Zambia news Digest

09/07/2024

FORMER PRESIDENT EDGAR LUNGU STILL STANDS ELIGIBLE

……as Constitutional Court rules to Hear Arguments in Former President's 2021 Eligibility Case….

Lusaka, 9th July, 2024

The Constitutional Court has announced its decision to hear arguments in the case concerning the eligibility of former President Edgar Chagwa Lungu to run for office in the 2021 elections.

As it stands, and until the court rules otherwise, the former President remains eligible to stand for elections based on previous rulings by the same Constitutional Court.

This is not the first time the eligibility of the former President has come before the Constitutional Court. With the same judges presiding, the court has previously pronounced itself three times on this matter.

Specifically, in the cases of:
- Daniel P**e and Others v Attorney General and Others(under cause No. 2017/CCZ/004, Selected Judgment No. 60 of 2018)
- **Bambi Aubrey Kapalasa and Another v The Attorney General(CCZ 1 of 2021; CCZ 14 of 2021)
- Legal Resources Foundation Limited and 2 Others v Edgar Chagwa Lungu and Attorney General (Selected Judgment No. 27 of 2021)

Many Zambians wonder if the fresh case is ruled against the former President, what then should the Electoral Commission of Zambia do? Declare the 2021 general election null and void and call for fresh elections?

The Constitutional Court's decision to proceed with the hearing underscores the ongoing complexities and high stakes involved in Zambia's political and legal arenas.

As the arguments unfold, the nation will be closely watching, keenly aware that the court's ruling will have profound implications for the country's democratic processes and the rule of law.

09/07/2024

The Constitutional Court has dismissed preliminary issues raised by former President Edgar Lungu in his eligibility case to contest future elections is being challenged.

09/07/2024

Day of reckoning for the Judiciary

TODAY marks a significant day in Zambian politics as the Constitutional Court, for the fifth time, convenes an 11-member bench to rule on a motion regarding former President Edgar Lungu’s preliminary issues on his eligibility to contest future elections.

This on-going legal saga, which has seen multiple court battles, hinges on the principle of res judicata and functus officio—legal doctrines that prevent the same issue from being litigated repeatedly.

09/07/2024

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09/07/2024

PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema has called on the Judiciary to emulate late former Chief Justice Annel Silungwe by speeding up
judgments on cases that have been pending for many years.

And the legal fraternity has described Zambia’s first indigenous Chief Justice
Silungwe as an astute legal mind with a versatile character and rich talent who served the public service in a distinguished manner.

Speaking when he led scores of mourners in paying their last respect to Justice Silungwe at the Anglican Cathedral of the Holy Cross yesterday, President Hichilema expressed worry that some citizens are still remanded for 20 years despite the prosecution having completed their submissions.

09/07/2024

LATEST: Cops deployed around Supreme Court area ahead of the CONCOURT’s ruling in former Presidnef Edgar Chagwa Lungu’s eligibility matter.

Picture credit: Diamond TV

08/07/2024

BOZ - PHASING OUT OF CHEQUES

08/07/2024

I will reach out to ECL so that we can talk to each other - Hichilema

PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema has assured the church that he will reach out to former president Edgar Lungu to sort out their differences.

Officiating at the 125 years of existence of the Reformed Church in Zambia (RCZ) celebrations in Lusaka yesterday, President Hichilema stated that his Government is clear on the the platform of love and unity in the country regardless of one's political affiliation.

He said conflict does not help society in any way noting that leaders should always strive to lead by example.

This came to light after RCZ asked President Hichilema to continue uniting the country.

"I heard your message loud and clear on unity to continue uniting the country. We will do our part to reach to our colleagues including ECL himself so that we can talk to each other," emphasised Hichilema.

"Our upbringing is clear on the platform of love and unity, on the platform of tolerance not violence, we can achieve a lot on the platform of mutual respect, we can achieve a lot."

The President reiterated that his Government does not want to see confusion such as protests currently happening in other countries.

"No leader must visualise a Zambia where they smoke in Cairo Road, where they smoke in Chipata, that's not our role. Our role is about extending our hands to each other, it's important, you can count on us. What Zambia must always be is to be peaceful so we can all coexist in diversity," he stated.

President Hichilema further urged the church to continue working with Government in promoting unity and development.

08/07/2024

The Itezhi-Tezhi Power Corporation has shut down one turbine at its power plant in Itezhi-Tezhi due to water levels falling below the minimum level required to generate electricity at full capacity.

The power plant’s one machine was turned off after the water level fell to a record low of 12 metres below maximum capacity.

Credit: ZANIS

08/07/2024

Former Chief Justice to be put to rest today 8th July 2024

The Former Chief Justice, aged 88, died on Sunday, 30th June 2024 at the Coptic Hospital in Lusaka, after an illness.

Hon. Justice Silungwe had a long and illustrious career in the Judiciary spanning decades and was the country’s first indigenous Chief Justice. He also served as Minister for Legal Affairs and Attorney General.

Valedictory Service at the Supreme Grounds - 08:30hrs.

Church Service at Anglican Cathedral of the Holy Cross at 10;00hrs.

Burial Programme at Leopards Hill Memorial Park - 13:00hrs.

08/07/2024

Electric Cars
By Dickson Jere

Yesterday, Secretary to Cabinet Patrick Kangwa, after Church, took me to view his official car. Yes, this small little cat is his official vehicle now. It is an electric vehicle which does not use fuel. He says it can go upto 300KM after charging it...

The future is now in electric cars and it is good that the top civil servant himself is leading the revolution. I hope government departments shall follow suit and get these cars while the big ones remain for rural areas.

The good part about PK is his simplicity. He is comfortable driving this little thing in the world of VX and Prados and big machines.

07/07/2024

MAN FINED K80, 000 FOR ABETTING A CONGOLESE NATIONAL

A 24-year-old Zambian, Pascal Chama, has been fined K80,000 for assisting a 51-year-old Congolese national, Yumba Kyabutakou, in selling a motorbike and conducting traditional healing practices without a permit.

Chama was found guilty of providing interpretation services to Kyabutakou, who was also fined K15,000 for conducting business without a permit.

Both were convicted at the Samfya Magistrate Court.

In a separate case, the Luanshya Immigration Office secured the conviction of 47-year-old Russian, Aleksandr Mazurov, for overstaying in Zambia for over three years.

Mazurov was fined K25,000 or sentenced to nine months' imprisonment.

Additionally, the Kafue Immigration Office convicted 16 illegal immigrants for various immigration offences, including five Zimbabweans, two Tanzanians, one Congolese, and one Ugandan.

They were fined between K4,000 and K5,000 or sentenced to seven months' imprisonment for illegal entry."

07/07/2024

FORMER LUNDAZI UNITED FOOTBALL PLAYER DIES

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Chawezi Sergio Kaluba, a beloved football player and coach.

Chawezi was a talented player who graced the fields of Lundazi United and Nampudwe FC, leaving an indelible mark on the football community. He later went on to coach Lundazi United, sharing his expertise and passion with a new generation of players.

According to Lundazi Sports Updates, Chawezi's life was cut short due to a chronic illness, but his legacy lives on in the hearts of those who knew him. His dedication, perseverance, and love for the beautiful game inspired countless individuals, both on and off the field.

MHSRIEP

Credit: Kanele FM

06/07/2024

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06/07/2024

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Kiddist with yo maps mother

06/07/2024

06/07/2024

All those claiming to be presidents of the PF should enrol for free education to understand the party constitution - Miles Sampa

06/07/2024

SAD NEWS: TEACHER ENDS HIS L!FE, LEAVES NOTE ON HOW MONEY SHOULD BE SHARED

A 46 year old teacher of Maguya Day Secondary School in Chipata District has allegedly taken his own life for not making any progress.

Panford Mweetwa who was recently transfered from Nsanjika Day Secondary School to Maguya left behind a written note stating that "he had been working very hard but had nothing to show what he had achieved" and further indicated on how his money is to be shared.

The incident occurred on Wednesday this week at Mwami turn off.

Eastern Province Police Deputy Commanding Officer Stephen Mayoko who confirmed to the media explained that the deceased told his wife that he was going into Chipata town to look for transport to ferry his family from Mwami border to Maguya day secondary school as he had not moved his family.

Then around 10 hours, Mr. Mweetwa was rushed to Katandala clinic for treatment but later referred to chipata central hospital where he was admitted.

According to Breeze FM, whilst being treated, the deceased who was able to talk revealed that he had taken an unknown substance to end his l!fe.

He died the same day.

Police say no foul play is suspected. The body is still in the mortuary awaiting burial.

05/07/2024

Bishop Joe imakando writes ✍️

Our God is a God who acts suddenly. God acts on behalf of His children, He is the way maker. Expect God to act and suddenly change things on your behalf.

05/07/2024

A 25-YEAR-OLD man of Luanshya has been sentenced to life in prison by the Ndola High Court for murdering his grandmother in cold blood after accusing her of practising witchcraft.

05/07/2024

Chief Justice Malila on trial - Given Lubinda

The Chief Justice, Dr Mumba Malila is presiding over a Constitution which is being r***d, bastardised and mutilated by President Hakainde Hichilema, the head of the Executive and Nelly Mutti, the head of the Legislature and should therefore redeem himself by stopping the constitutional breaches by the two arms of government, Given Lubinda has charged.

Mr Lubinda, a former Minister of Justice says that Parliament has written to the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) instructing the commission to start preparing for nine parliamentary by-elections was about the lowest point Zambia’s constitutional democracy had fallen.

Mr Lubinda said when the Chief Justice Dr Malila swore oath of office, he was solemnly vowing to defend the Constitution against the Executive and the Legislature, the two arms off government that have ganged up against the rule of law.

05/07/2024

UK has new Prime minister!

The UK’s Labour Party has won the UK’s general election with a landslide victory.

According to the exit poll projection, Sir Keir Starmer’s centre-left party is returning to power with a huge majority after 14 years of right-wing government under the Conservatives.

Mr Starmer, a former chief prosecutor and human rights lawyer, who only entered Parliament in 2015, is also the first openly atheist person to win and will become the new UK prime minister today.

Current incumbent Rishi Sunak, meanwhile, will have led the Conservatives to their worst result in more than a century.

Robert Buckland, a former minister who lost his seat, described it as "electoral Armageddon".

-BBC

05/07/2024

UPND has achieved 80 percent of its campaign promises - Lungu

The UPND Government has achieved 80 percent of its campaign promises nearly three years after assuming office in August 2021, according to a midterm review conducted by policy experts at State House..

Special assistant to the President in charge of policy compliance Joseph Lungu stated that the implementation of projects and services was guided by the UPND manifesto and the eighth national development plan.

"Our midterm review indicates that we have achieved not less than 80 percent of our campaign promises and we strongly believe we will approach a 100 percent by the end of our five year term," revealed Lungu.

He pointed out some of the major achievements such as the increase of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) from K1.6 million to K30.6 million.

Lungu added that the social cash transfer and emergency social cash transfer for about 1.6 million households is another achievement to celebrate.

"We now have emergency social cash support for our vulnerable households... we are looking at 1.6 million households."

"We have reintroduced meal allowances for students and we have food security packs...We have also delivered the free education policy, all these are promises which we made and have been achieved," elaborated Lungu.

04/07/2024

Tanzania gets new electric trains for upgraded SGR network

Tanzania has taken a major leap forward in its railway modernization efforts with the arrival of two new electric multiple-unit (EMU) trains from South Korea.

These state-of-the-art trains boast eight carriages each and will be deployed on the brand new route connecting Dar es Salaam and Dodoma, scheduled to begin service on July 25th, 2024.

This marks a significant upgrade for the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) network.

04/07/2024

MAIZE LADEN TRUCK OVERTURNS, DRIVER RUSHED FOR MEDICAL ATTENTION

A Truck carrying bags of maize overturned on the Great North Road in Nakonde after losing control.

The incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon near the District Administrative Centre.

Fortunately, no casualties were reported at the time of press.

According to witnesses, the truck was travelling south and attempted to avoid a vehicle that was trying to overtake it.

The lorry then lost control and overturned, covering the entire lane.

The driver, Adam Sinkala, was rushed to hospital for medical attention after complaining of body pains and bruises on his forehead.

Meanwhile, eyewitness Kapande Munyanya has called for filter lanes to be marked on the road to allow drivers and pedestrians to exercise greater caution and understanding.

04/07/2024

𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆: Lusaka High Court Judge Conceptor Zulu has stayed (halted) Patriotic Front president Miles Sampa's decision to remove Morgan Ng'ona as party secretary general.

04/07/2024

Tbt Ben Lombe

04/07/2024

JUST IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:
27 Dead in 319 Road Accidents Over Long Weekend in Zambia.

03/07/2024

SPEAKER DECLARES THE NINE PATRIOTIC FRONT SEATS VACANT DIRECTS ECZ TO HOLD BY-ELECTIONS

Lusaka- Wednesday 3rd July, 2024

The Speaker of the National Assembly has declared the nine seats of Members of Parliament from the Patriotic Front that recently lost their case in the Constitutional Court challenging their expulsion by Miles Sampa.

Those affected are; Ronald Kaoma Chitotela (Pambashe) Nickson Chilangwa( Kawambwa), Christopher Kangombe (Kamfinsa), Remember Chanda Mutale ( Chitambo), Brian Mundubile ( Mporokoso), Stephen Kampyongo (Shiwangandu), Mulenga Fube (Chilubi) and Mutotwe Kafwaya.

Speaker has refused to recognize the letter written by Miles Sampa renouncing the expulsion stating that Morgan Ng'ona, the so-called Secretary General should have written the letter of renunciation to the Speaker.

The Speaker has also refused information that shows a process was filed in the Constitutional Court against the earlier judgement.

03/07/2024

NG'ONA SUES SAMPA FOR DISSOLVING PF CENTRAL COMMITTEE

Former Patriotic Front Secretary General, Morgan Ng'ona, has sued party president Miles Sampa over his decision to dissolve the central committee of the opposition party.

In a statement of claim filed before the Lusaka High Court, Mr. Ng'ona wants the courts to declare as illegal the decision of Mr. Sampa saying he does not wield such powers.

He is also seeking an order of the court to stay the decision until his matter is fully determined.

He says, sometime around June 27, 2024, Mr. Sampa asked the plaintiff to write a letter to the Speaker of the National Assembly informing her that the decision to expel nine PF Members of Parliament (MPs) had been reversed.

Mr. Ng'ona says he, however, declined to comply with the instructions of Mr. Sampa on the account that such a decision had to be subjected to a ratification process of the central committee of the party as required by the constitution of the party.

Mr. Ng'ona says he disagreed with Mr. Sampa who later accused him of insubordination and proceeded to write the said letter to the Speaker pardoning seven out of the 9 expelled PF MPs.