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Levy tells Prisons service to produce more food

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President Levy Mwanawasa has implored the Zambia Prison Services to produce more food in order for it to reduce dependence on the national treasury for its operations.

Mr. Mwanawasa wondered why the ZPS could fail to produce food for the inmates when
the institution has a lot of manpower and abunbant land.

He warned prison officers against rampant use of inmates to cultivate field for Prison staff instead of cultivating the prison farms stressing that basic things could be grown by the inmates themselves.

The president was speaking in Lusaka today when he officially flagged off 100 hectares of the Zambia-Egypt joint farming venture at Mwembeshi Prison farm.

He said the objective of the venture is equip inmates with modern agriculture skills in efforts of enhancing food production.

He said government has set aside funds in this years budget for the completion of the construction of Mwembeshi Prison as well as rehabilitation of infrastructure at selected prisons across the country.

He challenged Commissioner of Prisons, Jethrow Mumbuwa, to provide accurate data for
all the 53 prisons across the country before the president makes an official declaration on the status of the the Zambia Prisons Service.

Mr. Mwanawasa said government desires to explore horticulture, animal husbandry and
ranching to enhance productivity in the sector and that it is committed to strengthening existing bilateral relations with Egypt for the mutual benefit of people in the two countries.

The President earlier, commissioned an a Banana plantation at mwembeshi Prison farm
which was intiated by Mr. Mumbuwa.

And speaking earlier, Mr. Mumbuwa assured President Mwanawasa that at least 65,000 x 50 kilogram bags of maize would be harvested from the Zambia-Egypt joint farming
venture despite challenges of lack of modern equipment and skilled manpower.

Mr. Mumbuwa said the service intends to increase the hectarage from the current 100
to 200 in the next farming season and commended government fpr the continued support
in various areas such as transport to enable it fully execute its operations.

And Egyptian Ambassador to Zambia, Tamer Monsour, reteriated his government’s
commitment to strengthen the South-South bilateral relations emphasising that africa
is capable of standing on its own.

Mr. Monsour said the Zambi-Egypt joint farming venture is a true testimony of commitments by the two countries in promoting the performance of the agricultural
sector in Zambia.

KK says KKCAF has helped reduce HIV/AIDS prevalence in Zambia

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First republican President Kenneth Kaunda says the Kenneth Kaunda Children of Africa Foundation, KKCAF, has helped scale down the HIV and AIDS prevalence from 19 per cent to about 16 per cent in the country.

Speaking when he paid a courtesy call on Chipata District Commissioner, John Soko,
today Dr Kaunda said although the HIV and AIDS prevalence has declined, more effort
is needed to fight the pandemic.

He said there is need to sensitize people on the dangers of HIV and AIDS  through
the promotion of behaviour change as a measure of addressingssen the further spread
of the disease.

He also called for conserted efforts in the fight against stigma so that infected people should  not feel isolated but encouraged to  lead normal lives in order for them to effectively contribute to national development.

And Eastern province Minister, Lameck Mangani, said government appreciated the
efforts of the KKCAF in the fight against HIV and AIDS especially that it devastated
the youth.

And Mr. Soko commended the foundation for involving the district in its programmes.
 

WEDNESDAY LEAGUE PREVIEW

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POWER COACH WALKING THE PLANK AS ZANACO STORM APPRAOCHES.

Zanaco travel to beleaguered Power Dynamos on Wednesday to play a delayed week 4 fixture in a match as the pressure bears down the home sides” head coach Lawrence Mweemba.

Mweemba’s job is online just nine months after taking over at Power from Englishman Eddie May last September before guiding them to a 3 rd place finish at the close of the 2006 campaign.

The magic it seems to have evaporated from Mweemba.

It is now a common sight with every passing home game to see disappointed fans gathering outside the perimeter fence just in front of Powers’ dressing room, venting their spleens- A clear sign that all is not well on the yellow side of Kitwe.

Although Power have also shown some consistency in their last four games, they lack anything close to killer instinct or are just plan uninspiring all-round this season.

Their three goalkeepers are rotated faster than musical chairs, their defence is dodgier than a fake dollar bill, midfield basic and attack sparkless led the now enigmatic striker Elson Mukandawire.

Furthermore, Power, in 10th place and on 13 points won just three of the last ten games played so far.

And fixtures don’t come any easier for Power than facing archrivals and 2nd placed Zanaco who themselves have stuttered but have still managed to muster positive results in crucial league encounters unlike the home side.

Zanaco are undefeated in their last four games after quick-fire 1-0 away and 2-1 home defeat against Kabwe Warriors and Lusaka Dynamos respectively in mid-April.

Moreover, Arthur Davies has been a good hunting ground for Zanaco over the last five years.

Zanaco have not lost in the league there since November 9, 2002 when Power beat them 2-0 in the two sides penultimate top-flight game of the year.

The visitors will hope their talismanic captain Mumamba Numba who has scored in three of the last four away games at Power will again inspire them to keep their coveted record against Power intact.

In the days other delayed match, 8th placed Buffaloes host struggling Nakambala Leopards at Independence stadium in the two sides’ week 3 fixture.

HOME-BASED PLAYERS FOR ZAMBIA-CONGO-BRZ GHANA 2008 AFRICA CUP GROUP 11 QUALIFIER.

Patrick Phiri yesterday unveiled his list of Zambia national team local-based players for Ghana 2008 Africa Cup Group 11 qualifier against Congo-Brazzaville to be played at Konkola stadium in Chililabombwe on June 2.

Phiri has yet to name his contingent of foreign-based players expected to be invited for the Congo game.

GOALKEEPERS: George Kolala (Zanaco), Charles Chileshe (Nchanga Rangers).

DEFENDERS: Hichani Himoonde (Lusaka Dynamos), Joseph Musonda, Kennedy Nkthani (Both Zanaco), Mark Sinyangwe (Nkana FC).

MIDFIELDERS: Rainford Kalaba (Zesco United), Noel Mwandila (Green Buffaloes).

FORWARDS: Morgan Hanjema (Green Buffaloes), Ignatius Lwipa (Zanaco) Dube Phiri (Red Arrows), Enoch Sakala, Jonah Sakuwaha ( Both Zesco United).

ZAMBIA NATIONAL SQUAD

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HOME-BASED PLAYERS FOR ZAMBIA-CONGO-BRZ GHANA 2008 AFRICA CUP GROUP 11 QUALIFIER.

Patrick Phiri yesterday unveiled his list of Zambia national team local-based players for Ghana 2008 Africa Cup Group 11 qualifier against Congo-Brazzaville to be played at Konkola stadium in Chililabombwe on June 2.

Phiri has yet to name his contingent of foreign-based players expected to be invited for the Congo game.

GOALKEEPERS: George Kolala (Zanaco), Charles Chileshe (Nchanga Rangers).

DEFENDERS: Hichani Himoonde (Lusaka Dynamos), Joseph Musonda, Kennedy Nkthani (Both Zanaco), Mark Sinyangwe (Nkana FC).

MIDFIELDERS: Rainford Kalaba (Zesco United), Noel Mwandila (Green Buffaloes).

FORWARDS: Morgan Hanjema (Green Buffaloes), Ignatius Lwipa (Zanaco) Dube Phiri (Red Arrows), Enoch Sakala, Jonah Sakuwaha ( Both Zesco United).

Bulaya gets K40 million bail

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news_bulaya234.gifIncarcerated former Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary, Kashiwa Bulaya today walked out of prison custody after he was granted a K40 million cash bail by the Lusaka High Court, pending determination of his appeal against conviction.

In granting bail, High Court Judge, Marvin Mwanamwambwa gave conditions that Bulaya provides two local working sureties, each on his own recognisance, in the sum of K100 million.

Judge Mwanamwambwa further ordered that Bulaya surrenders his passport or any other travel document to the Task Force on Corruption and also that he should be reporting to the Officer-In-Charge or the Chief Investigations Officer at Woodlands Police
Station every Friday.

Bulaya was found guilty of one count of abuse of authority and two counts of corrupt
practices on February 21, 2007 by Lusaka Principal Resident Magistrate, and was
consequently convicted and sentenced to five years imprisonment with hard labour on
each count, but to run concurrently.

The sentence was effective July 20, 2006, the day he was remanded in custody.

However, on February 22, this year, Dr. Bulaya filed an appeal to the High Court
against the conviction and later applied for bail pending determination of his appeal.

The appeal was made under section 332(1) of the Criminal Procedure Code (CPC), Cap 88.

This section states that, ” After the entering of an appeal by a person entitled to appeal, the appellate court, or the subordinate court which convicted or sentenced such person, may, for reasons to be recorded by it in writing, order that he be released on bail with of without sureties, or if such person is not released on bail, shall, at the request of such person, order that the execution of the sentence or order appealed against shall be suspended pending the hearing of his appeal”.

Bulaya supported his appeal by arguing, through his lawyer Mumba Kapumpa, that he
was a reliable individual who has convincingly demonstrated his capacity to abide by
bail conditions over a long period of time.

He argued that it might take long before the case record is ready for appeal, noting that bail might only be granted when he (Bulaya) has already served the whole or a substantial portion of his five year long sentence.

“That in that event, the appeal would be a mere academic exercise,” he argued.

But Mutembo Nchito opposed the application for bail on behalf of the state saying
granting bail under section 322 of the CPC was a discretionary remedy.

Mr. Nchito submitted that for the discretion to be exercised in favour of the applicant, he must demonstrate that he has a fair chance of success in his appeal and that there are special circumstances in his case.

He further submitted that so far the applicant has not shown any of the two and added that during trial by the magistrate court, Bulaya had on two occasions, applied for bail to the High court but he was not successful.

In his ruling on bail, Judge Mwanamwambwa agreed with Mr. Nchito that the granting of bail pending appeal was a discretional remedy.

The judge however said such discretion should be exercised judiciously.

He explained that in an application for bail pending appeal, the primary consideration should be whether or not the applicant has revealed exceptional circumstances.

Judge Mwanamwambwa said the applicant should show that the appeal has a fair or
probable chance of succeeding and should also show that the length of the period the
appeal is likely to be determined.

He noted that every appellant appeals because in his view, he would win.

The judge advised that it was not advisable to speculate on the possible outcome of
an appeal.

“Such speculation borders on prejudging the appeal. In my view, the merits or otherwise of the appeal, should be left to the appellate judge, at the hearing of the appeal,” he said.

Regarding the duration of the appeal, Judge Mwanamwambwa said it was common
knowledge that in Lusaka, appeals from subordinate courts take long to process.

He stated that given the size of the court proceedings in the subordinate court and
the slow pace of typing and preparing the case record, Bulaya had revealed an exceptional circumstance.

“He deserves bail pending appeal. Accordingly, I hereby grant him bail, pending determination of his appeal,” Judge Mwanamwambwa ruled.

ZANIS

MSF urged not to end project in Nchelenge

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Nchelenge district council chairman, Abel Chilukuta, wants doctors without Borders-Holland Medicine San Frontier, MSF, to postpone plans to phase out its HIV/AIDS project in the district.

Mr. Chilukuta said the intended pull out of the Humanitarian Aid Agency from the district would adversely affect hundreds of people currently receiving Anti-Retro Viral Therapy from the organization.

In a press release to the ZANIS in Nchelenge this morning, Mr. Chilukuta, who is also Kasamba ward councilor called on MSF to assess the impact of its intended departure on people living with HIV/AIDS, whom it has put on Anti Retro Viral Therapy before ending the project.

He said because of the efficient logistics of the organization, people in far flung area such as the Islands of Lake Mweru and other areas on mainland Nchelenge have been able to access ARVs.

Mr. Chilukuta said although every project always comes to an end, doctors without
borders should first put modalities in place to ensure that none of its clients is affected by the decision to phase out the project.

The Nchelenge council chairman has, however, appealed to government to find a reputable organization to replace doctors without borders if lives of people living
with HIV are to be saved.

He has called on government to ensure the organization that would take over from doctors without borders has trained staff and efficient logistics to effectively take over from where the Aid Agency will leave from.

Mr. Chilukuta said due to its fleet of speed boats and vehicles, doctors without
borders has set up mobile clinics on mainland Nchelenge and on Kilwa and Chisenga
Islands on Lake Mweru.

Doctors without borders which has been instrumental in providing ARVs to a lot of
people in Nchelenge district has announced the end of the project at the end of this
year.

Sata challenged to justify Levy’s benefit from Chiluba’s alleged plunder

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Government has challenged opposition Patriotic Front, PF, leader Michael Sata to provide government with information on how second republican president Dr. Chiluba’s administration allegedly stole public resourses that President Levy Mwnawasa allegedly benefited from.

Chief Government spokesperson, Mike Mulongoti said Mr. Sata should explain to the nation how President Mwanawasa benefited from the resources allegedly plundered by Dr. Chiluba and others.

Mr. Mulongoti regretted that Mr. Sata was trying to gain political mileage out of cases of abuse of office that Dr. Chiluba is facing before the courts of law.

Mr. Mulongoti was reacting to Mr. Sata’s comment published in one of the privately
owned daily newspaper that alleged that President Mwanawasa benefited from the
public resources allegedly embezzled by Dr. Chiluba during his reign.

On the MMD vehicles, Mr. Mulongoti maintained that the ruling party bought the
vehicles using it own funds.

Mr. Mulongoti further lashed out at Evangelical Felloweship of Zambia Executive
Director Bishop Paul Mususu for failing to recognise President Mwanawasa’s effort in
fighting corruption.

Mr. Mulongoti, who is also Chief Government spokesperson, challenged Bishop Mususu
to accept the fact that the corruption crusade has helped expose Dr. Chiluba and his
accomplices of abuse of public resources.

And Mr. Mulongoti has advised Dr. Chiluba to register his grievances to the High Court of Zambia, for them to be enforceable.

Mr. Mulongoti said trans-national crime requires the aggrieved party to adhere to pocedure of channeling complaints through the High Court.

London High Court Judge Peter Smith ordered Dr. Frederick Chiluba to pay US$46
million resources of alleged plundered resources.

Mr. Mulongoti also disclosed that government will soon set an inquiry to establish whether Mr. Sata is corrupt.

Mr. Mulongoti alleged that Mr. Sata whilst serving as Cabinet Minister and MMD
National Secretary, in the second republic abused and swindled the National Assembly
about K2 billion the money meant for the MMD national convention.

Meanwhile, Mr. Mulongoti has appealed to all loving Zambians to be alert in the graft fight to rid the nation of corrupt people.

MMD begins nomination process for by-election candidates

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The ruling MMD is inviting interested persons wishing to constest by elections in Kapoche constituency in Eastern Province and in six wards across the country.

 MMD Elections Cahirman Mike Mulongoti announced this at a press briefing in Lusaka today. Mr. Mulongoti named the six wards as Mwalala in Mkushi, Mombe in Nyimba, Chilongo in Nchelenge and Kafinsa in Luwingu.

Others are Mumbubu in Mpika and Kaminzekenzeke in Mufumbwe. He said the by-elections in the six wards are as a result of resignations and deaths of councilors while the Kapoche seat fell vacant following the nullification of the parliamentary seat by the High Court.

 Mr. Mulongoti disclosed that the the advertisement inviting applications from for nominees will commence on May 15.

The Electroal Commission of Zambia, ECZ has set June 5, 2007 as date for the Kapoche parliamentary by-elections. Mr. Mulongoti,who is also Information and Broadcasting Services minister is confident that the ruling party would scoop the election.

He urged people to vote for the MMD because of prudent policies by President Levy Mwanawasa’s administration.

Pro’s Hit List & Weekend Scorecard.

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DENMARK.

Attacker Chris Katongo played the full 90 minutes and scored Brondby’s third goal on Sunday in their 3-3 away draw at number 2 side Nordsjaelland.

The league goal was Katongo’s 4th of the season since joining Brondby from Jomo Cosmos in January.

Brondby remain in 6th place after that draw.

FRANCE.

Striker Jacob Mulenga played the full 90 minutes on Friday for his 7th placed French Ligue 2 club Chateauroux in their 1-1 home draw with second from top Caen.

Mulenga was not on target.

GERMANY.

ALEMANNIA AACHEN: Departing defender Moses Sichone came on just after the restart for relegation threatened Aachen in his clubs 4-0 away Bundesliga defeat at Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday.

PADERBORN: Midfielder Andrew Sinkala played the full 90 minutes for Paderborn on Friday in the 10th placed clubs 1-0 away 2.Bundesliga win at 5th positioned Freiburg.

PORTGUAL.

Striker Collins Mbesuma started for 9th placed Maritimo on Saturday in the clubs scoreless home draw against 13th positioned Academica before being substituted in the 54th minute.

SWEDEN.

ORGTYTE: Striker Boyd Mwila and midfielder Dominic Yobe both started and finished in Orgryte’s 1-0 home win over Atvidabergs.

Orgyte and Ativdabergs are 4th and last respectively on the 16-team Swedish second division table.

LJUNGSKILE: Defender Edwin Phiri started for 6th from top Ljungskile on Friday before being substituted in the 57th minute the Swedish second division clubs’ 1-0 win over 2nd from bottom Degerfors.

WEEKEND SCORECARD

FAZ PREMIER LEAGUE WEEK 12.

05/05/07

Lusaka Dynamos 0- Kabwe Warriors 0.

City of Lusaka 1(Nephias Banda 47″)-Green Buffaloes FC 1(Jimmy Mumba 21″).

Power Dynamos FC 0-National Assembly 0.

Zanaco 2(Mumamba Numba 45″ 55″)-Konkola Blades 0

Nchanga Rangers 3(Lyson Sikaonga 36″ 47″. Emmanuel Chimpinde 67″)-Nakambala Leopards 3(Dan Masumba 72″ 74″, Henry Sakichula 79″).

Forest Rangers 1(Nyambe Mulenga 28″)-Young Arrows 1 (Kruger Mwansa 56″).

Red Arrows 1(Dan Sibanda 43″)-Roan United 1(Perry Sinkala 88″).

Zamtel FC 0-Zesco United 3(Rainford Kalaba 18″, Enoch Sakala 57″, Kelvin Muzungu 82″).

TOP SCORERS (05/05/07).

Rainford Kalaba (Zesco United): 9.

Emmanuel Mayuka (Kabwe Warriors): 8.

Mumamba Numba (Zanaco): 7.

Felix Nsunzu Jr (Konkola Blades):7.

Lyson Sikaonga (Nchanga Rangers): 8.

Sebastian Mwansa (Green Buffaloes): 6.

Simon Luipya (Red Arrows):6.

Enoch Sakala (Zesco United) 6.

Mazuba Mukandawire (City of Lusaka): 5.

Lottie Phiri (Young Arrows): 5.

Winstone Kalengo(Zanaco): 4.

Lameck Banda (Lusaka Dynamos): 4.

Ken Mwaba (Nakambala Leopards):4.

Kelvin kaindu (Zanaco): 4.

Kruger Mwansa (Young Arrows): 3.

Ben Mwanza (Roan United): 3

Dan Masumba (Nakambala Leopards): 3.

Nicholas Zulu (Zesco United): 3.

Simon Bwalya (Power Dynamos):3.

Maonga Kabuku (Kabwe Warriors): 3.

Chiwanki Liyainga (YOung Arrows): 3.

Precious Mpondela (Konkola Blades): 3

Fwayo Tembo (National Assembly):3.

FAZ DIVISION 1

WEEK 11.

06/05/2007.

NORTH.

Lime Hotspurs 0- Kalewa 2.

Medical Stars 0- Chindwin 1.

Kitwe United 1- Chambishi FC 1.

Muchindu 0- Nkana 1.

Police Blue Eagles 0- Mufulira Wanderers 1.

05/05/2007

Prison Leopards2- INDENI 0.

Mufulira Blackpool 1- Afrisports 1.

NOT PLAYED: Konkola Mine Police FC-Ndola United*.

*United had breakdown on their way to Chililabombwe.

WEEK 10.

01/05/2007.

Chindwin 0-Muchindu 0.

SOUTH.

Riflemen 1- Profund Warriors 0.

Lusaka Celtic 1- Zamcoal Diggers 0.

Chilanga Heroes 2- Builders Brigade 1.

Nampundwe 0- Young Buffaloes 0.

Nkwazi 1- ZNS Green Eagles 1.

Kalomo Jetters 1- Lusaka City Council FC 2.

Lusaka Tigers 0- Communite 0.

Livingstone Pirates 2- Kambuku Warriors 0.

Chilufya to become Namibian Citizen

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Zambian football export, William Chilufya could play for Namibia national team, the Brave Warriors, as he is reportedly in the process of applying for that country’s citizenship.

Chilufya, who has been living in Namibia since 1998, has decided to renounce his Zambian citizenship and acquire a Namibian passport. According to the Namibia Press Agency (NAMPA), Chilufya, who is a prominent striker in the premier division, Civics Football Club, has started the process of changing his citizenship.

The 23-year-old striker told Nampa that he has adapted to the Namibian way of life and its soccer since he first came to Namibia at the age of 15 to play for Katima Wanderers.

Nampa says Chilufya’s parents in Zambia have since given their son the blessing to change his nationality.

 If he gets the green light, Chilufya could become the first foreigner to play for Namibia under such circumstances.

On what he could do for the Brave Warriors should his application for Namibian citizenship succeed, Chilufya said team-work is all it takes for a football squad to win matches.

Chilufya was the top goal-scorer in the Namibia Premier League during the 2001/2002 season with 29 goals when he helped Liverpool win the league and was also the top goal-scorer for his team, Civics, during the 2004/2005 season with 17 goals. 

 Chilufya, who is fondly called Cosmos by his fans, helped Civics lift the premiership trophy twice in 2004/5 and 2005/6 seasons.

Chilufya was one of the four players who each scored 10 goals during the 2005/2006 season and has so far scored 9 goals in 17 matches in the current league season. Approached for comment, Namibia Football Association (NFA) Acting Secretary-General, Barry Rukoro, said various members of the public have requested his office to assist Chilufya in becoming a Namibian citizen to enable him play for the Brave Warriors.

 He added that Chilufya is still young and can make a contribution to Namibia as a soccer player. “The NFA cannot doubt his commitment to Namibian soccer, considering the contribution he has made thus far as one of the top strikers in the country,” Rukoro said.

Chilufya is serious about soccer and loves Namibia, Rukoro said, adding that the NFA will support his application for citizenship. “If his application is approved, he will benefit our game,” Rukoro said.

On his part, Senior National Team Coach, Ben Bamfuchile, said Chilufya has the potential to become a national team player because he is a good player and goal-scorer. Bamfuchile is quoted by NAMPA as having said that Chilufya qualifies to play for any national team, be it Zambian or Namibian.

He added that acquiring Namibian citizenship will be advantageous in pursuing a soccer career.

However, the process of getting Namibian citizenship could take between one month and two years, depending on various factors such as the availability of the required documents, an official from the Ministry of Home Affairs and Immigration said. 

Crime rate increases in Mufulira – Muulwa

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Mufulira District Commissioner (DC) Dyford Muulwa has expressed concern at the increasing cases of crime where residents  are being reportedly  beaten and attacked by suspected criminals in Kamuchanga Township in the border town of the Copperbelt Province.

And the Mufulira DC has meanwhile called for increased patrols and deployment of
more security officers on the ground following the reported incidents of attacks on residents in Kamuchanga.

Mr Muulwa says his office has been overwhelmed by reports of people being attacked
late at night, adding that he has so far received three cases of assault which happened last Friday alone.

And Mr. Muulwa last evening (Saturday) paid  a surprise visit to Kamuchanga Police
Station at around 18.30 hours so that he could speak to officers there in the wake of  numerous reports of residents being attacked.

But the Mufulira DC was disappointed to find that only one police officer was on duty at the time of his visit.

Mr. Muulwa wondered how the officer could respond to an emergency since he was only
manning the station alone.

And when asked why he was alone, the Constable who was on duty had no definite answer.

The police officer said he did not know why he was on duty alone, saying the station
inspector could be in a better position to answer.

Later Mr. Muulwa complained to a ZANIS reporter who had accompanied him that it was
surprising that there were too many officers manning road blocks and wondereed why
such officers could not be deployed on the ground.

Over the last few weeks two employees from ZAMTEL in Mufulira were beaten by
suspected criminals in Kamuchanga.

Kamuchanga Township is highly populated with over one thousand residents.

ZANIS

Mufulira MPs to facilitate bill to make defilement cases non-bailable

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Two opposition Parliamentarians in Mufulira on the Copperbelt have revealed that they will in the next sitting of parliament move a private members motion bill that seeks, amongst other things, to make defilement a non bailable offence.

And in a related development, women’s groupings in Mufulira will in the course of the week stage a mass demonstration to express their misgivings on the increasing cases of child-defilement that have rocked the border town in the recent weeks.

The two Members of parliament (MP) that are expected to push for the stiffer bill against defilers are Patriotic Front (PF) Kantanshi member, Yamfwa Mukanga and her counterpart, Marjory Masiye from Mufulira Central Constituency.

The two MPs disclosed this during a meeting held at the Mufulira Council committee room today.

The meeting, which was called to discuss the increasing cases of defilement incidents in the district, was also attended by amongst other people MMD District Women’s Affairs Chairperson Astridah Chibwe and Mufulira Deputy Mayor Dorothy Mwamba.

Several mothers and concerned members of the public who have had their children
defiled also attended the meeting.

Speaking earlier, Mr. Mukanga observed that a stiffer punishment against child defilers was needed so as to protect the girl child, adding that the current law on defilement was too weak.

The PF MP lamented that cases of child defilement in Mufulira were on the increase
especially around the peri-urban community.
Mr. Mukanga noted that what was of particular concern was that defilement cases were
being perpetrated and done by people with money.

He observed that although perpetrators of child defilement could be jailed up to 25 years in prison, the sentence was too lenient.

Mr. Mukanga has since appealed to lawyers to consider offering free legal representation to victims of defilement, adding that the majority of people were too poor to hire a legal expert.

And Mufulira Central PF Marjory Masiye said there was every need for increased
sensitization on defilement amongst the youth, especially in schools and churches.

Ms. Masiye said the boy child as well should be protected from soldomy.

She has since appealed to the courts of law to expedite the trial of defilement cases that were brought before them so that justice in such cases was not delayed.

And Mufulira Deputy Mayor Dorothy Mwamba said women in the district will soon form a
pressure group that will speak on behalf of residents and will amongst other things educate residents on defilement and the need to report such cases to police.

ZANIS

Medical drugs run out in Mazabuka

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Chikankata hospital in Mazabuka has been hit by a shortage of medical drugs.

Area Member of Parliament, Munji Habeenzu disclosed this to ZANIS in Mazabuka today.

Mr Habeenzu said the shortage of drugs has forced the hospital administration to issue prescriptions to patients.

But Mr Habeenzu questioned why the hospital administration was issuing prescriptions
to patients when they are aware that the area has no private drug stores.

He has since asked the Ministry of Health to quickly address the drug shortage before people could resort to traditional medicine.

Last Thursday, Chief Naluama also complained to Southern Province Minister that all
health centres in his chiefdom had been hit by the shortage of drugs.

And District Commissioner, Misheck Chiinda in a statement to ZANIS in Mazabuka, called for the arrest of health personel creating an artificial shortage of drugs in all health institutions.

This was after a team of inspectors from the Pharmaceutical Regulatory Authority,
seized huge quantities of drugs suspected to have been pilfered from government health institutionhs.

ZANIS

Sky FM castigated for imbalanced reporting

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Southern Province Minister, Joseph Mulyata, has castigated a commercial radio station in the province for allegedly giving platform to some people to attack government and President Levy Mwanawasa.

Mr Mulyata says SKY Fm radio, which is based in Monze, has neglected its duties to afford government an opportunity to defend itself against the attacks by the opponents. 

He said the radio station has been conducting live interviews featuring some individuals who have been attacking government and President Mwanawasa without affording government a similar opportunity to explain its position.

Addressing heads of government departments in Monze, Mr Mulyata said government is
unhappy with the radio station’s failure to give balanced reporting and fair coverage.

He said government did not give SKY FM an operating licence to air anti-government
programme but issues of development that are beneficial to the community.

Mr Mulyata stated that government does not stop the radio station from reporting on
anything but what was needed was to be professional so that people with hidden agenda do not use the facility to destroy others.

The minister said reports reaching his office about the alleged unprofessional conduct of the institution were a matter of serious concern especially that people were being given wrong information about government.

“When you invite a person who wants to attack government, why don’t you invited somebody from government to the same platform so that there is balance?”, Mr Mulyata
asked.

The minister was reacting to reports that oasis forum chairperson Bishop Paul Mususu
was featured on a live interview programme on SKY FM in which he castigated government over the constitution making process.

Mr Mulyata explained that government has not refused to enact a new constitution but
that it will not circumvent the process of doing so.

He said there is no need for anybody to attack President Mwanawasa over the constitution when he has shown willingness to give the country a new constitution.

FAZ DIV 1 NORTH WEEK 11 ROUND-UP

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Nkana FC opened up a 13-point lead at the top of the Faz division 1 north league table after beating Muchindu 1-0 away in Mufulira this afternoon.

The fallen recored 11-time top-flight champions are unbeaten since the start of the season and now on a maximum 33 points from eleven league games played in division 1 north.

DR Congo-born striker Patrick Kambamba scored the games lone goal in the second half to keep Nkana in command of 1 north and are now clear favorites for promotion with just four games before the midway point of the season fast approaching.

2nd placed Lime Hotspurs and 3rd positioned INDENI, who share 20 points each, suffered similar 2-0 defeats at home and away to Prison Leopards and Kalewa respectively this weekend.

Chambishi meanwhile failed to capitalize on those results at Garden Park today to leap into 2nd place after squandering a 1-0 first half lead to finish 1-1 away with hosts Kitwe United this afternoon.

Aggrey Chiyangi’s sides started off brightly taking a 30 minute lead through Edward Sinkala.

United, who were under new assistant coach Alex Musungu who was standing in for his also recently appointed boss Emmanuel Siwale currently on Under 20 duty, equalized six minutes after the break.

Striker Chasala Mwandama leveled scores thanks to a fine through-ball from midfielder and Captain Richard Mooka with the former chipping the ball over the Chambishi goalkeeper to see his side share the 1 point with the away side.

United are 11th on 9 points from 10 games after today’s draw, their first points after two successive defeats.

Afrisports are 5th after drawing 1-1 on Saturday away to 7th placed Mufulira Blackpool where they came behind after the hosts took the early lead through Chris Katebe in the 8th minute.

Captain and midfielder Mwila Kabwe equalized for Afrisports in the 29th minute.

In the days other week 11 division 1 north results, Chindwin beat Medical 1-0 in Ndola while Mufulira Wanderers exchanged places with Ndola United with the former moving from 13th to 12 after they stayed unbeaten for a third straight match.

Wanderers beat bottom of the table Police Blue eagles 1-0 away at Kamfinsa with Kennedy Chinfwembe there scoring the games lone goal.

The match between away side Ndola United and 2nd from bottom Konkola Mine Police did not take place after the visitors suffered a mechanical breakdown on their way to Chililabombwe.

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