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Home based centre caregivers should be on government payroll-MPs

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A parliamentary committee on Youth, Sport and Child Development says the government should help reduce challenges faced by some home based care organisations that are taking care of vulnerable children.

Committee Chairperson, Edgar Sing’ombe, suggested that the government should consider putting most of the caregivers and general workers serving in home based care organisations on government payroll to reduce challenges the homes are facing.

Mr. Sing’ombe said this after receiving complaints from various home based care organisations in Ndola yesterday.

And St. Anthony Children’s Village Coordinator, Lucia Mucherenje, told the parliamentary committee that her organisation has over 35 workers who do not have stable salaries.

Sister Mucherenje said these workers depend on donations from well-wishers.

She has since appealed to parliamentarians to ask the government to consider putting most of the caregivers at the facility on government payroll.

She said putting caregivers on a salary will reduce the burden the home based care centres are currently facing.

Sr. Mucherenje further said the centre, which currently has 118 children, requires more funding, adding that currently, the funds from donors and government are not adequate to cater for the increasing children needs and wants.

And Sr. Mucherenje revealed that the number of children with cerebral palsy is also increasing.

She said the government should therefore create a facility that has specialised health personnel who will be able to treat the children.

“The children need special care from specialised health personnel which we currently do not have as an institution,” she said.

The parliamentarians have since thanked non-governmental organisations such as St. Anthony Children’s Village and Child Life Touch for helping vulnerable children in society and providing education to them up to university level.

Chikwanda to be buried on May 7

President Hakainde Hichilema has accorded an official funeral to former Cabinet Minister, Alexander Chikwanda, who died in Lusaka two days ago after an illness.

President Hichilema has also declared one day of national mourning in honour of the late Mr. Chikwanda and in recognition of his enormous contributions to Zambia.

The late Mr. Chikwanda will be buried on Saturday, May 7, 2022 at Leopards Hill Memorial Park in Lusaka.

According to the statement released to the media by Acting Secretary to Cabinet Patrick Kangwa yesterday, the late Mr. Chikwanda’s official funeral programme will begin with a requiem church service at the Catholic Cathedral of the Child Jesus at the Pope Square, Long Acres in Lusaka at 09:00 hours.

“Members of the public are requested to observe the one (1) day of national mourning from 06:00 hours to 18:00 hours on Saturday, 7th May 2022,” Mr. Kangwa said.

He further advised that during this period, entertainment activities must be postponed or cancelled while flags will fly at half-mast.

“The government also wishes to remind mourners attending the funeral gathering to observe the Covid-19 guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health to avoid the spread of the disease,” he said.

The late Mr. Chikwanda was one of the longest serving Cabinet Ministers in the Government of Zambia.

He was first appointed into government as Minister of State in the Office of the First President Kenneth Kaunda in 1970 and served until 1971 and later as Minister of State for Development Planning from 1971 to 1972.

His first appointment as full Cabinet Minister was in 1972 when he was promoted to the position of Minister of Health, a position he held until 1973.

From 1973 to 1976, the late Mr. Chikwanda served as Minister of Planning and Finance after which he was transferred to serve as Minister of Local Government and Housing from 1976 to 1977.

He was in 1977, transferred to the Ministry of Lands and Agriculture in the same capacity until 1978 and in 1979 and 1980, he worked as Minister of Agriculture and Water Development.

Under the Patriotic Front (PF) government, the late Mr. Chikwanda was nominated Member of Parliament in 2011 by the late fifth President of Zambia, Michael Sata, and subsequently appointed as Minister of Finance.

In 2015, President Sata died and Mr. Chikwanda continued to serve as Minister of Finance, this time under the sixth President of Zambia, Edgar Lungu until 2016.

The funeral gathering for the late Mr. Chikwanda is at his residence along Kanyanta Drive, State Lodge in Lusaka.

Zambian among 8 trapped in Burkina Faso zinc mine

Hope is slowly fading that the eight workers, including a Zambian, trapped inside a flooded mine in Burkina Faso will be rescued alive, a diplomat has said.

The eight—a Zambian, a Tanzanian and six locals—have been trapped for two weeks at the Perkoa zinc mine.

On Tuesday, Dr Benson Bana, Tanzania’s High Commissioner to Nigeria and the entire Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas), said the rescuing mission was still ongoing.

He said rainwater began filling the mine when the workers were 500 metres below the ground.

“The embassy is still following up very closely on the rescuing mission. Burkina Faso Prime Minister visited the site recently and he also expressed concerns about the safety standard of the mine even before the disaster happened,” said Dr Bana.

Sources said the trapped people could be running out of oxygen and water, and that it was also difficult to supply food them.

The accident, which occurred on April 16, 2022, was accelerated by the heavy rainfall, which caused flooding at the mine.

The mine is owned by a Canadian-based firm Trevali Mining Corp. Sources say that officials from the firm have been barred from leaving the West African country as investigation into the incident are conducted.

ACC disobeys court orders to release Lusambo, claims they need to verify who his sureties, Miles Sampa and Chama North MP are

In a desperate attempt to continue keeping Kabushi Member of Parliament Bowman Lusambo behind bars, the Anti-Corruption Commission yesterday objected to his bail claiming that they need to verify his sureties.

PF Matero Member of Parliament Miles Sampa and his Chama South counterpart Davison Mung’andu were brought before Court as the Mr Lusambo’s sureties.

But officers from the ACC communicated with Mr. Lusambo’s lawyers that they do not know the suerites and rejected the Letters of Introduction saying they needed to accurately verify with the National Assembly.

And Mr. Sampa confirmed that he spent the entire day on Thursday trekking from the Courts in Kabwata to Parliament at Manda Hill to obtain introduction letters.

“Spent the entire day trekking to ACC offices in town Kulima tower (to be seen in person). Then inbetween had to locate Lusaka Water and ZESCO pay points so as to obtain a receipt in my name to act as proof of residency in Lusaka.”

“This was in order to help Hon Ronald Chitotela and Hon Bowman Lusambo obtain bail out off police cells they have been held last few days. 50% progress was made by end of daylight.”

And PF Acting Secretary General Nickson Chilangwa has described the action of President Hakainde HICHILEMA through the ACC as is sadistic and a travesty of justice.

“It is absurd that the ACC can claim that they don’t know whether or not, Hon Miles Sampa and Hon Davison Mung’andu are Members of Parliament. What kind of buffonery is this? Do these officers at ACC have any personal conscience or they are under remote control or are under a spell?”

Mr Chilangwa said any officer at that high level who does not know that Miles Sampa and Davison Mung’andu are representatives of the people in Parliament must immediately resign.

“They don’t deserve to occupy the offices they are occupying,” Mr. Chilangwa said.

“With such ignorance at ACC, the country is in trouble and no one who appears before the ACC is safe. Hon Miles Sampa and his Chama South counterpart, Hon Davison Mung’andu were brought before Court as Hon. Bowman Lusambo’s sureties. But the ACC told Hon Lusambo’s lawyers that they do NOT know the sureties and rejected the letters saying they needed to verify with the National Assembly whether it is indeed true that Miles Sampa and Davison Mung’andu are MPs. This is clearly wanton and excessive abuse of the law and the court processes.”

He added, “We have said time and again that this crusade is not about corruption, no, it is about revenge, persecution and fixing political scores and we have been vindicated.”

“Mr Hichilema is so obsessed with his bitter desire to fix PF members and kill PF. But we have word for Mr. Hichilema, badala power comes and goes and the very things you are doing to others shall be done to you when you leave that office. Let go of your anger and bitterness; you are in that office to serve the people of Zambia and not to punish your perceived political enemies.”

NHIMA Board Tours Levy and Pearl of Health Hospitals

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The new National Health Insurance Management Authority (NHIMA) Board Chairperson, Richard Mwiinga has implored the Authority management and NHIMA registered health care facilities to create a systematic channel of communication so that health care services are efficient and effective.

Dr Mwiinga observed that one of the main challenges faced by health care facilities involves the rejection of financial claims and pre-authorization code approval at the Authority level which impacts on service provision.

He, therefore, implored the Authority to look into the matter and come up with possible solutions as a stepping stone to a better health care system in the country.

Speaking during the familiarisation tour at the Levy Mwanawasa University Teaching Hospital, Dr Mwiinga said NHIMA has set as a priority, government’s desire to achieve universal health coverage by 2030.

Dr. Mwiinga explained that government wants increased coverage of the health insurance scheme, especially to the informal sector so that all citizens receive affordable but quality health care services.

Dr. Mwiinga added that in an effort to enhance stakeholders’ interests in the scheme, it was therefore necessary for the board to familiarise itself with accredited health facilities and understand both the wins and challenges faced.

“Effective governance requires that we provide good service without leaving any gaps so that our key indicators are achieved and beneficiaries satisfied,” Dr. Mwiinga stated.

Meanwhile, Levy Mwanawasa University Teaching Hospital Acting Senior Medical Superintendent, Jackson Chipaila indicated the need for more sensitization among the public.

Professor Chipaila explained that some patients tend to know about the scheme once they visit the health facilities.

He however noted that the financial assistance from NHIMA has helped many vulnerable people who can’t meet the cost of health services.

Professor Chipaila said most patients have received easy access to drugs and other services.

The Board also toured Pearl of Health Hospital where the Executive Chairman, Ershad Shikder expressed gratitude to the Authority for having confidence in a private health care institution.

Mr. Shikder disclosed that the response from the public has been overwhelming and the facility assured quality service provision to NHIMA members.

Govt. commends USAID, IDE on nutrition interventions

The government has commended the USAID Scaling Up Nutrition Technical Assistance (SUN-TA) project and the International Development Enterprise (IDE) for the various nutrition interventions they are implementing to reduce stunting in Central Province.

Provincial Permanent Secretary, Milner Mwanakampwe has noted that interventions such as livestock rearing, community loan savings groups, agriculture input support and many others being supported by the two organisations through the first 1000 Most Critical Days Programme (MCDP II) aimed at reducing stunting in children aged below two years are bearing fruits.

Mr. Mwanakampwe who is also the Provincial Nutrition Coordinating Committee (PNCC) Chairperson, said the interventions are helping in raising incomes, food security and supplementing the nutritional needs of households.

He further observed that the nutrition interventions targeting children under two years, expectant and lactating mothers and women of reproductive age have greatly helped in reducing stunting levels in the area.

The PS said this in Kapiri Mposhi during the PNCC nutrition stakeholder mapping exercise and monitoring of various nutrition interventions being implemented by the two organisations through various line government ministries in the district.

” What SUN-TA and IDE are doing in Central Province is something very commendable because it complements government’s efforts of supporting households’ nutritional needs to reduce stunting which is still high in the province and to improve the wellbeing of the people,” Mr Mwanakampwe said.

Mr. Mwanakampwe has since called SUN-TA and IDE to expand their operations to other districts in the province as they are currently only in Kapiri Mposhi, Chibombo, Mumbwa and Kabwe districts.

” As government, we really feel indebted to the two organisations especially with what they are doing but we feel they should also extend this to other especially more rural districts where stunting and malnutrition levels are higher otherwise stuntedness should be fought tenaciously and we think that this battle will be won,” he said.

And Kapiri Mposhi District Nutrition Coordinating Committee (DNCC) Chairman, Kanyata Muchula disclosed that through the nutrition interventions, the district has recorded a reduction in the stunting prevalence levels among children aged under two years from 34.5 percent in 2020 to 30.5 percent based on the current baseline.

Meanwhile, PNCC Co-ordinator, Sylvester Mwale has called for the mapping of all nutrition stakeholders in Kapiri Mposhi to avoid duplication of interventions.

Mr. Mwale noted that there is need to ensure that partners do not target the same beneficiaries to ensure a wider coverage and impact of nutrition interventions to combat malnutrition in the area.

“We have noticed that stakeholders are capturing the same people with same interventions and targeting the same areas of operations, but this can be avoided to ensure that we cover more beneficiaries,” Mr. Mwale said.

He has since called on the Kapiri Mposhi Coordinating Committee to create a data base of stakeholders to prevent duplication of interventions targeting the same beneficiaries.

USAID SUN-TA project and IDE are supporting nutrition specific and nutrition sensitive interventions aimed addressing both immediate determinants and underlying causes of malnutrition in children under the age of two years in four selected districts in the province.

The multi-sectoral programme involves working with different line ministries along four themes that include agriculture and livelihood, Water, Sanitation and Health (WASH) as well as Health and Nutrition.

The new Kenneth Kaunda International Conference Centre set to host the AU meeting

Government says the new Kenneth Kaunda International Conference Centre (KKICC) will be handed over to government on May 16, 2022 in readiness for the upcoming African Union (AU) meeting slated for July this year.

Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development Minister, Charles Milupi, said the facility is at 99.9 percent completion and only final touches are remaining.

Mr Milupi explained that after the handover of the conference, testing of equipment will commence to ensure that all facilities such as water, ablution blocks among others are working.

Speaking when he inspected the KKICC to check on the progress so far, Mr Milupi said the installation of equipment and landscaping will follow in a bid to promote a green environment around the multi-million facility.

He noted that the first meeting that will take place in the new conference is the African Union (AU) mid-term Coordinating conference earmarked to take place from July 14 to 17, 2022.

“I can confidently say that this facility is ready in every aspect for Zambia to host the conference in July this year looking at the progress so far,” he said.

Mr Milupi further added that the conference which is a gift from China to the tune of $60 million, can accommodate over 2,500 delegates at one sitting.

The Minister also urged the people that will be in charge of looking after the state of the art facility to guard it jealously so as to avoid vandalism and that constant maintenance must be there in order to preserve the centre.

“There is a tendency to build good infrastructure, but lack of maintenance, is a sad state of affair, but with the new dawn administration, the narrative will change,” said Mr Milupi.

“The only way our building such as this one, as well as other infrastructure can last longer is by constantly doing routine maintenance on them, he added.

He said after the AU mid-term Coordinating conference, the facility will continue to host important summits both from SADC and the world at large as the centre will be available to both public and private entities.

The Minister also took the occasion to urge the hospitality industry to up their game to serve the people that will be coming to use the Conference Centre by improving the standard of the hospitality sector.

And Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development Permanent Secretary, Danny Mfune said his Ministry is happy that the conference is completed to the expectation of the Ministry.

He also said plans are underway to expand the roads near the Conference to reduce on congestion at the centre during meetings.

Zambia is this year hosting the AU mid-term Coordinating conference in July, hence the construction of the facility.

New TAZARA Board unveiled

Transport and Logistics Minister, Frank Tayali today unveiled the Tanzania Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA)Board following the dissolution of the previous Board in October last year.

Mr Tayali named Frederick Mwalusaka, Musokotwane Sichizuwe and Ireen Lumbwe as the three board members from the Zambian side to join three others from the Tanzania side.

He said the three have been carefully selected and has expressed confidence that the team will use their expertise to efficiently operate the institution.

“The board for Tazara were carefully selected in order for them to fully utilize their expertise to help the institution operate more effectively. To you the newly appointed members of the board, much is expected of you and I have no doubt that you will execute your duties to the best of your abilities” he said.

Meanwhile, the Minister has appealed to the TAZARA members of staff to immediately call off their strike and has assured that government is working tirelessly to resolve the issues at TAZARA, including salary arrears.

He said most of the problems currently faced by the company stem from the disruption on operations caused by the accident that occurred at Chambishi Bridge which has resulted in loss of income and disclosed that government has since released a sum of 1.9 million US dollars towards repair of the bridge.

“Allow me to take this opportunity to address the workers at TAZARA who have engaged in an illegal strike that basically, they are pushing an open door. It is the policy of this administration and my Ministry that we are doing everything possible to address their plight. I urge them to call off their strike as government is looking for lasting solutions to end their problems” she said.

The minister has since called for public private partnerships for investments in the rail transport sector for them to accommodate heavy equipment which he said is currently causing damage to roads.

President Hichilema calls for enhanced bilateral relations

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President Hakainde Hichilema has called on Ambassadors and High Commissioners accredited to Zambia to join hands in the country’s agenda of economic transformation as they carry out their work.

President Hichilema said it is important for them to acquaint themselves with government’s ambitious goal of growing the country’s economy as they work to enhance bilateral relations between the countries.

The Head of State said this when he received letters of credence from Ambassadors and High Commissioners accredited to Zambia at State House in Lusaka today.

The Head of State said government has set out ambitious targets at achieving socio-economic growth, poverty reduction and the improvement of the lives of the people.

He said such development can only be fully realized if the countries firmly commit to ensuring peace, security and stability at the regional, continental and global levels.

“On many occasions we have spoken about the importance of changing the narrative that has shaped our development process for far too long”, he said.

The Head of State expressed confidence that the cooperation of each of the respective governments will further strengthen the relations and together achieve the needed development for the betterment of the lives of the people.

Among the people that presented their letters of Credence include Russian Ambassador to Zambia Mr. Azim Yarakhmedov, Democratic Republic of Algeria, Ambassador to Zambia Ahmed Saadi, Sudanese Ambassador to Zambia Abadi Nureldin, Bulgarian Ambassador Maria Kaymaktchieva.

Others include Hungarian Ambassador to Zambia, Attila Horvath, Peru Ambassador to Zambia, Jorge Correa, New Zealand High Commissioner to Zambia Dr. Emma Benet, Trinidad and Tobago High Commissioner to Zambia Dr. Lovell Francis and Seychelles High Commissioner to Zambia Mr. Claude Morel.

In addressing the Russian Ambassador, President Hichilema called on the Russian and Ukrainian Governments as well as the international community to find ways of ending the ongoing war between the two countries.

President Hichilema said the ongoing war is of great concern to the Zambian Government as a proponent of peace.

“As a proponent of peace, Zambia wishes to encourage both Russia and Ukraine to continue pursuing the available diplomatic solutions to include dialogue and ensure a peaceful and swift resolution to the conflict”, he said.

He has encouraged all countries to work together to bring the war between Russia and Ukraine to an end as no development can take place in the absence of peace.

President Hichilema said Zambia and Russia have enjoyed cordial relations that date back over a long period of time and that the country is committed to consolidating the ties in many sectors.

And Mr. Yarakhmedov said Russia will continue to enhance relations with Zambia in fields such as military, technical and culture.

President Hichilema urged the diplomats to enhance bilateral relations and also enhance cooperation in various sectors for mutual benefit of the countries.

He also encouraged them as they carry out their mandate to explore Zambia and invite citizens from their respective countries to come and visit.

The President further urged the diplomats to interact with Zambian citizens in their tours of duty to enable them to have a better understanding of the country’s cultures as they enhance people to people relations.

Zambia and Namibian Govt to sign MOU for gas, oil pipeline construction

The Zambian and Namibian governments are next month expected to sign a Memorandum of Understanding for the construction of a Gas and Oil pipeline from Windhoek into Lusaka.

Energy Minister Peter Kapala disclosed this when he paid a courtesy call on Siavonga District Commissioner Geoffrey Jakopo at his office.

Mr.Kapala said the oil pipeline will help reduce the cost of petroleum products in the country.

He disclosed that the project, which is expected to take three to four years to be complete, will have its main gas and oil power station in Lusaka.

Mr. Kapala has also called for the prudent management of water resources following the poor rainfall recorded this year.

Mr.Kapala said the rainfall pattern did not perform as expected and this could result in the Kariba Dam recording water levels three meters lower than last year.

He, however, said the government is keen in ensuring that the resource is well managed so that it does not affect the production of electricity.

“We will ensure that we engage Zimbabwe on how well we can manage the resource equitably because if we do not do so this could cost hydro power production.” he said.

Meanwhile, Siavonga Member of Parliament Darius Mulunda has called on the Rural Electrification Authority (REA) through the office of the Energy Minister to help connect the villages to electricity.

Mr.Mulunda said it is sad to note that while Siavonga District houses the biggest power station in the country, many rural households are not electrified.

“When the Lake Kariba Dam was being built, one of the things promised to those who were displaced from the lake area was electricity in their homes, but up to now that commitment has not been actualized,” he said

The Siavonga lawmaker also called on the minister to engage ZESCO on the lighting of the central business district.

He said the district needs street lighting and this can only be achieved if ZESCO could come on board and provide lighting at no cost.

 

Slick-One is back with his 1st Official Single for the year 2022 , ‘Because of You’

Hip-Hop artiste “Slick-One” is back with his 1st Official Single for the year 2022. This time enlisting the So’ Good Entertainment Sharp Shooter, Rapper, Singer, Song Writer who goes by the name of KILLA for a very 80’s to 90’s Discotheque-ish Love Song titled “Because Of You” produced by Kelvin Sarrz.

The vibes on this joint are definitely undeniable and are undoubtedly bound to get anyone who knows and understands quality Music, rocking and resonating with this record. The song is available for purchase and streaming on all major digital platforms worldwide.

Asanovic Thinks Fashion Sakala Has EPL Potential

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Chipolopolo Zambia coach Aljosa Asanovic thinks Glasgow Rangers striker Fashion Sakala has the potential to go south to the English Premiership.

The Chipolopolo striker on Sunday scored the Scottish champions Rangers equalizer in their 1-1 big Glasgow derby away draw against their archfoes Celtic.

Asanovic told The Scottish Sun that Fashion had the attributes to follow his Chipolopolo compatriot’s midfielder Enock Mwepu of Brighton and Leicester City striker Patson Daka in the English top-flight.

“I really love this guy Sakala. He’s an excellent player. He’s got speed, he’s got skill and he can shoot,” Asanovic said.

“In football terms, he has everything. And he’s a really good guy as well.

“I watched the Celtic v Rangers game last Sunday, and I was so happy to see Sakala scoring.

“You could tell by the way he reacted when the goal went in how happy it made him to make a mark in such a big fixture.”

Fashion joined Rangers this season from Belgian club KV Oostende.

“He’s still young and he’s still learning about British football,” Asanovic said.

“But in terms of having the talent and attitude to make another step up in his career? Absolutely, he can do that.

“That will be his target — and so it should be. He’s played in Russia and Belgium and he’s developing his football at a good level.
“He’ll want to continue that, but in the meantime, he can stay at a big club like Rangers and learn.”

Meanwhile, Fashion missed Asanovic’s first assignments as coach following the Croat’s appointment in January.

Fashion pulled out of Chipolopolo’s March friendly dates in Turkey against Congo-Brazzaville and Benin due to a positive COVID-19 test.

Samu Goal Eases Maritzburg Utd’s Relegation Woes

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Striker Friday Samu scored a precious goal in Wednesday’s home win over second placed Royal AM to help ease his South Africa PSL clubs’ relegation battle.

The ex-Green Buffaloes striker headed in a 24th minute goal to hand Maritzburg a 1-0 victory in a match he played the full 90 minute

It was Samu’s fourth goal for Maritzburg from nine games since he joined the PSL club in January.

Samu left the FAZ Super League as leading scorer on 14 goals, a benchmark that has also been breached by Red Arrows’ Ricky Banda over the last fortnight.

Meanwhile, Maritzburg are two places above the relegation and playoff zone at number 12 with three games left in which they must fight to retain their SA PSL stay.

Former Secretary to the Treasury Fredson Yamba arrested for corruption involving over $33 million

The Anti-Corruption Commission has arrested former Secretary to the Treasury Fredson Yamba for corrupt practices involving over US$33million.

Mr Yamba, 62, of Lusaka has been arrested and charged with one count of willful failure to comply with applicable law and procedure relating to procurement contrary to Section 34 (2) (b) of the Anti-Corruption Act No. 3 of 2012.

In 2018, Yamba did not follow the procedure when he authorized an advance payment of US$33, 750,000.00 to China Energy Engineering Group – Hunan Electric Power Design Institute Co. Ltd for the construction of FTJ Chiluba University in Mansa and Kasama under the Ministry of Higher Education. The said money was paid to the contractor but todate no university has been constructed.

In the same matter, the ACC has also arrested Joseph Phiri, an architect at the Ministry of Higher Education, for attempting to fraudulently facilitate a payment amounting to US$ 29,186,169.09 to China Energy Engineering Group–Hunan Electric Power Design Institute Co. Ltd.

Mr Phiri, 57 of Lusaka has been arrested and charged with one count of fraudulent facilitation of payment contrary to section 34 (2) (a) as reading together with section 40(2) of the Anti-Corruption Act No.3 of 2012.

Phiri, being an Architect at the Ministry of General Education and Project Manager for the construction of FTJ Chiluba University in Mansa and Kasama, in 2018, did attempt to fraudulently facilitate payment to China Energy Engineering Group–Hunan Electric Power Design Institute Co. Ltd by signing and issuing an Interim Payment Certificate No. 2 valued at US$ 29,186,169.09 with an inflated sum of US$7,578,772.41 for goods purportedly supplied when in fact not.

The Commission is also pursuing Joseph Ngulube, a Quantity Surveyor at the Ministry of Higher Education in relation to the same matter.

Mr. Joseph Phiri has since appeared in Court and has been granted bail by the Court while Mr Yamba is expected to appear in Court soon.

Chile One Put to rest

Senior Patriotic Front (PF) officials were on Wednesday among scores of mourners that witnessed the burial of slain jerabo and Kitwe business man Richard Chileshe Mbulu commonly known as Chile One at Kitwe Memorial Park in Nkana East.

Mr. Mbulu was allegedly shot dead by his wife Annie Monta, 30, in their bedroom after a marital dispute in the early hours of Saturday in Riverside, Kitwe

Former PF Secretary General and now National Chairman Davies Mwila, Frank Ng’ambi, National Youth Chairman Christopher Kang’ombe, Central Committee member Raphael Nakacinda and party presidential aspirant Chishimba Kambwili were all present at the burial.

In his remarks during burial, Mr. Mwila described Chile One as a gallant man who was loyal and committed to the PF.

“Representing the party, we have lost a gallant man in Chile One. Some people called him commander but we used to refer to him as general. Why were we calling him that? It is because Chile One was a people person. The multitude of mourners is here because Chile One lived well with people. He used to look after many people who have been left crying by his death. Chile One’s death has shocked us. This man sleeping here was a real man, he was a fighter. If more men were like him, Zambia would have developed. He was a fighter, loyal and committed to the party (PF). We are very sad as a party,” Mr. Mwila said.

The former Chipili Member of Parliament took advantage of the opportunity to indirectly take on the UPND Government.

Mr. Mwila alleged that the New Dawn government has given people from far districts access to the Black Mountain in Kitwe while leaving out the local people.

In apparent reference to President Hakainde Hichilema, Mr. Mwila said the head of state has you-turned on his campaign promise to lower the cost of mealie meal.

“Let me go to the Bible, Adam and Eve changed and sinned against God. A human being can change. The manner in which our man has died is not good at all. I am therefore asking you to believe in God. Don’t believe in a man because a man changes. Umuntu kuti akulaya ulupili mailo aya leta aba ku Mongu na ku Mansa mwebene ba lupili mwashala. Umuntu alachinja. I am referring to the Bible to say believe in God dont believe in a man. When he promised you the (black) mountain after you elect him, he gives the mountain to people from Mongu, Chinsali, Mansa leaving out you the people. People listen to me carefully on how man changes. He said when you just elect me the price of mealie meal will drop from K150 to K50. Ukumwipusha ati tefyo nalandile. Umuntu alachinja,” Mr. Mwila said as mourners clapped.

“Let me thank you the people of Wusakile, the people of Kitwe for mourning well Chile One. Let’s continue uniting. Let me repeat, we have lost a gallant man. To the family look after Chile One’s children. The same way you loved Chile that’s the same way you should look after the children he has left behind. I am ending here. I have warned you. Chile One let your soul rest in peace,” Mr. Mwila concluded.

Earlier during burial, the preacher of the day Innocent Mwansa of Fire Deliverance Ministries urged mourners to prepare for their death by being in good standing with the Creator.

“Insure your life with Jesus. My beloved your life must be insured so that if you died today you won’t worry. That is why Paul says ifwe fwebena Lesa ukufwa bunonshi lelo ukwikala ni muli Yesu Kristu because I am insured in Christ. If your life is not insured and you die today my brother my sister you go to hell. My sister, my brother you can have everything but you dont live by yourself. One day Lesa akalanda ukutila today is my day you won’t go anywhere, you won’t say anything.
Today we have gathered here to escort ba Chile. When he was alive, we called him general Chile but today even if you call him general and salute it won’t work out because today God has said it is my time,” he preached.

“When God calls you there is no resistance. No one has created him or herself. I know that most of the mourners here have not been to Church for a long time, it’s been long since you mentioned God’s name, it’s been long since you knelt down and thanked God. You just wake up and go wherever you want. You don’t know that there is one who looks after you. I have come to tell you that there is God who looks after you. There is God who has got power over your life. If God wills he can remove you or put you. There is death which comes in different forms. People of God prepare yourself to die. Time to repent is when you are alive,” the clergyman said.