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By LUCY PHIRI

THE Lusaka Magistrate Court has sentenced a 23-year- old man of Lusaka’s Chipata Compound to one year imprisonment for sneaking into his parent’s house at midnight and stealing property valued at K2, 000.

Adamson Phiri pleaded guilty to the charge of burglary and theft where he broke and entered into a dwelling house of his mother, Ms Beatrice Phiri.

It is alleged that Phiri broke the door at mid night and entered the house when his father had left for work as he was in the night shift.

Phiri narrated that he lives with his parents but the incident happened when he slept at a friend’s house.

“I live with my parents but on the day the incident happened I did not sleep at home, so I came at midnight, broke the door and entered the house. After picking the television set my mother saw me and that’s how I ran away.  She then reported the matter to the police and I was arrested,” he said.

Particulars of the offence are that, on November 6, 2022 with intent to steal, Phiri broke and entered into a dwelling house of Beatrice Phiri and did steal therein one television set, a phone, one chitenge material altogether valued at K2, 000.

In mitigation, Phiri said he will never repeat what he did instead he wanted to go back to school.

On hearing his mitigation, the court sentenced him to twelve months imprisonment with hard labour to deter would-be offenders.

THAT Zambia has won international recognition as a functioning democracy should be a matter of pride to all Zambians.

This has been highlighted by the country’s ability to peacefully transfer power from one political party to another.

Not only has power transitioned peacefully, Zambians have equally embraced democracy as a form of government for the country.

Zambia has emerged as exemplary when it comes to the smooth transition of power in Southern Africa, the international thinktank Afrobarometer has observed.

The Afrobarometer is a pan-African, independent, non-partisan research network that measures public attitudes on economic, political, and social matters in Africa.

The survey according to the organisation also noted that 87 percent of Zambians prefer democracy to any other form of government.

Touting the country’s democratic credentials, the survey also noted that 87 percent of Zambians prefer democracy to any other form of government.

Non-democratic alternatives such as one-party rule was also rejected by 87 percent, while 91 percent were against military rule and almost everyone surveyed (95 percent) were against a dictatorship.

Zambians must in this vein ensure that they uphold democratic tenets by promoting peaceful co-existence despite the political differences.

It is incumbent upon all political players to ensure that they preach unity in the nation without resorting to violence.

The violence that was witnessed during the recent Youth Day celebrations in some parts of the country should not be the norm.

Zambians should therefore ensure that they use the Afrobarometer survey as a marketing tool to woo foreign investors to the country.

There is a lot that the country has to offer – political stability, an ideal climate with plenty of water and the government’s commitment to economic growth.

Thus, events like this year’s Land linked Zambia Conference slated held at Lusaka’s Mulungushi International Conference Centre are a direct result of the country’s stability.

About 400 delegates from 14 countries are expected to attend this year’s Land linked Zambia Conference which has drawn private and public sector players in the transport and logistics industry.

It is expected to create a platform for information sharing, networking and formation of synergies among the different countries.

Next week’s Summit for Democracy that Zambia will co-host provides another opportunity not only to help build the country but strengthen the country’s democracy as well.

Delegates to the conference will be able to observe at first hand how Zambians have embraced democracy and allowed it to evolve through the years.

It is thanks to the Zambians that the country still remains as a beacon of peace in Africa providing a safe haven for those escaping civil strife in their countries.

We must preserve democracy.

April 1st, 2023, Washington DC USA // For 35 years, Delphos has championed financial solutions in emerging economies. Our philosophy is that the key to financial inclusion is harnessing the energy and creativity of women. We believe that empowering women of Africa is essential to enabling African communities to achieve their dreams.

Delphos International is proud to have Amb Roya Rahmani, Chair of Delphos International and a former Afghan Ambassador to the United States, join the Vice President of the United States, Kamala Harris, during the launch of the Digital Coalition Program in Lusaka Zambia on April 1st 2023.

We have committed to mobilizing $250 million by 2027 to advance women’s economic security across Africa, including $100 million for projects to advance digital gender equality and women’s clean energy contributions, such as through products particularly benefitting women customers or supporting women-led enterprises.

Currently on an Africa tour, Amb.Rahmani has led many initiatives related to women empowerment  and continues to advocate that women empowerment and participation is key to addressing  climate change and positive economic development. 

With a strong resolve to address  financing gaps in developing countries,  Delphos has been building bridges between government, Development Financial institution,  investors  and private sector to enable implementation of projects that can change the lives of many ordinary people, with a particular focus on  women. It is embedded in our philosophy that women empowerment must be the bedrock of our efforts towards digital transformation, sustainable infrastructure, and climate resiliency.

About Delphos:

Delphos is the definitive source for arranging innovative financial solutions for development companies and projects.  We specialize in raising long-term, competitively priced capital for corporates, fund managers, developers, SMEs, sovereigns, and entrepreneurs around the world. Since 1987, we have arranged more than $20 billion in development finance to support the efforts of over 1,200 companies. We tap into the resources of more than 350 government agencies and multilateral organizations worldwide to help clients realize their international business goals and have sustainable impact. In addition to our capital raising efforts, Delphos provides market-leading transaction advisory and investment/risk management consulting services to government and private sector clients across multiple industries. We are approved advisors to AfDB, DFC, IDB Invest, IFC, USAID, US Ex-Im Bank, USTDA, WBG, leading private equity firms, infrastructure developers and strategic investors, and foreign governments and utilities.

Media Contact: Lauren Imparato      lauren.imparato@delphos.co                 +1 202 337 6300

By NATION REPORTER

OUTRAGE and consternation have erupted with a demand for severe retribution over the drowning of 14 people on Lake Bangweulu following revelations that the boat was not only overcrowded but that passengers did not have life jackets. 

The boat which had a capacity of 16 people was carrying 44 people. Of those 14 drowned, six bodies have been retrieve while 25 others were rescued. Northern Province Commanding Officer, Gloria Mulele has confirmed that the search for other missing persons has continued.

Among those who have drowned are youths from Kashitu Seveth Day Adventist Church(SDA ) who were travelling from Muchinshi to Chishi Island when the accident happened.

District officials have called for severe retribution and punishment for the boat operators and church leaders who disregarded standard operating procedure and thereby exposed victims to the tragedy.

The government has meanwhile engaged the marine unit of the Zambia Army to help in the search for the missing persons. Northern Province Permanent Secretary, Bernard said government was doing everything possible to ensure that the missing persons  recovered.

The death of the SDA youths  comes  barely two years  after six youths belonging to the  SDA church perished on Lake Kariba.

Luapula Province minister Derricky Chilundika has disclosed that the Defence Force personnel  Zambia Airforce has been engaged to undertake rescue operations on Lake Bangweulu were 14 members of the Seventh Day Adventist Church drowned.

Mr Chilundika said the incident was tragic and that government relayed its deepest condolences to the bereaved family.

“It’s very unfortunate but ZAF has given us a helicopter to help in the rescue operations so that more people could be rescued,” he said.

And Chilubi District Commissioner Listo Mushembe said  the boat capsized after being hit by strong winds on the lake a few minutes after take-off from Chilubi Island.

He said the crew from the near by government vessel  Luchele Nganga which was on the Lake  managed to save 24 people.

The DC further disclosed that marines from Luapula province will be proceeding to Chilubi Island on the Lake Bangweulu to retrieve the reaming bodies.

And Mr Mushembe cautioned residents of Chilubi and vessel operators to abide by all safety regulations when moving on the waters. He also appealed to government to buy more stable vessels to ease movements between the two Islands of Chishi and Chilubi, stating that  it was unfortunate that people had died in such a manner.

Six bodies from lake Bangweule boat accident retrieved

And Chilubi District Administrative Officer, Dieudonne Lupasha  said the bodies that had been retrieved would be put in a central place and later taken to either Samfya or Mansa mortuary. “The district has no mortuary but what we are trying to do is keep the retrieved bodies  at a central place, then at an opportune time,  we will be able to transfer them to either Samfya or Mansa mortuary,” he said.

BY NATION REPORTER

CHAPTER One Foundation Executive Director, Linda Kasonde says the continued application of the law criminalizing defamation of the President is a violation of fundamental rights.

Ms Kasonde has since urged the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to take immediate action to address the issue.

She said in a statement that Chapter One Foundation promoted and protected human rights, constitutionalism, social justice and the rule of law in Zambia.

Ms Kasonde said the aim of Chapter One Foundation was to promote and protect the Constitution and the rights included in it and by so doing contribute to a democratic dispensation in which citizens could freely participate in the democratic governance of the country.

She said the recent repeal of the law criminalizing defamation of the president was a positive step towards protecting the rights to freedom of expression and opinion, as enshrined in the constitution.

Ms Kasonde said the law was often used as a tool to silence critics and stifle dissent, resulting in the violation of the right to free speech and expression.

She also said the law was used to intimidate and harass journalists and media outlets, hindering their ability to report on matters of public interest.

“Despite the repeal of the law, we have seen a disturbing trend of some individuals still being prosecuted under this law. While we recognise that the repeal of the defamation of the President law does not have retrospective effect, we believe that any law that criminalises defamation violates the rights of individuals to express their opinions and hold those in positions of power accountable.

“We therefore call on the DPP to exercise discretion and not continue to prosecute individuals for defamation of the President. We urge the DPP to ensure that any ongoing prosecutions are immediately halted, and that those who have already been prosecuted under the law are granted amnesty,” Ms Kasonde said.

She said as a country, there was need to continue upholding the values of freedom of expression and opinion and ensure that Zambia’s laws and institutions protect and promote these values.

By NATION REPORTER

THE US$16 million pledged by the United States (US) Government towards the fight against corruption will not be used prudently because the investigative wings have been highly compromised, Zambia Republican Party (ZRP) president Wright Musoma has charged.

BY LUCY PHIRI

ZAMBIANS need to know that the major reason for the visit to Zambia by United States (US) Vice-President Kamala Harris is  to consolidate America’s  political and ideological grip  on Zambia, former Minister  of Defence, George Mpombo has said.

Dr. Mpombo said in an interview that  Ms Harris’ visit to Zambia was as a result of the political conflict between the US with China over the diplomatic influence on Africa.

Meanwhile, Dr. Mpombo has also said the protests by opposition  political parties had  sent a strong message  to Ms Harris that Zambians were uncomfortable with  Lesbian, Gay , Bisexual , Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) rights.

He said the US, China and other western countries were fighting for political influence in Southern Africa and  it was clear that the US  wanted to consolidate its  political grip on Zambia.

“All the countries that Ms. Harris  has visited have a feel of influence that America has created and for this,  the main reason for the visit is to consolidate the political and ideological grip on Zambia.

 “Most of the opposition are uncomfortable with what is called LGBTQ, Americans are the ones fueling the promotion in Africa and the demonstration was to send a message to the America that we do not show your position on this perverted sexual relation,’’ he said.

Dr Mpombo urged Zambians to take the opportunity to learn more on the purpose of the visit and also to understand that Zambia had its own way of governance.

He said no one would change or force their own way of governance on the people of Zambia.

 A 28-year-old woman of Mtendere township in Lusaka has been arrested after she was found dumping a baby. The woman only known as Gertrude was spotted by a concerned member of public who saw her carrying a sack, while her clothes were stained with blood. Police deputy spokesperson Danny Mwale said the incident occurred around […]

By JACKSON MAPAPAYI

ILLEGAL miners have encroached on First Quantum Minerals (FQM) Trident Limited mining licence area and are mining an unknown mineral, which they are supplying to some Chinese businessmen.

Trident Foundation manager, Joseph Ngwira disclosed this during a presentation when students from Defense Staff College toured the mine site.

Mr Ngwira said the illegal mining activities were taking place from the north end of the mining licence area along T5 road.

He said FQM was yet to establish the mineral that the illegal miners were extracting but that it is a shiny rock.

He said the site had over 500 illegal miners including women and children.

He said apart from not knowing the type of mineral being mined, the illegal miners were applying an unsafe type of mining method.

Mr Ngwira warned that the situation would get out of hand if left unchecked. “Because two weeks ago, a gun was discovered in the same area, that’s the situation,” he added.

He said the mining company was working with the Zambia Police Service to bring the situation under control.

By BEATRICE MWILAMBWE

LUENA Member of Parliament,  Mubita Anakoka has urged Zambians  to have confidence in the New Dawn Administration because it is putting in place measures to restore economic stability and growth.

Mr Anakoka told Millennium TV in an interview that  it was normal for commodity prices to increase but the increase should be within the affordability of the citizens.

This Government has reined in debt by bringing in discipline in the way the country is contracting debt. In fact,  we have received a lot of goodwill including Special Drawing Rights with our cooperating partners which  meant that we are able to access money to help us unlock the economy as well as to increase productivity and when productivity increases, the economy will grow and there will be stability in commodity prices.

He said of the factors that affected the production of good and services was the exchange rate.

“We are mindful now that one of the things that affected production of goods and services is the exchange rate, the exchange rate is not where we want it to be . I would have been worse but Government is putting in place measures to ensure macroeconomic stability,” Mr Anakoka said.  

He said the increase in the cost of production was responsible for the rise  in prices of  commodities.