The General Firearms Amnesty will Come to an End Next Year-Kanganja

General News

Chief Editor

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December 9, 2019

The General firearms Amnesty, introduced in 2011 by the Zambia Police, whose objective was to remove prohibited and illegally acquired Firearms as well as prohibited firearms accessories and ammunition from members of the public, with a view of reducing the prevalence of violent crime in the country, will come to an end next year.

Inspector-General of Police Kakoma Kanganja said the Amnesty is coming to an end on 30th June 2020.

Mr. Kanganja has since appealed to the general public that those still in possession of illegally acquired firearms should take advantage of the remaining period of the Amnesty to surrender them to the Police.

He has also reminded all those who have inherited firearms of their deceased relatives without following laid down procedure in changing ownership to deposit such weapons in the Public Ware House without delay or risk being arrested and prosecuted.

Mr. Kanganja said Police will soon conduct random clean-ups in search of illegally owned firearms and all those that would be found wanting will be prosecuted accordingly and should have themselves to blame.

He has further called on members of the public who could have information on anyone in possession of illegal arms to report to any nearest police.

Some PF youth unhappy with the arrogance being exhibited by their Leaders ahead of the 2021 general elections

Headlines

Chief Editor

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December 9, 2019

19

Some PF youth unhappy with the arrogance being exhibited by their Leaders ahead of the 2021 general elections

Some youths in the ruling Patriotic Front are unhappy with the arrogance being exhibited by their Leaders ahead of the 2021 general elections.

The youths are also disappointed that the top party leadership is not taking into consideration concerns being raised by the grassroots over failure by the government to deliver on the pro poor promises.

Those talked to have expressed fear that the party might not win the 2021 polls should the leaders especially the party leadership continue ignoring the needs of grassroot members.

They have attributed the loss in a Ward by election in Northern Province recently to arrogance by leaders who are not willing to listen to the needs of the people.

And the PF youths have appealed to the government to find ways of addressing the increasing cost of living which is affecting every Zambian.

They are worried that if left unchecked, this will affect PFs chances of winning the 2021 polls.

Speaking on condition of anonymity for fear of victimization, the youths among them youth leaders in Lusaka feel the level at which the party is ignoring the concerns being raised by Zambians is alarming.

They have also accused the leaders of misleading President Edgar Lungu on various issues affecting the people.

ZCAS student commits suicide by jumping off the 14th floor

General News

Chief Editor

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December 9, 2019

14

A twenty-year-old ZCAS student has committed suicide by throwing himself from the 14th floor of Government Complex building this afternoon.

The student who has been identified as Mwango Kandeta is the son of Chileshe Kandeta, Ministry of Finance Spokesperson.

Zambia Police spokesperson Esther Katongo confirmed in a statement that officers rushed to the scene and found a body of the deceased with several injuries.

Mrs Katongo said the deceased is reported to have jumped from the 14th floor, using the toilet window and left his slippers and a half-full bottle of Coca-cola inside the toilet where he had initially locked himself.

She explained that the door was forced open by the Police.

Mrs Katongo said the accident occurred today around 1615 hours at Government Complex at the rear lawn.

Mukula Cartel is Fake News, Reporters should rise above Fake news and return to Professional Reporting-President Lungu

Headlines

Chief Editor

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December 9, 2019

45

British High Commissioner to Zambia HE Nicolas Wooley and DFID Representative Ememeline Dicker were paying a courtesy call on His Excellency President Edgar Lungu.

President Edgar Lungu has said that the talk of being mentioned in the illegal trade of Mukula is a case of falsehood being perpetrated by some Reporters.

The Head of State hoped that Reporters would rise above fake news and return to professional reporting.

The President said this through his Spokesperson Isaac Chipampe who briefed journalists shortly after President Lungu held a closed-door meeting with British High Commissioner to Zambia HE Nicolas Woolley.

Mr. Chipampe indicated that President Lungu made it clear that he has on several occasions restrained himself to act on fabrications because he hoped one day Reporters in Zambia will rise above fake news.

“The President also hoped diplomatics accredited to Zambia would be using diplomatic channels whenever they had issues of concern,” said Mr. Chipampe.

“And President Lungu has expressed concern that the country is being polluted daily with lies that have the potential to endanger peace in the country. President Lungu gave an example of the Constitutional Amendment Bill, also known as Bill 10, as one document that has been misrepresented.”

The Special Assistant to the President for Press and Public Relations further told journalists that Mr. Woolley hoped Zambia can become a regional center for trade in the region.

Mr. Chipampe said the British High Commissioner to Zambia said the United Kingdom’s economic development program for Africa is based on support to small and medium enterprises and enhancement of regional trade.

“And Mr. Whoolley said President Lungu was leading the charge to find solutions to climate change in the region. The High Commissioner said the United Kingdom will partner with Zambia to find solutions to climate change. Mr. Whoolley said MET projections are still showing harsh indicators like lower than average rainfall and higher than average temperatures to which President Lungu said he welcomed the partnership to find solutions to climate change,” said Mr. Chipampe.

MONDAY PRO’S HIT LIST

sports

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December 9, 2019

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Here is a wrap of selected foreign-based players who were in action over the weekend at their respective clubs.

RUSSIA:
Sixth placed Arsenal Tula beat fifth positioned Locomotive Moscow 4-0 to claim their second big kill following their 1-0 victory over CSKA Moscow last Monday.
Striker Evans Kangwa came on in the 87th minute but was not on target while midfielder Lameck Banda was an unused substitute.

BELGIUM:
Third from bottom KV Oostende lost 1-0 away to AS Epen on Sunday.
Fashion Sakala played the full 90 minutes against the 12th placed side.

AUSTRIA:
Leaders RB Salzburg beat second from bottom Swarovski Tirol 5-1 on Saturday.
Patson Daka scored the first goal in the 3rd minute before making way in the 76th minute for compatriot Enock Mwepu.
Daka is now third on the top scorer’s charts with 13 goals, three behind club-mate Erling Haland.

SOUTH AFRICA
-KAIZER CHIEFS: Lazarus Kambole was an unused substitute on Saturday in leaders Kaizer Chiefs 5-3 home win over Bloemfontein Celtic.
Orlando Pirates: Augustine Mulenga was an unused by Orlando Pirates in Saturday’s 2-2 away draw against ex-Chipolopolo coach Wedson Nyirenda’s Baroka FC.
Justin Shonga was not selected for the match.

-POLOKWANE CITY: Goalkeeper Mwenya Chibwe was not selected for Polokwane City in Sundays 1-0 home loss to Maritzburg United.
Salulani Phiri was substituted on the hour- mark.
Mamelodi Sundowns:Goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene was an unused substitute in Sundowns ‘ 0-0 away draw against Wydad Casablanca in Morocco on Saturday in a CAF Champions League Group C match.

-BLACK LEOPARDS: Striker Musonda Mwape played the full 90 minutes in Black Leopards 0-0 home draw against Amazulu on Saturday.

FRANCE:
On Saturday, defender Stopilla Sunzu played the full 90 minutes in third from bottom Metz’s4-1 away loss against 13th placed Nice.

Former Finance Minister Felix Mutati invited to Convention in Ruwanda

Economy

Chief Editor

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December 9, 2019

8

Mutati speaks to party officials in Ndola on Sunday. — FILE: Mutati

Former Finance Minister Felix Mutati is among the eminent world Leaders that have been invited to speak at the Association of Certified Chartered Accountants, African member’s Convention to be held in Kigali, Rwanda between 9th and 11th December 2019.

Mr. Mutati, who is the 2017 ACCA Global Advocacy award winner, has been invited to give a key note address which celebrates African leaders who have made a mark contributing to changing social structures, reforming business, leading people and impacting on the Accountancy profession.

Mr. Mutati, a Chartered Accountant will also speak about how Africa can among others, prudently manage her resources for the benefit of her people.

The high level meeting which will be officially opened by Dr. Uzziel Ndagijimana, Rwanda’s Finance Minister brings together, ACCA members from the African continent.

The Convention is being held under the theme, the evolution of finance: Africa thriving in disruptive ‘sociotechnomic’ dispensation.

Zambia Reach COSAFA U20 Semifinals

sports

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December 9, 2019

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Zambia have sailed to the 2019 COSAFA U20 Cup semifinals with a 100 percent record following a 2-1 win over Malawi in their final Group A match today at Nkoloma Stadium in Lusaka.

Oswald Mutapa’s side win Group A on maximum 9 points at the tournament Zambia is hosting in Lusaka from December 4-14.

Zambia will face Angola in the semi-finals on December 12 at the same venue after they to won Group C on maximum points following a comprehensive 4-1 win over eSwatini today.

Captain Golden Mwafwenta put Zambia ahead in the 40th minute.

Francisco Mwepu made it 2-0 in the 68th minute to score his third goal of the tournament.

Then his namesake Francisco Madinga scored Malawi’s consolation goal four minutes later.

Malawi now await Tuesdays outcome in Group C to know if they will qualify to the semis as the best second placed side of the three group tournament.

South Africa’s Zozibini Tunzi crowned 2019 Miss Universe

Headlines

Entertainment Editor

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December 9, 2019

11

South Africa’s Zozibini Tunzi crowned 2019 Miss Universe

Newly crowned Miss Universe 2019 South Africa’s Zozibini Tunzi waves from stage after the 2019 Miss Universe pageant at the Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta, Georgia on December 8, 2019. (Photo by VALERIE MACON / AFP)

“I grew up in a world where a woman who looks like me, with my kind of skin and my kind of hair, was never considered to be beautiful.

“I think that it is time that that stops today.”

That’s the message from newly-crowned Miss Universe Zozibini Tunzi, who is from South Africa.

More than 90 women from across the world took part in the pageant which was held in Atlanta in the US on Sunday.

Zozibini beat Puerto Rico’s Madison Anderson and Mexico’s Sofia Aragon in the final three to take the tiara.

Finalists in the competition were asked a range of questions on topics such as climate change, protest and social media.

In her final question, 26-year-old Zozibini was asked what we should be teaching young girls today.

Her answer was leadership.

“It’s something that has been lacking in young girls and women for a very long time – not because we don’t want to, but because of what society has labelled women to be,” she said.

“I think we are the most powerful beings on the world, and that we should be given every opportunity. “And that is what we should be teaching these young girls – to take up space.”

Zozibini, who won Miss South Africa in August, is described by Miss Universe as “a proud advocate for natural beauty”.

It adds that she’s “a passionate activist and engaged in the fight against gender based violence”.

“She has devoted her social media campaign to changing the narrative around gender stereotypes.”

Although her exact prizes aren’t revealed by Miss Universe, Zozibini’s expected to have won a year’s stay rent-free in an apartment in New York – and a salary worth around $100,000 (£76,000).

She’ll also fly around the world for media and modelling opportunities.

(Source: BBC)

WEEKEND SCORECARD

sports

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December 9, 2019

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In no particular order, here are the coaches who have left their respective posts so far after the first twelve rounds of games played in the 2019/2020 FAZ Super Division season.

-Nkwazi: Chris Kaunda (Fired)

-Power Dynamos: Fordson Kabole (Fired), Guston Mutobo (Fired)

-Kabwe Warriors: Tennant Chilumba (Contract not renewed)

-Buildcon: Tenant Chembo (Mutual Consent )

-Nakambala Leopards: Zeddy Saileti (Contract not renewed)

-Mufulira Wanderers: Elijah Chikwanda (fired)

-Lumwana Radiants: Chewe Mulenga (Fired)

-Forest Rangers: Perry Mutapa (Resigned to join Power Dynamos)

-Nkana: Beston Chambeshi (Mutual Consent )

WEEKEND SCORECARD

-2019/20 CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
07/12/2019
GROUP A
-Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, Ndola
Zesco 1(Winston Kalengo 65′)-TP Mazembe 2(Jackson Muleka 9′ 63′)

-Al-Salam Stadium , Cairo, Egypt
Zamalek 2(Achraf Bencharki 16′ 68′)-Premiero de Agosto 0

-2019/20 CAF CONFEDERATION CUP
08/12/2019
GROUP B
-National Heroes Stadium,Lusaka
Zanaco 1(Charles Zulu 25′) -RSB Berkane 1(Djiril Quattara 15′)
–Stade René Pleven d’Akpakpa, Cotonou, Benin
ESAE 0-DC MOtema Pembe 2(Vinny Bongonga 37′, Vinny Kombe 52′)

-2019/2020 FAZ SUPER DIVISION
07/12/2019
WEEK 11
Nakambala Leopards 0-Lumwana Radiants 2(Emmanuel Manda 35′,Richard Zulu 70′)

Green Eagles 1(Amity Shamande 3′)-Red Arrows 1(James Chamanga 30′)

2019/2020 TOP SCORERS
LEAGUE
07/12/2019
Jesse Were (Zesco):10

Idris Mbombo(Nkana):8

James Chamanga(Red Arrows):7

Elias Maguri(Nakambala Leopards):5
Bornwell Mwape (Napsa Stars):5

Emmanuel Manda(Lumwana Radiants):4
Babe Basile(Lusaka Dynamos):4
Kennedy Musonda (Green Eagles):4
Jimmy Ndhlovu(Kabwe Warriors):4
Adams Zikiru (Forest Rangers):4

Moses Phiri (Buildcon) :3
Royd Alfonso (Kansanshi Dynamos):3
Jeff Banda (Nkwazi):3*
Roger Kola (Zanaco):3
Martin Dzilah (Lumwana):3
Daniel Chama (KYSA):3
Thabani Kamusoko(Zesco):3
Friday Samu (Green Buffaloes):3
Emmanuel Phiri (Kansanshi):3
Winston Kalengo (Zesco):3
Bruce Musakanya (Red Arrows):3
Chris Mugalu (Lusaka Dynamos):3
Eric Choomba(Nkwazi):3

Shadreck Mulungwe (Green Eagles):2
Moro Ameru (KYSA):2
Willy Stephanus(Lusaka Dynamos):2
Moussa Lemisa(Lusaka Dynamos):2
Rahim Osumanu (Mufulira Wanderers) :2
Fredrick Mulambia(Power Dynamos):2
Paul Simpemba (Green Buffaloes):2
Chitiya Mususu(Zanaco):2
Gozon Mutale(Green Eagles):2
Laudit Mavugo (Napsa Stars) :2
Kelvin Mubanga(Nkana):2
Jack Chirwa (Green Buffaloes) :2
Anthony Akumu (Zesco United):2
Ronald Kampamba (Nkana):2
Danny Silavwe (Napsa Stars):2
Tafadzwa Rusike (Zanaco):2
Evans Musonda(Red Arrows):2
Patrick Ilongo(Forest Rangers):2
Junior Zulu(Nakambala):2
Charles Zulu (Zanaco):2
Alidor Kayembe(Buildcon):2
Biramahire Abeddy (Buildcon):2
Kwame Attrum (Mufulira Wanderers):2
Ian Sililo(KYSA):2
Spencer Sautu(Green Eagles):2*
Collins Sikombe (Napsa Stars) :2

Chanda Mushili(Buildcon):1
Jamal Jefaru (Mufulira Wanderers):1
Hosea Silwimba (Green Eagles) :1
Mise Katende(Mufulira Wanderers) :1
Christian Ntouba (Power Dynamos) :1
Eric Kabulo (Buildcon) :1
Dominic Chanda(Kabwe Warriors):1
Felix Nyaende (Kabwe Warriors):1
Eddie Sinyangwe(Green Buffaloes):1
George Ngoma (Green Buffaloes):1
Akakulubelwa Mwachiyaba(Kabwe Warriors):1
Stephen Kabamba(Green Buffaloes):1
Webster Muzaza (Forest Rangers):1
Laurent Muma (Forest Rangers):1
Marvin Jere(Lusaka Dynamos):1
Clement Mwape (Zesco):1
Umaru Kasumba (Zesco):1
Quadri Kola (Zesco):1
Martin Kayuwa(Power Dynamos):1
Lazarus Zulu(Kansanshi):1
Peter Mwangani(Forest Rangers):1
Moonga Chilimba (Buffaloes):1
Leonard Mulenga(Buffaloes):1
Felix Bulaya (Nakambala):1
Joseph Mwandilila(Green Eagles):1
Norbet Chisala (Kansanshi Dynamos):1
Chisenga Lukwemba(Nakambala):1
Andrew Kwiliko (Green Eagles):1
Tresor Ilunga(KYSA):1
Derrick Mwansa (Kabwe Warriors):1
Patrick Kasunga (Kabwe Warriors):1
Andrew Tololwa (Red Arrows): 1
Linos Makwaza Jnr(Power):1
Obeddy Masumbuko (Nkana):1
Thomas Banda(Napsa): 1
Davies Kamanga(Mufulira Wanderers):1
Simon Nkhata (Napsa Stars):1
Ali Sadiki(Kabwe Warriors):1
Larry Bwalya(Power Dynamos):1
Benson Sakala(Power Dynamos):1
Isaac Ngoma (Kansanshi Dynamos):1
Enock Sabamukumana(Zesco):1
Erick Chomba (Nkwazi):1
Chanida Zulu (Lumwana):1
Richard Zulu (Lumwana):1
John Ngoma(Nakambala):1
Simon Mulenga (Nkana):1
Isaac Shamujompa (Buildcon):1
Austin Banda(Napsa Stars):1
Harun Shakava (Nkana):1
Doisy Soko (Napsa Stars):1
Emmanuel Habasimbi(Lusaka Dynamos):1
Peter Mwaangani(Forest Rangers):1
Moussa Souleymanou (Zanaco):1
Luka Banda (Napsa):1
Mukuka Chewe (Lumwana):1*
Amity Shamande (Green Eagles):1
*Denotes an own-goal

08/12/2019
CONTINENTAL (**CAF & CECAFA Club Cup)
Amity Shamende (Green Eagles):5**

Tapson Kaseba (Green Eagles):3**
Ziyo Tembo (Zanaco):3
Roger Kola (Zanaco):3
Spencer Sautu (Green Eagles):3**
Guily Manziba (Zanaco):3
Kennedy Musonda(Green Eagles):3**

Jesse Were(Zesco United):2

Charles Zulu (Zanaco):1
Winston Kalengo(Zesco):1
Moussa Souleymanou(Zanaco):1
Clement Mwape(Zesco):1
Ernest Mbewe (Zanaco):1
Damiano Kola(Zanaco):1
Emmanuel Okutu(Zanaco):1
Thabani Kamusoko(Zesco):1
Tafadzwa Rusike (Zanaco):1
Kayembe Alidor (Buildcon):1
Omaru Kasumba (Zesco United):1
John Chingandu (Zesco United):1
Shadreck Mulungwe (Green Eagles):1**
Edward Mwamba (Green Eagles):1
Boniface Sunzu (Green Eagles):1**
*Denotes one own goal

CEC could cease operations by March next year-CEO

Economy

editor

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December 9, 2019

57

CEC could cease operations by March next year-CEO

Copperbelt Energy Corporation (CEC) may be forced out of business as early as March 2020 if a new Bulk Supply Agreement with ZESCO is not signed, company Plc Chief Executive Officer Owen Silavwe has revealed.

And some Ministry of Energy officials have said Zesco has been instructed not to renew the agreement by some “high ranking” government officials on suspicion that CEC funds the opposition UPND.

CEC is listed on the Lusaka Securities Exchange with majority shares owned by Standard Chartered Private Equity Limited and ZCCM IH.

The current Bulk Supply Agreement signed almost 20 years ago between CEC and ZESCO is expiring in March 2020.

But in a recent interview in Kitwe, Mr Silavwe said the delays in finalising agreement with ZESCO is threatening CEC’s existence.

Mr Silavwe explained that failure to renew the agreement with Zesco before March next year would spell doom for the Copperbelt as a whole.

He said CEC currently supplies electricity to all the mining companies with Konkola Copper Mines as its biggest client consuming the largest chunk of power from its network.

“We supply the power to everybody on the Copperbelt so it’s a question of how are we going to ensure that we do this in a way that will not antagonize the sector or the economy, I think that for me is quite critical,” he said.

“And I don’t think we have any challenges in achieving that in a very amicable and efficient way. I think what I would say is there is work that’s going on at the moment and that work is meant to find a solution to this. The Bulk Supply Agreement underpins the supply of power to everybody in the Copperbelt; it’s not just the mines, basically everybody on the Copperbelt. So, my view on it is that whichever way you look at it, a solution has to be found, if renewal is the solution, then so be it. But the critical takeaway is that a solution needs to be found, otherwise come that, day, nobody would want to see challenges on the Copperbelt, and basically challenges to the economy,” Mr. Silavwe said.

He added, “So, we should try, as a country, to avoid dooms day! I don’t think we plan for dooms day. We are working on it, but we don’t have a conclusion today. The fact is process is ongoing, today. It’s not about what I want to see, it what is mutually agreed between the parties at the end of the day, that is important.”

But some sources at the Ministry of Energy have revealed that there is pressure from some high ranking government officials for Zesco not to renew the agreement with CEC.

The sources said the officials have convinced Energy Minister Mathew Nkhuwa to prevail over the Zesco Board to renegade on the agreement and not a renew to CEC on the pretext that CEC bankrolls the UPND.

“You see there is a strong belief that CEC funds the UPND and the people in power are saying that why should ZESCO continue selling cheap electricity to CEC which is making huge profits that is now being used to fund the UPND,” the source said.

Efforts to reach Mr Nkhuwa proved futile by the time of publishing.

Habazoka blames Diplomats “venting’ for Kwacha fall

Economy

editor

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December 9, 2019

33

President of the Economic Association of Zambia(EAZ), Dr. Lubinda Habazoka

Economics Association of Zambia President Lubinda Habazoka has attributed the recent sharp depreciation of the Kwacha to the venting from some diplomats.

Dr Habaazoka said the statement issued by some Diplomats serving in Zambia has helped create anxiety in the economy leading to the Kwacha weakening.

He said this has been coupled with mines withholding Foreign Direct Investment and production which has hampered the Kwacha.

“I understand that the main contributors to a weak kwacha now is debt service and demand for forex as we enter into the festive season but speculation and irrational factors are also contributing factors,” Dr Habazoka said.

“When you have BOZ maintaining reserves at around $1.5bn for over a year now, the market should adjust and understand that there is no risk. However, venting from some diplomats coupled with mines withholding FDI and production have also contributed to the anxiety,” he observed.

Dr Habazoka charged that Zambia has over $2bn outside the banking sector at the moment hence the resilience witnessed so far.

“In terms of liquidity, there is over K5bn that is outside the banking system in the black economy that is why the wheels of the economy have surprised the IMF who unofficially thought we would be gone by July 2019.”

The EAZ President predicted that in the coming few months especially towards the elections, Zambia shall see reports on the economy which will send people to the grave.

“As citizens, we should be very careful to separate substance from regime change plots that unfortunately affect everyone regardless of political affiliations. This is high time we enhanced citizen participation in the major suppliers of forex. If we had control over mining, just an order from Hon Bwalya Ng’andu to increase mine output could have boosted our reserves.”

He added, “Let’s learn from Chile, Saudi Arabia, Emirates, Russia, Kuwait, Iran and China! We can’t be careless with our resources like that. A law defining economic sabotage can be considered from unjustifiable scaling down of mine output even copper prices make sense can be introduced in extreme cases.”

UPND challenges President Lungu to sue authors of Mukula Scandal report

Headlines

editor

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December 9, 2019

33

UPND challenges President Lungu to sue authors of Mukula Scandal report

File:President Edgar Lungu inspects Mukula tree recovered By ZambiaNational Services officers at Lwanshimba Camp in Northern Province

The UPND has challenged President Edgar Lungu to engage his international lawyers and commence legal action against the publishers of the report in which he is implicated in the mukula scandal.

Party Deputy Secretary General Patrick Mucheleka says the allegations are very serious and there are provisions in the Zambian constitution which can trigger impeachment proceedings against President Edgar Lungu.

Mr Mucheleka said if President Lungu’s lawyers are having challenges to locate the contact address of the EIA, they can engage the Zambian Embassy in Washington who will easily locate the address on which to serve the writs of summons.

He said the country needs answers from President Lungu and his daughter Tasila, Ministers Given Lubinda and Jean Kapata.

Mr Mucheleka said a court action will bring all the details Zambians need and if they are innocent, they will be vindicated.

He added that it is interesting to note how the PF are panicking over the Environmental Investigations Agency report which has exposed the Mukulagate scandal in which millions of dollars are allegedly being stolen by named persons.

Bobby East releases “Side to Side” music video

Headlines

Entertainment Editor

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December 9, 2019

1

Bobby East releases “Side to Side” music video

Bobby East released the video for his latest single title ‘Side To Side’.

The visual was shot by Dope Arts Media while the song was produced by Mr Stash.

If only Bill 10 was about protecting Consumer rights not Political power

Headlines

editor

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December 9, 2019

5

If only Bill 10 was about protecting Consumer rights not Political power

The Presentation of the Budget in Parliament

Dear Editor,

Allow me to share the following thoughts in view of the storm raised by Bill 10.

How about introducing a law that empowers the citizenry or consumers to hold Utility Service Providers accountable?

This time it’s ZESCO. Next it could be a communication service provider, a water utility firm, a television service provider or a mobile service provider et cetera.

What if Bill 10 could deliberate on and include this issue which borders on consumers rights and not on political power?

At present, ZESCO seems to be an authority on its own. There’s no way we can continue enduring 18 hours of load shedding on a daily basis with the power being restored about 2300hrs and disconnected as early as 0530hrs.

With a certain number of verifiable appellants obtained either online or other, a Service Provider will be given chance to either attend to the consumers needs or face heavy penalties including loss of employment for top management, revocation of or suspending of an operating license for long periods or other deterrent measures.

That to be accompanied by a clause dictating that such matters will be heard and disposed of as a matter national emergency within say 14 working days by the Consumer Protection Unit or Judiciary.

If this is not done, we shall continue to have the likes of carefree service provision as exemplified by ZESCO. At present, ZESCO seems to be an authority on its own. There’s no way we can continue enduring 18 hours of load shedding on a daily basis with the power being restored about 2300hrs and disconnected as early as 0530hrs. The 5 to 6 hours window during which power is available is ill timed as most people will be sleeping. Let this be the last time we are allowing ourselves to be treated so unfairly.

We should consider taking certain powers to the served. This will force Service Providers to improve on delivery. Our legislators should focus on delivering on these essentials than simply worrying about ministers working during elections, government having power to suprintend over BOZ regarding printing of Kwacha, forming a coalition government with an unpopular party etc. These might be important but they should not cause us to lose sight of the other cardinal aspects of our daily lives like power or energy.

Seize the opportunity rendered by Bill 10. Or may this mark the beginning of this debate.

By Chalusa EM

Beston Chambeshi Quits Nkana

sports

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December 9, 2019

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Nkana have announced the departure of Coach Beston Chambeshi after his two and half year reign at the FAZ Super Division side.

The club on Sunday night said in a statement that it had separated with Chambeshi mutually.

Chambeshi’s third stint as Nkana coach started in June, 2017 when he replaced Zeddy Saileti.

Nkana have since promoted Manfred Chabinga to the role of acting head coach.

“Coach Beston is not just a coach; he is a legend at this club. He has given his all to this great club and we are just wishing him the best success in his future endeavours,” club president Everisto Kabila said.

Kaunda Simonda, Tom Kampamba and Joseph Musonda are the other members of the Nkana coaching bench.

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