After more than four years of legal proceedings, the family of the late Dr. Tasila Tembo, a renowned physician and former presenter of “Your Health Matters,” finally saw justice delivered as her killer, Nigel Musonda Mwaba, was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Lusaka High Court.

High Court Judge Sharon Newa handed down the life sentence to Mwaba, a former Zambia Army lieutenant, after ruling that he had brutally murdered Dr. Tembo, who was 47 at the time, in October 2020. Delivering the judgment, which spanned several hours, Judge Newa established that Mwaba had planned the murder and caused fatal injuries by striking Dr. Tembo in the jaw with a blunt instrument, resulting in multiple fractures and brain trauma.

The court found overwhelming evidence presented by the prosecution, including testimony from a pathologist that proved beyond a reasonable doubt that Mwaba was responsible for the death of Dr. Tembo.

Dr. Tembo’s body was discovered in a decomposed state near Mikango Barracks days after she was reported missing. The court heard that Mwaba fled the scene and later hid in Mazabuka before returning to Lusaka after Dr. Tembo’s burial. He was apprehended at her gravesite in a chilling turn of events.

Mwaba, who initially denied the charges, claimed during his defense that Dr. Tembo had fallen from a moving car after an argument about alleged infidelity. He admitted to slapping her but denied intending to harm her. The defense also presented testimony that Mwaba suffered from borderline personality disorder, characterized by impulsive behavior and difficulties in social relationships. However, Judge Newa dismissed this defense, citing the overwhelming evidence against Mwaba and stating, “The defense of diminished responsibility cannot stand.”

The trial, which began in 2021, saw testimonies from over 20 witnesses, including Dr. Tembo’s family and friends. Witnesses recounted troubling details about the toxic and abusive nature of the relationship between Mwaba and Dr. Tembo. Her best friend, Caroline Simfukwe, testified that Mwaba had previously threatened Dr. Tembo and even warned he would circulate her private photos if he could not have her.

Dr. Tembo’s daughter, Sheryn Peters, expressed her reservations about her late mother’s relationship with Mwaba, describing it as unhealthy. The court also heard testimony from Dr. Tembo’s brother, Lonjezo Tembo, who was with her and Mwaba on the day she went missing. He recounted how Mwaba drove off with Dr. Tembo after sending him to buy bread and beer, never to return.

The sentencing brought some relief to Dr. Tembo’s grieving family, though they emphasized that no verdict could undo their loss. Speaking after the judgment, family representative Thomas Zulu expressed the family’s continued mourning over the brutal murder of Dr. Tembo, who was the breadwinner and had been caring for her elderly mother before her untimely death.

As Mwaba was led to a prison van wearing a red-and-white T-shirt, Dr. Tembo’s family and supporters left the court with mixed emotions—relief that justice had been served, but sadness over the loss of a mother, daughter, and trailblazing physician who had dedicated her life to helping others.

Zambia Airports Corporation Limited (ZACL) has moved to allay fears over the alleged imminent closure of Solwezi Airport due to a developing gully.

In a statement issued to ZANIS, ZACL Managing Director, Ngoza Matakala, has clarified that Solwezi Airport, the principal aviation hub in North-Western Province, remains fully operational and has not been affected by the erosion.

Mrs. Matakala explained that while gully erosion has been observed in the vicinity of the airport, regular inspections and mitigation measures have been put in place to monitor the situation.

She said the erosion has not encroached on the runway or impacted flight schedules.

“To address the challenge, ZACL, in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport and Logistics (MTL) and the Zambia Civil Aviation Authority (ZCAA), has engaged experts from the Geological Survey Department and hydrologists from the Department of Water Affairs,” Mrs Matakala said.

She added that experts conducted a thorough assessment of the gully and provided key recommendations, leading to the completion of a detailed investigation and the development of engineering designs for remedial works in 2024.

“Implementation of these solutions is scheduled to begin this year,” she said

Mrs Ngoma further added that the long term, ZACL has been allocated land in Solwezi for the construction of a new greenfield airport, with preliminary discussions and feasibility studies currently underway, led by the Ministry of Transport and Logistics.

“ZACL has assured the public of its commitment to providing safe, efficient, and reliable air navigation and airport services, ensuring continued connectivity across Zambia, the region, and beyond,” Mrs Matakala said.

The Minister of Water Development and Sanitation (MWDS), Collins Nzovu, has announced a series of proactive measures aimed at preventing cholera outbreaks in Zambia. Speaking during a press briefing, Mr. Nzovu emphasized the importance of water supply and sanitation in combating the disease, particularly in vulnerable communities and identified cholera hotspots.

Lusaka Water Supply and Sanitation Company has prioritized peri-urban areas, including Kanyama, George, Bauleni, Kabanana, and Chainda, by deploying water bowsers to ensure residents have access to safe water. In tandem, the Lusaka City Council has enhanced solid waste management in high-risk areas like Chibolya and Kanyama to mitigate risks associated with poor waste disposal.

In Nakonde, Muchinga Province, Chambeshi Water Supply and Sanitation Company has stationed a water bowser in Gabon Township to support vulnerable households. Meanwhile, Southern Water Supply and Sanitation Company has introduced a 10,000-liter water bowser and vacuum tanker to respond rapidly to water and sanitation needs.

To combat the risks posed by shallow wells, water purification tablets and domestic chlorine are being distributed across the country. Additionally, Eastern Water Supply and Sanitation Company has drilled emergency boreholes in Katete and is upgrading water systems in Petauke and Chipata to improve and restore supply.

Southern Water Supply and Sanitation Company has stockpiled essential water treatment chemicals to ensure uninterrupted water quality management, while nationwide water quality surveillance has been heightened. This surveillance aims to swiftly detect and address potential contamination, maintaining safety standards.

Mr. Nzovu commended the collaborative efforts of water utility companies and local authorities, reiterating the government’s commitment to safeguarding public health and preventing the spread of cholera through sustained water and sanitation interventions.

A tragic boating accident occurred in the Bangweulu wetlands of Lunga district, leaving a Zambia Army officer feared dead while three toddlers and six civil servants narrowly escaped with their lives.

The incident happened yesterday around 10:00 hours at the Chipeni area on Lake Bangweulu. The group, comprising five teachers, one health worker, two toddlers, and three other individuals, was traveling back to Lunga district after the holidays in preparation for the reopening of schools.

Lunga District Commissioner Mathews Mwewa confirmed the accident, explaining that the survivors were rescued by sailors traveling in another boat heading in the same direction.

“The officers started off from Mpanta, near the source of the Luapula River, going to Lunga to attend to their services. As you are aware, those working in education, after the closing of schools, are given the chance to go home to see their families due to the unique nature of this district,” Mr. Mwewa said.

Mr. Mwewa identified the missing Zambia Army officer as Musosha Jasper, whose body has yet to be retrieved. A search operation has been launched to locate his remains, but efforts thus far have been unsuccessful.

“The search team has not managed to retrieve the body after a long search, which will continue,” Mr. Mwewa stated.

The accident underscores the risks faced by residents and workers traveling across the expansive waterways of Lunga district, a region known for its challenging terrain and reliance on boats for transportation. Authorities have urged travelers to prioritize safety measures to avoid similar tragedies.

The United Party for National Development (UPND) is inadvertently endorsing violence against the elderly by believing that people can harm the president through witchcraft.

Last December, various news platforms, including the BBC, reported that police arrested two men in the capital, Lusaka, on suspicion of witchcraft. According to reports, Mr. Jasten Mabulesse Candunde, 42, and Mr. Leonard Phiri, 43, of Lusaka, allegedly engaged in a mission to harm President Hakainde Hichilema through charms. It is alleged that the pair were found in possession of assorted charms, including a live chameleon, and have been charged under Zambia’s Witchcraft Act with possession of charms, professing knowledge of witchcraft, and cruelty to wild animals.

Critically analyzing the arrest of these two gentlemen, it becomes evident that this is an endorsement of violence against the elderly community in Zambia, which is among the serious challenges the country is facing today. Many elderly Zambians have lost their lives, not through witchcraft but through suspicion of witchcraft.

On July 19, 2022, the Lusaka Times reported that Sekwila Mwila, aged 42, beat to death Shombe Sipanje, aged 82, a village headman for Mubaya Kapimpa village in Chinsali Muchinga Province, on suspicion of witchcraft. A similar incident occurred in November of the same year. A village headman in Kabanda compound of Mwinilunga district in North-western province was axed to death on suspicion of practicing witchcraft. An angry mob of mourners returned from the burial of a woman identified as Exildah Kayenda, whom the deceased was alleged to have killed through witchcraft over a land dispute. They suspected Headman Albert Katooka of having killed Exildah, who was buried that morning, according to the Lusaka Times on November 18, 2022.

In April 2023, two brothers were arrested in Luano District of Central Province for allegedly killing their father, whom they suspected of practicing witchcraft. According to the Lusaka Times on April 13, 2023, Lenton Chipanama, 43, and Courageous Chipanama, 39, murdered their father, Mr. Kasimilo Chipanama, 83, whom they had been suspecting of practicing witchcraft.

From these incidents, it is easy to note that the majority of the victims of violence associated with witchcraft in Zambia are elderly. One becomes a witch as he/she reaches a certain age. It is a belief that has persisted in some cultures in Zambia and the main reason why the majority of the victims of violence associated with witchcraft are elderly.

To discourage this kind of violence, the new dawn administration should work on finding a way to incorporate science into Zambian culture. It is time to educate every Zambian that witchcraft is harmless. This cannot be achieved if the administration believes Mr. Candunde and Phiri could bewitch the president. Hakainde Hichilema cannot be harmed using witchcraft.

Zambia should get rid of the current Witchcraft Act to avoid validating witchcraft. The prayer is for this article to make a difference. May 2025 witness no more violence against the elderly in Zambia.

Protecting the elderly in modern Zambia: The United Party for National Development administration urgently needs to reevaluate Zambia’s witchcraft beliefs.

Happy and Prosperous 2025!

By Venus N Msyani