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Change of attitude, mindset important if the declaration of Zambia as a Christian nation is to have meaning

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Change of attitude, mindset important if the declaration of Zambia as a Christian nation is to have meaning

A clergyman in Solwezi has called for change of attitude and character among Zambians if the declaration of Zambia as a Christian nation is to have meaning.

United Church of Zambia Kyawama congregation Reverend, Howard Hamwiinga says the declaration begs for uncommon attitude, character and persona without which it would remain an empty statement.

Rev. Hamwiinga noted with sadness that the declaration of Zambia as a Christian nation has been aligned to politics despite it giving the nation an identity.

“This declaration of Zambia as a Christian nation is not political, despite it coming from politicians. God can use anyone and anything to do that which he wants to do,” he said.

Rev. Hamwiinga said there is no need to trivialize the declaration as it has helped Zambia see the hand of God and enjoy the peace and unity over the years.

He was speaking in Solwezi yesterday when he delivered a sermon during the commemoration of 29 years of the declaration of Zambia as a Christian nation.

He called on Zambians not to stereotype anyone based on political or tribal affiliation but love one another beyond human definitions, adding that Zambia is bigger than all Zambians.

“It is unfortunate that selfish people have managed to divide us on tribal lines. Let us love one another beyond human definitions and remember that Zambia is bigger than all of us. There is no need for us to stereotype each other,” Rev. Hamwiinga said.

And Pastor Dyton Kima from the Evangelical Church in Zambia, Bethany Congregation, called on Zambians to uphold peace and unity ahead of the 2021 general elections.

Pastor Kima said violence and hatred should not be allowed to take root in the nation, adding that peace and unity is the greatest symbol of national identity.

He said the nation must have a strategy of promoting and applying national values and principles if they are to have the desired impact and outcomes.

Meanwhile, Northwestern province Permanent Secretary, Willies Mangimela called on leaders at all levels to resolve to promote and sustain peace for sustainable development.

“Let us make a resolution as leaders whether political, traditional or religious to promote and sustain this peace and unity for sustainable development. It is possible for us to live in peace, harmony and unity”, Mr Mangimela said.

He said it is the responsibility of every leader to appreciate peace and unity as the cornerstone of national building.

The 29 years declaration of Zambia as a Christian nation are being commemorated under the theme” sustaining unity and peace in diversity by the declaration of Zambia as a Christian nation”.

Zambia to attain universal health coverage – Chilangwa

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Zambia to attain universal health coverage – Chilangwa

Luapula Province Minister Nickson Chilangwa says Zambia is on the right path to attaining universal health coverage under President Edgar Lungu.

Mr. Chilangwa says this is because President Lungu has demonstrated an unmeasurable commitment to the provision of health care services to every Zambian regardless of where they are.

The Minister who is Kawambwa Central Constituency Member of Parliament was speaking when he commissioned the newly constructed Katungulu Mini- Hospital in Kawambwa District.

Mr. Chilangwa explained that the Head of State has shown a lot of political and personal will to construct modern health facilities across the country.

He said it is the desire of the PF government to reduce the distance that people cover to access health care services especially in the remotest parts of Zambia by building hospitals, clinics and health posts within five kilometres of dwelling places.

And Mr. Chilangwa says he is proud that most of the promises made to the people of Katungulu during the 2016 electoral campaigns have been fulfilled.

He cited the connection of Katungulu to the national electricity grid, revamping of Kawambwa Tea, ongoing of the Kawambwa – Mporokoso road, construction of a new classroom block among others as some of the fulfilled campaign promises.

He expressed gratitude to President Lungu for being the first sitting President to visit the area since independence.

And speaking at the same event Sub – Chief Kabanda paid glowing tribute to President Lungu for transforming Katungulu by the delivery of so many developmental activities accomplished in the area.

The traditional leader has since called on his subjects to support the PF government if the development being witnessed is to continue.

Changes at the Police Service Confirm PF Murdered the Innocent Citizens -UPND

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Changes at the Police Service Confirm PF Murdered the Innocent Citizens -UPND

The United Party for National Development (UPND) Secretary-General Stephen Katuka has said that the changes at the Police Service now confirm and is an admission that the ruling Patriotic Front (PF) government, through the Zambia Police, murdered the innocent citizens, hence trying to launder their tattered and reckless image.

In a statement released to the media, Mr. Katula described the changes as as cosmetic and meaningless if the real killers are not brought to book and face justice.

Below is the full statement

PRESS STATEMENT
30th December 2020

CHANGES IN THE POLICE COMMAND MEAN NOTHING IF THE KILLERS ARE NOT ARRESTED

We have taken note of the changes Mr. Edgar Lungu has made in the Zambia Police Service following the brutal murders of Nsama Nsama and Joseph Kaunda last week by the Zambia Police officers.

In the first place, these changes now confirm and is an admission that the PF government through the Zambia Police murdered the innocent citizens, hence trying to launder their tattered and reckless image.

But as UPND, we view these changes as cosmetic and meaningless if the real killers are not brought to book and face justice.

If anything, these changes of merely dropping the deputies while leaving the top commanders such as Inspector General of the Police Kakoma Kanganja, Home Affairs Minister Stephen Kampyongo and Mr. Edgar Lungu himself, are a complete joke to the Zambian people.

How could the junior officers have executed instructions of whatever nature without the knowledge and authority of the top commanders who include Mr. Edgar Lungu himself?

In fact, the firing of the top police officers justifies what we have always been warning officers in the security wings; that Mr. Lungu is just using you, but can dump and sacrifice you when things go wrong for him, hence the need to be professional in their day to day work.

The sad part to the serving and dismissed officers and all civil servants is that while Mr. Lungu will use you when it benefits him, he will dump and sacrifice you and be made to live as ordinary citizens facing the same communities that he commanded you to brutalise or abuse.

To us, the real culprit is Mr. Lungu himself who is on record issuing very serious threats on his opponents such as “I will fall on them like a tonne of bricks”.

The dismissed top police officers are mere sacrificial lambs while the main culprits have been left off the hook and there are no signs of bringing justice to the killers of the innocent citizens.

We also note that Mr. Lungu has given Inspector General of the police Kakoma Kanganja six months contract in which he reorganises the police.

We wonder what Mr. Kanganja can do in six months which he could not do in many years at the helm of the Zambia Police service. Even worse, we wonder how Mr. Kanganja will reorganise the police when he is unlikely to get any respect from his juniors who now know he is being fired in six months time.

We take note of the elevation of an overzealous police officer Charity Katanga to the position of Deputy Inspector General of police in charge of operations. To us, we are now convinced Mr. Lungu is not interested in peace, but has basically declared a blood bath on the Zambian citizens.

Ms. Katanga is well known for her open hatred against the opposition UPND President Hakainde Hichilema and his party going by her past conduct.

Zambians should now brace for more brutality under Mr. Lungu and Mr. Kampyongo and their only option as citizens is to unite and remove the brutal regime in 2021.

I’ll not step down, I was not appointed to please politicians like Fred M’membe and Hakainde Hichilema

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I’ll not step down, I was not appointed to please politicians like Fred M’membe and Hakainde Hichilema

Home Affairs Minister Stephen Kampyongo has said that he will not step down as Home Affairs Minister following last week shooting incident where two people lost their lives.

Responding to calls for him to step down, Mr Kampyongo said that he was appointed to serve Zambian people and not to please politicians like Fred M’membe and Hakainde Hichilema.

Mr. Kampyongo also disclosed that Government has unearthed a scam in which a team of foreign nationals has been engaged by the opposition United Party for National Development (UPND) to cause havoc ahead of the 2021 General election by concocting propaganda stories meant to tarnish Zambia’s reputation to the international community.

The Home Affairs Minister ordered what he called the foreign mercenaries, who have been hired as campaign managers for Mr. Hichilema to leave the country immediately and warned that security and law enforcement agencies will have no choice but to hound out the foreign mercenaries if they fail to heed his directive to leave the country on their own terms, adding that Government works with well-meaning foreign nationals as partners to bring development but will not tolerate those with bad intentions.

Mr. Kampyongo accused UPND of sill have a colonized mindset and cannot lead the country in the right direction because they are in bed with the imperialists.

“All those foreigners trying to use propaganda and false statements working with some desperate opposition political parties to agitate anarchy in the country will be hunted down and flashed out of the country by all means,” he warned.

He said his Ministry is mandated to maintain internal security and will not allow anyone to risk the lives of Zambians.

NGOCC encourages Women to join politics ahead of the forth-coming general elections in 2021

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NGOCC encourages Women to join politics ahead of the forth-coming general elections in 2021

The Non- Governmental Organization Coordinating Committee (NGOCC) Executive Director, Engwase Mwale has called on various political parties in the country to adopt as many women as possible in various political positions in the forth-coming general elections in 2021.

She said her organization will hold political parties accountable for failing to have 50 percent women representation in their various portfolios.

Ms. Mwale said this during a stakeholder meeting with different political parties in Mulambwa ward of Mongu Central Constituency of Western province.

Ms Mwale said gender equality was the prerequisite in sustainable development and that political parties need to exhibit and include women affairs in their political agenda.

NGOCC Executive Director said her organization has carried out a coordinated campaign strategies that is involving women to participate in politics.

Ms Mwale said political parties should co-exist in order to conduct peaceful elections and agree on modalities to adopt more women especially those who have been active in politics.

She said NGOCC has observed with dismay that previously political party leaders have made pronouncements of adopting many women but that is not the real picture in many political parties.

Meanwhile, the adopted Socialist party candidate for Mongu Central constituency, Christine Musole complained that many women aspiring for political position positions shun competing favourably with their male counterparts due to rampant violence in political parties caused by carders.

Ms Musole said there should be a creation of good political atmosphere that will accommodate participating individuals so as to enhance a clean environment for all Zambians in the political dispensation.

And Western province UPND Youth Chairperson Mbangu Mbangu has also bemoaned the low participation of women in politics in the province.

Mr Mbangu said women fear to join in active politics because the political field is full of men who have continued to instill fear on women in many political positions in the country.

Let’s not Trivialize Economic Recovery Programme – President Lungu

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Let’s not Trivialize Economic Recovery Programme – President Lungu

President Edgar Lungu has advised Zambians not to politicise the Economic Recovery Programme (ERP) for the country.

The President says the programme to recover the country’s economy is not meant for government alone but that everyone must be involved.

President Lungu has further urged everyone to put politics aside and work together to make sure that efforts being made in recovery of the economy are successful.

The President has welcomed the idea of continued dialogue with stakeholders and government on how best the programme can be achieved.

“Dialogue between the private and the public sector is what I have been calling for all along. And as we were doing our ERP we did involve a lot you stakeholder groups. This programmes are not owned by the State they are owned by all Zambians. Let’s remove politics from this thing, let’s talk about the economy and the nation,” advises the President.

Speaking when he met with a team from the Zambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ZACCI) at State House in Lusaka this morning, President Lungu said he is delighted that some are willing to meet with him and discuss best possible ways of regaining the economic situation of the country devoid of politics and that’s the way to go.

The Head of State regretted that Zambia has a lot of brilliant ideas which are not being put to good use yet other countries are benefiting from them.

“The idea of working together to implement the economic recovery programme is very good. There is nothing hidden in the document. The Problem that we have is of a pull him down syndrome. As long as it is Edgar in there u want him to fail then you go in and succeed but what u are doing you are killing people, you are killing the economy and you are killing all the prospects that you have,” the President said.

And President Lungu further emphasised the need to embrace value addition saying the country already has established markets in nearby neighbouring countries.

He said Zambia has an advantage of exporting products to other countries as the country is rightly at the hub of the region.

“We are talking about industrialisation, Zambia is rightly at the hub of the region, and all neighbouring countries are our market. Right now we are saying most of our maize is being smuggled in neighbouring countries so why can’t we say let us trade with them, let us give value addition here, add value to maize and send it as a finished product that’s how it should be,” the President said.

Meanwhile, ZACCI President Chabuka Kawesha said his organisation is confident that with elements of monitoring and evaluation, the economic recovery programme will yield results.

Mr. Kawesha stated that ZACCI wants to be part of the solution and the monitoring and evaluation framework indicating that all the 28 chambers across the country have started submissions to see how best the country’s economic recovery can be addressed.

He further outlined sectors such as health, agriculture, education and mining as areas that can be considered as some enablers and impact measures by both government and the private sector within the first 100 days of the implementation of the economic recovery programme.

CHAN Milestones Beckon For Adrian Chama and Jack Chirwa

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Defender Adrian Chama and midfielder Jackson Chirwa are in line for CHAN milestones after making the final 31-member team.

Chama and Chirwa have played in the last two CHAN tournaments at 2016 Rwanda and 2018 Morocco in which Chipolopolo reached the quarterfinals in both outings.

No Zambian player has played at CHAN more than the duo.

But Chama was a last minute inclusion in the Chipolopolo team together with his 2016 Rwanda team mate Spencer Sautu of Power Dynamos and Zanaco striker Roger Kola.

Defender Clement Mulenga, who is also Chama’s teammate at Zesco United, has also made the provisional CHAN team including Nkana midfielder Harrison Chisala.

All five starred for Wedson Nyirenda’s B Team in Monday’s All Stars Versus The Rest match that ended 1-1 at Nkoloma Stadium in Lusaka.

Meanwhile, Chama and Mwape were initially overlooked by Micho who had instead called-up a fringe Zesco player John Chishimba to camp but who has since made way for his regular first-team seniors.

But Micho is gambling on four untested goalkeepers who include two from second tier clubs.

One of them is Zambia Under 20 first choice Patrick Chooma of struggling Kabwe Youth Soccer Academy who are in the bottom four of the FAZ National Division One.

And Chipolopolo are preparing to leave for Yaoundé to participate in a pre-CHAN tournament this weekend where they will face Uganda, Niger and the host nation Cameroon.

Chipolopolo are in Group D where they will play Tanzania on January 19, Guinea on January 23 and Namibia on January 27.

PROVISIONAL 2021 CHAN TEAM
GOALKEEPERS: Lameck Siame (Kabwe Warriors), Patrick Chooma (KYSA), Charles Kalumba (Prison Leopards), Richard Nyirenda (Nchanga Rangers)

DEFENDERS: Clement Mwape, Adrian Chama (both Zesco), Benedict Chepeshi (Red Arrows), Pride Bwalya (Nkwazi), Golden Mafwenta (Buildcon), Zachariah Chilongoshi, Kondwani Chimboni (both Power Dynamos), Luka Banda (Napsa Stars), Dominic Chanda (Kabwe Warriors)

MIDFIELDERS: Leonard Mulenga, Jackson Chirwa (both Green Buffaloes), Felix Bulaya (Red Arrows), Bruce Musakanya, Kelvin Mubanga (both Zesco United), Collins Sikombe (Lusaka Dynamos), Albert Kangwanda, Kelvin Kapumbu (both Zanaco), Chaniza Zulu, Spencer Sautu, Beson Sakala (all Power Dynamos),Harrison Chisala (Nkana),Amity Shamende (Green Eagles),Paul Katema, Felix Bulaya (both Red Arrows)

STRIKERS: Roger Kola, Moses Phiri (both Zanaco), Emmanuel Chabula (Lusaka Dynamos), Friday Samu (Green Buffaloes)

16 year old girl murdered by boyfriend

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16 year old girl murdered by boyfriend

A 16 year old girl of Solwezi district has died after being beaten by her 23-year-old boyfriend.

North-Western Province Commissioner of Police, Elias Chushi has confirmed the incident in and identified the deceased as Annie Kayombo of Kandemba area in Solwezi.

“Police in Kyawama received a report of assault which occurred on 22 December, 2020 around 23:00 hours in Kandemba compound but reported on 23 December, 2020 at 11:00 hours by Charity Lutonga, 37, who reported on behalf of her daughter Annie Kayombo aged 16 of the same abode who was unable to talk at the time of reporting”, Mr Chushi said.

He said the deceased was assaulted by the boyfriend, a taxi driver named Abraham Ngambwe aged 23 of New road in Kandemba area using unknown object and complained of general body pains though she had no physical injuries.

“Abraham Ngambwe aged 23 a taxi driver of New road in Kandemba caused the deceased to sustain general body pains and no physical injuries were seen as an unknown object was used in the act, docket of assault was opened and arrest was made”, Mr Chushi said.

He said Kayombo was admitted to Solwezi general hospital intensive care unit where she was rushed after being unconscious and later died on December 26, 2020 around 04:00 hours.

Mr Chushi said a charge has since been changed from assault to murder after a postmortem examination was done yesterday, adding that the suspect remains in custody awaiting court appearance.

Zambian Government okays project to set up sixteen modern cities and industries across the country

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Zambian Government okays project to set up sixteen modern cities and industries across the country

The government has given a green light for the National Sugar Corporation ( NSC), a local firm scheduled to set up sixteen modern cities and industries across the country.

Disclosing this in an interview with the media yesterday, Corporation Executive Director Edgar Ngoma said Secretary to Cabinet Simon Miti recently gave his firm a go-ahead to commence the multi-million project.

“Yes I can confirm that the government has given a go-ahead for my company, National Sugar Corporation to set up its various cities and industries across the country.

“Secretary to Cabinet and various Security Wing have separately cross-checked and verified all the needed documents and have thus given a go ahead for the project and told us to actualize the project with the involvement of the Zambia Development Agency ( ZDA) and the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry, ‘’ said Dr Ngoma.

The NSC Executive Director further disclosed that his firm now awaits the accent of Attorney General Likonde Kalaluka who by broadcast time was still checking and studying the validity of the documents for the said project.

By press time, the Attorney General Kalaluka, could not be reached on his mobile phone for comment.

When the Sugar project takes off, it is expected to cushion the nation’s unemployment challenges especially the youths but also contribute to the nation’s dwindling treasury.

In what seems to be his New Year message of hope to ordinary Zambians, Dr Ng’oma said 2021 was a turnaround year for the country.

“The project is a game changer for the nation. All the unemployed youths, Service men, civil servants and ordinary Zambians across the country would eat from the same cake, equally. We are going to empower Zambians with land, jobs and investment opportunities, among others,” he said.

Currently, his Corporation is in a process of getting more partners who he said will come up with innovations that will help actualize the project in areas like water reticulation, infrastructure development and industrial clusters to be set within peripheries of the project.

The project has 16 sites located throughout the country covering areas such as agri-business which will process all farm produce for local consumption and export.

The NSC proprietor disclosed in the same interview that already his company has received a written order of 150, 000 tonnes for Africa, 250, 000 tonnes for the rest of the world while 100,000 tonnes of orders have been confirmed for the local market.

“As you may know most neighbouring countries such as Angola, Mozambique and Namibia are still need more food after going through their liberation struggles. Hence these countries depend on Zambia for food supply.

“This is why we have arranged with the neighbouring countries to supply them with Agro-produce exports such as cereals like rice and wheat and a lot more that they would require,” said the NSC Executive Director.

He also said because of the COVID-19 pandemic, his corporation is engaging prospective investors through virtual video conferencing, to finalize the commencement of the project.

“We are however trying to arrange for a conference soon so that investors can come,” said the NSC Executive Director.

Explaining the nature of the project, Dr Ngoma elaborately said the project comprises three components where in some provinces there will be more than two of the three namely real estates, agriculture and industry, tourism and sports/ entertainment.

According to Dr. Ngoma, each prospective in conjunction with his Corporation take up two or more of the above stated components depending on their capacity as each project will be worth K 2.5 billion,minimum.

Pray for leaders’ co-existence, elections should not divide the people – Vice President

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Pray for leaders’ co-existence, elections should not divide the people – Vice President

Vice President Inonge Wina has asked the church in the country to pray for leaders to co-exist as they go about their daily affairs if Zambia is to develop.

And Mrs. Wina has urged the church to continue being instrumental and provide guidance in matters of the country’s wellbeing, adding that as the country holds the general elections next year, there is need to pray for peace before, during and after the elections.

The Vice President was speaking in Lusaka yesterday during the 29th commemoration of the declaration of Zambia as Christian nation which was held under the theme “Sustaining unity and peace I diversity by the declaration of Zambia as a Christian nation”

“Am asking you to keep praying for the leaders to co-exist as they go about the daily affairs of the nation because it is through prayer that we can ask God’s guidance in taking this nation to greater heights. I also call upon the church to pray for the 2021 elections so that there is peace before, during and after the elections,” she said.

She reiterated President Eagar Lungu’s call for the country to remain united and that elections should not divide the people, adding that this is why the church should ensure that they preach peace and love discourage all forms of violence among politicians and the general citizenry.

She explained that the ultimate aim of the declaration of Zambia as a Christian nation by the late former President Fredrick Chiluba in 1991 is to ensure that Christianity became a reality that reflects the lives of the people of Zambia and should be appreciated as it guarantees the freedom to assemble as Christians without fear of any consequences.

“The moral understanding of this declaration is that it is a statement of religious tolerance as being Christians does not imply that other religions shall not be tolerated, the essence of the declaration is a public acknowledgment by the people of Zambia that they are Christians. This must be appreciated by all so that the freedom to assemble as Christians should be done without fear of any repercussions.

The Vice President also noted that government has taken various measures to ensure the actualization of the declaration by mainstreaming Christian values and principles into activities of the state.

Mrs. Wina further expressed hope that observing the day will serve as a reminder of the country to be united under Christ with desire to overcome different challenges that the nation has faced such as gassing incidents and the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic among others.

And in his sermon Gilgal Assemblies of God Bishop Johnson Chama has urged Zambians not to take for granted the peace that the country has continued to enjoy for over 50 years and encouraged leaders to embrace dialogue.

Bishop Chama explained that it will be difficult for the country to sustain peace and unity if leaders holding various key positions in society do not unite and accommodate opposing views.

He further warned against the use of unpalatable language especially among politicians which he says sends a bad message and can make people rise and cause confusion in the country.

“Sustaining the current peace that we have enjoyed for over 50 years requires that leaders at all levels accommodate each other, accommodating divergent views, sitting on some table with perceived enemies and dialogue and also calls for toning down in the language that we use, “ he stressed.

Meanwhile, the Declaration of Zambia as Christian nation organization committee Chairperson Billy Mfula has advised Zambians to ensure that they continue to uphold the declaration of the country as Christian nation and ensure that the peace of the lord continues to prevail.

Bishop Mfula said Zambia has continued to be recognized globally as a beacon of peace by upholding Christian values, a situation said has brought about investor confidence in the country’s economy.

“I wish to call on the peace of the lord to continue prevailing among the land of Zambia, many nations will become to Zambia to consult on how we have managed to embrace our Christians values by making Christian a bedrock of our economic, spiritual and political stance, this has brought about investor confidence as no investor can be willing in invest in the country where there is no peace,” he added.

Winless Kitwe United Fire Coach Mwansa

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Winless Kitwe United have fired coach Steven Mwansa after a poor start to the FAZ Super Division season.

Kitwe are bottom of the table with four points from 10 matches played.

Mwansa had enjoyed one of the longest reigns in the league after taking charge at Chingalika in the second half of the 2017 en route to promotion in the 2018 season.

In a statement released late on Tuesday, club media officer Nelly Nkolongo said George Phiri will be interim coach until further notice.

“Kitwe United Football Club has terminated the employment contract of its Head Coach Mr Steven Mwansa with effect from 31st December, 2020. In the meantime, Mr George Phiri has been appointed caretaker coach until the position is substantively filled,” Nkolongo said.

“It is hoped that the changes made will help steer the Club to greater heights as it aspires to retain its position in the ongoing Zambia’s 2020/2021 FAZ/MTN Super Division,” she stated.

Promoted Chingalika have so far recorded six defeats and four draws.

Nkana’s Revival on Trial At Fired-up Prison Leopards

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efending champions Nkana have a chance to escape from the bottom half of the FAZ Super Division table when they face tricky Prison Leopards on Wednesday away in Kabwe.

Nkana and Prison are meeting in the rescheduled Week 7 match at the President Stadium.

The match is scheduled to kick off at 14h00.

Kalampa are placed 13th in the league with 11 points from the possible 24 while Prison are fifth on the table with 17 points from 10 matches played.

Nkana head to Kabwe unbeaten in their last three competitive games, all at home, with two league wins after beating Green Eagles 3-1 and Kitwe United 2-0 before getting a 1-1 draw in the CAF Champions League against Petro Atletico of Angola on December 23.

Victory in Kabwe will see Nkana move into 9th place with 14 points as Prison eye the top spot.

Prisons, who are enjoying good form, remain unbeaten in their last three matches in which they have beaten Buildcon and Young Green Eagles.

Meanwhile, Nkana are searching for their only fourth win of the season as they face Prison.

President Lungu fires Kapeso, Simbote and Nelson Phiri as he receives “inconclusive” report on police killings

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President Lungu fires Kapeso, Simbote and Nelson Phiri as he receives “inconclusive” report on police killings

President Lungu has made changes to the Zambia Police Service command with Inspector General of Police Kakoma Kanganja been given a six months contract to transform the institution and regain people’ confidence.

The President in a letter to Mr. Kanganja said “This is to enable you to conclude the investigations into the killing of two innocent Zambians and allow you to reorganize the Police Service with a view to restoring the eroding public confidence in the services. This will form the basis for your performance appraisal for further consideration.

And President Lungu has appointed Copperbelt Province Commissioner of Police Charity Katanga as new Deputy Inspector General of Police (Operations) to replace Bonnie Kapeso whose contract has been terminated.

He has also appointed Northern Province Commissioner of Police Richard Mweene as new Deputy Inspector General of Police (Administration) to replace Eugene Sibote whose contract has not been renewed.

President Edgar Lungu made the changes when he received a preliminary report on the killing of two citizens in Lusaka last week .

The President says the report is not conclusive as yet and has asked the Inspector General of Police to expedite the investigations.

“Investigations into the matter have not been concluded. I therefore call upon witnesses apart from those interviewed already to help Police. I don’t want the matter to be prejudiced, so let us allow investigators to do a professional job, regardless of who is involved, “he said.

The President has also transferred Eastern Province Commissioner of Police Lackson Sakala to Lusaka province to replace Nelson Phiri whose contract has not been renewed while North Western province Commissioner of Police Elias Chushi has been taken to the Copperbelt.

Muchinga Province Commissioner of Police Joel Njase has been moved to North Western province and State House Deputy Commissioner of Police Geza Lungu has been promoted to Commissioner of Police and moved to Eastern province.

The Head of State has promoted Airport Police Division Deputy Commissioner of Police Lizzy Machina as Muchinga Province Commissioner of Police, Lilayi Training College Deputy Commissioner of Police Jestus Nsokolo has been promoted as Commissioner of Police to head Northern Province.

President Lungu further promoted Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police, Zambia Police Headquarters Charles Mbita as Deputy Commissioner of Police, Lilayi Training College and also promoted Senior Assistant Police Commissioner Tazara Division Lazarus Mbuzi to the position of Deputy Commissioner of Police for Central Province.

President Lungu has wished all the affected officers God’s blessings.

This according to a statement issued to the media in Lusaka today by President Lungu’s Special Assistant for Press and Public Relations Isaac Chipampe.

UPND should allow police to conduct its investigations exhaustively

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UPND should allow police to conduct its investigations exhaustively

By Mumbi Phiri

We have noted with amazement the levels of panic and name dropping that has engulfed the UPND to the extent of party secretary general Mr Stephen Katuka issuing conflicting statements. It is first and foremost important that we respect institutions that govern this country. The level of disrespect in the UPND hierarchy towards President Edgar Lungu and his office leaves a bitter taste. It is not in our culture to publicly address elders and those in high office (especially the President) on first name basis. This speaks of a level of bitterness and disregard among upnd leaders for the very office they aspire to one day run.

In his statement, Mr Katuka accuses President Lungu of questioning why UPND cadres escorted their leader to the police. I challenge him to show the nation where and when President Lungu mentioned UPND in his statement? The president categorically used the word “citizens’. Such naivety by the UPND is symbolic of guilt and panic.

His queries over police presence at the funeral of the late UPND cadre yesterday are neither here nor there. It should give him comfort because police were there to ensure law and order prevails. We have seen how reckless, untamed, unruly and destructive upnd cadres become during funeral processions. Last time around they ran amok in the streets of Lusaka and damaged public and private property. If he has further queries on that, he should engage the police.

We are surprised that today Mr Katuka questions the President`s and accuses him of instructing police to man the funeral when he has been at the forefront asking for police protection in upnd activities. The President is Commander-in Chief. Mr Katuka should be glad that police ensured a peaceful burial of the late UPND cadre and that is what every Zambian of goodwill expected.

Demanding that President Lungu steps down is a clear admission of panic and defeat before we even go to the 2021 polls by Mr Katuka and his fellow leaders in the UPND. We are in a democratic dispensation and as such, Zambian citizens by law are the ones that ELECT a President. There is no handover on a silver platter as was the case in UPND in 2006 when power was handed over to Mr Hichilema. That culture will not be brought to statehood. Mr Katuka and his party should know better.

UPND should allow police to conduct its investigations exhaustively. We urge Mr Katuka to be exemplary in his statements and avoid being prejudiced. If he has knowledge of the shooters as indicated by Mr Hichilema that snipers were placed in the crowd on that fateful day, let him assist police in identifying the killers.

In conclusion, Mr Katuka should ask himself why it should be that each time Mr Hichilema embarks on a gathering or is summoned by police, innocent lives must be lost. Why is it that people have to die around him in very suspicious circumstances?

When PF leaders are summoned, they ensure peace prevails among those offering them solidarity. Why is it the opposite with Mr Hichilema? Two of these incidents are well documented with videos taken and released by UPND cadres within minutes of the killings. It is our utmost hope that our colleagues in the UPND will sober up and desist from name dropping, finger pointing and panicking.

Let me conclude by reminding the UPND Deputy Secretary General Patrick Mucheleka that I have always cautioned against placing other people’s children in harm’s way. So to Mucheleka let me repeat that Politicians must use their own biological children as frontline political activists and not other people’s children. Stop those crocodile tears, enough is enough! Umungulu wakwa HH waingila muli Mucheleka nama cadre bakwe mwaipaisha Nsama Nsama Chipyoka and Joseph Kaunda.

Ministry of Health develops new antigen test for Covid-19

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19
Ministry of Health develops new antigen test for Covid-19

The Ministry of Health has come up with a new antigen test for Covid 19 that detects results within 30 minutes.

Lusaka Province Health Director Consity Mwale noted that the new Covid 19 antigen test is done through nose swabbing and the specimen is not sent to the laboratory like before.

Dr Mwale said the staff instead are able to mix the specimen immediately and advise the client whether they are negative or positive.

Dr Mwale added that the new Covid 19 anti-gene test is a game changer that quickly helps in stopping local transmission that happens when transferring the specimen to the laboratory.

“The art of the antigen test contributes to saving time especially that we don’t have to send the specimen to the laboratory, this can be done at any health post and community setting” he said

Dr. Mwale highlighted this development during the Covid 19 virtual meeting held today with the Lusaka Permanent Secretary Elias Kamanga and other officials.

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