All posts by : Felistas

Health officials are making a renewed call for vigilance against bird flu, but some experts are puzzling over why reports of new human cases have stopped.

As swimming season heats up, you might notice your fingers wrinkle after spending time in the water—turns out, those wrinkles are the same with every dip you take.

People who sit or remain sedentary for more than 14 hours a day, on average, may have a higher risk of a cardiovascular event or death in the year after treatment at a hospital for symptoms of a heart attack such as chest pain, according to new research published in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes.

NATION REPORTER THE Patriotic Front (PF) has so far lost six Members of Parliament through court convictions, including Ronald Chitotela, Nickson Chilangwa, Bowman Lusambo, Joseph Malanji, Mauren Mabonga and Munir Zulu, the Independent while Emmanuel Jay Jay Banda is in exile after surviving abduction and later arrested and detained for a matter for which he […]

GRACE CHAILE

LUSAKA High Court Judge Susan Wanjelani has sentenced two men aged 67 and 38 , to 45 years imprisonment with hard labour each for separate incidents of child defilement and incest involving girls aged 10 and 14, respectively.

In the first case, Michael Njobvu, 67, a general worker referred to as “Bashikulu” (grandfather), was convicted of defiling a 10-year-old girl,  on two occasions in April and June 2024 in Lusaka.

Judge Wanjelani described Njobvu’s actions as a betrayal of the trust and honour typically associated with a grandfather.

“The convict was referred to as ‘Bashikulu’, a position of honour, trust, benevolence and a fountain of wisdom. But he opted to commit one of the most heinous offences against an innocent child contrary to societal norms and expectations. This conduct is totally unacceptable,” she said.

According to evidence presented in court, the girl’s mother caught Njobvu in a compromising situation after being alerted by a neighbour that her child had again been seen entering the convict’s house. Upon forcing her way in, she found the girl hiding inside and confronted the suspect.

Njobvu was committed to the High Court for sentencing by Magistrate Mutinta Mwenya. Judge Wanjelani sentenced him to 45 years imprisonment with hard labour, effective from the date of his arrest.In a separate case, Kennedy Chundwe, 38, of Roma North in Lusaka, was convicted of incest after repeatedly defiling his biological daughter between November 2022 and August 2023.

Testimony from the victim’s mother and aunt revealed that Chundwe was discovered in his daughter’s bed around 02;00 hours on August 11, 2023.

When confronted, he attempted to dismiss the incident and threatened to beat the child if she revealed the abuse. The victim later disclosed that the abuse began after she was physically assaulted for initially resisting his advances.

While acknowledging that Chundwe was a first-time offender and had expressed remorse, Judge Wanjelani said these factors were outweighed by the grave breach of his parental duty.

“The convict, as a father, was supposed to protect the child, not harm her. This position of trust, which he violated, is an aggravating factor,” she stated.

Judge Wanjelani sentenced Chundwe to 45 years imprisonment with hard labour, effective from October 4, 2023, the date he was taken into custody.

NATION REPORTER

MWAMBA Kambikambi, wife of jailed Patriotic Front (PF) deputy secretary general and former Kawambwa Member of Parliament Nickson Chilangwa, has died after an illness.

The death was announced yesterday in a statement issued by PF chairperson for information and publicity Emmanuel Mwamba, on behalf of party secretary general Raphael Nakacinda.

Ms Chilangwa passed away in Ndola, where she had reportedly been receiving treatment.

“Our heartfelt condolences go to Mr Chilangwa, who is currently incarcerated at Mukobeko Maximum Prison in Kabwe, to the Chilangwa and Kambikambi families, and to the people of Kawambwa and Luapula Province, where the works and social contributions of Ms Chilangwa were deeply felt,” Mr Nakacinda said.

He added that the late Ms Chilangwa was not only a pillar in her family but also played a key role in supporting community development efforts during her husband’s time in public office.

In light of the bereavement, Mr Nakacinda appealed to the government and the Zambia Correctional Service to grant Mr Chilangwa temporary release from prison to allow him to attend his wife’s funeral.

“We are appealing for compassion and humanity. It is only right that Mr Chilangwa be given the opportunity to mourn his beloved wife and be with his family during this difficult time,” Mr Nakacinda said.

Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family in due course.

A Lusaka man who allegedly organised his late wife’s memorial service without involving the deceased’s family has been sued in the Lusaka High Court. The family of the deceased, Sinazeni Banda, is suspicious of the manner in which Edwin Makuya organised the memorial service and tombstone unveiling. The late Sinazeni’s brother, Dumisani Banda, now wants […]

The post Man sued for holding ‘suspicious’ memorial service. first appeared on Mwebantu.

GRACE CHAILE PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema says he was elected as a child of God to unite, not divide the country, pledging that he shall endeavour to recognise all churches and not what he has termed as the so-called “genuine  church mother bodies.” Speaking during a church service at Times of Refreshing International Ministry in Choma […]

GIDEON NYENDWA

NKANA Member of Parliament Binwell Mpundu has accused the governing UPND of using the justice system to suppress opposition voices, describing recent political developments as “evil” rather than politics.

Mr Mpundu alleged that there was selective application of the law, with the state targeting opposition leaders with charges such as tribalism, hate speech, defamation, and seditious practices, while ruling party members go unpunished for similar or worse actions.

“If indeed it is the law we on the opposition are breaking, continue sending us to jail,” Mr Mpundu said.

“But let your conscience guide you when you consider the tribalism, hate speech, and crimes committed by those in UPND.”

He questioned the silence of law enforcement agencies over statements made by UPND officials such as Education Minister Douglas Syakalima, who allegedly claimed that people from Luapula suffer from “mental poverty,” a remark Mr Mpundu labelled as tribal.

Mr Mpundu contrasted that with the prosecution of Lumezi MP Munir Zulu, who was facing charges for saying Lumezi people were more intelligent than those in Bweengwa.

He also criticised the government for failing to act on hate speech by UPND supporters, citing threats made against former President Edgar Lungu and verbal attacks on religious leaders such as the Bishop of Lusaka.

“Is it only hate speech when uttered by someone in the opposition? Is defamation only applicable when it involves us,” Mr Mpundu asked,

Mr Mpundu condemned what he perceives as politically motivated charges based on “mere suspicions” of proceeds of crime. He argued that several UPND leaders, if held to the same legal standard, would not be free today.

“This is not politics; this is evil. You have removed the freedoms we once all enjoyed – freedoms you benefitted from when you were in opposition,” he said.

He warned that the political climate being created under the current administration could sow long-lasting divisions, affecting future generations.

Mr Mpundu appealed for empathy and foresight, urging those in power to consider the impact of their actions on families, children, and the country’s political legacy.

“You have children who will one day have to explain the pain their parents inflicted. Karma will remind you of what you are doing today,” he said.

GRACE CHAILE CHITAMBO Member of Parliament Remember Mutale, has rejected a K3.7 million claim filed by the family of Joseph Yikona, a Yango driver who died in an accident last year, citing that the deceased was negligent in riding a motorcycle without a valid licence and failing to observe traffic rules, resulting in the collision. […]