Holstar presents his first music video off the album “Kupeleka Nyali Ya Moto” Mtendere is a story of a marriage in trouble. This music video was put together by Upfront Media and features the acting talents of Wycliff Mwamba, Sanjemu and W.Geloo , Song Produced by Shinko Beats.
OPPOSITION Economic and Equity Party (EEP) president Chilufya Tayali has said that the conviction of National Democratic Party (NDC) leader Chishimba Kambwili is timely because he abused his powers when he served in government.
Speaking during a press briefing at his office in Lusaka earlier today, Mr. Tayali said the forgery case involving Mr. Kambwili has nothing to do with politics or political persecution.
Mr. Tayali said that from the onset, he made it clear that he would see to it that the forgery case was properly disposed of and that he is also disappointed with some Zambians who are accusing him of being used by the Patriotic Front (PF) to silence their perceived opponents.
“I am, however, disappointed that some Zambians are quick to say that Mr. Kambwili’s conviction is political victimization or persecution and I can’t understand why some Zambians react this way. The case has nothing to do with politics because it was a clear case and the evidence was overwhelming,” he said.
The opposition leader has observed that Zambia will never have good leaders if its people support the wrong people aspiring for higher office.
“Checks and balances should also be extended to those that aspire to get into power! This is to ensure that we avoid voting for the wrong people to get into government. I feel insulted when you bring in PF in this case because this was all about myself and EEP in an effort to ensure that justice prevailed on Mr. Kambwili’s behavior.”
Mr. Tayali has said politicians should not use politics to shield themselves from wrongdoing.
Meanwhile, Mr. Tayali has said that President Edgar Lungu should quickly set up a Commission of Inquiry into privatization.
Mr. Tayali said the privatization which happened many years ago is not water under the bridge because many people suffered and the wounds are still fresh.
He said people that were given the mandate to sell public assets enriched themselves at the expense of the country.
“It is common knowledge that privatization left a lot of people suffering and it should not be water under the bridge even if it happened many years ago. The wounds are still fresh because many people that were retrenched have not been paid what was owed to them,” said Mr. Tayali.
“This Commission of Inquiry into the privatization of Zambia’s State Assets is very important because workers who were affected will come and give testimony and maybe a recommendation to pay them will be made.”
And Mr. Tayali said UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema would be a wrong guy to go to State House because of his involvement in the sale of State assets.
“HH should prove that he is clean before he even thinks of going to State House. That’s why this Commission of Inquiry into Privatization is very important and those found wanting should be made to account.”
By Stephen Katuka UPND Secretary General
We wish to distance ourselves from the purported attacks being advanced by Police Inspector General Kakoma Kanganja that the United Party for National Development ( UPND cadres attacked people in Muchinga.
I. G Kanganja is contradicting himself. On one hand , he is directing the police to arrest UPND cadres whom he accuses of attacking people in Lavushimanda District in Muchinga Province.
On the other hand, I.G Kanganja is directing his officers to investigate the attack. How do police arrest people before carrying out investigations?
Kakoma Kanganja should have directed his mind to the law by reminding himself that directing his officers to pounce on UPND cadres before investigations is contradictory and a deliberate administrative blunder.
We urge IG Kanganja to take responsibility for the violence taking place in the country and protect all citizens regardless of their political affiliation.
In case he has forgotten, we are still waiting for the police investigations in who the gassers are.
We also want the police to tell us who set the City Market on fire.
Further, IG Kanganja has not told us who killed Mapenzi Chibulo on her way to attend a UPND rally in Chawama, Lawrence Banda in Kama by election, Mukonka and later on who shot Masani.
It is surprising that when PF cadres are repelled by those they attack, Mr. Kanganja quickly issues a statement but when UPND members are attacked , no statement is issued.
Even where UPND are victims , police have issued a statement to down play the attack.
We know that Kanganja is just acting on instructions from above. We blame the establishment and the PF abuse of the Zambia Police Service.
When UPND forms government, we shall ensure the police is protected through institutional reforms.
We urge Kanganja not to accuse our members of violence even before investigations are done. Such statements simply arm twist officers tasked with investigations.
Vice president, Inonge Wina is tomorrow expected in Eastern Province for a four-day working visit.
Provincial Permanent Secretary, Veronica Mwiche, has confirmed Mrs Wina’s official visit to ZANIS in Chipata today.
Ms Mwiche said the Vice president will have a series of engagements whilst in the region.
She said Mrs Wina will depart Lusaka on Friday, October 16, 2020 at 14:30 and land in Chipata at 16:00 hours, thereafter, hold a briefing with the Provincial administration.
She said the Vice president will later pay a courtesy call on Paramount Chief Gawa Undi among other schedules.
The Permanent Secretary further said Mrs Wina will on Saturday, pay a courtesy call on Paramount Chief Mpezeni as well as officiate at the ground breaking ceremony of the soils laboratory construction at ZARI-M’sekera Research Station and Tree Planting Project.
Ms Mwiche stated that the Vice president will on Sunday, October 18, 2020, officiate at the Day of National Prayer, Fasting, Repentance and Reconciliation and afterwards, meet the Chipata Chamber of Commerce and Party officials.
Ms Mwiche added that Mrs Wina will on Monday, October 19, 2020, visit Chipangali, Chasefu and Lumezi districts for several official engagements, before returning to Lusaka on the same day.
This year’s National Day of Prayer, Fasting, Repentance and Reconciliation is being held under the theme, “Zambia seeking God’s intervention for sustained Unity, peace and prosperity.”
The government says the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic had negatively affected resource mobilization for the construction of the National House of Prayer.
Minister of National Guidance and Religious Affairs, Godfridah Sumaili said the project which is being spearheaded by the church has been affected due to the closure of churches.
Rev. Sumaili also commended the church across the country for their active participation in ensuring that the construction process is expedited.
The minister said this in an interview with ZANIS in Lusaka.
Reverend Sumaili however, noted that measures have been put in place by the government and the church as partners to intensify the mobilization of funds to complete the project.
“Am glad to say that there has been a commitment from the churches to be part of this very wonderful project. If you went on the site, you will find that there is so much that is going-on already, obviously the resource mobilization has been affected by the COVID-19 situation,” she said.
The Minister added that most churches are willing to be part of the process hence the decision to start holding fundraising events to raise funds.
She cited the recent fund raising event which was organized by the church in Kitwe on the Copperbelt province as one such occasion that will also be replicated in other provinces due to its effectiveness of reaching out.
“Recently, we had a wonderful fund raising event that was organized by the churches in Kitwe and there were over 500 churches that came together, and funds and materials were raised and we are planning that other provinces also follow suit,” she noted.
Rev. Sumaili further expressed optimism that with the COVID-19 situation stabilizing, more activities in terms of resource mobilization and construction works are expected to be recorded.
And Northmead Assemblies of God overseer, Joshua Banda has encouraged the church to work together and ensure that construction works at the site are accelerated for the benefit of the church.
Bishop Banda stated that once the house is complete it will go a long way in the promotion of peace and unity by cementing the national Christian values.
“As you have noticed, there are number of initiatives being undertaken within the body of Christ and therefore we believe that the ongoing works on the construction of the National House of Prayer is another rallying point for us, we believe that once that sanctuary is up and running it will help once again to unite us and it will be a national alter that will represent what we stand for,” he stressed.
Meanwhile, Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia (EFZ) Acting Executive Director, Andrew Mwenda said the building of the National House of Prayer will provide a common place of worship for people in the country.
“Whenever, we are having meetings pertaining to issues of the church, we always ask for permission to use church venues or other places, but the building of the National House of Prayer will provide us with a neutral place and it will show that in terms of physical presence Zambia values the presence of God in the nation not just as denomination,” explained Bishop Mwenda.
In 2016, President Edgar Lungu laid a foundation stone to start the construction of the National House of Prayer which is expected to cost over 30 million United States Dollars.
Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Jean Kapata says government remains committed to supporting all initiatives aimed at protecting the environment and natural resources.
Ms Kapata said government will continue to work and partner with other stakeholders to ensure that the environment is protected through planting of trees among other initiatives.
ZANIS reports that the minister was speaking in Lusaka today at the groundbreaking ceremony of the Community Tree Planting and Establishments of Plant Nurseries at Justine Kabwe School in Mandevu, an initiative between the Ministry of General Education and Savannah Zambia dubbed making Lusaka a garden city by 2030.
“Government particularly my ministry welcomes such initiatives as they clearly show the commitment of partners and other organisations to protecting and preserving the environment,” she said.
Ms Kapata, who is also Mandevu law maker, further noted that initiatives such as the planting of trees will go a long way in addressing climate change issues, the country is faced with.
“My Ministry is fully aware of deforestation and other vices that are harmful to the environment. The situation is further worsened by lack of awareness among members of the community hence such projects aimed at protecting the environment are welcome,” she noted.
Ms Kapata added that more concerted efforts are critical in order to address effects of climate change.
And Ministry of General Education Permanent Secretary, Jobbicks Kalumba, said the Ministry is delighted that Savannah Zambia has come on board as a partner in planting of trees.
The Permanent Secretary, who was represented by the Ministry’s Principle Education Standards Officer, James Chomba, said such activities carry an important skill aspect in learners.
“A child who will have the knowledge of planting trees will have a bigger picture of what it is to address effects of climate change,” he said.
Meanwhile, Savannah Zambia Executive Director, Nkole Mwamba, stated that protecting the environment and natural resources is everyone’s responsibility.
Mr Mwamba further observed that partnerships in tree planting are paramount in protecting the environment.
“Life can only flourish by protecting the environment. As Savannah Zambia, we will continue to strengthen partnerships with other stakeholders to support community planting of trees to ensure value addition to forests is enhanced,” he noted.
I am not surprised that Mr Chishimba Kambwili has been convicted and sent to jail.
Mr Kambwili had made very serious allegations of soliciting a bribe against the trial magistrate. The logical thing would have been to remove this magistrate from hearing Mr Kambwili’s case to ensure that a fair trial is not only guaranteed but it is also seen to be assured.
I don’t think Mr Kambwili received what can pass or be seen as a fair trial.
Without delving into the merits or demerits of the case, very few can say Mr Kambwili has been convicted and sent to jail by an impartial magistrate. There was no fair trial in this case. It’s very important for every accused person to have a fair trial.
It’s actually impossible to overstate how important the right to a fair trial is. Honestly.
Fair trials are the only way to prevent miscarriages of justice and are an essential part of a just, fair and humane society. Every person accused of a crime should have their guilt or innocence determined by a fair and effective legal process.
But its not just about protecting suspects and defendants. It also makes our nation safer and stronger. Without fair trials, victims can have no confidence that justice will be done. Without fair trials, trust in government and the rule of law collapses.
The right to a fair trial has long been recognised by the international community as a basic human right. Despite this, it’s a right that is increasingly being abused in this country to settle political and other scores with devastating human and social consequences.
Despite the importance of fair trials being recognised by the international community, this basic human right is being abused day-in-day-out in this country. We must put an end to these abuses. Let’s build a criminal justice system in which every person’s right to a fair trial is respected. We won’t get there overnight. But with each step we take towards a criminal justice system in which every person’s right to a fair trial is respected, we are protecting our people against miscarriages of justice and building fair and effective criminal justice systems that benefit everyone.
Lastly, my great fear is Mr Kambwili’s state of health. He has very dangerous levels of hypertension. If Mr Kambwili was to die in prison under these circumstances his death would be very difficult for this government to explain to our people. This may fuel very serious political mistrust, tension and instability.
Fred M’membe
Mwika Royal Village, Chinsali
October 15, 2020
By Musyani Siame
Many feeder roads in Lusaka have been stripped off of the trees and left naked due to road constructions. From independence avenue to Haile Selassie to Great East Road, to Lake Road, to Kabulonga Road and to many more, the view of the roads has turned into a sorry site and the pain of deforestation is unbearable to the people who value trees.
Take for instance, Haile Selassie Street in Long Acres was not so long ago one of the prettiest road to drive on because of its beautiful array of trees alongside. These trees did not only provide the beautiful scenery in the manner they were arranged but also a nice shade with colorful flowers during summer and fresh air to the environment making Long Acres more attractive including the business complex.
Moreover, these trees have been in existence since the colonial era and one mighty say they have really been standing for many years. However, the trees and their goodness along the roads have continued to be cut down in just a short a period of time to pave way for the rise of the new monster in town ‘’road constructions’’ under government’s Lusaka decongestion project. The sacrifice of trees on most roads has come at a cost when the construction of roads become priority by the government.
Nevertheless, the expansion of roads in Lusaka is triggering mega questions to the general populace. Firstly, are road constructions a necessary evil to the surrounding trees and people? Secondly, should we keep seeing our nice feeder roads being stripped-off of the beautiful trees and leave them naked and exposed to the effects of climate change? Thirdly, are there ways in which government can expand roads without cutting down trees? Fourthly, are there ways also we can replace the already cut down trees and restore all the functions and benefits fallen trees used to provide?
While such questions remain unanswered, I am tempted to believe that solutions lie within ourselves as people and all stakeholders to begin to undertake both intensive and extensive tree planting projects along the affected roads and help the city to cope with the effects of climate change such as floods and drought and increase the longevity of our roads as well as people.
The citizens of Lusaka and the government, working together alongside civil society organizations can see to it that trees are replanted back along the roads after the completion of the road constructions. It is also the mandate of the contractors working on various roads to conform to the terms of references of their Environmental Impact Assessment (EIAs) which explicitly exemplify vegetation cover replacement projects at the completion of a project before the trees risk being wiped out in the city. Monitors and regulator of road projects must up their game and help replant the fallen trees. The truth of the matter is that; many more streets are about to be undressed as they lineup for road expansions.
I cry for these trees because they exist to give us hope for life. Hope to a better future. The trees along the roads function together and are connected in one way or another to the roots and to the branches. This is a symbol of unit, peace, love and togetherness. So, as a people we need to emulate this ecological life of trees which we can only do when they are standing and we can only see them standing when we replant.
When we are united with love to one another and spirit of togetherness, we can conquer and achieve the common good just like the way trees do. Just to give a little more latitude to this fact, this can be lesson to the various political groupings ahead of 2021 general elections. Let’s emulate the nature of trees because to a higher degree, trees can teach us how to replace political violence with love. From trees we can learn how to replace political vengeance with forgiveness. And from trees we can learn how to replace political hate speech with good speech. From trees we can learn how to replace tribalism with the spirit of togetherness and oneness. Therefore, we cry for these fallen trees along the streets at the realm of road constructions because they are our hope and the future.
As a people of good will, we urge the government, the public, the NGOs, road contractors, environmental regulators etc. to come together and find ways of restoring trees along the streets especially that urban forestry has dwindled in Lusaka mainly due to deforestation.
I feel government must deliberately set up a fund to support urban tree planting projects. Although there are few channels of funding to tree planting projects such as the one under Ministry of National Development Planning, many stakeholders in environmental sector do not know about them because of lack of awareness by the government on availability of such funds and how to access them.
On the other side, NGOs dealing with environmental issues such as deforestation have become too reluctant in pioneering tree planting projects in the face of road infrastructure development. Nevertheless, a few are exceptional and I can take this opportunity to recognize the relentless efforts made by Earth Alive Group organization for advancing urban tree planting awareness programs.
As I conclude, I would like to remind you that trees provide hope and life. Let’s plant trees and help combat effects associated with climate change. If you indeed want to leave legacy plant a tree. I am not in any way implying that road development projects are bad, but they need to be implemented in a sustainable manner which does not pose a threat to the environment.
The Author is an Environmental Consultant
The University of Zambia Dean in the school of Humanities and Social Sciences Felix Masiye has said leaders should respond to climate change in the country.
Professor Masiye said the green conversation should be explored and amplified to keep the leadership on climate transformation alive.
Speaking during the official opening of a 3 days virtual Zambia Climate Leadership Transformation Summit, Professor Masiye said UNZA has continued to play an important role in shaping the climate change conversation.
“As a University, we are completely aligned to the urgent need to diversify the voices and participation, especially of youth and women in the climate change conversation, he said.
And Prof. Masiye noted that the COVID-19 pandemic is a reminder that people have little control of the future hence the need to demand that everyone must be involved in the conversation.
The Summit is a partnership between UNZA and the Africa Leadership Transformation (ALT) Foundation with support from partners from Australia, New Zealand and USA in the actualization of a virtual meeting.
And Prof. Masiye said that through the partnership UNZA has been able to develop leadership capacity and the training of four faculty members to become instructors of the leadership course.
Meanwhile, Africa Leadership Transformational Foundation (ALT) Executive Director Daniel Kamanga has urged participants and various partners to focus on intentions to strongly engage in climate change.
“This summit is about intentions; how we can relate, think about, engage with the climate transformation. The intention should be a future of shared commitment to climate transformation that works for everyone,” he noted.
Mr Kamanga passionately called on the need to involve voices of youths and women and farmers on the ground.
The Director said the summit is committed to provide opportunities for knowledge sharing on the narratives surrounding climate change restoration within the Zambian context.
“We also need to create capacity to build leaders within Zambia who are able to go to the outskirts and train people in climate change,” he said.
Meanwhile, Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources Director- Climate Change and Natural Resources Ephraim Shitima disclosed that the government is in the process of formulating the climate change bill.
Mr Shitima said the bill aims to provide a legal framework for effective implementation of climate change programmes in the country.
He noted that the government’s commitment is evident through enactment of the National Policy on Climate change which promotes climate resilient adaptive practices, smart agriculture and many other programmes.
The Department of Tourism is worried about the rampant encroachment in tourism and heritage sites in Northern Province.
Northern Circuit Regional Coordinator in the Tourism Department, Francis Chiwere, expressed his sadness after he visited Mwela Rocks Heritage Site in Kasama district this morning after finding that communities have engaged in rock quarrying and charcoal burning within the heritage site.
ZANIS reports that Mr Chiwere said people should always understand that this site plays an important role in preserving the history of where people are coming from.
He noted that the Mwela Rocks Heritage Site needs to be safeguarded with wire fences to prevent illegal developers and those who access the premises without paying.
He said those doing quarry business around the area are also a threat to the site as they may start to tamper with the rocks in the heritage site.
“People are frustrating the government’s efforts of developing the tourism sector. Why should one come and start doing quarry business inside the heritage site? This is unacceptable,” he charged.
Mr Chiwere also called on the local people to take time with their families and visit these places during the holidays.
He said children need to be taken to such sites so that they understand the history of the human race is coming from.
And Mwela Rocks and National Monument Site Manager, Robert Sichone, emphasised the need to safeguard the heritage site.
Mr Sichone said with the encroachment there have been a lot of negative activities taking place and the animals have run away and poached by the people who have encroached the site.
“Charcoal burning and quarrying inside the heritage site have become the order of the day and these activities have scared the wild animals which were being seen around this place,” said Mr Sichone.
Meanwhile, Rufasi Chiponde, the site attendant at Mwela Rocks Heritage Site, has called on the Ministry of General Education in the province to encourage head teachers to be taking pupils on study tours to these historical sites.
Mr chiponde said tourism should not be seen to be for foreigners only because even locals can take advantage and learn more by visiting such sites.
He said the government is highly supporting the tourism sector and people should also take advantage by investing in the sector for it to tick.
The Zambian government has taken tourism as one of the major economic recovery sectors of the country.
North-Western Province Permanent Secretary, Willies Mangimela has commended the National Prosecution Authority (NPA) for establishing a fast track court against smuggling of mealie meal and maize in order to curb the vice.
Mr Mangimela said there is need for more measures to be put in place to cartel food smuggling to supplement efforts that security forces such as Zambia National Service (ZNS) are doing.
“We have a lot of food in our country but also at the same time we have rampant smuggling to the neighboring DR Congo,” he mentioned.
“We are very much aware that we are also going to have a fast track court which I think after this will be established so that we curtail such vices which have been on the increase especially in the past one year,” he said.
Mr Majimela said this in a speech read for him by his Deputy, Emmanuel Chihili during the official opening of a two day training organized by the national task force on food security.
Meanwhile, NPA Chief State Advocate, Nkumbiza Mumba noted on the need for capacity building with all key stakeholders against smuggling to curb the vice.
Ms Mumba said the training will equip participants with skills that will help curb maize and mealie meal smuggling which is rampant in the province.
“It is identified that players against smuggling are supposed to be equipped so as to enhance their capacities in ensuring food security,” she said.
And Kalumbila District Commissioner, Robinson Kalota has appealed to all security wings and all stakeholders to work with the district commissioners offices in all the districts.
“Government and the President are preaching to stop smuggling, this requires everyone’s efforts and each one of us should know our roles to play”, he said.
Mr Kalota, who is also the North-Western Province Dean of District Commissioners, said working together will help fight smuggling.
Minister of National Guidance and Religious Affairs, Godfridah Sumaili has urged Zambians to commit the country to God for continued peace and unity as the country prepares for the general elections next year.
Rev Sumaili said Zambians must embrace the Day of National Prayer, Fasting, Repentance and Reconciliation as the country battles with the COVID-19 pandemic and economic and social challenges.
Speaking in an interview with ZANIS in Lusaka, Rev Sumaili said it is imperative that Zambians pray to God to continue healing the country and wipe away the COVID-19 pandemic.
Rev Sumaili said this year’s Day of National Prayer, Fasting, Repentance and Reconciliation is cardinal as the country is battling with the COVID-19 pandemic, economic challenges as well preparations for next year’s general elections.
The Minister said the theme for this year’s Day of National Prayer, reflects the country’s position to call upon God in times of need for deliverance.
Rev Sumaili pointed out that God came through for Zambia as demonstrated from the bumper harvest that the country recorded despite the drought that hit some parts of the country.
She added that the last six years of observing the Day of National Prayer, Fasting, Repentance and Reconciliation has created an atmosphere of spirituality and hunger for prayer in the country.
Meanwhile, Rev Sumaili said President Edgar Lungu will grace the commemoration of the Day of National Prayer, Fasting, Repentance and Reconciliation on October 18, in Lusaka while Vice President Inonge Wina will oversee the event in Chipata, Eastern Province.
And Day of National Prayer Organising Committee Chairperson, Joshua Banda has disclosed that only 200 people will participate in this year’s commemorations of the Day of Prayer, Fasting, Repentance and Reconciliation.
Bishop Banda said attendance to the commemoration at Mulungushi International Conference Centre will be strictly by invitation and advised the Christian faithful and interested citizens to follow the proceedings on television and radio.
Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia Acting Director, Bishop Andrew Mwenda said only God can give and sustain the peace that Zambia has continued to enjoy for over five decades.
Bishop Mwenda said Zambia has become an example to the world of a nation that seeks after God and has inspired other neighbouring countries like Zimbabwe to hold days of national prayer.
And Independent Churches of Zambia President (ICOZ), Bishop David Masupa urged all Zambians to put aside their tribe and political affiliations and observe the day of prayer for continued peace, unity and prosperity in the country.
Bishop Masupa dismissed insinuations from some political quarters that there will be bloodshed in Zambia, stating that Zambians will rise above partisan interests and seek God’s intervention and protection.
This year’s Day of National Prayer, Fasting, Repentance and Reconciliation is being held under the theme “Zambia seeking God’s intervention for Sustained Unity, Peace and Prosperity.”
Zambia’s Ambassador to Germany Anthony Mukwita has praised Honorary Consul Jorrit Plambeck for extending education to 800 children at a school the German philanthropist is supporting in Zambia.
Mr Mukwita said Mr Plambeck’s contribution is helping Zambian children prepare for a challenging future.
He made the remarks when Mr Plambeck paid a courtesy call on him at the Zambian Embassy in Berlin.
“Education has helped move people from poverty to prosperity in many societies in different parts of the world .This is why any contribution to the education of the Zambian child is an investment in poverty reduction,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mr Plambeck an international trade expert, said he has been supporting the education of 800 children at Maanu Mbwami Community School near Livingstone for many years by coordinating donations from German donors.
He stated that the donations have transformed the once-grass-thatched structure into a concrete building with more than four classroom blocks, toilets and accommodation for teachers along with a library which was set up with donations from the United Kingdom (UK).
“As part of his functions as Honorary Consul for the state of Hessen, Mr Plambeck has assisted Zambian companies participate in trade fares in Germany, provided technical advice on how to organize trade fares and how Zambian companies may sustain gains made from interactions that take place during trade fares,” the statement read in part.
Mr Plambeck has also coordinated donations of computers to a school and hospital as well as clothing for refugees living in camps near the Zambia/Angola border.
This is contained in statement availed to media in Lusaka yesterday by First Secretary for Press and Public Relations, Kellys Kaunda.
National Democratic Congress Party (NDC) vice president Joseph Akafumba has described the arrest and charge of the party’s president Chishimba Kambwili as persecution from the ruling Patriotic Front (PF) that stand to benefit from the matter.
Mr Akafumba told journalists in an interview that magistrate in his judgment Magistrate Simusamba made it clear that the case was first reported to Amos Chanda who was at the time press assistant to president Lungu and what followed was the arrest of Dr Kambwili.
Mr Akafumba said by this implication the arrest of Dr Kambwili was a project for the ruling Patriotic Front who stood to benefit from its outcome.
Mr Akafumba said that when the matter started, Dr Kambwili not only reported Magistrate Simusamba’s bad conduct the Chief Justice but also asked the ACC carry out an investigation to establish whether or not there was any wrongdoing in the conduct of Dr Simusamba, adding that Dr Kambwili did not only end at reporting magistrate to the authorities but also sued him in the high court of Zambia.
Mr Akafumba regretted that this is the same magistrate who went on to hear and determine the matter involving Dr Kambwili, adding although what has happened at court yesterday was extremely saddening.
He observed that from the word go, the magistrate had scores to settle with Dr. Kambwili and the fact that he was reported to the chief justice, suggest Magistrate Simusamba was not the right magistrate to hear the matter.
“Even today when reading out the judgment, it was clear that Magistrate Simusamba was settling scores on the perceived conduct of Dr Kambwili especially when accused Kambwili making moves to delaying the court and was going to punish him for it,” he said.
Mr. Akafumba said this was not the way it should be because in all court systems, the magistrate is required to have what he described as water in the mouth.
“Regrettably, magistrate Simusamba had to swallow the water and jumped into the arena to fight Kambwili and for this reason that the judgment came out in the manner it has come, ” he said.
Mr. Akafumba said the party has instructed the lawyers to appeal against the conviction and sentencing all the way up to the supreme court and that he is sure that the facts before court does not support the judgment and this made the chances of succeeding very high.
Mr. Akafumba urged members countrywide not to lose hope because what happened is but just a temporal set back which has come from the PF.
Here is a comprehensive round-up of how Zambia’s 2021 AFCON Group H and 2022 World Cup Group B qualifier opponent’s spent their October FIFA International Match Week.
=ALGERIA
Algeria had a high-profile October with a win and draw and in the process extended their unbeaten run to 20 successive internationals.
On October 13, the defending AFCON champions and Group H leaders traded blows with Mexico at The Hague in Holland to finish 2-2 against the Concacaf champions.
Ismael Bennacer equalized for Algeria in the 45th minute after Corona had put Mexico ahead three minutes earlier.
Riyad Mahrez then put 10-man Algeria ahead in the 67th minute just twelve minutes after midfielder Adlene Gueioura received his second yellow card.
Diego Lainez denied Algeria victory when he restored parity in the 86th minute.
The draw came after Algeria beat Nigeria 1-0 on October 9 in Klagenfurt, Austria thanks to a 6th minute goal from Ramy Bensebaini.
It has been two years since Algeria last lost a match in a 1-0 away defeat to Benin on October 16, 2018 during a 2019 AFCON qualifier and have now raked-in 16 victories and four draws.
=ZIMBABWE
Zimbabwe played just one friendly during the break with a trip to Malawi on October 11 where they drew 0-0 in Blantyre.
=BOTSWANA
The Zebras have spent their entire October FIFA week in a closed-door training camp and total media blackout since October 4.
However, coach Adel Amrouche did not preside over the training camp after leaving Botswana in early September for Belgium to visit after being away from his family for over five months.
Botswana face Zambia next month in an AFCON Group H doubleheader.
=EQUATORIAL GUINEA
Equatorial Guinea’s October 12 away friendly against Ghana in Antalya, Turkey fell through after Zambia’s 2022 World Cup Group B opponents failed to assemble their European call-ups due to Covid-19 logistical problems to delay new coach Jorge Costa’s debut.
=TUNISIA
World Cup Group B opponents Tunisia had a busy schedule that begun with a roaring 3-0 home win over Sudan at Rades on October 9.
Goals by Saif Aldin Khaoui in the 16th minute, Ali Maaloul in the 24th and one from Denmark-born midfielder Anis Ben Slimane in the 34th minute set the tone for the Carthage Eagles.
Tunisia then travelled to Austria to face Nigeria at Sankt Veit an der Glan on October 13.
That match ended 1-1 when Mohamed Dräger grabbing the equalizer after Kelechi Iheanacho had put Nigeria ahead in the 21st minute.
But Tunisia were very fortunate to leave town with a draw and earlier had goalkeeper Farouk Ben Mustapha to thank after he denied Iheanacho a brace via a 28th minute penalty.
=MAURITANIA
2022 World Cup Group B opponents had an eventful October and collected a 2-1 home win over Sierra Leone on October 9 at Stade Cheikha Ould Boïdiya in Nouakchott.
Egypt-based striker Amadou Niass put the home side ahead in the 20th minute but the two sides when into the break level after Hassan Kamara scored in the 31st minute for Sierra Leone.
Naiss’ replacement in the 62nd minute, Hemeya Tanjy, gave Mauritania the home win in the 78th minute.
However, Mauritania’s hopes of their derby test against neighbours and hosts Senegal on October 13 away just across the border at Thies suffered a setback due to an outbreak of Covid-19 in the visitors camp and the match was cancelled at the 11th hour.
© Lusaka Times
