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Police in Solwezi District of have arrested a 26-year-old man of saviye area for allegedly killing his mother aged 47, after a quarrel.
North-western Province Commissioner of Police, Hudson Namachila who confirmed the development in a statement to ZANIS in Solwezi yesterday said the incident happened on March 22, 2020, around 14:00 hours.
Mr Namachila identified the deceased as Bridget Sandu of the same area.
The Commissioner stated that the suspect, Alex Sahandu allegedly murdered his mother after a quarrel in which she was advising him on his bad drinking habits.
He said upon visiting the scene, police found the body lying in a pool of fresh blood, facing downwards.
Mr Namachila further stated that the body of the deceased had two deep cuts on the right side of the head adding that a machete is alleged to have been used to inflict the injuries.
He said the body of the deceased has been deposited in the Solwezi General Hospital mortuary awaiting postmortem, while the suspect has been arrested and a docket of murder has been opened.
FAZ has been fined by CAF for unruly behavior by fans during last November’s 2021 AFCON Group H qualifier against Zimbabwe.
Fans threw missiles onto the pitch at National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka on November 19, 2019 following Chipolopolo’s 2-1 home loss to Zimbabwe.
CAF has fined Football House US$7,500 for that incident.
“We hope that fans will take note of the international bodies like Cosafa, CAF and FIFA that monitor whatever happens in our game. We risk even being banned from playing our home matches away from home,” FAZ General Secretary Adrian Kashala said.
“It is our prayer that fans will rally behind the team at all times to ensure that they deliver to the utmost of their ability.”
Chipolopolo are currently bottom of Group H on zero points following successive defeats to Zimbabwe and Algeria in their opening two qualifying matches.
Botswana are third in Group H with 1 point while second placed Zimbabwe and leaders Algeria have 4 and 6 points respectively after two rounds played.
Meanwhile, Chipolopolo’s Group H doubleheader against Botswana that was scheduled for March 26 in Lusaka and March 29 in Gaborone has been postponed due tothe Coronavirus pandemic.
According to the World Health Organisation’s (WHO), confirmed cases of COVID 19 are spreading rapidly across Africa. Therefore WHO advises African nations to immediately employ proactive mechanisms to stop it.
In our case here, the Ministry of Health has confirmed 03 cases, so COVID 19 is no longer a tale from distant lands, it is in our very own midst.
However, due to limited testing capacity in the country, undetected cases are a high possibility. From experience elsewhere, the acceleration of COVID 19 is steep if preventative interventions are delayed.
Guidance from the WHO is that African countries should prepare for a worst-case scenario. Once we provide for the worst, then we can nip the problem in the bud by assuming an aggressive approach in the process.
COVID 19 Basic Facts
The reproductive number (average number) in which an infected person will infect others is about 2.5. With this calculation, from 1 index case, probable infections after 10 days would be 1600 people.
We are cognizant of measures announced by the Ministry of Health to prevent COVID 19. But they fall short of the scale of the problem at hand because of the following;
Our Healthcare delivery has no capacity to contain full-scale COVID 19 due to:
– Limited diagnostic capabilities ( only at UTH)
– UTH has only 18 ventilators
– Not enough medical staff
– Not enough Personal Protective Equipment
– Limited treatment options
Due to above glaring inadequacies, Western Embassies are evacuating non-essential staff from Zambia. What needs to be done (in addition to measures announced by the Ministry of Health)
Complete lockdown of Zambia for at least 2 weeks to halt the infection rate.
Enhance testing for COVID and extend testing services to all provinces.
Mobilise retired medical staff to be on alert for a possible call to help and also enlist help from Doctors in the private sector.
Procure enough medical equipment and protective clothing for medical personnel on the frontline.
Restrict unnecessary movement from homes.
Encourage all workers (private and public) to work from home.
Encourage banks to deal in electronic transactions than cash.
Restaurants and cafes to operate ‘take away’ (fast foods) only.
Remove all import duty and other taxes on medical equipment and Personal Protective Equipment.
Reconvene Parliament to sit virtually and approve supplemental funding for COVID 19
Withdraw Bill 10 and channel resources to the fight against COVID 19
Parliament must exercise strict oversight on the funds approved for Coronavirus, and no corruption and theft of the resources should be entertained or tolerated.
On a personal level
Please wash your hands frequently with soap.
No hand shakes or hugs.
Cover mouth or nose when coughing or sneezing.
Self-quarantine if you have flu symptoms.
Do not panic but be extra vigilant.
Prevention of COVID 19 is our collective responsibility. Please take care of yourselves and your loved ones and strictly adhere to hygienic rules provided for by Health authorities, because this disease is very lethal and spares no one. In all this, we should not forget to seek guidance from the All Mighty God. Remember we are our brothers and sisters’, keepers.
The Medical for Quality Healthcare in Zambia has demanded that the Ministry of Health should stop using clinical students in trying to combat the spread of the Corona Virus.
Organisation Director GeneralDr Quince Mwabu says using students is heavily compromising this crucial struggle against Covid 19 in Zambia.
Dr Mwabu said instead of deploying students, the Ministry of Health should recruit trained health workers who are currently jobless.
“We are aware that thousands of health workers all over the world have contracted the Corona virus in their course of work.This clearly means that we need well trained personnel to effectively discharge preventive as well curative measures against the virus. We do not want our students to risk their lives when government can easily engage well qualified staff”, he said.
Dr Mwabu has called on the Ministry of Health to send all clinical students home.
He has further asked the Government to take this crisis very serious and learn from what other African countries are robustly handling this pandemic.
“We need mandatory quarantine of all social groupings and gatherings in Zambia.We also need to implement travel bans to and from Corona Virus hit Countries”, he added.
He has stressed the fact that being Chinese is not synonymous with having COVID-19.
Dr Mwabu said it is very important for people to understand that all Chinese in Zambia who have not travelled out of the country are free of the virus and should be treated without any suspicion.
Samuel Kasoleka, says Julian Mwape Director General Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities lied that his sister Miriam Kasoleka aged 80 was attacked when she and others went to present their petition on Bill 10 at UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema’s residence.
Mr Kasoleka on Sunday visited the UPND secretariat to clear out reports that her sister who does not even know anything about Bill 10 was among those who went to present a petition at Mr. Hichilema’s residence.
And Ms Miriam Kasoleka confessed that she was picked from her home in the guise that she was going to collect her social welfare fund.
She also confirmed been attacked but that she did not know the location as that happened while she was on the hired bus.
Her brother, Samuel Kasoleka expressed disappointment at how her sister could be involved in Bill 10 issues she is not even aware of.
He appealed to Ms. Mwape not to involve an innocent person like Mr. Hichilema in an issue that he is not aware of for political mileage.
Mazabuka Central Member of Parliament, Garry Nkombo who welcomed the Kasoleka family thanked them for clearing Mr. Hichilema’s name as he demanded answers from ZAPID, police and Minibus driver on what happened on that fateful day.
Samuel Kasoleka with his sister Mirriam at the UPND secretariat during the news briefing
Meanwhile, the Patriotic Front (PF) has said that it is shocked by UPND’s cold-heartedness to the extent of parading an old disabled woman who happens to be a victim of their own violence.
PF Media Director Sunday Chanda says the differently-abled persons have made representation to among other stakeholders the ruling Patriotic Front lobbying to be included in the governance processes of Zambia.
Mr. Chanda says the PF never claimed that their coming to engage and deliberate on this key human rights issue was stage-managed.
He says the PF welcomed them; heard and listened to their concerns and resolved to prioritize their representation in Parliament because it is a crucial human rights issue and they did not and do not even wish to know how the community mobilized itself to come and meet us – it was immaterial.
Mr. Chanda said it is not in dispute that members of the differently-abled community went to UPND leader’s residence in an attempt to lobby him and his MPs who include Mazabuka MP Garry Nkombo to support their representation in Parliament as pronounced by Bill 10.
He said in return the differently-abled community was received with violence from Mr. Hichilema’s security and the old women paraded today by the UPND were stoned and injured in the process.
“Attempts by UPND to reduce such an important undertaking to lobby for support from Mr. Hichilema and his MPs by differently-abled persons is nonsensical, cheapest and childish propaganda by a Party that remains opposed to the inclusion of the differently-abled persons in Parliament”, he said.
Mr. Chanda said it is a shame and an indictment on the UPND and Mazabuka MP Gary Nkombo to attempt to label a leader of the differently-abled community, a woman in the name of Ms. Julien Mwape.
“What else does Hon Nkombo expect a leader of this community to do in lobbying different stakeholders in order for her Constituency to be represented in Parliament? The lack of remorse from the UPND is worrying. How the differently-abled community organized itself is immaterial. What is crucial is that as this community attempted to lobby stakeholders on the need for them to be represented in Parliament, they were met with violence from Mr. Hichilema’s security”, he added.
Mr. Chanda said if at all there was any semblance of morality, UPND should have used today’s parading of a woman they have been intimidating in Chilanga, to apologize and state their stance on the representation of differently-abled persons in Parliament.
He said what is not in a contest is that Mr. Hichilema’s security unleashed violence against a defenseless and unarmed community adding that what is also not in the contest is that UPND does not support the inclusion of differently-abled persons in the governance system of Zambia.
In a statement, Mr. Chanda said the UPND does not want youths and women represented in Parliament too.
He said the differently-abled community in Zambia and beyond can be assured that they have a friend in the Patriotic Front. We refuse to reduce their quest for representation in Parliament to cheap political debate as Hon Nkombo and UPND just demonstrated a while ago.
Stakeholders in Kitwe have pledged significant material support to the relocation of street kids project.
Institutions that announced their pledges during the resource mobilisation meeting today in the Mayor’s parlour include Stanbic Kitwe Branch (70 blankets), and Mpongwe Milling company (12 bags of mealie meal every month).
Garden Court Hotel and Zamchin Steel also made their commitment to the plight of the street kids and promised to state their form of material support in due course.
The collective gesture exhibited by these institutions elated the Mayor Eng. Christopher Kang’ombe who emphasised the need for Kitwe to quickly resolve the problem of street kids before it got out hand as the case was in other towns.
“We are fortunate in Kitwe because the problem of street kids is within manageable level of an estimated 170 kids in the Central Business District. Therefore this calls for our urgent reaction before the figure swells. Nonetheless we are grateful for your commitment to the project” the Mayor stated .
He added that soon the request for donations would be extended to individuals.
The identified kids will be relocated to Chibusa and Sara Rose Homes in Garnerton and Kawama Chibusa Home.
The Zambia National Service has offered to take in 50 kids to undergo skills training.
The meeting was attended by Garden Court Hotel General Manager Mr Christopher Njese, Mpongwe Milling Human Resource Manager Ms Matilda Luswili and Mr Masautso Banda from Zamchin Steel.
Stanbic Bank was represented by the Branch Manager Mr Chalwe Chungwa accompanied by Customer Sales Consultant Ms Nuna Vundamina.
Opposition New Hope Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) National Youth Secretary Mr. Gregory Mofu has advised Patriotic Front (PF) Lusaka Province Secretary, Mr. Kennedy Kamba, to stop meddling in the Internal affairs of the MMD.
Over the weekend Mr. Kennedy Kamba rebuked MMD Youths for threatening to write to the National Executive Committee (NEC) for the Expulsion of them it’s 3 MPs, Should they decide to vote for the Bill 10.
Mr. Mofu in a statement said that the MMD is an Independent Party.
“We as the New Hope MMD Youths are shocked with the sentiments coming in from Patriotic Front (PF) Lusaka Province Secretary Mr. Kennedy Kamba in today’s daily nation where he has rebuked us for threatening to write to our National Executive Committee (NEC) for Expulsion of our Three MPs if they decide to vote for the Bill 10. What Mr. Kamba should know is that like the PF and the UPND, MMD is an independent Political Party with its own constitution. Neither our Party President Dr. Nevers Sekwila Mumba nor any official in our Party has ever commented on the numerous PF internal disciplinary issues like the expulsion of Kelvin Bwalya Fube. What my elder brother Should know is that MMD is an Independent Party. And We the Youths should defend its independence”, Mr. Mofu vowed.
Mr. Mofu said that the PF expelled 22 MPs for participating in the constitution review commission in 2010.
“We are further shocked that today someone from the Patriotic Front up (PF) can stand on an anthill and condemn us with our expulsion threats when the same Party expelled 22 of its MPs in 2010 for participating in our then led National Constitutional Review Commission (NCC). We as the MMD respected the right of the PF to expel it’s MPs because they were and are an independent group and we further expect the PF to respect our right to threaten or indeed expel our MPs”, Mr. Mofu said.
Mr. Mofu said that the position of the MMD is that the Bill 10 is not a priority and should be deferred, as there are a number of Urgent National issues which need our total attention such as the Corona Virus, the shortages and skyrocketing of the price of Mealie Meal and the devaluation of the Kwacha against major currencies like the US dollar.
Mr. Mofu further thanked two MMD MPs for shunning the PF Interactive Forum.
“Lastly but not least, We would like to thank Our two Members of Parliament Hon. Howard Kunda and Hon. Maxwell Kabanda for shunning today’s PF Interactive Forum after it was advertised that they would be today’s guests together with Patriotic Front (PF) Member of Parliament Mr. Raphael Nakachinda and they would defend the Bill 10. By shunning, they have proved that their loyalty is with their Party, the MMD”, Mr. Mofu said.
We would like to commend the Inspector General of Police Mr Kakoma Kanganja for his instructions to his Officers to take steps to decongest police cells in view of the COVID-19 threat. That’s as it should be. We also wish to add our voice by calling on everyone to take precautions as advised by the experts.
However, we would like to take this opportunity to remind the IG about other equally important matters that he needs to address urgently. The nation is anxiously waiting to hear the outcome of the investigations into the gassing incidents that recently threatened the security of the nation. While we commend the tireless efforts that he and his officers put in to combat that wave of crime, we think we deserve to know who was behind those acts and what the motive was. We are still distressed especially that even juveniles were recruited to commit these crimes.
We still vividly remember how that 14 year old boy was caught after he administered the toxic gas on pupils at a School in Northmead area. We are also alive to the fact that there were several statements by several people, especially politicians, about the incidences.
There were accusations and counter-accusations, there were also claims by some that it was a ploy to implicate and arrest them so that they are barred from contesting next year’s elections. All those statements were quite distressing to most of us, especially that we didn’t have the information that our colleagues claimed to have. The only truth we could believe was that released by the Police. Our anxiety is now growing because the IG’s office has now become silent at a time we expect to hear from him. We want to know who the masterminds that were reportedly caught are, and when they will begin to appear in Court.
We also want to know what will happen to the youths and juveniles that were caught up in that wave of crime. Are they still in Police custody? Or has this case become another of those that haven’t been concluded? Perhaps let’s remind the IG about some cases that his office has gone quiet about:
The Ruth Mbandu murder case – When this case began there were regular updates from the Police but later they slowed down and now the case has gone quiet without anyone being convicted for that gruesome murder;
The Moses Simuwelu murder – This is another case that the Police have abandoned without explaining which challenges, if any, that they have faced in their investigations.
The Menyani Zulu murder– Menyani Zulu was brutally killed at Mumpanshya in Rufunsa. We have been expecting an update from the Police especially that there were accusations and counter accusations between 2 major political players the PF and the UPND. We are worried that there has never been any comment from the IG on the outcome of their investigations especially that there was a leaked report on the Zambian Watchdog online media. We found the report still on the Zambian Watchdog thread last time we checked. We are distressed because the people that were mentioned in the report now hold senior positions in the Government and the PF Party.
In view of the aforesaid, we would like to urge the Inspector General of Police to update the nation as demanded otherwise not doing so will erode our confidence in his office. We look forward to hear from him soon.
Ex-Mighty Mufulira Wanderers club executive member and father to Chipolopolo midfielder RainfordKalaba has been put to rest.
Rainford Kalaba Senior was put to rest on Sunday, March 22 at Kansunswa Cemetery in Mufulira.
Kalaba Senior, 62 passed away on March 19 at Ndola Teaching Hospital after a long battle with diabetes.
“The void you have left is too big and suited no one except you. We shall miss you a lot,” his daughter Priscilla Kalaba said in the family tribute to her father.
Her brother, Chipolopolo and TP Mazembe midfielder Rainford Kalaba was in attendance and flanked by his club and national team counterpart Kabaso Chongo.
FAZ presidential aspirant Joseph Nkole was among the many mourners who attended the burial today.
Kalaba Senior served as Mighty secretary from 2007 to 2010.
Association for Mine Suppliers and Contractors has refuted claims by its former member Bwalya Mufonka that the association is backing the opposition United Party for National Development (UPND).
Association President Augustine Mubanga said Mr Mufonka’s claims are false and only represents his personal alliance with the opposition UPND.
Mr. Mubanga told ZNBC News in Kitwe in an interview that the association of mine suppliers and Contractors is non-partisan which only works with the government of the day.
He said the association is currently working with the government through the ministry of mines to ensure local suppliers and Contractors benefit from the many business opportunities made available.
And Kitwe District commissioner Chileshe Bweupe said President Edgar Lungu means well for the mine suppliers and Contractors.
The Kitwe DC further said his office has had a good relationship with the association adding that there has been no time the mine suppliers and Contractors have shown or exhibited any partisan politics.
Former mines suppliers and Contractors member Bwalya Mufonka yesterday released statements which has made rounds on social media and private media that the association is rallying behind the opposition UPND.
The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has warned business outlets against excessive pricing of sanitary products for prevention of Covid-19 like masks, gloves and hand sanitizers to the detriment of consumers.
The Commission says such unjustified high pricing of these essential products is unlawful as provided for under the Competition and Consumer Protection Act (CCPA) No. 24 of 2010.
It says it will not hesitate to impose necessary sanctions on erring enterprises.
“The Commission also encourages and advises consumers to report any of the enterprises engaging in such conduct in order for the Commission to take necessary action using the
Commission’s Toll-Free Line 5678 on all mobile networks.”
I’m aware Covid-19 has become rhetoric the world over, I shall however add my small voice.
It is now apparent that this virus is mostly affecting cross-border travelers, and this means the well-off in society. The most vulnerable include diplomats, business men and women, tourists, and employees of international organisations. This category of people evidently has better diets and therefore stronger immune systems. They also have access to the best medical and insurance services locally and internationally. Further, they are easy to trace as Covid-19 patients since they are on mobile phones and internet.
The problem is these rich colleagues retain lots of maids, gardeners and general helpers at their houses. The maids and gardeners literally take care of their daily chores, and are therefore in close contact with their employers. As is common practice, it is the maids, gardeners and drivers who take care of the children of these cross-border travelers. Even in our hotels and top lodges, where the virus is most likely strike, it is workers from shanty compounds working as waiters, waitress and cleaners. There is therefore constant interaction between the international traveler and residents from heavily populated compounds.
This state of affairs makes it very easy for the virus to jump into the shanty compounds. And once the virus goes into our densely populated compounds, then real trouble starts. It will almost be impossible to track patients of the virus in our compounds. Sensitization is very difficult since potential victims are illiterate, and have no TVs and internet. The lack of ventilation and running water in compound houses cannot be over emphasized. Further, mostly people in compounds share beds and rooms. In such a set-up, the virus will proliferate exponentially. It is therefore in everyone’s best interest that maids, gardeners and all house helpers are given Leave with immediate effect. Hospitality personnel must also be minimized, and adequately trained regarding Covid-19.The moment this virus enters shanty compounds, that will be END GAME! God protect us all!
Zambia has recorded a third case of COVID- 19 involving a Lusaka based man who travelled to Pakistan on March 9th , 2020 and returned to Zambia on March 18th, 2020.
Minister of health Chitalu Chilufya indicates that the recorded new case brings the total number of COVID -19 in the country to three.
ZANIS reports that Dr Chilufya confirmed the development during a press briefing in Lusaka today.
The Minister of Health has since reiterated the importance of Zambians or foreigners who are residents in Zambia, to adhere to the quarantine rules of 14 days upon their return to the country as they are backed by law under the Statutory Instrument number 22.
He warned that those not obeying with the authorities concerning the quarantine rules are breaking the law and that the law will visit them.
And Dr Chilufya said the two patients that were found with COVID-19, are responding well to treatment, adding that a repeated test will be conducted today to ascertain their progress.
Dr Chilufya has since re-echoed government’s call to ensure that measures advised in the prevention of COVID -19 such as washing and sanitizing of hands as well as self-isolation among others are adhered to.
He said President Edgar Lungu is gravely concerned with COVID-19 and has directed a multisectoral robust response against the disease.
The Minister of Health further stated that the epidemic has so far geographically spread rapidly and as of today globally, cases stand at 308, 463 including 13,069 deaths.
He said in Africa 41 countries have been affected with a total number of 1,248 cases of COVID-19 and 37 deaths including Zambia.
The Minister noted that the highest countries so far in Africa with Coronavirus cases is Egypt with 294 cases and 10 deaths followed by South Africa with 240 cases.
Meanwhile, the National Pensions Scheme Authority (NAPSA) has made a cash contribution of K1 Million to help government procure various supplies required in various centers to implement efforts government is making against COVID 19.
Government has also decided to shut down all educational institutions amid coronavirus outbreak fears.
Health Minister Chitalu Chilufya said the decision, which Took effect Friday, March 2020,is a measure to prevent the global outbreak.
The virus emerged in Wuhan, China last December, and has spread to nearly 150 countries and territories. The World Health Organization (WHO) has since declared the outbreak a pandemic.
Zambia National Farmers Union (ZNFU) has commended the KEMIKO and Musika partnership for supporting Small-Scale farmers in Luapula and Northern provinces.
ZNFU Media and Public Relations Manager Kelvin Kaleyi said the partnership between the two entities, through buying of the cassava grain, will provide Cassava farmers with a readily available market for their commodity.
He said the biggest problem that some farmers face in the area is finding a market for their commodities and this has affected their business growth.
Mr Kaleyi explained that Mansa is one of the few districts reputable for producing cassava.
He further called on more farmers in the area to take this opportunity and also venture into cassava growing as a way of achieving crop diversification in the country.
And Small scale Farmers Development Agency (SAFADA) Director Boyd Moobwe noted that the partnership will help smallholder farmers technically and financially.
He reiterated that providing a market for farmers is a better way of encouraging and facilitating their agriculture business growth.
Mr Moobwe further observed that farming needs to be recognized as a proper business that needs readily available markets.
He has further appealed to the government to support such initiatives meant to empower the economic growth of the country.
Last year, KEMIKO, a cassava processing industry, bought 180 tonnes of cassava from 400 farmers, and further intends to buy 360 tonnes and educate smallholder farmers on food security, later this year.
The company currently has two processing facilities in Mansa, providing market for farmers in the area.
