Posts in category: Uncategorized

 DESPITE the State having withdrawn the Honeybee court case involving former Minister of Health Chitalu Chilufya and seven others, the matter is still under scrutiny by the Anti-Corruption (ACC). On February 16, 2023, the Lusaka Magistrate’s Court discharged Dr Chilufya and seven others in a case they were charged with conspiracy to defraud government out of […]

By LUCY PHIRI

A PASTOR of United End of Times Church in Lusaka’s Kanyama compound has been found with a case to answer and put on his defence in a matter he allegedly raped an 18-year-old girl who was entrusted to him for spiritual cleansing and sponsorship to school.

In this case, George Phiri, aged 30, of Kanyama compound pleaded not guilty to one count of rape.

When the matter came up at the Lusaka magistrate court, Magistrate Idah Phiri said in her ruling that after the court analysed the evidence from the prosecution, it proved beyond reasonable doubt and found the accused with a case to answer.

It is alleged that Phiri took the victim to a lodge and had sex with her as part of spiritual cleansing. It is also alleged that he smeared a white powder on her genitals and sprinkled some water on her body claiming that she had a spiritual husband and some evil spirits which needed to be removed whilst naked on the bed.

Previously, Mr Teddy Chulu testified that he was given the white powder by the victim to present as part of evidence.

“On August 18, 2022, I reported on duty under the victim support unit, whilst in the office between 08:30 hours and 16 hours I was allocated a rape case and to investigate the matter in which Davies Kamwanga  reported on behalf of his niece who was allegedly sexually assaulted by a known person who was guarding her,” he said.

Mr Chulu narrated that the victim during the interview indicated that Phiri was paying her school fees and was her pastor at End of Time Ministries in Lusaka.

“She indicated that she had problems in the stomach and he told her that he wanted to remove evil spirits which were tormenting her. She was later taken to a certain lodge in Old Kanyama farm with the view of removing the evil spirits. It was in the lodge where the suspect removed white powder which was poured in a plastic dish with water, at that point the victim felt dizzy and the suspect took advantage of the situation and had sex with her.” Mr Chulu narrated.

The court also heard that Phiri threatened to kill the victim if she was to reveal the ordeal to anyone.

“The victim was promised a new phone and also to sponsor her to school, she was thereafter warned or threatened not to tell anyone what had transpired,” he said.

Meanwhile, the victim in her testimony admitted being raped by Phiri and being smeared white powder on her private’s parts to clear the illness she had.

And the victim’s father narrated to the court how he trusted his pastor because he used to go to his church for prayers.

 AN immigration officer has told a magistrate that businessman Harry Findlay used two different passports when he flew out and back into Zambia in August 2017. Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (KKIA) Immigration deputy officer-in-charge Linda Kunda-Mtonga narrated that the two passports used are ZP013259 and ZP021382. This is in a case Findlay is accused of […]

By BEATRICE MWILAMBWE
ORMER Vice-President, Inonge Wina has proposed the establishment of the Council of Elders to advise Government on issues of national importance.
Speaking during the launch of her book entitled: When Destiny Calls in Lusaka, Ms Wina proposed to Vice-President WK Mutale Nalumango that Government should consider constituting a Council of Elders composed of former Vice-Presidents to advise Government on national matters.

Ms Wina said it was time for Government to consider forming a Council of Elders in order to harness and utilize the experiences of former Vice-Presidents.
“The Council of Elders should provide advice on pertinent national issues,” Ms Wina said.
She also praised former President Edgar Lungu for his vision and courage to appoint her Vice-President in 2015
“It seemed as if the whole population was hit on the head with a hammer. The current Vice-President mentioned here that it is not easy for Presidents to put women or nominate women to be their running mates, it takes courage for the President to do so.
“After receiving this hammer on the head, the country was in a state of disbelief. Many in Zambia never expected this to happen for woman to be Vice President,” Ms Wina said
She said it was an honour and privilege for any man or woman to serve one’s country at any level.
“This is how I felt when I was appointed Vice –President thanks to President Edgar Lungu who accorded me that rare opportunity to serve the people of Zambia. We are encouraged that the current administration under the leadership of His Excellency Mr Hakainde Hichilema has also chose her honour Mrs WK Mutale Nalumango to that position of Vice-President,” Ms Wina said
Meanwhile, former Vice-President Nevers Mumba has backed calls by Ms Wina that a Council of Elders should be constituted to advise Government on national matters.
Dr Mumba told Millennium TV in an interview that any leader who has held the position of Vice-President or President acquired so much knowledge, information and experience.
“It is worthwhile to use that information and that experience to push the country forward. So we support the proposal by the former Vice-President that a council of former Vice-Presidents and former Presidents be put together so that when there is a national issue, which is bi-partisan and does not lean on one political party, you call this council of elders whose interest is not just the political party but the interest is the nation,” Dr Mumba said.
And speaking when she officiated at the book launch, Ms Nalumango has urged women to rise to the call of taking up leadership to contribute to the country’s development.
Ms Nalumango also urged young girls to focus and believe that they could do more to contribute to the good governance of the country.
She further urged academicians to continue researching and writing about Zambia’s history that would benefit future generations

A PASTOR of United End of Times Church in Lusaka’s Kanyama compound has been found with a case to answer and put on his defence in a matter he allegedly raped an 18-year-old girl who was entrusted to him for spiritual cleansing and sponsorship to school.
In this case, George Phiri, aged 30, of Kanyama compound pleaded not guilty to one count of rape.
When the matter came up at the Lusaka magistrate court, Magistrate Idah Phiri said in her ruling that after the court analysed the evidence from the prosecution, it proved beyond reasonable doubt and found the accused with a case to answer.
It is alleged that Phiri took the victim to a lodge and had sex with her as part of spiritual cleansing. It is also alleged that he smeared a white powder on her genitals and sprinkled some water on her body claiming that she had a spiritual husband and some evil spirits which needed to be removed whilst naked on the bed.
Previously, Mr Teddy Chulu testified that he was given the white powder by the victim to present as part of evidence.
“On August 18, 2022, I reported on duty under the victim support unit, whilst in the office between 08:30 hours and 16 hours I was allocated a rape case and to investigate the matter in which Davies Kamwanga reported on behalf of his niece who was allegedly sexually assaulted by a known person who was guarding her,” he said.
Mr Chulu narrated that the victim during the interview indicated that Phiri was paying her school fees and was her pastor at End of Time Ministries in Lusaka.
“She indicated that she had problems in the stomach and he told her that he wanted to remove evil spirits which were tormenting her. She was later taken to a certain lodge in Old Kanyama farm with the view of removing the evil spirits. It was in the lodge where the suspect removed white powder which was poured in a plastic dish with water, at that point the victim felt dizzy and the suspect took advantage of the situation and had sex with her.” Mr Chulu narrated.
The court also heard that Phiri threatened to kill the victim if she was to reveal the ordeal to anyone.
“The victim was promised a new phone and also to sponsor her to school, she was thereafter warned or threatened not to tell anyone what had transpired,” he said.
Meanwhile, the victim in her testimony admitted being raped by Phiri and being smeared white powder on her private’s parts to clear the illness she had.
And the victim’s father narrated to the court how he trusted his pastor because he used to go to his church for prayers.

THE Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has warned that increasing the prices of Jet A-1 fuel would have adverse effects on the operational costs for the airline industry.

CAA has therefore welcomed the non-increment of prices on Jet A -1 fuel as announced by the Energy Regulations Board recently, describing the decision as bold.

CAA Board Chairperson Patrick Nkhoma, said increasing the prices of Jet A-1 fuel would affect the operational costs for the airline industry and ultimately increase the cost of doing business.

“If the present challenge of aviation fuel is not fully addressed, we would have a situation where airlines’ profit margins contract such that the continued operations become unsustainable due to the high cost of doing business.

“The high cost of Jet A-1 fuel is not only a phenomenon in Zambia alone but a number of African countries are also grappling with the same issue. The topic is also being tackled at governmental level to demonstrate the gravity of the issue,” he said in a statement issued on Thursday. 

Dr Nkhoma said the CAA had been having various engagements with stakeholders such as the Ministry of Transport and Logistics, the aviation industry, the Tourism Council and the Energy Regulation Board to extensively tackle this issue.

He explained that the subject matter needed a multi sectoral stakeholder engagement approach because of the complexity of its nature.

“We are confident that the government and the various players concerned with this matter are taking the necessary steps to look into the issue and that the CAA will continue to engage  them to see to it that we continue to have a viable aviation  industry,” Dr Nkhoma said.

The CAA seeks to provide effective and efficient regulatory services to the Aviation industry ensure legal compliance and provide safety assurance for all air transport users in Zambia.

THE FAZ Super Division enters round-26 this weekend with rejuvenated Nkana FC set to host rejuvenated Prison Leopards at Nkana Stadium in Kitwe.

After enjoying three consecutive wins which propelled them to 8th  on the FAZ Super League table, Kitwe giants Nkana FC will target to propel their winning streak when they host the Kabwe outfit in today’s clash which promises sparks.

After beating Forest Rangers, MUZA and Nchanga Rangers in the last two fixtures, Nkana are the favorites going into today’s fixture against a team that is not a push over in the Super League.

Prison Leopards are currently sixth on the Super League table with 37 points, three points ahead of their rivals in today’s clash.

Prison Leopards who held Nkana to a goalless draw in Kabwe will have to come up with a perfect plan to stop the Kitwe giants who boast of having one of the best striker in the league.

David Kabala has scored four goals for Nkana in the last three fixtures and holds the key to Nkana’s win which can push them to sixth on the log.

In the Lunchtime kick off at Nkana Stadium, Chambishi will face relegation threatened Nkwazi FC who are seeking to bounce back from the 2-0 defeat Green Buffaloes last weekend.

Meanwhile, struggling NAPSA Stars who finished February without a win will seek redemption when they face in-form Kabwe Warriors at Godfrey Chitalu Stadium.

As NAPSA Stars will be seeking redemption, Kabwe Warriors will be seeking maximum three points to dislodge the Pensioners from tenth on the log.

At Lumwana Grounds in Solwezi, Zesco United will aim to recover from the painful 1-0 beating by MUZA FC when they face Kansanshi Dynamos whose main objective is to beat Zesco United to avoid dropping into the relegation zone.

Defending champions Red Arrows are in Chingola for a date with Nchanga Rangers who are determined to collect maximum points to avoid the relegation zone.

Red Arrows who are fifth on the log with 39 points are enjoying a six games unbeaten record and today’s fixture may prove to be one of the toughest test in their quest to reclaim the top four spot on the Super League table.

Green Buffaloes will host Lumwana Radiants at Edwin Imboela Stadium while Sensational Zanaco FC will host Green Eagles at Sunset Stadium in Lusaka

Week-26 Fixtures.

Chambishi Vs Nkwazi Saturday 4th March,

Nkana Vs Prison Leopards Saturday 4th March,

Kansanshi Dynamos Vs ZESCO United Saturday 4th March,

Kabwe Warriors Vs NAPSA Stars Saturday 4th March,

Nchanga Rangers Vs Red Arrows

Green Buffaloes Vs Lumwana Radiants

ZANACO Vs Green Eagles.

Sunday fixtures

Forest Rangers Vs FC MUZA

Buildcon Vs Power Dynamos

CHONGWE Town Clerk (TC), Damson Mukwato has warned waste management companies in the district against poor waste management, stating that failure will result in termination of contracts.

Mr. Mukwato sounded the warning during an engagement meeting with the waste management companies and franchisees in Chongwe.

He said that if there is no improvement in the service delivery their services to the local authority risked being terminated.

The three waste management companies include Chlorophyll, Jayann Trading and Citimop Waste Management.

The Mr Mukwato expressed displeasure with the manner in which the waste is being handled by the named companies.

He pointed out that the inconsistencies in timely garbage collection from residential areas, use of inappropriate vehicles for garbage transportation, lack of Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) for garbage collectors, poor supervision of garbage collection personnel and failure to pay tipping fees to the local authority would no longer be tolerated.

Mr Mukwato insisted that the local authority will not allow the waste management franchise companies to continue ignoring the health and safety rules.

He has urged those in waste management business to scale up their waste management services in order to reflect the council’s commitment towards prudent waste management.

He also warned the firms against dumping waste in nearby bushes or undesignated areas.

The TC regretted that the inefficient waste handling system by the contracted waste management companies was misrepresenting the local authority’s efforts in managing waste in the district.

He said that the local authority is dedicated to providing quality sanitation services to the district and will not allow any firm to frustrate its efforts.

He said that these and other interventions are meant to ensure that the district was free from unfortunate circumstances such as the outbreak of water borne diseases such as cholera.

Mr. Mukwato further urged company owners to ensure that garbage collectors are well supervised and do not sit on top of the garbage during waste transportation because this was against the public safety regulations.

He also implored the companies to take part in the keep Zambia clean campaign exercise as a way of championing hygiene in the district.

Meanwhile the Town Clerk has challenged the public to manage their waste in a prudent manner and refrain from indiscriminate disposal of waste.

By NATION REPORTER

CALLS for the dismissal of Mines and Mineral Development Minister Paul Kabuswe have intensified with the latest coming from Davis Mwila who has accused the Minister of abetting and or participating in corruption scandals in his ministry.

Mr Mwila, the former Patriotic Front (PF) secretary general has asked President Hakainde Hichilema to dismiss Mr Kabuswe because according to him, the Mines Minister was allegedly involved in corruption.

Mr Mwila said there were a lot of scandals happening in the Ministry of Mines under the watch of Mr Kabuswe ranging from the Sugilite, the allegations of UPND members invading at Sacko Mine in Mkushi, the supremacy of UPND cadres at the Black Mountain and the complaints coming from North-western Province which President Hichilema should be concerned with.

He said it would appear that Mr Kabuswe was either abetting corruption in his ministry was an active participant in the vice which he said should warrant President Hichilema to take action.

He said President Hakainde Hichilema should fire Mr Kabuswe because his silence could be interpreted the head of State was protecting the minister which he said was going to compromise the fight against corruption.

“The entire UPND has interest in the mines and if they are not checked, all the minerals and precious stones will be smuggled out of the country,” Mr Mwila said.

He said in September last year, President Hichilema fired the Permanent Secretary at the ministry of mines, Dr. Sakwiba Musiwa and appointed Mr Mooya Lukamba who has also been fired barely months without giving clear reasons.

Mr Mwila said the silence by President Hichilema over the continued scndals and corruption exposés raised more questions than answers as to why the controlling officers were being sacrificed leaving the minister as the main man at the ministry calling all the shots.

He said the minister of mines was mismanaging the Black Mountain to an extent of bringing people outside the Copperbelt province to come and do mining leaving out the local people of Wusakile from the equation.

Mr Mwila said the sooner Mr Hichilema takes action against Mr. Kabuswe the better because the mining sector has really suffered under his watch.

“If permanent secretaries are being fired, why leave Kabuswe the one who is in charge of offering policy direction,” he said.

 A CALAMITY  has hit a family of Siya village in a Kaoma district after they were struck by lightning claiming the lives of five of its members among them a three year old boy on Friday. At around 15:30 hours, all the family members were reclining in their small hut used as a kitchen when […]