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A discovery about gene variants of an inflammation ‘brake’ brings scientists a step closer to personalised treatment for patients at risk of kidney disease and kidney failure.

By LUCY PHIRI

LUSAKA Chief resident magistrate Davies Chibwili has referred to the High Court for sentencing the case of a 51-year-old Burundian National for smuggling 27 persons into Zambia.

Magistrate Chibwili in his ruling said the offense of smuggling persons is a very serious offense and attracts a minimum of 15 years imprisonment and the magistrate court has no jurisdiction.

In this matter, Amani Ntahomvukiye, 51, of Burundi pleaded guilty to 27 counts of smuggling of persons contrary to section 11 of the Anti-Human Trafficking Act No. 11 of 208 of the laws of Zambia. 

Upon his own admission of the charge, Mr. Chibwili found him guilty and convicted him accordingly.

“The court has found you guilty, but this offense carries minimum sentence of 15 years imprisonment with hard labor and looking at the counts, are 27 the sentence might even reach to life imprisonment. This court has no power to give sentence of beyond 9 years, I will refer the matter to the High court for mitigation and sentencing,” he ruled.

Facts before the court are that Ntahomvukiye entered Zambia on January 9, 2023 through Zombe Border Control with a valued passport. 

The victims he smuggled are also Burundese nationals who left their country in early January 2023 in search of green pasture in South Africa. Their journey started from Bujumbura city in Burundi where most of the victims used to live. Out of the 27 victims, 13 did not have passports to enable them to cross the international borders so the accused person organized Burundese travel documents for them. 

Ntahomvukiye charged them an amount of between US300 to 700 dollars each victim this money was meant for facilitating their movements. On January 7, 2023 the accused person together with the victims entered Tanzania through Mugina Manoyvu the border between Burundi and Tanzania where the accused person instructed them to get transit days in order to allow them to cross through Tanzania into Zambia.

On January 8, 2023 the Ntahomvukiye and the victims travelled through Kigoma and proceeded to Sumbawanga on January 9, 2023 a few meters from Zombe border. At that point the victims who had Burundese travel documents could not be allowed to cross the Zambian border, so only the 14 victims with passports entered Zambia.

On January 10, 2023 the accused managed to obtain the Tanzanian travel documents for the 13 victims and these travel documents bore fake names and their dates of birth. Thereafter they managed to enter Zambia with Tanzanian travel forged documents. On January 11 the accused person together with the 27 victims proceeded to Lusaka using a public service vehicle.

Whilst in Lusaka, the accused organized another public bus which picked the victims and proceeded to Chirundu border where they were taken to a certain house in readiness to go in Zimbabwe.

Unfortunately, the immigration officers at Chirundu border received information from concerned members of public that there were Burundese nationals suspected to be victims of human trafficking at the border.  Later a team of immigration officers was formed who raided the same house and apprehended the accused person together with the victims. 

They were transferred to Lusaka immigration headquarters where Mr. Luke Mulila an Investigation Officer interviewed the victims who informed him that they were going to South Africa by the help of the accused.

Mr. Mulila further interviewed the suspect Ntahomvukiye who informed him that the victims were going for a wedding in Zambia. 

The officer then made up his mind to charge and arrest the accused person after he admitted the charge.

ACTIONAID Zambia says there is urgent need for financial literacy capacity building for the National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA) claimants after the signing of the partial withdraw policy. 

By GIDEON NYENDWA

BUSINESSES should be worried when the local currency is gaining value at a fast rate when the economy is not producing and exporting anything to warrant the gain, Zambia United for Sustainable Development (ZUSD) president Lazarus Chisela has said.    

By GRACE CHAILE

THREE members of a Village Banking Group called the Victorious Women have sued the administrators of the microcredit grouping demanding payments of over K400, 000.

Chama Chisunka, Yvette Phiri and Jacques Chanda have sued Mary Munanyimbo, Claudette Mulumba, Mumba Musanda and Kapembwa Kangwa, seeking an order of the Lusaka High Court for the defendants to pay them K476, 564.41 with interest.

The trio want an interim injunction restraining Munanyimbo, Mulumba, Musanda and Kangwa, either by themselves, their agents or employees or servants or whomsoever deriving authority from them from making any withdrawals from account no 5824293100162 held at Zambia National Commercial Bank (ZANACO) Northmead Branch.

In addition, the plaintiffs are demanding that the four defendants should not perform any transaction affecting the said account, other than making deposits into the account until an order of the court.

In a statement of claim, Ms Chisunka and two others stated that Munanyimbo served as chairperson of the Victorious Women Group while   Mulumba and Musanda held positions of signatory and secretary. 

She said Kangwa, the fourth defendant in the matter, was the treasurer of the Village Banking Group.

She said that the group was created in December 2021, and they joined in January 2022.

Ms Chisunka stated that Munanyimbo and the other three were appointed by the members to manage the group’s contributions and savings under the Victorious Women Group constitution.

 The four then jointly and in their names opened a bank account with ZANACO to house funds contributed and saved by the members.

Ms Chisunka stated that each member was required to make a minimum contribution of K1, 000 and were at liberty to reinvest part or all of their share out from monies in the previous cycle at the start of every new cycle.

She claimed that in line with the group constitution, a member who obtained a loan, was charged at 10 percent of the loan amount until full redemption or settlement.

She said the contribution or savings were made and attracted 10 percent interest of the invested funds.

Ms Chisunka stated that she saved and invested K197, 954. 32 and was due for payment on November 17, 2022, at share out day.

She stated that she had obtained a loan of K49, 061.91, which brought the due balance to K148, 892.41.

 Ms Chisunka stated that Ms Phiri obtained a loan from the group and the current balance was K16, 719.02 that brought the due balance to K110, 546. 00

And that Ms Chanda saved and invested in the village banking K140, 000.00 and accrued interest of K97, 126.00.

Ms Chisunka stated that Ms Chanda’s total amount due, less K20, 000.00 loan was K217,126.00.

“The plaintiffs will further aver that all the monies contributed or saved were paid to and managed by the defendants, and on November 17, 2022, share out was scheduled to take place but without success,” she stated. 

BY MICHAEL MIYOBA

AFTER a goalless draw against Lumwana Radiants last Weekend, Kitwe giants Nkana FC will fight to bounce back to winning ways when they host Choma outfit Green Eagles FC in today’s Week-30 FAZ Super League fixture at Nkana Stadium in Kitwe.

The Beston Chambeshi-drilled Kalampa haven’t given up on challenging the league leaders and rivals Power Dynamos for the Super League title and a win in today’s clash with Eagles is key to achieving that objective.

Nkana are on eighth position on the log with 42 points collected from 10 wins, 12 draws and seven losses.

To maintain an unbeaten run in the last nine games where they have snatched five wins and four draws, Nkana FC will look to Congolese striker David Kabala who has been their most dangerous weapon upfront.

Nkana will also hope that the duo of Lameck Kafwaya and Jacob Ngulube will be in fine form to help snatch the needed points after the two proved to be key to the team’s success in the last three games. 

While Nkana will be fighting for a win to complete a double over an Eagles FC side which they stunned 1-0 in Choma, the Alex Namazaba-tutored Choma outfit will be seeking reveng to bounce back from last weekend’s surprise 2-1 home loss to Nchanga Rangers.

Namazaba will look to Amity Shamenda who scored a brace and a goal as Eagles defeated Chambishi FC and Zanaco in the last two wins. 

Meanwhile, Napsa Stars will seek to consolidate their stay on second position on the league table when they take on struggling Chambishi FC in the lunchtime kick off of the double header at Nkana Stadium.

The Pensioners who are on a four-game winning streak will fight for maximum points to keep their chances of playing continental football alive.

After scoring 11 goals in four games, the Perry Mutapa-drilled side are the favuorites going into today’s fixture as they face a side that has struggled with five consecutive defeats.

Chambishi are second from bottom on the Super League table with 28 points collected from eight wins, four draws and 17 defeats.

Today’s fixture against the Pensioners presents Chambishi a final opportunity in its quest to survive the relegation battle which has heated up with Buildcon FC already demoted.

A win for the Pensioners will propel them to 48 points while defeat for Chambishi will crush their hopes of surviving relegation to play National Division One football next season.

BY TROY MUKUPA 

MATERO born and bred, Rage Records signed rapper Fhrydheezho has released visuals for his most anticipated single “Nkondo” taken off his recently released EP tagged ‘Music Is My Motive’. The released visuals off Rage Records stables are already receiving massive online support. 

In an interview, the young, energetic-rapper appreciated the response so far shown since the release of the visuals. He told the Daily Nation Lifestyle that more visuals from his recently released EP are underway.

“I am super focused right now. This year just has to be different. I feel this is my year. Big things are coming,” said Fhrydheezho 

And in a separate interview, another Rage Records signed rapper and songwriter Jay Dee Jones has told Daily Nation Lifestyle that all is set for the release of his most anticipated Mixtape “Made In Matero” which was set for its release last year December before moving the date to this year.

The rapper, songwriter and producer could not contain his excitement. “Am so pumped up on the upcoming release of my Mixtape. Absolutely thrilled and really truly honored to management. For me this is so deeply gratifying. Thanks to my fans for their patience and support. Pleasee continue with your support. Look out for ‘Made In Matero’ mixtape.”

The official tracklist was posted on the music labels’ Facebook page. It has songs like Jankie Mu Matero, Osakachinje, Pablo Escobar, Love Games. Others songs on it: Napeza Love, 10 Kwacha, Ambuye, with a bonus track tagged Uyu Mwana.

Meanwhile, Rage Records CEO and proprietor, Don Jay Isaac said he was proud of the two artists. He said they gave their all in both the songwriting and production. 

“One word can be said to describe the two rappers (Fhrydheezho & Jay Dee Jones) and that is determination. They are determined to setting the bar higher in their songs. This is what we team Rage Records will continue to give out, hit after hit,” said the CEO

The top-boss hinted that Rage Records has opened its doors to upcoming artists who would want to join team Rage. He said the record label will continue to push both already known and upcoming talent to the world.

BY MICHAEL MIYOBA

FORMER Chipolopolo striker Clifford Mulenga has urged young athletes to guard their talents and character for them to continue winning.

The 2012 AFCON winner who was expelled from the Chipolopolo squad by then Chipolopolo head coach Herve Renard for disciplinary reasons said it is not easy being young and multi-talented.

Mulenga, who featured for a number of clubs in the South African premiership and won the 2007 African Footballer of the year said he struggled to be consistent as he failed to combine talent with character. 

“Talent got me to some very nice and beautiful places. Talent got me a CAF award in 2007, the envy of many. Talent got me some very good money contracts and beautiful women but unfortunately my character let me down badly,” Mulenga said.

“I failed to combine my talent and character and this is one of my biggest lessons in life. I failed to be consistent,” he said.

Mulenga who now features for Forest Rangers in Ndola has urged youngsters to manage their talents and characters well to continue succeeding in their football careers.

“Patson Daka, the 2017 CAF award winner and a legion of some of our current football stars, Fashion Sakala, Lameck Banda, Klings Kangwa etc have managed well their talents and characters. I hope for them they never lose their good characters even in moments of criticism,” Mulenga said. 

He warned players to be careful of people who surround them as they also have potential to destroy their careers.

“Sometimes even the very people around you can destroy your career. Focus on your passion. Respect everyone and be humble,” he said.

“To the young ones out there, being multi-talented is not easy especially when the world is at your feet but good character and consistency will keep you at the top,” Mulenga said.

By Correspondent 

The United States of America has long presented itself as a model of democracy, both to its citizens and to the rest of the world. 

However, the reality is that the US is far from being a perfect democracy, and there are several reasons why it is not a model worthy of emulation by African countries. 

Firstly, the US has a long history of systemic racism and discrimination against minorities. Despite the contribution of Americans of African origin to US economic advancements, racial inequality persists in the country, and minorities continue to face social, economic, and political marginalization. This is evident in the high levels of police brutality against blacks and Asians, as well as in the disproportionate rates of poverty, incarceration, and voter suppression that affect minority communities. 

At the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, blacks accounted for as high 39% of the recorded deaths despite being less than 15% of the population in the affected states. Police instigated gun violence against minority groups such as those witnessed during the gruesome murder of George Floyd, are also on the increase with 67 mass shootings already registered in the first two months of 2023 alone.  

This pattern of discrimination has effectively suppressed the voice of minorities and limiting their participation in the democratic process.

When groups are excluded from the democratic process, they are denied a fair say in the decisions that affect their lives and communities. This undermines the legitimacy of the US democratic system and weakens its ability to serve the interests of all citizens.

Secondly, the US political system is characterized by a high degree of polarization and partisanship. The political landscape is deeply divided along ideological lines, and politicians are often more concerned with scoring political points than with finding solutions to the problems facing the country. This has resulted in a gridlock in the legislative process, with lawmakers struggling to pass even basic legislation. 

This trend has been further exacerbated by the use of gerrymandering and voter suppression tactics, which are often employed by the ruling party to maintain its grip on power. When the political system is not working effectively, citizens lose faith in the democratic process and are less likely to participate in it.

The refusal of former President Trump to accept outcomes of the 2020 presidential elections and subsequent attack on the Capitol by Trump supporters cast a dark shadow over US model of democracy, seriously eroding US prestige at home and abroad. 

Thirdly, the US electoral system is plagued by problems that undermine its integrity and fairness. Voter suppression tactics, such as restrictive voter ID laws, have been used to disenfranchise minority voters, while gerrymandering has been used to skew the electoral map in favour of one party. The influence of money in politics has also grown to unprecedented levels, with wealthy donors and special interests exerting undue influence on the political process. 

The rise of fake news and disinformation on social media has further undermined the ability of citizens to make informed decisions about the candidates and issues they are voting on. When the electoral system is compromised, citizens lose faith in the legitimacy of the election results and are less likely to participate in the democratic process. US entities are now working overtime to export their brand of fake news to influence election outcomes in many countries, including in Africa.

Fourthly, the US government has been known to engage in anti-democratic practices both domestically and internationally. One of the most striking examples of this is the way the US government has responded to the threat of terrorism since the 9/11 attacks. The government has authorized the use of torture, secret prisons, and targeted killings without due process, all in the name of national security. These actions have eroded civil liberties and violated the rule of law, undermining the basic principles of democracy. When the US engages in anti-democratic practices, at home and abroad, it sends a message to other countries that democracy is not a priority.

The US is far from being a model of democracy worthy of emulation by African countries.

Washington’s obsession with democracy promotion in Africa is therefore not intended to help African countries muster good governance practices; rather it is intended to pursue US own interests abroad. African countries must be brave enough to chalk out their own sustainable paths to socioeconomic transformation.

The views expressed in this article do not represent this publication but the author.

ZAMBIA is likely to be food insecure for the first time in as many harvest seasons and that Zambians should be ready to have a scarcity of food for the next two to three years because the UPND government is using the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) maize stocks to stabilize mealie-meal prices, Green Party President Peter Sinkamba has said.