Visiting Danish minister for Development Cooperation Ulla Toernaes has called on African leaders to speak out and condemn attacks on opposition leaders in Zimbabwe. And Ulla Toernaes has described the meeting with Zimbabwean civil society groups as fruitful. Ms Toernaes told ZANIS in an interview at the Livingstone international airport soon before departure that African leaders were not helping what she called deteriorating political conditions in Zimbabwe by choosing to remain mute. Ms. Toernaes said Zimbabwe's political instability led to the closure of the Danish embassy in Zimbabwe in 2002. However, Ms Toernaes said her government is working closely with non governmental organisations in Zimbabwe in the provision of humanitarian aid. "The Danish government is not in favour of Mugabe's government and its attacks on opposition leaders but it will continue speaking out, supporting the people, and putting pressure on African leaders to help liberate Zimbabweans from Mugabe's dictatorial rule." She said. On the closed door meeting with Zimbabwe's civil society groups, Ms. Toernaes described the meeting as fruitful saying she decided to meet the civil society groups from Zimbabwe to discuss the present and future political situation standing of Zimbabwe. Ms. Toernaes was in Livingstone to acquaint herself with various Danish funded development projects. ZANIS
Put pressure on Mugabe, Africa leaders prodded
Zambian Football Weekend Wrap Up
ZAMBIA DRAW AT POINTE NOIRE.
It is not looking good for Zambia after a scoreless draw away to Congo-Brazzaville today in their Group 11 2008 Africa Cup qualifying tie played at Pointe Noire.
The draw means Zambia remain stranded in 3rd place on 4 points from three matches, Congo are on 5 while South Africa has a comfortable 7 point cushion with three games to go before wrapping up Group 11.
South Africa top the pool after a resounding 3-0 away win at winless and bottom of the table Chad on Saturday.
Coach Patrick Phiri is now in the battle to keep on track his first return to Ghana since 1978 this time as coach.
Phiri knows he must win against Congo when they come calling on June 2 to try and exorcise his unenviable record as being the only Zambia coach to fail guide Chipolopolo in two qualifying series in a space of four years.
KAUMBA DOES WHAT HE DOES BEST.
On Saturday, Peter Kaumba did what he does best. Draw.
The Zambia Under 23 qualified to the group stage of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games Football tournament qualifiers after a 1-1 away to draw to Malawi to make sure Keena Phiri did not have the last laugh against a Zambian side yet again.
Clifford Mulenga put Zambia ahead in the 28th minutes before Chilikepo Msowoya equalized six minutes after the half-hour mark.
However, that was not enough for Malawi as Zambia qualified 4-3 on aggregate to the group stage for a second successive time.
FAZ PREMIER LEAGUE MATCH REPORTS.
ZESCO UNITED 2- KABWE WARRIORS 0.
Wedson Nyirenda’s Zesco United cruised to a 2-0 home win over Kabwe Warriors on Saturday to see the Ndola side firmly sit in mid-table after three games played by the club.
Enoch Sakala headed Zesco in the 23rd minutes before Clifford Chipalo scored his second goal of the season on 55th minutes after a goal-mouth scramble.
RED ARROWS 2- ZAMTEL FC 0.
2004 league champions Red Arrows recorded their second top-flight win of the season after crushing promoted and winless Zamtel 2-0 at Nkoloma stadium on Saturday.
Simon Lupiya scored a brace in the 24th and 74th minutes to see him return to the top of the scorer’s charts on 6 goals in all competition this season.
ROAN UNITED 2- YOUNG ARROWS 3.
Troubled and promoted Roan united scored their first two league goals of the season on Saturday but that was still not enough for them to lose at home and lift them off the bottom of the table.
On Saturday, Roan lost at home against fellow promoted side Young Arrows who rallied to thump their hosts 3-2 at Kafubu stadium in Launshya.
Roan took the lead in the 21st minute through ex-Zambia striker Ben Mwanza before some-time international winger Chiwanki Liyainga equalized a minute after the break.
Kruger Mwansa stretched the visitors lead on 50 minutes before Derrick Mumba equalized five minutes later to keep Roans hopes of their first points of the season alive.
However, live-wire left winger Liyainga, on loan at Arrows from Power Dynamos this season, made sure Dickson Makwaza’s Roan remained bottom of the log with the winner on three minutes before the hour-mark.
NCHANGA RANGERS 2- FOREST RANGERS 2.
Lyson Sikaonga scored a brace against his former side to put Nchanga Rangers second on the table in a 2-2 home draw against Forest Rangers with goals in the 23rd and 26th minutes.
Robby Kabwe and Daudi Musekwa made sure their former team mate did not make them regret selling him to Rangers with strikes in the 20th and 48th minutes respectively.
NAKAMBALA LEOPARDS 0 -KONKOLA BLADES 1.
Konkola Blades are the new leaders at the summit of the Faz Premier League table after Nakambala Leopards fell for a second successive time at home at their once impenetrable rough and infamous square-shaped home pitch.
Ex-Zambia Under 20 striker Precious Mpondela scored his first and the Chililabombwe sides all important goal in the 27th minute to give the side from no-mans land the vital 3 points.
Blades top the table on 9 points to oust City of Lusaka who fell 3-0 away to Lusaka Dynamos on the same day, Saturday.
Blades are one point ahead of second placed Nchanga Rangers.
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY 1- GREEN BUFFALOES 3.
George Lwandamina’s Green Buffaloes romped to a second successive league win with a 3-1 away victory over National Assembly in Lusaka.
Morgan Hanjema, Ezekiel Lungu and Max Mukenga were on target in the 4th, 41st and 76th minutes respectively.
Kelvin Simbeye scored Assembly’s consolation and his first competitive goal of the season in 56th minute.
LUSAKA DYNAMOS 3- CITY OF LUSAKA 0.
Lusaka Dynamos maintained their unbeaten league record with a resonating 3-0 home win over former leaders City of Lusaka at Queensmead on Saturday.
Lameck Banda scored twice to stun boisterous City in the 10th and 27th minutes before pint-size attacker Saulos Mumba made sure of the points in this Capital derby with the 3rd two minutes from full-time.
FLS worried over political party funding, leadership selection
The Forum for Leadership Search, FLS, has described as disastrous the current trend of funding and leadership selection in political parties in the country.
FLS Executive Director Edwin Lifwekelo regretted most political parties have
resorted to selecting leaders on the basis of wealth as apposed to leadership qualities.
Mr. Lifwekelo attributed this to the move by political parties to entirely rely on individuals for funding of party operations.
He told ZANIS in Lusaka that the trend by parties to depend on individual politicians to fund parties has to a greater extent compromised the quality of political leadership and democracy in the country.
Mr Lifwekelo said the state of affairs has made politicians, who assume leadership
on the basis of wealth, to become reluctant to be challenged at national party
conventions.
Meanwhile , Mr Lifwekelo challenged the Bankers Association of Zambia, BAZ, to publicly condemn the move by some banking institutions to compromise the client
confidentiality principle, through revelation of personal bank documents to the public.
 Mr. Lifwekelo made the challenge in apparent reference to recent revelations of
President Mwanawasa’s bank account details to the public by Finance Bank.
He urged BAZ to censure financial institutions that breach banking ethics by
undermining the confidentiality of individual clients.
“We wonder how confidential information regarding a private account was availed to
third party if not for the purposes of embarrassing the president” he said.
ZANIS
Zambia holds Congo Brazzaville to remain in contention for Ghana 2008 Africa Cup of
Zambia has remained in contention for the Ghana 2008 Africa Cup of Nations after holding second placed Congo Brazzaville 0-0 at in Brazzaville this afternoon.
The senior Chipolopolo boys have gained a point more to four points while Congo
Brazzaville still maintain their second slot with seven points in-group 11 of the Ghana 2008 Africa Cup of Nations.
South Africa’s Bafana Bafana lead the group with nine points after edging Chad 3-0
yesterday at home.
Chad is still bottom of the table with no point at all.
Playing before a capacity crowd at Masamba- Debat Stadium Zambia contended attacks by the home team whose front line led by Christ Malonga, Destine Makita and Armel Momouna in the first half.
Zambia’s dependable striker Collins Mbesuma was tightly marked by three Congolese
defenders and this was not an opportunity enough for scoring machine Christopher
Katongo of .to score.
Zambia’s goal minder Kennedy Mweene was on the alert to wade off strikes at goal by
the home team.ÂÂ
Defence pillars Elijah Tana, perhaps man of the match, coordinated well with Clive
Hachilensa, Billy Mwanza and Joseph Mwanza to prevent Congo Brazzaville from winning.
The second half saw Zambia almost scoring in the 47 th minute through Christopher
Katongo but his strike was off target.
The senior Chipolopolo boys are expected back in the country on Tuesday, 14: 00.
And on the local front, Green Eagles football club edged Lusaka City Council (LCC)
football 2-0 at home ground , Nationalist Stadium, in a week four FAZ/KCM division
one MATCH.ÂÂ
Green Eagles scored in the 17th minute through their dependable striker, Kauseni
Bwale.ÂÂ
In the second half, Kauseni repeated his scoring tricks with a spectacular goal, in
the 54th minute leaving the LCC fans haplessly. ÂÂ
LCC who were looking for an outright win to have seven points after 3 games of a
win, a draw and loss, in today’s match. However, to their dismay they remained at 4
points.
And Green Eagles have risen to 8 points after punishing LCC who failed to utilise
their chances.
Green Eagle’s new coach, Jimmy Mwale told ZANIS in a post match interview that he
still had a lot of work to do with his team.
Mwale congratulated his boys on their good performance and that they played
according to his game plan.
 And the host coach, Christopher Silungwe complained that six of his players played
below par and that they failed to convert their chances into a
ÂÂ
Govt. ponders assisting towards funerals of accident victims
Government says it will consider assisting towards funerals of the victims of the CR bus road accident that claimed 14 lives and left several others injured on Friday.
Luapula Province Minister, John Chinyanta, said government regretted losing several
lives of people in such circumstances and would do everything possible to prevent
future occurrences of such accidents.
Mr. Chinyanta was speaking when he visited twelve accident victims last night, who
are admitted at Mansa general hospital.
He said government will soon summon the CR management in an effort to establish the
cause of the fatal accident.
The minister, flanked by Luapula province permanent secretary, Alfred Kalumba and
other senior provincial government officials said government would not allow lives
of the citizens being claimed by preventable causes.
He said government would ponder speed limiting on the Tuta High-way to prevent
further loss of lives as the road as claimed many lives due to over speeding by
motorists.
And Mr. Chinyanta has commended the Luapula province police command for their prompt action to rush to the scene of accident.
He said the quick action helped prevent further loss of lives of people that were
trapped in the wreckage of the mangled Marcopolo CR bus.
Meanwhile Mansa general hospital executive director, Dr. Francis Bwalya, has
appealed to families who are still missing their relatives to go to Mansa general
hospital and help identify bodies that are currently lying at the mortuary.
Mansa general hospital mortuary received 11 brought in dead bodies from the fatal
accident on Friday.
And Dr. Bwalya has described the condition of the 12 accident victims admitted to
the hospital, as stable, saying many of them suffered fractures and cuts apart from
one who is in a critical condition and had to be rushed to the theatre.
14 people and several others were injured after the bus they where in careered off
the road and overturned along Tuta Road on Friday.
ZANIS
TB patients urged to take advantage of free treatment
The ministry of health in Choma has challenged residents to take advantage of free services offered by government in treating tuberculosis, TB, patients.
District director of health, Rhodah Mkandawire, said there is no need for patients to shun treatment because the services are being offered free of charge at government health facilities.
Dr Makndawire disclosed that the 31 health centres and two hospitals in the district
have all been equipped with diagnostic facilities for TB.
She was speaking in Choma yesterday during the commemoration of World TB day.
And acting Choma district commissioner, Mungoni Simulilika, said government remains
committed to the fight against TB.
Mr Simulilika said there is need for concerted efforts in fighting the disease so that communities can enjoy good health.
ZANIS
Kuomboka’s Regatta competition on, BRE
The Barotse Royal Establishment says all is set for the Regatta paddling competition scheduled to take place next Friday.
The organizing Committee chairman, Induna Imandi Kandala Muteto said the competition which is an integrated component of the famous Kuomboka ceremony will be held on the eve of the traditional ceremony.
Induna Imandi disclosed that about K8 million would be spent on the prizes and
organization of the paddling competition.
He said 84 paddlers have confirmed participation in the race that would be divided
in three categories.
He said the race wills start from the Lealui royal village to Mulamba harbour which
covers a distance of about 13 kilometres.
Induna Imandi said the competition which is one of the few surviving traditional
sporting activities is meant to enrich Kuomboka ceremony saying the ceremony is not
only meant to be a one-day event but involves a series of activities.
He said security measures have been put in place to ensure the safety of the paddlers.
This year’s Kuomboka ceremony is scheduled to take place on March 31.
Nega Nega complain against Police in the area
Villagers in Nega Nega area of Mazabuka district have bitterly complained over the alleged closure of Nega Nega Police station at 18 hours every day despite an increase in criminal activities.
Area ward councillor, Anne Mangunje, told ZANIS in Mazabuka that the claims by
Police that the shortage of manpower has necessisted such a decision cannot be
tolerated.
Ms Mangunje said Police should realise that the decision taken has put lives and property of villagers in danger.
She also urged the police district command to investigate why Police at Nega Nega
where allegedly asking complainants to pay K 5,000 for each call out issued.
Ms Mangunje observed that the charge slapped on complainants, has made it difficult
for people to appreciate the presence of police.
The councillor wondered why police are failing to use funds realised from the hire of the vehicle by beer traders.
Meanwhile, a man suspected to be insane allegedly smashed side windscreens for the
Police vehicle belonging to Nega Nega after he was allegedly provoked by a police officer.
The man allegedly broke the screens using stones after the police officer soughty refugee in vehicle at a named tarven in the area.
Efforts by ZANIS to get a comment from regional police commanding officer, Chewe Bowa by press time, failed.
ZANIS
Albidon dismisses claims on employment prerequisities
Management at Albidon Nickle Zambia limited in Mazabuka have dismissed claims that people seeking jobs at the company are being asked to travel to Ndola for medical examinations before they are offered jobs.
Company Corporate and Safety Manager, Sestus Mulenga, described as baseless, claims by Nansenga ward councillor, Jonathan Mufaya, because the company has not yet started employing people.
Dr Mulenga said the company will follow laid down guidelines set by government when
employing people adding that even the medical examination shall be conducted in line
with the ministry of labour guidelines.
He urged politicians to consult and seek advice from mine management before issuing
statements relating to the operations of the mine.
Last week, during a full council meeting, Mr Mufaya complained that people employment at the mine are being asked to travel to Ndola for medical examinations
before they could be given jobs.
Mr Mufaya charged that the move was disadvantaging local people because they cannot afford the high transport and accomodation costs while in Ndola.
ZANIS
Combined team of Police, Council officers remove vendors from streets.
The Lusaka City Council, LCC, in conjunction with State Police this morning swung into action to remove makeshift stalls from streets in the city centre in a bid to curb street vending.
The officers destroyed the make shift structures erected by the vendors on freedom way, Cha cha cha, Lumumba and all the subsidiary streets in town.  ÂÂ
By press time, police sealed off all the major roads and vehicles were forced to use
alternative routes.
And scores of vendors, who were caught unawares, watched helpless as the uncompromising law enforcement officers took full control of the streets.
Recently LCC warned the street vendors to vacate the streets and relocate to designated trade centres.
The council advised vendors to start trading from the new Soweto Market and other
markets in compounds.
The decision to chase the vendors from streets comes in the wake of the street vendors’ defiance of the 48 hour-ultimatum in which to leave the streets, issued by
the council.
Meanwhile, efforts by ZANIS to get comments from LCC Public Relations Officer Chanda Makanta on the latest development proved futile as her mobile was constantly not reachable.
 And Police spokesperson, Bonny Kapeso refused to comment on the matter.
ZANIS
Ndola soccer fans express mixed feelings over Zambia – Congo match, tomorrow.
Soccer fans in Ndola have expressed mixed feelings over the Zambian National Soccer Team’s encounter with Congo Brazzaville.
Most fans told ZANIS in separate interviews were not sure of the outcome saying there were a number of factors to considere on the part of the Chipolopolo boys.
Michael Chipokoloma of Skyways residential area said Zambia has un uphill battle to defeat the hosts at home ground.
Chipokoloma urged the Patrick Phiri coaching bench to strengthen the front line saying, that if not worked on, the Chipolopolo boys might lose.
” The team did not have enough time to coordinate with each other as some players were joining camp at the last minute,”he said.
However his colleague Lawrence Lwendo expressed optimism that the senior team would carry the day.
Lwendo said the Zambia National Football team often pull surprises in away matches
“Beating Congo Brazzaville at their home ground would be one surprise that the teammight pull up for the Country,
” said the fan.
Lwendo said the national team is has a record of always playing better when the ‘ chips’ are down when people lose confidence as the situation currently was.
He was however quick to say that anything could happen tomorrow adding that people needed to be ready for any result.
Zambia this Sunday takes on Congo Brazzaville in a crucial Ghana 2008 Africa Cup
qualifier match to be played in that country.
Government yesterday urged the senior team to go for early goals when they meet the ‘red devils’ in tomorrow’s Ghana 2008 African Cup qualifier.
ZANIS
Kitwe’s Kapoto residents riot after Police shoot girl, 13
Kitwe’s Kapoto compound residents last night ran amok destroying property worth millions of kwacha after two Police officers from Riverside police station allegedly shot dead a 13-year-old girl.
And Copperbelt Police Chief, Antoneil Mutentwa, has disclosed that Police in Kitwe have arrested and charged Constable Rexson Banda and Sub Inspector, Africa Zulu, with murder.
The residents went on rampage destroying property that included the office of the local Neighbourhood community Watch and other shops at the Market after the alleged shooting of the girl identified as, Marvis Mwansa, at Kapoto market.
A check by ZANIS at the market found a ZAMBEEF outlet has been destroyed with its window panes completely shattered while meat products worth over K6.5 million were looted by the irate residents.
The Body of the deceased is lying at Kitwe Central Hospital Mortuary
Police chief Mr. Mutentwa told ZANIS in Kitwe today that Police were concerned that the two officers who allegedly shot the minor were not on duty and had no mandate to pursue drug dealers.
” As a Police we unreservedly condemn such acts especially that our officers acted outside the operational guidelines of the Police service.” said Mr Mutentwa.
He explained that the shooting incident happened when the two officers from Riverside Police Station went to Kapoto market to pursue a group of boys that were allegedly selling drugs at the market between 18 30 and 19 hours yesterday.
“The Boys who were allegedly selling drugs bolted after they saw Police approaching, hence the Officers decided to open fire in a crowed place in an effort to apprehend the culprits which was wrong.” said Mr Mutentwa.
Mr Mutentwa said the two officers have been arrested and charged because they did not follow procedure in pursuing drug traffickers and that there was no evidence to indicate that their lives were in danger for them to resort to firing live bullets.
He said Police would ensure that that the law prevails in the matter.
And one of the residents, Amon Banda, told ZANIS that some Police officers have allegedly been obtaining money from the unsuspecting drug dealers at Kapoto Market.
” The Police Officers have been coming here for a long time now to harasse these drug dealers who give them money to elude arrests” said Banda.
And Father to the deceased, Abel Mwansa, welcomed the arrest of the two Police Officers and called for justice to prevail over the death of his daughter.
” I don’t understand why these people decided to Kill my daughter, please let thelaw take its course on this matter” said Mwansa.
ZANIS
Excise duty reduction cheers Parley Committee
The Committee on the estimates to the Customs and Excise Amendment bill, has welcomed the reduction of excise duty on electricity from 5 percent to 3 percent.
Committee Chairperson Batuke Simenda told Parliament today that the reduction was
welcome as it would free resources for re-investment by business operators.
Mr. Simenda said that his committee however re-iterated that there was need for the
rural electrification fund to receive the full extent of the funds collected as rural electrification levy.
In addition Mr. Simedna said it was necessary in view of the high electrification
requirements in the country for companies that have been exempted from paying tax
start paying particularly those in mining.
And Mr. Simenda said his committee welcomed the reduction of duty on pre-mixes from
25 percent to 5 percent saying this would go a long way in sustaining growth in the livestock industry.
Mr. Simenda said his committee stressed that the Private sector would only become
more efficient and effective, if concerted effort was invested in reducing the cost
of doing business.
He further pointed out that the Private sector was currently not competitive in domestic, regional and international markets because Zambia was still a high cost
environment for business.
And Parliamentarians emphasised the importance of Science and Technology saying
Zambia could only develop with fully baked scientists and technologists.
Opposition Patriotic Front Pambashe Member of Parliament Benard Chisha said there
was need for Government to ensure pupils start learning science at basic schools.
And Mulobezi ruling MMD Member of Parliament Michael Mabenga said Science and
Technology is cardinal in the country’s development.
Mr. Mabenga implored teachers in schools to encourage and prepare children to take
up sciences in schools saying a good and early start was vital for a perfect finish.
ZANIS
Farmers negative response to dipping worry livestock official
A livestock officer in Sinazongwe has expressed disappointment at the farmers’ negative response towards dipping their animals.
Jericho Sakwanda told ZANIS that farmers in the area have been lukewarm in dipping
their animals following the introduction of a K250,000 dipping fee.
Mr. Sakwanda urged the farmers to appreciate the introduction of the dipping fee as it was meant to buy dipping chemicals.
He expressed fear that animals in the area would die of diseases if farmers continue refusing to dip them.
And government has sent material for the rehabilitation of dip tanks throughout Southern province.
Mr. Sakwanda said five dip tanks in Sinazongwe district have since been rehabilitated.
ZANIS
School withdraws pupil from marriage
Chigwe Basic school in Chadiza district, Eastern Province has withdrawn a 12- year- old grade five pupil from marriage.
According to the notice of withdrawal signed by School Head Teacher Robert Phiri and
copied to Chief Pembamoyo, Vubwi Member of Parliament and Vubwi Police Officer
Incharge, the girl of Pembamoyo area was married off to a man who had lost his
second wife through death.
School Headteacher said the girl returned to school on 19 March this year after a fruitful discussion with her parents and headman Mkundika who resolved that they would complain to police, if the man persisted in his demand for the girl.
In the notice, Mr Phiri expressed sadness at increased cases of early marriages in the area adding that the institution was losing young girls of aged between 11 and 16 to early marriages.
“The parents of the girl have also returned the chicken that the man paid as Lobola,” Mr Phiri said.
He further disclosed that the school had re-admitted a number of girls in accordance with the government’s re-entry policy.
District Education Board Secretary could not comment on the matter as she was reportedly out of office by press time.
And District Commissioner Maximo Chitambi expressed happiness with the withdrawal
of the girl from marriage and has since appealed to traditional leaders to discourage early marriages in their areas.
“Am delighted with the withdrawal of this child from marriage, what the school has
done is in line with Government policy of not forcing young girls into early marriages as they don’t understand marriage,” Mr Chitambi.
But we are not saying people should not get married but we want them to marry at the
right age when they have also acquired education which was key in human life,” he added.
ZANIS