Sunday, January 12, 2025
Home Blog Page 4952

Usage of ICTs bridges rural-urban divide-RB

4

ENHANCED usage of information communication technologies (ICTs) can help bridge the rural-urban divide and promote development, President Rupiah Banda said yesterday as he commissioned the first-ever Government-funded community telecentre in Mongu.

Speaking at the launch of the Limulunga Multi-purpose Telecentre, which is located at the Lozi plateau capital of Limulunga, President Banda said ICTs played an important role in national development.

He noted that there was a positive relationship between investment in ICTs and the overall gross domestic product (GDP) growth.

The telecentre comprises various equipment, among them computers, a state-of-the-art photocopier, a scanner, fax machine and a digital camera.
It will provide Internet services, computer training and other services.

Mr Banda said the facility would be necessary for improving literacy levels in the area, and challenged Mongu residents to enrol for various online courses.

“Instead of being in a physical classroom, users may enrol for online courses and thereby increase their knowledge base. E-health (electronic health) services may also be undertaken here.

“I am sure that many of us are not computer literate, so this will provide the local people with an opportunity to acquire computer skills and become employable in companies that require knowledge in computer usage,” Mr Banda said.

Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA) chairperson, Getrude Akapelwa-Ehueni said more community-based facilities would be established in rural areas throughout the country.
ZICTA is the sponsor of the telecentre.

“This is one of the initiatives the authority has embarked on to bridge the digital divide between the urban and rural communities.

“The multi-purpose telecentres are to provide ICTs in rural areas for the benefit of the public, especially those that do not have the facilities of their own,” Ms Akapelwa-Ehueni said.

[Times of Zambia]

RB’s attire suitable for Kuomboka, Oliver Saasa

67
President Rupiah Banda (L) at this year's Kuomboka Ceremony

THE Barotse Royal Establishment has said President Rupiah Banda was appropriately dressed at this year’s Kuomboka Traditional Ceremony which took place on Saturday.

Kuomboka ceremony Lusaka organising committee chairperson Oliver Saasa said during a royal banquet hosted by the Litunga, Lubosi Imwiko at the winter palace in Limulunga yesterday that there was nothing surprising by the white beret President Banda wore during the ceremony.

President Banda was among the dignitaries who attended the banquet.
Professor Saasa said the hosts of the Kuomboka Traditional Ceremony were happy with what the president and First Lady, Thandiwe wore.

He said the president as the guest of honour at the event was under no obligation to wear a Liziba (traditional suit) or any kind of attire, including the red beret.
Prof Saasa said a guest of honour at the Kuomboka could come dressed in any attire they felt comfortable with.

“What was written in The Post newspapers that people were surprised when the president wore a white beret has nothing to do with the Barotse Royal Establishment. We are happy with the whole attire the president wore,” Prof Saasa said.

He explained that the red beret was not official attire of the Kuomboka as it was fashion that started with Litunga Mulambwa and was associated with the paddlers of the royal barge.

The red beret became popular after that time and people attending the ceremony adopted it as part of their attire.

Prof Saasa said this year’s Kuomboka went well and that it was good that the president accepted to grace it.

And Litunga Imwiko thanked Mr Banda for gracing the event and for attending the banquet.

He thanked all the chiefs from other parts of the country who witnessed this year’s Kuomboka ceremony.

Litunga Imwiko said Kuombaka was a national event that unified the country and was important for the preservation of culture.

He said the fact that a lot of people from all parts of Zambia attended the ceremony was a sign that it did not just belong to the people of Western Province but to the whole country.

Yesterday’s edition of The Post said President Banda surprised people when he arrived at Mongu Airstrip dressed in a white beret instead of the usual red beret.

And President Banda has disclosed that Government has initiated projects aimed at improving the health services in Western Province worth K27 billion.

Projects worth K4 billion have already started and 40 others aimed at poverty reduction were yet to start.

This is according to a report monitored on Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation television news last evening.

Meanwhile, President Banda arrived in Lusaka around 18:30 hours and was met at Lusaka International Airport by several Cabinet ministers and Government officials.

[Times of Zambia]

Mumba Kapumpa tells Zambians to stop the habit of complaining

16

A prominent lawyer has called on Zambians to stop the habit of complaining that government is not doing well to develop the country and sit back.

In an interview with Qfm, Mumba Kapumpa said there is no sense in issuing complaints that government has failed the nation without taking action afterwards.

He said the people have the responsibility to hold government accountable for all its activities regarding the governance of the country.

He said Zambians must bear in mind that governance is not only by those in leadership but everyone is part and parcel of it.

He said every Zambian has the right to demand for good governance from those in charge of the governance of the country.

He said the future of the country is in the hands of every citizen; hence they should not give up demanding for reliable governance by those in authority.

QFM

“ I have not been paid,” Kabwe defends himself

MISA Zambia chapter Chairperson Henry Kabwe has refuted Information and Broadcasting Services Minister Lieutenant General Ronnie Shikapwasha’ s remarks that he is being paid for him to speak against the government’s wishes to have the media in the country adopt the Kenya mode of self regulation.

On Friday this week, Information and broadcasting services Minister Ronnie Shikapwasha maintained that the Zambia Media Ethics Council is bound to fail.

Rev. Shikapwasha also expressed disappointment with Media Liaison Committee Chairperson Henry Kabwe’s remarks that the media in Zambia have rejected his position to force statutory regulation on them.

He accused the MISA Zambia chairperson of being controlled by the people who are allegedly paying him to speak what they think is right.

But, Kabwe said he is not being paid by anyone but is simply speaking on principle.

Mr. Kabwe said he is a God fearing man and could not be bribed to speak on issues that need to be addressed by the government.

He said he was in South Africa at the time the Fringila consensus was being presented, adding that Honorable Shikapwasha is aware about it.

The MISA Chairperson said he could not understand how a reverend like Honorable Shikapwasha could say Mr. Kabwe had no right to speak against the government because he was not around when the fringila consensus was presented.

Meanwhile, Press Freedom Committee of the Post Secretary General Sheikh Chifuwe said it was wishful thinking for Honorable Shikapwasha to say Mr. Kabwe has a personal agenda on the matter.

He said Mr. Kabwe is not paid to speak on behalf of the Media liaison Committee.

He expressed disappointed at the Minister’s remarks that ZAMEC would not work, and described him as a reverend without faith
[ QFM ]

Kambwili briefly hospitalised after sentencing

17
FLASHBACK: Roan MP Chishimba kambwili talks to journalists to clear his name over alleged supply contracts he has received from Chinese investors in Luanshya

INCARCERATED Patriotic Front (PF) Roan member of Parliament (MP) Chishimba Kambwili was on Friday admitted at Thomson Hospital in Luanshya after his sugar and blood pressure (BP) shot up.

Kambwili is serving a 15-day jail sentence slapped on him by Ndola Chief Resident Magistrate Kelvin Limbani for conduct likely to cause breach of peace.

Health officials and PF Luanshya district youth chairman Nathan Bwalya confirmed Kambwili’s hospitalisation but that he was later discharged.

Mr Bwalya said Mr Kambwili was rushed to the hospital immediately after the judgement and was only discharged yesterday around 14:00 hours.

“What happened is that immediately after the judgement his sugar and BP shot up and was later admitted at Thomson Hospital,” Mr Bwalya said.

[pullquote]“What happened is that immediately after the judgement his sugar and BP shot up and was later admitted at Thomson Hospital,” Mr Bwalya said.[/pullquote]

And a check at Thomson hospital yesterday morning found Mr Kambwili being attended to by a Dr Mulenga before being discharged.

Ndola Chief Resident Magistrate Kelvin Limbani on Friday sentenced the opposition lawmaker to 15 days in prison and fined him K10, 000 for behaving in a manner likely to cause breach of peace.

[Zambia Daily Mail]

Hichilema and Sata at loggerheads, claims George Kunda

51

Vice President George Kunda

VICE-President George Kunda says there is a rift between Patriotic Front (PF) president Michael Sata and his United Party for National Development (UPND) counterpart Hakainde Hichilema.

Mr Kunda charged the two leaders, whose parties have formed a political alliance, have not been in talking terms of late.

He said the rift between the two leaders has been evidenced by Mr Hichilema’s silence whenever his co-leader in the pact has come under attack.

Mr Kunda said this at Kinkonge Basic School in Mufumbwe where he is drumming up support for MMD candidate Mulondwe Muzungu in the Mufumbwe parliamentary by-election slated for April 29.

He said there has never been a time that Mr Hichilema, UPND officials and Members of Parliament have come to Mr Sata’s rescue whenever he has had issues to explain. Mr Kunda said Mr Sata and his party officials, too, have never defended Mr Hichilema.

“We have never heard Mr Hichilema and his MPs defend Mr Sata. In fact they feel happy and they even send us text messages encouraging us to continue exposing Mr Sata’s weaknesses,” Mr Kunda said.

The Vice-President, who is also MMD’s national trustee, said the two pact leaders have different agendas and wondered how they would govern the country if elected into office.

[pullquote]“We have never heard Mr Hichilema and his MPs defend Mr Sata. In fact they feel happy and they even send us text messages encouraging us to continue exposing Mr Sata’s weaknesses,” Mr Kunda said.[/pullquote]

He encouraged the people of Mufumbwe constituency to vote for the MMD candidate, saying it is the only party that has a national character.

Mr Kunda said the MMD has nominated MPs from Southern Province where it did not win any parliamentary seats so that it could have a national representation in Cabinet.

He said the MMD is running a Government that believes in peace and tranquility and that the party has a programme for the nation.

Mr Kunda is accompanied by ministers of Works and Supply Mike Mulongoti, Energy and Water Development Kenneth Konga, Sports, Youth and Child Development Kenneth Chipungu, Presidential Affairs Ronald Mukuma and Livestock and Fisheries Development Deputy Minister Albert Mulonga.

[Zambia Daily Mail]

Secret lover was hubby’s boss

The Lusaka Boma court one was astounded when a woman narrated that she had an affair with her husband’s boss with whom she made love in the bush.

This was heard in a case in which Boniface Muzoka of Linda Township sued Bernard Chanda of the same residential area for compensation for committing adultery with his wife, Sofia Gondo.

Gondo told the court that she and Chanda started the illicit relationship in September 2009.

She said all was well until her husband Muzoka discovered that she and Chanda had an affair.

“Before my husband discovered I had a secret lover, all things were fine. Chanda used to take me out to have sex with him in the bush in Chilanga and sometimes near Blue Waters,” Gondo said.

Gondo told principle presiding magistrate Alfred Shilimbwa sitting with senior presiding magistrate Beatrice Nasilele, that in the same month of September her husband had asked her if she had an affair with Chanda but she denied there being such a relationship.

He said that in March this year Muzoka raised his suspicions again and threatened to seek a printout of her cell phone numbers to verify her communication with Chanda.

“I got scared when my husband told me that he would visit Zain Zambia with my sim to find out exactly what was happening between Chanda and I, so I told him that Chanda was my lover,” she said.

Gondo told the court that she then decided to terminate her affair with Chanda for the sake of her husband.

In his statement, Muzoka had demanded compensation from Chanda for committing adultery with Gondo.

He told the court that Chanda is his boss at work and he got the shock of his life when Chanda called Gondo early one morning in September.

Muzoka said Gondo failed to answer the phone in his presence so he answered it.

“I answered the phone but Chanda immediately cut the line. His cutting the phone left a lot of questions in my mind and I played on my wife’s mind and she revealed all things that I wanted to hear,” he said.
Muzoka said his wife told him where and when the two used to meet in his absence.

Chanda who had earlier denied having an affair with Gondo told the court that he started the affair with her after she failed to pay her debt.

“We sell eggs at the company where Gondo’s husband and I work, but she would come to ask for eggs on credit. I would give her and pay for them myself. When I first asked for sex with her she did not find any reason to refuse,” Chanda said.

Chanda told the court that the two have been meeting sexually until Muzoka discovered the affair. He said he has since terminated the relationship.

The court found Chanda guilty and ordered that he pays Muzoka K3 million in monthly installments of K150,000.
[ Sunday Mail ]

14 UPND cadres arrested

Police have arrested 14 United Party for National Development (UPND) cadres in the wake of a two-hour violent confrontation with Movement for Multi-Party Democracy (MMD) members on Friday night.

And chief government spokesperson Ronnie Shikapwasha has commended police for its vigilance against acts of violence by the UPND cadres.

Three police officers who were in a group of others sent as reinforcement to Mashitu in Mufumbwe were injured in the confrontation and one is admitted at Mufumbwe rural health centre.

Commissioner of Police Graphael Musamba confirmed the incident which was triggered in the heat of campaigns for the Mufumbwe parliamentary by-election.

Mr Musamba said four vehicles, including a Mufumbwe Police van, a district council Land Cruiser and a Hiace minibus had their windscreens shattered.

He said the 14 UPND cadres have been charged with various offences ranging from unlawful blocking of a road, malicious damage to property and assault.

Mr Musamba said among the arrested cadres is a UPND councillor.

MMD National Executive Committee (NEC) member Albert Chifita, who was caught up in the fracas, said police had to extricate Presidential Affairs Minister Ronald Mukuma, Southern Province Minister Daniel Munkombwe, Education Deputy Minister Akakandelwa Mwendoi and MMD deputy national secretary Chembe Nyangu from a horde of UPND cadres at Mashitu Basic School.

Mr Chifita said their vehicles had to be escorted by police for 5km in fear of an ambush by UPND cadres who were reportedly hiding in the bush.

He said police fired shots in the air and teargas canisters to disperse the two groups of opposing political party cadres.

North-Western Province police commanding officer Fabian Katiba’s vehicle was also stoned as he rushed into the area.

Mr Chifita said the MMD was holding a meeting with headmen and some pastors when UPND cadres arrived at the scene saying that they, too, wanted to hold a meeting at the same venue.

UPND district co-ordinator Alex Ifwaha said his team went to have a meeting at the school because the police permitted them to have it there.

Mr Ifwaha, who was accompanied by Patriotic Front (PF) provincial chairperson Dennis Kanyakula, accused the MMD of blocking them from having meetings at schools.

He accused the police of not helping them, saying nine of their members have allegedly been assaulted and police have opened dockets but no arrests have been made.

Mr Katiba said the UPND must complain to higher authorities in the police if they feel their complaints are not being attended to.

Mr Katiba said the police are there to protect everyone and called for peaceful campaigns.

And Lieutenant General Shikapwasha, who is also Minister of Information and Broadcasting services, has called on police to be more vigilant against acts of violence from political cadres because the situation could degenerate if those attacked retaliate.

In an interview on the incident, Gen Shikapwasha urged Patriotic Front president Michael Sata and his United Party for National Development counterpart Hakainde Hichilema to restrain their cadres from violence.

He urged the opposition to keep the campaigns clean, saying this is the instruction the ruling party has given to its campaign teams in Mufumbwe and Milanzi.

Gen Shikapwasha urged the opposition to devise other campaign methods, not violence if they feel that they are losing ground.

He said he was informed that some people caught up in the fracas spent a night in the bush and only returned to safety in the early hours of yesterday.

He called on police to be more vigilant and deal with all perpetrators of violence irrespective of their political affiliation.

Meanwhile, Gen Shikapwasha has said that Government will allow the due process of the law to take its course in continued red card campaigns by Change Life Zambia executive director Frank Bwalya, who is appearing in court.

Fr Bwalya is indicted of conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace on March 12, 2010 during Youth Day celebrations in Kitwe.

A police officer is reported to have permitted Fr Bwalya to address his supporters near Freedom Park in Kitwe last Friday. Police are reported to have sanctioned the meeting, but later dispersed Fr Bwalya’s supporters because the officer in question did not consult his superiors.

He said Fr Bwalya’s campaign against Government is a futile political exercise.

Gen Shikapwasha said Fr Bwalya’s campaign agenda is baseless because issues of the Constitution were being dealt with by the National Constitutional Conference.

He said the former priest is also misinformed about issues of governance as Government is running the country well.
[Sunday Mail ]

Enjoy the Journey

9

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day”
(Proverbs 4:18, NIV)

TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria

Sometimes it’s easy to become so goal-oriented and so focused on our dreams that we overlook the simple things that we should be enjoying in our everyday life. But we have to remember that life is not really about the destination, it’s about how we live all along the way. It’s about the path we’re on that shines brighter and brighter.

In this life, there is no such thing as a finish line. Once you accomplish one dream, God will give you another. When you overcome one challenge, there will be another. There is always another mountain to climb. If we make the mistake of just living for the destination, we’ll look up one day and realize we’ve missed out on the biggest part of life because most of life is routine. Most of us get up every morning, go to work, come home, eat dinner, go to bed and do it again. There are very few mountaintops where you graduate from school, or you get married, or have a child, or go on vacation. The high times are few and far between. Don’t get stuck living for the mountaintops. Learn to enjoy the path you’re on. Learn to enjoy the people in your life. Learn to enjoy the simple blessings of walking in the path the Lord has prepared for you.

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father God, thank You for the gift of life. Thank You for the good plan You have for me today and for my future. Teach me to enjoy the journey of life, to embrace each day with joy and enthusiasm. Help me to see the blessings of every moment You have given me. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Nkana’s win overshadows Nchanga’s rise

16

While the day was all about Nchanga Rangers taking top spot for at least 24 hours, Nkana’s result at Wusakile stadium in Kitwe overshadows the Chingola sides’ rise to the top of the log.

Nkana today recorded their first emphatic win in the Faz Super Division when they beat visiting City of Lusaka 4-2 in Kitwe this afternoon to record their second league and successive top flight win of the season.

Ex-Kitwe United and Under-23 international winger William Chinse scored  a brace for Nkana while team mates Maxwell Phiri and veteran striker Douglas Chiwaya got a goal each.

Defender Vincent Mangamu and Evans Musonda each got the goal’s for City on their first visit to the Copperbelt this season.

Meanwhile, overnight leaders Nchanga Rangers were 3-1 winners at home over hitherto unbeaten though winless Nkwazi at Nchanga stadium in Chingola.

Nchanga shift to 10 points, one more than Power Dynamos who face Green Buffaloes away on Sunday at Edwin Imboela stadium in Lusaka.

Nchanga’s two Aubrey’s: Funga and Chalamanda were on the score sheet with a goal each while Chileshe Kangwa chipped in with one of his own.

Defending Super Division champions Zanaco visit to Nkoloma stadium ended in a 1-1 draw away to Red Arrows with Dube Phiri scoring for the hosts while Ignatius Lwipa got one for the away side.

Faz Super Division week 6

17/04/2010

Nchanga Rangers 3- Nkwazi 1

Nkana 4-City of Lusaka 2

National Assembly 0-Zesco United 0

Red Arrows 1-Zanaco 1

Forest Rangers 0-Roan United 0

Kabwe Warriors 2-Konkola Blades 0

Lusaka Dynamos 2-Choma Eagles 0

18/04/2010

Green Buffaloes-Power Dynamos

BADEA Express interest in Financing KNB Expansion project

The Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa BADEA director general Adbelaziz khelef has expressed interest of giving out 68 million United States dollars to finance the Kariba North Bank (KNB) expansion project.

Mr. Khelef who conducted a tour of the KNB station in siavonga told journalists that he is confident that the growth of Zambia’s energy sector is able to meet the growing demands of the ever expanding economy.

He said that energy is a prerequisite of national development and it is important that it is kept in shape to meet the ever rising demands of a growing economy.

He also reveals that his bank has decided to give priority to the energy sector because that is what the government is giving its ultimate attention to.

Meanwhile, Zambia Electricity Supply Company ZESCO operations manager, Masiye Mwale said a total of USD420 is needed to completely furnish the KNB with two more generators which would result in the production of 1080 mw of power.

Mr. Mwale noted that currently the total KNB production out put is 720mw because only two of the already four installed generators are working.

He said that it is expected that the third generator would start working next week and will be able to meet the current demand in the country.

Mr. Mwale said that USD313 million has already been secured from the China Exim Bank but USD107 million is still being negotiated for with the Development Bank of Southern Africa.

And KNB Acting Project Manager, Ezekiel kasaro said it is crucial that KNB creates more corridors of transferring power from the station to other areas because the two available lines are not sufficient.

Mr. Kasaro has, therefore, called on BADEA to consider fulfilling its pledge to provide a loan of USD68 million that is being requested for.
[ QFM ]

Who will be CHAN team assistant coach ?

7

With George Lwandamina almost certain to take over as Zambia’s coach for the 2011 Orange CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifiers, who will be his assistant?

Zambia will face South Africa in the first round qualifiers of the CHAN tournament exclusively for home-based national team players next month after enjoying a preliminary stage bye.

Sources have revealed that while Lwandamina is a clear frontrunner, the search for a suitable assistant is also being given serious consideration.

While they are reports that Lwandamina will be free to choose his own assistant, Faz is said to also have the option to pick a competent assistant for the former coach Herve Renard’s assistant trainer.

One of the possible names being considered is Power Dynamos assistant trainer Beston Chambeshi who was a longtime number two of Patrick Phiri at Nkana from 1998 to 2004 and is currently number two to Fordson Kabole at Arthur Davies.

The sources said Chambeshi’s experience and good rapport with head coaches he has worked under could be a great factor in the former international finally getting a crack at seating on the senior team bench.

Other names that the souces could be considered are former City of Lusaka coach Hector Chilombo and  Keegan Mumba of Choma Eagles.

Faz Super Division Week 6 Fixtures

3

Here are the fixtures and standings of this weekends Super Division Week 6 matches.

Faz Super Division Week 6

17/04/2010

Nchanga Rangers- Nkwazi

Nkana -City of Lusaka

National Assembly-Zesco United

Red Arrows-Zanaco

Forest Rangers-Roan United

Kabwe Warriors-Konkola Blades

Lusaka Dynamos-Choma Eagles

18/04/2010

Green Buffaloes-Power Dynamos

[standings league_id=15 template=extend logo=false]

Jailed PF MP will not lose parliamentary seat, Parliamentary Chief Researcher

15
PF Roan Member of Parliament Chishimba Kambwili (L)

Parliamentary chief researcher and Press liaison officer Chikomeni Banda said according to the constitution, the jailed Patriotic Front (PF) Roan member of Parliament Chishimba KambwiliMr Kambwili will not lose his seat after his conviction because he has only been jailed for 15 days.

“According to the constitution, it doesn’t affect his status as member of Parliament because he will only go to jail for 15 days, so he will not lose his seat because of that,” Mr Banda said.

Mr Kambwili was yesterday sent to jail for 15 days for conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.

Ndola Chief Resident Magistrate Kelvin Limbani jailed Kambwili but acquitted his three co-accused.

Mr Limbani, who sat as Magistrate in the Luanshya Magistrates Court , also fined Kambwili K10, 000 after convicting him.

This is in a case in which Kambwili, 44, Patrick Maipambe, 50, a peasant farmer, Charles Mulenga, 45, a peasant farmer and Christopher Mutale, 47, a peasant farmer were charged with conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.

Passing judgment, Mr Limbani said his findings are that Kambwili’s behaviour at the Luanshya Civic Centre on the material day would have resulted in a breach of peace.

“It was provocative and agitating to the demonstrators whom he (Kambwili) was fully aware were protesting against the statement he made on the Lunda and Luvale people,” Mr Limbani said.

Particulars of the offence are that Kambwili, Maipambe, Mulenga and Mutale in Luanshya, jointly and whilst acting together, did conduct themselves in a manner likely to cause a breach of peace at the Luanshya Civic Centre by raising a PF symbol at members of the Lunda-Luvale Cultural Association who were demonstrating against his tribal remarks.
He said the State had established a prima facie case against Kambwili.

Mr Limbani said he had no doubt that Kambwili committed the offence as alleged by the State.

“I have no doubt that the accused number one committed the alleged offence, that being conduct likely to cause a breach of peace, contrary to section 178 (f) of the Penal Code Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia and I shall, accordingly, convict him,” Mr Limbani said.

He, however, acquitted Maipambe, Mulenga and Mutale because he did not find the evidence against the three exhaustive.

Passing sentence, Mr Limbani said Kambwili’s action deserves punishment so that he can reform and be deterred from committing a similar offence in future.
He also said Kambwili should be punished so that others can learn from him.

Mr Limbani, however, said he has taken into consideration what Kambwili said in mitigation and that he would be lenient.

He said citizens should behave in an orderly manner, especially during demonstrations.

“It is every citizen’s wish to have a peaceful environment, I sentence you to 15 days simple imprisonment with a fine of K10,000,” Mr Limbani said.
In mitigation, Kambwili said it was not his intention to disrupt a peaceful demonstration because he was merely passing at the Civic Centre on the material day.

“I was just preventing the abuse of buses bought by the Parents Teachers’ Association. However, your honour, in view of the decision by the court, I can say that I am very remorseful, I regret my action and I plead for leniency,” Kambwili said.

Earlier, Mr Limbani said it is the position of the law that peace should be maintained and that any attempt to breach it is an offence.

“It is the duty of the police to prevent anything that is likely to cause a breach of peace. The police can act in any situation when they believe that there will be a breach of peace and their powers and duties are directed not to their interests, but to the safety of the public,” Mr Limbani said.

Some PF cadres and sympathisers gathered outside the court to catch a glimpse of Kambwili as police took him into custody.

Police in full riot gear kept vigil as some PF cadres wept while others sang songs of solidarity.

[Zambia Daily mail]

Patriotic Front demo fails

13

KITWE residents yesterday shunned the opposition Patriotic Front (PF) demonstration that was supposed to be held at Kaunda Square in protest against alleged attacks on their president Michael Sata by Government.

And MMD Copperbelt chairman Joseph Chilambwe commended Kitwe residents for staying away from the demonstration.

A Zambia Daily Mail crew that went to the scene found a handful of PF supporters clad in their party attire loitering around Kaunda Square.

They later joined Change Life Zambia executive director Father Frank Bwalya at the Kitwe magistrates court.

Copperbelt police commanding officer Antonneil Mutentwa said the PF cadres wanted to take advantage of Fr Bwalya’s court case to stage the demonstration.
“These people wanted to demonstrate using Fr Bwalya’s supporters after realising that people in Kitwe would not turn up for the demonstration.

“They started gathering but after realising that people were not interested in their activities, they dispersed and joined those who were supporting Fr Bwalya,” he said.

Mr Mutentwa said the police officers were ready to handle the situation had the PF cadres gone ahead with the illegal demonstration.

Over 215 police recruits from Kamfinsa Mobile Unit, who were in riot gear, were deployed to control the situation.

And Zambia National Marketeers Association president Elvis Nkandu disclosed that PF officials approached some of his members to take part in the demonstration.

Mr Nkandu said in an interview that the demonstration was a flop because Zambians are not interested in activities that cause confusion.

“PF officials approached some of our members so that they could take part in the demonstration but they refused. The PF must fight their own battles,” he said.

[Zambia Daily mail]