards for attacking a school groundsman in June 2024, and allegedly assaulted a truck driver with a stun gun in September 2024 for failing to greet him “respectfully.”
Gauteng police continue their investigation, with the dog unit searching the Hyde Park property for the weapon. Mugabe and his companion remain in custody for questioning, and formal charges are expected once police complete preliminary inquiries.
Statement from the family of Virginia Giuffre on the arrest of former Prince Andrew:
“At last.
Today, our broken hearts have been lifted at the news that no one is above the law, not even royalty.
On behalf of our sister, Virginia Roberts Giuffre, we extend our gratitude to the UK’s Thames Valley Police for their investigation and arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
He was never a prince.
For survivors everywhere, Virginia did this for you.”
U.S. President Donald Trump has made headlines after publicly praising rapper Nicki Minaj during the Black History Month Reception at the White House.
Speaking at the Black History Month event in Washington, D.C., Trump gave the Young Money rapper her flowers, calling Minaj “beautiful”.
“How about Nicki Minaj? Do we love Nicki Minaj? I love Nicki Minaj. She was here a couple weeks ago. She’s so beautiful,” Trump raved. “I said, ‘Nicki, you’re so beautiful.’ Her nails are like that long, I said, ‘Nicki are they real?’ She didn’t want to get into that. But she was so beautiful and so great and she gets it, more importantly.”
Minaj celebrated Presidents’ Day on Monday (Feb. 16) by posting an AI-generated photo to social media of her riding around in a convertible with President Trump while counting money.
Crystal Hefner, widow of Hugh Hefner, is calling for an investigation into the Hugh M. Hefner Foundation, alleging it possesses her late husband’s personal scrapbooks and diaries containing highly sensitive information and explicit images of women and, “possibly,” underage girls.
The announcement was made Tuesday during a news conference led by prominent women’s rights attorney Gloria Allred, who is representing Crystal Hefner in regulatory complaints filed in California and Illinois.
Hefner said she believes the foundation holds approximately 3,000 personal scrapbooks belonging to her late husband, containing thousands of nude images depicting sexual activity and intimate moments.
“The materials span decades beginning in the 1960s. And may include images of girls who were underage at the time and could not consent to how their images would be retained or controlled,” Hefner said.
“They may also contain images of women who did not consent to their images being taken in the first place,” she added.
Widow of playboy founder, Crystal Hefner calls for investigation into his Foundation over alleged explicit scrapbooks Crystal Hefner and attorney Gloria Allred at a news conference Tuesday in Los Angeles.
Allred further alleged that some of the images may have been taken while the women were intoxicated.
“It is critical for the public to understand that I am not referring to images that appeared in magazines,” Hefner said. “My focus is on how Hugh Hefner’s personal scrapbooks chronicled private moments that took place behind closed doors.”
According to Allred, regulatory complaints have been submitted to the attorneys general in California, where Hugh Hefner lived, and Illinois, where the foundation is headquartered. The complaints request an investigation into how the materials are being handled and stored, citing concerns about potential distribution or unauthorized access.
A spokesperson for the Illinois Attorney General’s Office confirmed receipt of the complaint and said it is under review.
It remains unclear how the foundation obtained the scrapbooks. Hefner said she was told they are stored in a California facility, though she had previously been informed that some were kept in a private residence for scanning and digitization. She expressed concern that the materials could be sold or compromised in a data breach.
“Crystal did not consent to having her intimate images stored by and accessible to the foundation, and we believe that many of the other women and or girls depicted did not consent either,” Allred said.
Hefner also disclosed that she was removed Monday from her roles as chief executive officer and president of the foundation after declining to resign.
“The concerns I raised about consent, safety, and security were ignored,” Hefner said. “Though I declined to resign my position yesterday in direct response to my escalating concerns regarding the handling of private photos contained in the scrapbooks, I was unilaterally removed.”
The foundation did not respond to multiple requests for comment. On its website, it describes itself as a philanthropic organization supporting civil rights and liberties, with emphasis on First Amendment rights and drug policy reform.
No evidence was presented at the news conference to substantiate the allegations.
“This is not about money. I am seeking dignity, safety and the destruction of non-consensual intimate materials so that the exploitation does not continue under the banner of philanthropy,” Hefner said.
“Thousands of women may be affected. This is a civil rights issue. Women’s bodies are not property, not history, and not collectibles,” she added.
