Posts in category: Uncategorized

By LUCY PHIRI 

FORMER Ministry of Defence Permanent Secretary, Stardy Mwale has asked the court to refer his matter to the High Court to determine whether he can be granted a fair trial or not following an oath of secrecy he made whilst in defense.

In this matter, Mwale and five others pleaded not guilty to three counts of willful failure to comply with the law, applicable procedure or guidelines, relating to the procurement of the Gulfstream G650 Presidential jet.

Mwale. Isabel Wilima Chinji, Micheal Obister Mbewe, Evaristo Sakala, Frank Hardy Sinyangwe and John Phiri pleaded not guilty in the first count while Mwale again pleaded not guilty to the remaining three counts.

When the matter came up at Lusaka magistrate court before chief resident magistrate Davies Chibwili, Mwale through his lawyer, Mr. Leon Lemba said he could not proceed with trial at the subordinate court on grounds that he could not reveal some information he came across during his employment unless the oath is lifted.

Mwale in his application said when serving in government specifically in the defense force, one needs to swear an oath of secrecy which are connected to the President.

“You cannot start divulging information or things that you come across during your employment,” Mwale said.

His Lawyers argued that they have been having challenges with preparing Mwale’s defense because of the secrecy of oath unless the oath of secrecy is lifted from him.

“How can I defend my client if he does not tell me the whole story about the issue because he is on oath? Under the state security act if he tells me it’s an offence and both of us as a lawyer and accused person can be charged. That is why we want the matter to be referred to the High court for it to determine whether the accused would be granted fair trial or not,” Mr. Lemba submitted.

He insists that the court should refer the matter to the High court for determination on whether the accused persons would be afforded fair trial or not.

The state in response said defense should make an application by way of summons and an affidavit. 

It is alleged in the first count that  Mwale, Chinji, Mbewe, Sakala , Sinyangwe and Phiri  between March 1,  2017 and April 4, 2017 in Lusaka, being persons concerned with management and use of public revenue, as members of  the Ministerial Procurement Committee  for the Ministry of Defence,  jointly  and whilst acting together, without  following tender  procedure  willfully failed to comply with section 52 (1) of the public  Procurement Act No 12 of 2008 as read with Regulation 113 of the Public Procurement Regulations, Statutory Instrument No, 63 of 2008 when they awarded contract no. NOD/MPC/024-17 for the Modernization of Defence Forces to ELBIT Systems Limited without Bid Evaluation.

The court adjourned the matter to September, 27, 2023 for ruling.

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By NATION REPORTER 

CHRISTIAN Democratic Party (CDP) president Dan Pule has urged Government to do away with tax holidays being given to foreign mining investors for the country to generate the needed revenue for the already seriously stressed treasury.

Speaking at a press briefing, Dr. Pule said tax holidays in the mining sector have had a negative impact on the country’s economy because they only favour multi-national companies while the local businesses were sidelined.

He said the CDP believes that the over USD $600 million lost in tax holidays could have helped reduce the government debt service burden as well as providing the necessary revenue for investment in social sectors such as education and health.

“Our country is endowed with rich mineral wealth and Government cannot afford to continue giving tax holidays as the country is losing the desired revenue which should contribute to the development of social sectors of the economy,” he said. Dr. Pule said the other concern they have as a party was the country does not have a clear mining policy, as a country we keep going forth and back. 

He said Government needed to tell the nation what was happening with the gold in Kasenseli, Mumbwa, Chisamba, Rufunsa and other parts of the country including in Eastern province and Muchinga provinces Mpika in particular.

Dr. Pule said new minerals such as Sugilite in Luapula province; and lithium in Kalomo and other parts of the country have just gone quiet on them and the foreigners were mining illegally.

He said Zambia’s mineral wealth has continued to be mined without any benefit to the nation except those with connection with the government as was seen in the case of sugilite in recent months and as evidenced by those senior government officials in Luapula province who were reluctantly fired. 

Dr. Pule said the lack of a clear mining policy has encouraged a lot of illegal mining activities in the country, which in most cases has favoured foreigners.

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THERE is an increase in cases involving motor vehicle fraud of used Japanese vehicles being imported in Zambia, Zambia’s Ambassador to Japan Tobias Mulimbika has said. Dr Mulimbika said it is concerning that Zambians have continued to lose large sums of money in such a manner. He has implored potential buyers to conduct thorough due […]

EIGHT motor vehicles have been impounded after it was established that they were reported stolen from outside the country, Inspector General of Police Graphel Musamba has said. Along with impounding the vehicles, a truck carrying 25 tonnes of kyanite worth more than USD$ 5,000 has also been impounded for being transported illegally. Mr Musamba said […]

Since 1996, there has been an increase in the percentage of women in Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) fellowships and program directors (PDs), according to a research letter published online Aug. 9 in JAMA Dermatology.

EIGHT shops with goods worth millions of Kwacha have completely been gutted by fire in the Central Business District in Kabwe. Central province deputy commissioner Charity Munganga said the incident happened around midnight. She said the fire is said to have Laka Laka restaurant and spread to the rest of the shops which include IMDAAS […]

By RUTH YAMBAYAMBA

THE United Capital Fertiliser Company Limited has announced that, it will be selling fertiliser in the range of k650 and K700 per 50 kg bag for the 2023/2024 farming season.

The company says, in addition to this exciting development, it has established partnerships with dedicated agro dealers and distributors. 

It says this will ensures exceptional fertiliser product reaches every farmer across the country. 

The company says it appreciates the patience and commitment of the farmers as it is working to provide timely updates on fertiliser availability in specific areas.

The company says for those seeking larger quantities, they are free to visit the factory.

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From 2010 to 2019, the incidence rates of early-onset cancers increased, with gastrointestinal cancers having the fastest-growing incidence rates, according to a study published online Aug. 16 in JAMA Network Open.

A SENSE of distress and turmoil enveloped in Lusaka, as a 33-year-old man’s attempt to end his life played out in a dramatic scene after being excluded from army training due to surpassing the age limit. Moses Sichone, aged 33, had been on the cusp of realising his ambition to join the military, having been […]

By MICHAEL MIYOBA

GAL Sports Zambia has encouraged legendary “Mighty” Mufulira Wanderers to fight hard to remain in the FAZ Super League and maintain their three-year performance-based partnership. 

Gal Sports Betting Zambia representative Bwezani Mbewe said the company was determined to help “Mighty” retain its status as a legendary club. 

Mbewe was speaking after unveiling a US$100, 000 kit sponsorship deal which was witnessed by two Members of Parliaments, Heartson Mabeta and Anthony Mumba as well as Mufulira Mayor Tanaeli Kamanga, 

Mbewe said Gal Sports was proud to be associated with the nine times Zambian Champions who are aiming to impress as they return to Super League action. 

He cautioned the club to avoid relegation and fight to finish in the top three to receive more incentives from Gal Sport who also promised to reward the club with US$25, 000, US$10, 000 and US$5, 000 for finishing first, second and third respectively.

The sponsorship excited Mufulira Wanderers president, George Katongo who applauded Gal Sports for coming on board to aid the legendary club as it returns to the Super League. 

Katongo encouraged the players to work hard and maintain their legendary position in the country’s topflight league. 

And Mayor Kamanga urged “Mighty” supporters to help the club raise resources which will help them to remain in the Super League. 

Kamanga said the club is too legendary to be struggling with resources when it has a huge following that can contribute resources to sustain itself.