Kitwe marketeers trade punches

By ALEX NJOVU

POLICE in Kitwe have arrested seven people after Zambian traders and their Tanzanian counterparts at Kitwe’s Chisokone market exchanged blows over alleged unfair pricing of merchandise.

The punch-up was sparked by accusations that foreigners are selling their goods cheaply, disadvantaging their Zambian counterparts.

Some rioters tried to loot shops after Zambian traders accused their Tanzanian colleagues of unfair business practices.

The Tanzanians are alleged to be pegging their products at lower prices, resulting in the Zambians losing business.

Copperbelt police commanding officer Martin Malama and Zambia National Marketeers Association (ZANAMA) national committee member William Mambwe confirmed the fracas in separate interviews in Kitwe on March 21.

“We have arrested seven Zambians who took the law into their own hands and started harassing their brothers and sisters from Tanzania at Chisokone market. There was no need to start fighting their colleagues when they could have engaged each other in dialogue,” he said.

Dr Malama said the seven suspects will be charged with conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace.
He said the riot started at about 11:00 hours, bringing business at the teeming Chisokone market to a standstill.

“Most people closed their shops for fear of being caught up in the fracas. The confusion stopped after the police moved in to control the situation,” Dr Malama said.

Patriotic Front Mp's wife join MMD

By ALEX NJOVU

PATRIOTIC Front (PF) Wusakile Member of Parliament Barnabas Chellah’s wife, Mary, was on Sunday among 400 members of the opposition party in Kitwe who defected to the MMD.
But PF spokesperson Given Lubinda said it was not true that about 400 members joined the MMD at a rally in Kitwe .
Mrs Chellah confirmed that she had joined the MMD in an interview after a campaign rally addressed by Minister of Defence, George Mpombo, in Luangwa Township.
She said Acting President Rupiah Banda was the only presidential candidate capable of continuing with the development projects left behind by President Mwanawasa who died on August 19 in France.
Dr Mwanawasa was buried in Lusaka on September 3.
But Mr Lubinda wondered why Mr Mpombo was claiming that PF members joined the MMD when the opposition party did not have membership cards.
“It is not true that our members have joined the MMD. In the first place, how can they know they are PF members when we don’t have membership cards as a party,” he said.
Mr Lubinda said the PF was intact and urged the MMD to desist from parading its own members as opposition party members.
He also said Mrs Chellah had never been a PF member and that she was free to join any political party.
“She is at liberty to do what she wants. We cannot stop her. We have never considered her as our member. Mr Chellah is the one who is our member,” Mr Lubinda said.
And Mr Chellah (Wusakile MP) said he had nothing to do with his wife’s decision to join the MMD.
“I have nothing to do with the decision of my wife attending the MMD rally or joining them because I am a PF member,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mr Mpombo has warned that government will firmly deal with individuals who are promoting political anarchy in the country.
He said this after receiving the new MMD members.
Mr Mpombo warned that government would not condone people promoting political anarchy in the country.

“We shall not allow people to promote political anarchy in the country. We cannot afford to be careless when issuing statements. Government will firmly deal with people, including political leaders, who are promoting political anarchy in this country,” he said.
Mr Mpombo said MMD was confident that it would win the presidential election on October 30.
He accused PF president Michael Sata of being inconsistent over his policy on Chinese investment in Zambia .
Mr Mpombo said Zambia needed a focused and experienced leader who would improve the lives of people by implementing projects that would benefit them.
“Our presidential candidate, Mr Rupiah Banda, has enough experience to run the affairs of this country.
He has a rich educational background. Therefore, we have a better candidate than our friends,” he said
And MMD national women’s chairperson Vera Tembo urged women across the country to vote for Mr Banda on October 30.
Ms Tembo said Mr Banda was committed to addressing challenges facing women countrywide.

Ipusukilo residents reject purified water

By ALEX NJOVU

SOME people in Ipusukilo Township in Kitwe have continued rejecting to drink purified water provided by Nkana Water and Sewerage Company (NWSC) claiming that it is making them barren or impotent.

The residents are drinking dirty water from shallow wells which are built close to lavatories.

Efforts by various stakeholders including medical authorities from Kitwe District Heath Management Team (KDHMT) to educate the residents against drinking dirty water have fallen on deaf ears as some residents have vowed to continue drinking water from the shallow wells which is contaminated with maggots.

NWSC public relations manager Damaseke Chibale complained that his company has had difficulties dealing with some people in the vast township.

“It is true that some people in Ipusukilo township are rejecting treated water that we are providing for them in preference to water from shallow wells. We have built over 25 kiosks in the area and at one point, in fact last year, we were forced to provide water for free but some people still could not access treated water saying it is making their wives and husbands barren,” he said.

Mr Chibale said the water firm is working with various stakeholders in sensitizing residents against drinking dirty water.

He commended the Government for its commitment to providing its people with clean water and sanitation services.

“Not too long ago, the Government through Kitwe district commissioner Macdonald Mtine led a group of various stakeholders including health officials in touring Ipusukilo township, telling people to stop drinking dirty water. We even started burying some wells but it is shocking to learn that some people are still drinking water from shallow wells,” Mr Chibale said.

He called on the senior citizen in Ipusukilo township to offer leadership by preventing young women and men from drinking dirty water.

Mr Chibale said NWSC is spending a lot of money in purchasing water chemicals to purify water and urged Ipusukilo to drink the company water because it is safe.

“ It is just a myth, there is nothing like people becoming barren or impotent after drinking treated water,” he said.   

Meanwhile some residents told the Daily Mail during the tour of the township that they have been drinking water from shallow wells for many years and that they are not prepared to stop.

Sikahige’li Mabona claimed that treated water makes women barren and that most men become infertile after drinking water.

Ms Mabona said her grandmother warned her against drinking treated water last year before she died.

Another resident, Belinda Mutaka claimed that her husband become impotent in 2009 following continues drinking of treated water.

“My husband became infertile in 2009 and the reason is because of the same water we have been drinking. Unfortunately he died 12 months ago not because of the water but the issue is that he died an impotent man, which was a source of concern to me as a woman,” she said.

Ms Mutaka 75 said she has been drinking water from the shallow wells since she was a youth and bragged that it does not make sense for anyone to tell her about the dangers of drinking dirty water.

A tour further in the vast township revealed that some residents have started vandalizing water infrastructure belonging to NWSC.

The residents talked to warned against advising them to stop drinking dirty water from the shallow wells.

“Our great grandparents drunk this water from shallow wells, they never suffered from cholera or any other water born disease therefore we don’t see any reason why we should stop, in any case this water is healthy to us while the one which is provided by Nkana water makes our children to be barren and impotent,” Ms Mutaka said.

Ms Mutaka who has lived in Ipusukilo township for several years advised young people to ignore medical advise on dirty water and continue drinking water from the shallow wells.

ENDS//.

  

Cops slay Kitwe bandit, another in Ndola

By ALEX NJOVU

 

POLICE in Kitwe have shot dead a suspected bandit who is allegedly part of a group that has been terrorising residents of the Copperbelt.
Police gunned down the suspect near Maposa farm block in the early hours of yesterday.
Copperbelt police commanding officer Martin Malama said in an interview in Kitwe on January 10 that the police had earlier arrested the suspect who led them to the hideout of his alleged accomplices.
“The armed robber is aged 37 and we had picked him earlier. He was leading police officers to an area where his friends were hiding but when they reached near the hide-out, he shouted at the top of his voice, alerted his friends and attempted to run away.
In the process the officers shot him dead,” he said.
Dr Malama said the other suspects managed to elude the police dragnet and are on the run.
He warned that police will ensure that criminals who have been terrorising residents are brought to book.
Dr Malama said the police officers were forced to shoot the suspect when he refused to comply with their orders to stop shouting.
And police in Mufulira’s Kawama township have picked up a body of a 30-year-old unidentified man. The right arm is missing.
Mufulira police commanding officer Steven Simasiku said police found the body near the railway line.
“We picked the body three days after the man had been killed. It was decomposed and the right arm was missing. We have since instituted investigations into the killing,” Mr Simasiku said.

Cops impound K1 billion copper

3rd February 2011

By ALEX NJOVU

 

POLICE on the Copperbelt have impounded a truck carrying about 30 tonnes of copper chrome worth over K1 billion suspected to have been smuggled from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Copperbelt police commanding officer Martin Malama confirmed the incident yesterday in Kitwe.
He said two suspects have been arrested to help with investigations and identified them as Emmanuel Muzala and Justin Mweemba.
“A truck load of copper chrome suspected to have been smuggled from DRC was impounded by the anti-copper theft team in Chingola yesterday following a tip-off from members of the public as they were trying to take it to Kitwe.
“The partnership between the public and police is strong and wrongdoers have felt it. To distract us, they have developed schemes to insinuate that some senior police officers belong to particular political parties, which is unfair. We are professionals and nothing will stop us from fighting crime,” Dr Malama said.

Woman dumps pastor to be second wife

By Nyasa Times- Malawi

Published: March 25, 2011

A love relationship between a Lilongwe Pentecostal Church pastor’s wife in Malawi and a businessman, Francis Malazi, has shocked Lilongwe’s Area 23 residents, Friday’s scandal-tabloid has reported.
“What has confounded the residents and particularly relatives is that the pastor’s wife, Sphiwe Thera, has left the man of God with four children for whom she is the biological mother,” reports the paper.
According to the Weekend Times, in its main story headlined ‘Pastor’s wife romps with businessman’, “the last born [child] is as young as three years old.”

Nyasa Times reported last year about Malazi and Sphiwe that they were captured in nude pictures circulating on e-mails when they were living in UK. They were both deported.
While in UK, the Sphiwe abandoned her Pastor husband to be second wife of  Malazi, proprietor of FAM Investments and AM Logistics.
“It really pains to see a pastor’s marriage being destroyed because of money. And to her foolishness, the pastor’s wife has decided to become a second wife to Malazi yet she was happily married to a single man, the bishop,” the paper quotes one of the relatives.
The pastor stay close with Malazi and Sphiwe in a Lilongwe’s Area 23 township.—Nyasa Times

Comments

BROTHREN,

My comment is based on the decision made by these three people: Siphiwe, yes you had issues in your marriage but its wrong to leave your own children and allow yourself to be the second wife to somebody, it would have been better to get resolve the issue between yourself and your husband; Malazi, i feel sorry to you for what you have done is a terriobel sin before God, there are alot of nice ladies who are not yet married why clinging to someones wife, its relly a shame on you; Paster, this is one of the blunders most pasters have. They don’t want to invite someone whenever they have issues in their homes. This is tipical bedroom problem with this paster. How will people then trust you with teachings if you are failing to satstfy your wife in bedroom. Inclusion, its not over God is in control lets put our trust on him whenver things do work on our side. AMEN.

  Dont judge. This lady has four children with the pastor. how come that she should change like that? Pastor sit down and take stock of your life. How were u treating your wife? Was she a wife or a slave of mind? Were u giving love and support to this lady? Was she your seccond priority after God or last?

Well, if you are innocent in all family aspects then ask God to show you the way out. but if you were a big problem in the marriage and the source of sorrow to this lady, then you better ask for forgiveness from God for making this lady to devalue herself to the point of committing adultery(sp) and for denying your children their mum’s love.

To all men, this should be a lesson. Most of you married men you take your wives for granted. Remember, ladies need love, your availability and support other than too muchjudgemental critisms. you learn when you are corrected in a lovely manner.

Please, Christians, let us lead by example in our families. This gives glory the name of our father in heaven.

African leaders

What is wrong with African leaders, why can't one retire after their tenure of office comes to an end.
God is great, he gave Col Muammar Gaddafi 42 years to be in charge of his people in Libya but what does Gaddafi do, he abuses the favour he recieved from God. The man will die a poor man now that most African countries have started complying with the United Nations to freeze his assets. When I was a young boy in school my teacher would ask me who is the President of Libya, the answer would always be Gaddafi, even my children are still asked the same quention and the answer is the same.
 

The Tsunami in Japan

Having had the privilege of visiting some Japanese cities such as Tokyo, Yokohama, Kawasaki, Toyota and Hiroshima among others in 2009, I feel damaged in my heart about the Tsunami that swept through some parts of this great country.

It is my view that the Japanese people don’t deserve such kind of trauma. In 1945, they suffered a lot of pain at the hands of the Americans during the Hiroshima and Nagasaki wars.

On behalf of my own family, am sending condolences to the great people of Japan who have done a lot to change the face of the world especially in the area of technology.

NGO castigates ‘nosey’ donors

By ALEX NJOVU  
THE Evangelical Youth Alliance International (EYAI) has castigated some donors for allegedly funding anti-government civil society organisations to instigate change of government in Zambia.
The organisation’s president, Moses Lungu, said in an interview in Ndola yesterday that the donor community should not interfere in Zambia’s internal affairs.
“We are aware that the donor community wants change of government in Zambia. They are busy funding the activities of some civil society groups and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that are against the MMD government. The US$4 million that they have must be shared equally instead of supporting those that are against the government,” he said.
Reverend Lungu accused some individuals and civil society organisations of allegedly engaging in activities that are detrimental to the development of the country.
He said those agitating for the use of the parallel vote tabulation(PVT) in this year’s elections are not sincere, Rev Lungu said only the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) is allowed by law to announce election results.
He also said United Party for National Development (UPND) member Panji Kaunda has lost direction, and has nothing to offer to the people of Zambia.
“The donor community is playing double standards; it is onlyfunding organisations that are against the MMD government. Our organisation has applied for funds, we gave them proposals, but they could not attend to us. This is wrong. Why are they championing change of Government in Zambia, what is their interest in our country? They must leave us alone,” he said.
Rev Lungu challenged the donor community to promote dialogue among politicians through the sponsorship of public debates instead of supporting anti-government programmes.
He urged Zambians to support President Banda in this year’s elections.
He said President Banda’s administration has managed todevelop the country within the two years it has been in office.
He also urged Zambians to be wary of politicians bent on promoting homosexuality.

Barclays removes ATM withdrawal charges

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

By ALEX NJOVU

BARCLAYS Bank has stopped charging fees when its customers withdraw money using automated teller machines (ATM).
Managing director Saviour Chibiya announced the development on March 22 during a media breakfast at
Greek Olive club in Kitwe.
“We have decided to stop charging our customers when they are withdrawing their monies using ATMs.
Our customers will now be withdrawing their money using ATMs for free starting next month,” Mr Chibiya said.
He said the bank was merely responding to the cries of customers who requested the bank to consider waiving the service charges.
“We are a listening bank and what we have done is respond to our customers who talked to us questioning why we can’t stop charging them when they are withdrawing their money from ATMs.
As Barclays Bank we believe that we have led the way and we expect other banks in Zambia to do the same,” he said.
Mr Chibiya said the bank is investing heavily in technology, a move aimed at improving its services.
He said the bank will continue working with its customers in meeting their needs and is committed to modernising its operations.
“We have the largest network countrywide, we have 55 branches countrywide.
We have increased our sales terminal points to about 1,100 countrywide,” he said.
Mr Chibiya also said the Copperbelt Province plays an important role in the economic development of the country and will continue driving Zambia’s economy for many years.
He, however, said that his bank believes there is need to diversify the economy and called on other sectors to rise to the challenge.
Mr Chibiya said the bank is taking its services closer to the people and it will continue rolling its new services to the public.
“We will continue implementing policies that are aimed at improving our operations. We are investing in infrastructure and will continue doing what is best for our customers,” he said.

Colonel Gaddafi

I just hope the Western forces who are in Libya are not after the oil in that country. I am not against the military action taken by the United Nation’s security council Colonel Gaddafi, in fact I am of the view that the veteran leader must be forced out of power for killing his own people who are merely demanding for democracy.

 In as much as the Western countries have moved in Tripoli, they could have done the same by moving into Yemen where brothers and sister, the protesters are being slaughtered like chickens daily. Is it because there is no oil in Yemen?. I hope people are not playing double standards here.

'Sata’ gays stance warning sign'

By ALEX NJOVU

A YOUTH organisation has condemned Patriotic Font (PF) president Michael Sata's support for gay rights.
And MMD women, a former diplomat and a former district commissioner have joined other Zambians who have roundly condemned Mr Sata's intention to legalise gay rights in Zambia should he become president after this year's elections.
Operation Young Vote (OYV), information and publicity secretary Isaac Mwale said Mr Sata's position on homosexuality should be condemned because it is shameful.
"As young people, we feel let down and betrayed by such a stance, especially that it is coming from someone who is vying for the highest position in our land," Mr Mwale said.
He said it is sad Mr Sata would go to such extremes to win support from the outside world for his presidential ambitions.
Mr Mwale said Mr Sata’s position on homosexuality is not just immoral and unGodly, but against Zambian culture.
Meanwhile, MMD women in Kitwe have said Mr Sata should not be entrusted with the affairs of the country because he is allegedly unreliable.
Speaking during a press briefing on March 20 in Kitwe, MMD women castigated Mr Sata for supporting gay rights.
District women chairlady Concepta Chapemba warned Zambians against voting for Mr Sata in this year’s elections.
“As women in Kitwe, we are very shocked and saddened with Mr Sata’s stance on homosexuality, lesbianism and gay rights. It is also surprising that Mr Sata can shamelessly deny his own statement, which was recorded. Zambians must take time to listen to Chanda Chimba’s programmes on ZNBC,” she said.
And former ambassador to Libya Mulondwe Muzungu says Mr Sata’s call for recognition of homosexuality is a warning to Zambians the opposition leader cannot be trusted as republican president.
Mr Muzungu said in a statement in Lusaka that Zambians should reject Mr Sata because his stance on homosexuality is an abomination in the country.
“This is profanity of the name of God. In this regard, my view is that Zambians must not just suffer shock, but must take heed and reflect seriously on these developments, which I consider to be revelations from the good Lord.
“God loves Zambia, and is warning us against embracing Mr Sata’s leadership,” he said.
Mr Muzungu said the country will be unsafe to give Mr Sata the republican presidency.
“As they say, coming events cast their shadow before them. Signs of what would befall Zambia if there was a change of government to Mr Sata are on the wall,” he said.
Mr Muzungu said Mr Sata’s call for change of government is not for the good of the country, but to move Zambia from better to worse.
Meanwhile, former Lusaka MMD district chairman Michael Bwalya says Zambia does not need a leader such as Mr Sata, who is in support of homosexuality, because he has already shown what kind of a government he will make.
Mr Bwalya said Mr Sata should concentrate on repackaging his party instead of supporting homosexuality.
He said in an interview in Lusaka on March 20 the MMD is the only party that is competent and able to deliver.
Mr Bwalya, who is also former district commissioner for Kafue, said if Mr Sata was a Christian, he was not going to support gay rights.
He said homosexuality is inhuman and against the principles of Christianity.
“It is sad that Mr Sata, who claims to be a staunch Catholic, is supporting gay rights, which is sinful,” he said.
He, however, commended the Catholic Church for coming out strongly to condemn homosexuality.

Sata angers women

By ALEX NJOVU

THE Young Women Christian Association (YWCA) on the Copperbelt says women deserve respect and must not be asked to undress in public.

Patriotic Front (PF) president Michael Sata is reported to have told Mandevu member of Parliament Jean Kapata to go to the Inter–City Bus Terminus in Lusaka and undress in protest against the suspension of the Lusaka City Council.
YWCA Copperbelt co-ordinator Jurita Mutale said women deserve dignity.
“Maybe Mr Sata was just joking because I know Ms Jean Kapata very well.
How can she be directed or asked to undress in public?” Ms Mutale, who was reluctant to comment on the matter, said.
But some women in Mufuchani settlement in Kitwe yesterday accused Mr Sata of being disrespectful towards them.
Former Mufuchani Women of Substance chairperson Lydia Besa, who spoke on behalf of several other women, said it is unfortunate that the PF leader has continued exhibiting characteristics of a bad leader, who does not have respect for other people.
“In the first place, the whole farming community in Mufuchani area is disgusted that Mr Sata can ask an elderly woman to go and undress at Inter-City Bus Station. Where are we going as Zambians? Even if it is politics, please, let us have respect for women,” Ms Besa said.
She urged women in Zambia not to vote for Mr Sata in this year’s elections because of his alleged vulgar language against them.
“Maybe Mr Sata enjoys seeing women undressing in public. This is why he is advocating rights for gay people in Zambia. Mr Sata does not have respect for Zambians. Now, I believe that this man can do anything just to get into power. Does he have women in his family, and I would like to think that my sister Jean Kapata is married or has a man in her life or she has children. How on earth can you tell someone’s woman or mother to undress in public? Someone must educate Mr Sata on public relations and diplomacy,” she said.
Ms Besa said it does not make sense to support Mr Sata, and that this is why the PF has failed to form government in the past elections.
“Honestly, how can you have a president in State House who directswomen to undress? This is a taboo, and Mr Sata must seriously apologise to the womenfolk in Zambia. In all fairness, he does not deserve our support as women because if he is elected as our president in this year’s elections, he may end up directing all women in Zambia to march in their birthday suits during the International Women’s Day celebrations,” she said.
Ms Besa urged politicians to respect women and desist from using them for their personal gain.
“This whole thing is interesting, and at the same time worrying. How can Mr Sata feel if someone asked his close female relative, for example his wife or his sister, even his daughter, to undress in public?
Mr Sata must have respect for other people’s women and mothers. MsKapata has a family; she has brothers and sisters. This is an insult, I don’t know how she looks at it,” she said.

Tongues land Kitwe woman in trouble

By ALEX NJOVU

A born-again woman has told a local court that her husband chains her hands and legs on suspicion that she is mentally deranged because of her way of praying which involves “speaking in tongues” and on top of her voice.
Ruth Chavula, who is an ardent member of Living Water Pentecostal Church in Kawama Township in Kitwe, said her husband accuses her of being insane because of the way she prays.
She said this in a case in which her husband, Martifel Nyasulu, sued her for divorce. Both are Kawama Township residents.
“My lord, my husband usually chains both my hands and my legs when I pray in tongues and on top of my voice. He suspects that I am insane because of the way I pray. This is wrong and unfair because I am not mad,” she said.
Chavula told the Buchi local court number two senior presiding magistrate, Maketo Likomba, who was sitting with senior presiding magistrate Godwin Lundu, that she has never had sex with her husband for two years because he has deserted her.
She said her husband does not support her and that it is not true that she has a boyfriend as alleged by her husband.
Chavula, who refused to give her statement until the court started re-examining her, said one day her neighbours locked her in a house with a man who wanted to start renting their house and that they phoned her husband, who found the two inside the house.
“We have two houses in Kawama Township. One of the houses fell vacant and I went with a certain man who wanted to look at it because he wanted to start renting it, but while we were inside viewing the house, some of our neighbours locked us from outside and phoned my husband, who came and found us inside with the man and he started accusing me of being unfaithful to him,” she said.
The two got married in 1998 and have four children. They got married through customary marriage and they do not have a marriage certificate.
In his statement, Nyasulu said they lived in harmony for three years and that problems started when they had their first child.
He accused Chavula of being adulterous. He said that at one time around 19:30 hours he found her sitting on the laps of a man and that the two were holding each other passionately.
“When I wanted to chase the man and to remove her from the man’s laps, my wife got upset with me and hit me in the back with a big log. In the ensuing confusion the man escaped,” he said.
Nyasulu said his children told him that there was a man who was visiting his wife each time he was not at home.
“My wife spends nights away from home without telling me. She has threatened to kill herself and sometimes she would pack her household goods and go to her relatives. When I call for a meeting with her relatives to iron out the differences, her people don’t come,” he said.
Nyasulu also said that on another occasion he found her in the house with a man whose identity she has refused to disclose.
The court adjourned the matter and directed that Chavula’s pastor goes to the court and confirm whether she is mentally challenged.

Opposition parties reject Sata

By ALEX NJOVU

 
FIVE opposition political parties have rejected the passionate plea by the Patriotic Front (PF) to form a loose alliance with it and help it win the forthcoming tripartite elections.
The rebuff comes barely a day after United Party for National Development president Hakainde Hichilema said his party is not ready to work with the PF, dismissing the latter's invitation to revive the now defunct pact between the two parties as mere public relations.
And the MMD says PF president Michael Sata's plea for help from other opposition political parties is a sign of desperation and realisation that the PF cannot win this year's tripartite elections.
The United Liberal Party (ULP) said it cannot go into a pact with the PF because doing so would be unwise.
ULP secretary-general Langtone Sichone said in an interview yesterday Mr Sata is allegedly a greedy person who would not want to leave the position of president to any person if he got it.
"It will be foolish and naive for anyone to get into a pact with Mr Sata when everyone knows that he caused the split of the PF-UPND pact," Mr Sichone said.
Mr Sichone wondered why Mr Sata wants to form a pact with other opposition political parties when he did not want to engage them when the PF-UPND alliance was in existence.
Forum for Progressive Politics (FPP) secretary-general Charles Kafumbo said his organisation will not form an alliance with the PF, but will instead support President Banda and the MMD in the forthcoming tripartite elections.
Mr Kafumbo said his party has decided to rally behind the MMD because of its good manifesto, which has helped to uplift the living standards of people in the country.
He said FPP is willing to work with the MMD because of the good economic policies, which have improved the economy of the country.
The United National Independent Party (UNIP) said it will not form an alliance with the PF.
UNIP general secretary Jemima Banda said UNIP will not accept to work with Mr Sata because of his poor political leadership skills.
And the National Democratic Focus (NDF) has rejected the request from Mr Sata to form an alliance with the PF as a way of helping his party win this year's tripartite elections.
NDF president Benjamin Mwila said his party cannot form an alliance with the PF because its leader, Mr Sata, is inconsistent and lacks understanding of modern politics.
Mr Mwila said in an interview in Lusaka on March 20 he cannot work with Mr Sata because the opposition leader has proved to be a failed political leader, who cannot add any value to the overall economic development of the nation if elected president of the country.
"My party can't work with Mr Sata or the PF because Mr Sata is inconsistent with modern politics. He distorted my party's name by changing it from Zambia Republican Party to National Democratic Focus. So, how can I trust this person?" he asked.
"Mr Sata is not a person to trust. This issue is out of question because the man does not stand for the truth," he said.
Newly formed Unified Party for Democracy and Development (UPDD) chancellor Felix Senka said Mr Sata is a difficult person to work with, and his party cannot waste time associating with Mr Sata because he is dictatorial.
Mr Senka said in an interview in Mufulira on March 20 it is shocking that Mr Sata is pleading with opposition political parties to form loose alliances with him so that he can win this year's elections when he failed to work with the UPND.
Mr Senka said his party cannot not enter into a political alliance with the PF because of Mr Sata's dictatorial tendencies.
"These are the same people who called UPND president Hakainde Hichilema an under-five politician. They called UPND junior partners of the pact. Our party, the UPDD, cannot even think of joining hands with Mr Sata because he is not a good leader," Mr Senka said.
He also warned Zambians against voting the MMD out of power this year.
"In the first place, it is not a matter of changing government. For us, it is better to allow the MMD in power than bringing in the likes of PF and its leader Michael Sata," he said.
"The problem with the big man (Mr Sata) is that he is not consistent with some of his statements, which is not good for a person who is aspiring for the highest office in the land," Mr Senka said.
Over 1,000 UPND members in Mufulira recently broke away from UPND to form the UPDD, with Mr Senka as its leader.
Mr Sata was quoted by the Sunday Mail on March 20 as having pleaded with "small" opposition political parties to help PF win this year's tripartite election by forming loose political alliances with his party.
He is reported to have made the plea on March 19 when opening the PF's Lusaka provincial conference at Garden House Hotel.
And MMD acting national secretary Chembe Nyangu said in an interview in Lusaka on March 20 it is clear that Mr Sata has now realised he will never win this year's elections, hence begging for help from 'small' parties.
"These guys have realised the MMD is getting stronger everyday. That is why Mr Sata has started begging for help to remove the MMD from power. He will not succeed to remove us from power because we have become stronger than we were before," Mr Nyangu said.
Mr Nyangu said the break-up of the PF- UPND pact has increased Mr Sata's desperation for power.

Union backs State decision on mine assets

By ALEX NJOVU

 

THE Mine Workers Union of Zambia (MUZ) has welcomed Government’s move to order Glencore to surrender assets of Mopani Copper Mines (MCM) in Mufulira and Nkana Copper Mine in Kitwe.
This follows the decision by the mines’ investor to suspend operations and place the companies under care and maintenance until copper prices return to US$5,500 per tonne.
Glencore, which runs operations of MCM and Nkana, recently presented their plans to Government.
MUZ general secretary Oswell Munyenyembe said Government should not backpedal on its decision saying there was need to ensure that the assets of the mines were intact and protected from stripping.
He said a vacuum must not be created in the mines between the investors leaving and those who wanted to take over the operations.
“We welcome the move by the government to order Glencore to surrender the assets.
We believe that government and some Zambians have the capacity to run the operations of the mines. When Anglo American Corporation pulled out of Konkola Copper Mines (KCM), Government was running the mine until it found an investor,” he said.
Mr Munyenyembe said mining companies were still making profits from the current copper prices at the international market.
“We still believe that these mining companies are still making profits and these job losses can be avoided,” he said.
Mr Munyenyembe said there was need to protect the assets from being removed from mines that were being placed under care and maintenance.
On Friday, Minister of Mines and Minerals Development, Maxwell Mwale said in Lusaka that Glencore should surrender assets of the two mines to ensure continued operations and avoid further job losses in the mining sector.
Mr Mwale said government would not allow a situation in which current mine owners only wanted to manage profitable mines and left the unprofitable firms under care and maintenance.
In the case of MCM, Glencore has also informed government about its intention to halt operations of the mine due to the high cost of underground mining and its short life span.
And two Patriotic Front (PF) parliamentarians have welcomed Government’s order for Glencore to surrender assets of Mopani Copper Mine in Mufulira and Nkana Copper Mine in Kitwe to enable the two companies to continue operating.
Roan member of Parliament (MP), Chishimba Kambwili and his Kasama Central counterpart, Saviour Chishimba, said Government should infact confiscate the assets from the investor to prevent further job losses in the mining sector.
The duo was speaking in Lusaka yesterday when they staged a two-man protest against impending job losses in the mines at the Mass Media complex.
“Government should not only ask Glencore to surrender assets but it should confiscate the assets and start running the mines,” he said.
Mr Kambwili said the duo would on Friday visit mining companies on the Copperbelt to assess the situation on the ground.

Union nods Mwense funding freeze

By ALEX NJOVU

THE Zambia United Local Authority Workers Union (ZULAWU) has welcomed Government’s decision to freeze funding to the Patriotic Front (PF)-dominated Mwense District Council in Luapula Province.

Government has with immediate effect frozen funding to the local authority following the misapplication of K348 million public funds meant for community services.
ZULAWU general secretary Noel Kalangu said in an interview in Ndola on January 27 that the freezing of the funding to the council is welcome.
Mr Kalangu warned councils against abusing public funds.
“As a union, we are disappointed with what is happening in some of the Patriotic Front-managed councils. They must not think that they are above the law of the land by engaging in activities that will tarnish the image of councils in Zambia,” Mr Kalangu said.
He said it is sad that councils have continued frustrating Government programmes aimed at developing the communities.
He said it is wrong for Mwense District Council to misapply K348 million as alleged out of the K570 million it received in 2007.
Mr Kalangu said it is sad that the council will not access money from the Land Development Fund (LDF) after it allegedly misapplied public funds.
He called on councils to work with Government to develop the country.
Mr Kalangu said Government has demonstrated that it is committed to addressing the problems councils are facing.
He said the people of Mwense have been denied development because some selfish people have allegedly misapplied public funds.
“It is good that Government has given the council a two-week ultimatum in which to pay back the money, and we challenge them to do so because the money is needed by the people of Mwense for developmental activities.
“We would like to warn councils against frustrating Government in its efforts to deliver services to the people countrywide,” he said.
Mr Kalangu urged local authorities to follow procedure when implementing projects.
He said it is wrong for councils to make decisions that disadvantage people in the communities.

UPND official mocks PF over loss

By ALEX NJOVU

 

PATRIOTIC Front (PF)’s loss in the Mpulungu by-election proves that the opposition political party is not as popular in rural areas as it claims, the United Party for National Development (UPND) national youth chairman Joe Kalusa has said.
But the PF former youth national secretary Eric Chanda has condemned Mr Kalusa for suggesting that his party is not popular in rural areas.
Mr Kalusa said there is no need for the PF to undermine the UPND when the party‘s popularity is growing countrywide.
He also said that the loss that the PF has suffered in Mpulungu is an indication that the party is not popular in rural areas.
Mr Kalusa was speaking in an interview in Ndola yesterday.
He said the UPND’s victory in the Chilanga by-election is a timely answer to the PF officials who claim that the UPND is a junior partner in the PF-UPND pact.
UPND candidate Cosmas Moono polled 3,702 beating his closest rival, MMD’s Keith Mukata who got 2,339 votes while Henry Silumesi of UNIP polled 131 with Valerie Bwalya of National Restoration Party (NAREP) getting 50.
Mr Kalusa said the UPND’s victory in the Chilanga by-election has put to rest claims by PF officials that the UPND is a junior partner in the PF-UPND alliance.
“The plan of an under-5 politician, Hakainde
Hichilema, is working very well and this victory in Chilanga by-election has put to bed claims by PF officials that UPND is a junior partner in the pact.
We have won this seat in Lusaka and not in Southern Province. This shows that UPND is not a regional political party but a national party with a huge following countrywide,” he said.
He hoped that PF officials will start respecting their colleagues in the UPND as equal partners in the sustainability of the pact.
Mr Kalusa said some sections of the media should take the blame for allegedly portraying to the nation that the PF is popular in Mpulungu through its reporting.
“The pact was made to believe that the PF is very popular in Mpulungu with the pictures we were seeing of huge crowds attending PF rallies.
We were going to beef up the pact team in campaigning for the PF in Mpulungu if some sections of the media did not mislead us. We were misled by some media,” he said.
Mr Kalusa said the MMD’s victory in Mpulungu is an indication that the ruling party is still popular in rural areas.
“The truth is that the pact is not popular in rural areas and there is need for the alliance leaders to take the pact manifesto to rural areas so that people can know about the existence of the pact.
The MMD has just proved to us that they are popular in rural areas with their victory in Mpulungu. The pact is just concentrated in town and the sooner we take it to our brothers in rural areas the better for us in the alliance,” he said.
But Mr Chanda condemned Mr Kalusa for suggesting that the PF is not popular in rural areas.
Mr Chanda said in an interview yesterday in Lusaka that the PF has got well-established structures in rural areas and that the Mpulungu seat was just difficult to win.
“I would like to advise Mr Kalusa that he should not ignite the fire in the pact.
In the first place, I would like to congratulate the UPND for scooping the Chilanga seat in Lusaka and congratulate ourselves (PF) for closing the gap in Mpulungu. The Mpulungu seat has always been difficult to win,” Mr Chanda said.
He advised Mr Kalusa against issuing statements which have the potential to break the alliance and that the PF leadership is happy that UPND won the Chilanga parliamentary seat.
The MMD won the Mpulungu seat through Given Mung’omba who polled 5,003 votes. The closest contestant was the PF’s Freedom Sikazwe who got 4,419 votes.
Mr Alex Mwazya of NAREP got 331 votes while UNIP’s Germanico Simusokwe got 112 votes.
The ADD candidate, Chilowela Sinyangwe, had 62 votes.

RB warns against division

By ALEX NJOVU

PRESIDENT Banda has called on Zambians to ignore politicians bent on dividing the country and to support Government’s development programme.

Mr Banda said the MMD government will continue working with everyone regardless of their political affiliation in the implementation of development projects across the country.
The President was speaking in Kitwe yesterday when he addressed a huge crowed which welcomed him at Kamfinsa High School.
“Ignore the prophets of doom who are bent on dividing the people. A lot of foreigners are coming to Zambia because there is real development taking place in our country and this is real development,’’ Mr Banda said.
He also appealed to Zambians not to discriminate against foreigners bringing development to the country but to work with them in developing the country.
“Let’s not discriminate people from other countries. We should work together and ignore those who want to divide us,” President Banda said.
He said Government will continue working towards implementing viable projects which are benefiting the people in the country
“We have been able to achieve all the development we are seeing countrywide because we are united. I cannot be happy to see Zambians going to other countries to seek peace,” he said.
Mr Banda said he was particularly happy that opposition Patriotic Front (PF) Kamfinsa member of Parliament (MP) Michael Nyirenda accompanied him during the tour of the K14.2 billion Kamfinsa High School, which is under construction.
The President said the government will not favour certain areas when implementing development projects aimed at benefiting the people.
“I am President for all Zambians. We need to work together to lift this country. No country can achieve meaningful development if its people are divided. We should be proud of ourselves because we are united and I’m happy that Kamfinsa MP is here with us. This is how we should do our politics instead of insulting each other,” Mr Banda said.
The President said he will concentrate on developing the country rather than responding to insults.
“I will never insult those that insult me, let them insult me everyday. In fact, I look better and strong than those that insult me, their insults will never derail me from implementing development projects for Zambians,” Mr Banda said.
He reminded Zambians to work together to develop the country.
Earlier, PF Kamfinsa MP Michael Nyirenda commended President Banda for his commitment to addressing problems affecting the people in his constituency.
He said all development projects in his constituency are on course and thanked the President for his personal effort to ensure they are implemented.
Mr Nyirenda described President Banda as a leader who is development-oriented.
He said the works Mr Banda is implementing are there for everyone to see.
“We are happy with the way your government is developing the country and I am particularly happy that most development projects in my area are on course. It is important to give credit where it is due,” Mr Nyirenda said.
And Mr Banda has vowed to work hard to ensure he is re-elected in next year’s presidential elections so that Zambia is not left in the hands of individuals who cannot fulfil the good programmes which are benefiting people.
“I will continue God willing, with God’s guidance ….we are in a fight and we will not give it up. We cannot leave this country with people who will not continue with the development projects which are for the good of the people,” Mr Banda said.
The President said this on arrival at the Ndola international Airport yesterday to kick-start his three-day working visit to the Copperbelt where he is expected to commission the Konkola North Mine project.
Mr Banda said he will travel to the Western Province this weekend where he will commission the Mongu-Kalabo road.
He urged MMD members to remain united and take all elections seriously, including Local Government by-elections.
Earlier, Copperbelt provincial chairman Joseph Chilambwe said the MMD on the Copperbelt will ensure that all those who defected to the opposition return to the ruling party.
He said it is sad that some opposition leaders are allegedly promoting gay rights and agitating the removal of the declaration of Zambia as a Christian nation.
And Copperbelt Minister Mwansa Mbulakulima said the country’s economy has improved and that the people of Zambia are happy that President Banda has focused on human development.
He said the people of the Copperbelt are not worried about the United Party for National Development (UPND) and the Patriotic Front (PF) pact because its leaders have failed to harmonise the manifestos for the two opposition parties and have differed on the presidential candidate.
Mr Mbulakulima said he is happy that Mr Banda will commission the Konkola North Mine project which is expected to create jobs.

Luangwa in K470m facelift

By ALEX NJOVU

Luangwa in K470m facelift

By ALEX NJOVU

KCM policy cheers minister

By ALEX NJOVU

 

MINISTER of Mines and Minerals Development, Kalombo Mwansa, says Government is impressed with the Konkola Copper Mines (KCM)’s corporate social responsibility policy.
KCM says it has spent about US$15 million on corporate social responsibility programmes this year.
Dr Mwansa said Government was happy with the community development projects the mining giant had implemented in its areas of operation.
The minister is on the Copperbelt touring community development projects that mining firms were undertaking.
Dr Mwansa said he was particularly impressed with the modern equipment at Konkola Mine Hospital and the rehabilitation of the roads in Chililabombwe.
KCM has rehabilitated 25 roads in Chingola and Chililabombwe.
“Their hospital is one of the best in the country.
They don’t only provide health services to their employees but also to the community.
They have spent about K2 billion on the rehabilitation of roads in Chililabombwe,” Dr Mwansa said.
Dr Mwansa, however, appealed to mining companies to consult members of Parliament, councillors and district commissioners on projects they intended to undertake.
He said it was important that MPs, councillors and district commissioners were consulted, as they would be able to identify projects that the community needed to be rehabilitated.
“These people will be able to advise KCM on which projects the community wants rehabilitated.
For future projects, it is important that MPs, councillors and district commissioners are consulted and involved in these projects,” he said.
Dr Mwansa called on the public to desist from vandalising infrastructure and urged the police to be vigilant in order to bring the culprits to book.
KCM resident director, Deb Bandyopadyhay, said the mining company has spent about US$15 million on corporate social responsibility and remained committed to the development of the communities where they worked.
Manager corporate social responsibility, Sampa Chita, said KCM had implemented several projects that were benefitting the local people.
Ms Chita said projects such as the construction of the children’s park in Chingola and the construction of the market in Chililabombwe would benefit people and that the company was committed to implementing projects that were intended to improve the welfare of the locals.

Copperbelt Agric Show opens today

By ALEX NJOVU

THE 2010 Copperbelt Agricultural and Commercial Society Show (CACSS) has opened its gates to the public today.

Organising committee officials have called on business houses to take advantage of the event to showcase their products.
CACSS chairman Bill Osborn said his committee is confident Zambians from all walks of life will attend this year’s show whose theme is “2010, a new decade-renewed hope”.
He said the organising committee has received overwhelming response from various stakeholders who have committed themselves to contributing positively to the growth of the economy.
Mr Osborn said this yesterday in an interview in Kitwe.
“This year we have 100 exhibitors, while last year only 70 companies exhibited due to the global recession that affected most companies on the Copperbelt.
We have 25 foreign companies taking part in the show and this increase in the exhibitors shows that the economy on the Copperbelt is improving and the province is recovering from the recession,” Mr Osborn said.
He said about K800 million was spent on preparations, and the committee intends to raise over K1.2 billion.
Mr Osborn said the money was spent on the improvement of infrastructure and refurbishment of several stands in the show ground.
Most of the companies that have confirmed their participation deal in mining activities.
Mr Osborn said they expected this year’s event to be fruitful because the economy is doing well and Government is implementing polices that are working towards stabilising the economy
He explained that despite the global crisis affecting last year’s show, the CACSS raised about K 900 million but this year they hope to raise K 1.2 billion.
Mr Osborn added that the show society committee has noticed that the MMD government under President Banda has been working towards easing Zambia’s inflation to a single digit.
He commended the Government for the robust and steady economic growth attained under President Banda’s leadership despite the global economic crunch.
He urged Copperbelt residents to attend this year’s event which has attracted several local musicians that include Dandy Crazy, Runnel and Mama Africa.

State plans 37 schools, more teachers

By ALEX NJOVU

 

GOVERNMENT plans to build 37 day high schools and recruit over 7,000 teachers this year, Ministry of Education permanent secretary Andrew Phiri has said.
Mr Phiri said in an interview in Lusaka yesterday that upgrading and construction of school infrastructure are progressing well.
He urged Zambians to continue supporting Government’s efforts to improve education standards in the country.
“Very soon, we will embark on the construction of 37 day high schools countrywide. The construction of school infrastructure is vital to the development of the education sector,” he said.
Mr Phiri said Government is committed to improving the standards of education through the construction of schools.
He also said Government will involve various stakeholders to develop the education sector.
“As a ministry, and as a government under the able leadership of President Banda, we are focused on the development of the country. We are taking school infrastructure everywhere where our people live because we understand that an educated society plays an important role in the development of the country,” he said.
Mr Phiri said Government will this year recruit over 7,000 teachers to reduce the pupil-teacher ratio.
“Of the 7, 000 teachers who will be recruited in April this year, 5,000 are net additional while 2,000 are replacements. We are committed to ensuring that every teacher is employed, and we want to assure those who may not be employed this time around that they must not lose hope because they will be employed soon,” Mr Phiri said.
He said President Banda’s administration is concerned about the welfare of its people.
Mr Phiri said Government is aware that teachers play an important role to the development of the nation.
“We have set aside funds in this year’s budget for the recruitment of teachers because Government wants every teacher who went to a training school to be employed. This is why we are building more schools countrywide,” he said.

State plans 37 schools, more teachers

By ALEX NJOVU

PF mayors welcome Government move

By ALEX NJOVU

 

FIVE mayors from opposition Patriotic Front (PF) controlled councils on the Copperbelt have welcomed Government’s plans to audit local authorities.
And Copperbelt Province local government officer Solomon Sakala said yesterday that all councils in the province have failed the people and urged them to improve service delivery.
Ndola mayor Charles Chiwala, who spoke on behalf of his colleagues, said at a press briefing in Kitwe that the mayors will co-operate with the auditors.
“We would like to welcome the decision by Government to audit our councils. Every year, since 2006 when some councils started to be controlled by PF, we have been audited by Government.
“We are ready to work with the government of the day in improving service delivery to the people. As city fathers, we don’t want to combine politics with work,” Mr Chiwala said.
The mayors present at the press briefing were Stephen Chipungu (Kitwe), Ben Mpande (Chililabombwe), Thomson Ngulube (Mufulira), Simon Chanda (Chingola) and Mr Chiwala from Ndola.
Recently, Minister of Local Government and Housing Eustackio Kazongo said auditors would be sent to Lusaka, Ndola and Kitwe city councils in response to queries raised by members of the public on utilisation of funds.
Mr Chiwala said the Ndola City Council held a special council meeting about two weeks ago at which the councillors agreed to sell the Itawa flats because the cost of repairing them is too high.
Meanwhile, Mr Sakala said councils on the Copperbelt have failed the residents in service delivery.
He said in an interview that there is a lot of uncollected garbage in markets and town centres.
“Do they need K1 billion to slash the tall grass in townships? They have failed the people and they must jack up and improve their operations,” Mr Sakala said.

State wont take over ailing industries

By ALEX NJOVU
 
MINISTER of Labour and Social Security Austin Liato says Government will not take over mines or any other industry, despite the problems they are facing.
And Mineworkers Union of Zambia (MUZ) president Rayford Mbulu says it is sad that some Zambians were against Chinese and Indian investors taking over Luanshya Copper Mines (LCM).
Mr Liato was speaking on Saturday during a forum of the Press Freedom Committee of the Post Newspapers in Kitwe.
He said it was not Government policy to nationalise any industry.
“It is not the policy of Government to nationalise any industry including mines. We can only take charge in the interim capacity as we look for potential investors to take over operations of the mines,” he said.
Mr Liato urged Zambians to have confidence in the government saying it could not run away from the responsibility of looking after its people.
He said Government policy was to encourage Public Private Partnership in a bid to create jobs and wealth for the people.
Mr Liato said stakeholders such as trade unions, the Church, the business community and ordinary Zambians were important partners in finding solutions to problems affecting the mining sector.
He hailed miners’ unions for their commitment to addressing problems affecting the mining sector.
Mr Liato said it was sad that some people were against Asian investors taking over mines such as LCM.
“If they meet the minimum requirements, then they are welcome. You cannot reject them on the basis of being Chinese or Indian,” Mr Liato said.
He said it was unfortunate that some politicians were politicising problems affecting the mining sector.
“Some of these people were in Government in the past and were part of the group that sold the mines.
“Today when they come to you, they are heroes and you vote for them especially here on the Copperbelt,” he said.
“Some people are bent on criticising even when Government is working. Chinese and Asian investors have proved to be partners in developing the economy,” he said
Mr Liato said Government was concerned with what was happening in the mining sector and that it was working hard to ensure that solutions were found.
And Mr Mbulu castigated some Zambians against Asian investors taking over operations of LCM, which had been placed under care and maintenance.
He said Asians had proved to be serious investors who had demonstrated that they had the interest of workers and the community at heart.
“Look at what Vedanta group of companies has done at Konkola Copper Mines…they have added a lot of value to KCM,” Mr Mbulu said.
And Mr Mbulu said Mopani Copper Mines (MCM) which had a workforce of about 20,000 had allegedly terminated contracts of most of its contractors to mitigate costs of operation.
He said Mpelembe Drilling Company allegedly had its contract terminated.
Mr Mbulu said the union had allegedly received job loss notices from MCM where about 700 workers were expected to be retrenched.
And Citizens for a Better Environment executive director Peter Sinkamba expressed concern at the environmental liabilities allegedly left by Anglo American mining company which he said had caused some people health problems.
Mr Sinkamba feared that some mining companies placing their activities under care and maintenance could leave environmental liabilities.

Police kill 4 suspected criminals

By ALEX NJOVU

POLICE yesterday shot dead four criminals in two separate incidents recorded in Kitwe and Lusaka.
In Kitwe, Police shot dead three suspected notorious criminals who have allegedly been terrorising residents for some time now.

In the Lusaka incident, a suspected criminal was shot dead in John Laing-Makeni township after he and his three accomplices allegedly staged a robbery at dawn.
Copperbelt Police commanding officer, Antonneil Mutentwa, confirmed the Kitwe incident which happened around 13: 000 hours in Buchi Township .
He said the three criminals were allegedly behind a spate of crimes that were taking place in most townships in Kitwe.
“We have killed three notorious criminals in an exchange of fire with them. We were tipped by members of the public and our men moved in and killed them,” Mr Mutentwa said.
He said the criminals had been on Police wanted list for over a month and commended the members of the public for working with the Police in tracking down the trio.
Mr Mutentwa said Police recovered an M 63 rifle from the criminals and revealed that the fire arm was grabbed from a police officer in Garneton residential area by the same gang.
“The three criminals grabbed the big rifle from a police officer in Garneton residential area about a month ago. They grabbed the fire arm from the Police officer,” he said.
Mr Mutentwa said the criminals were recently released from Kamfinsa State Prison.
The bodies of the criminals are lying in the Kitwe Central Hospital mortuary.
“We would like to thank the general public for their continued support. We appreciate very much the support we continue receiving from them. We know that our work can be somehow difficult without their participation,” Mr Mutentwa said.
And an unidentified man was killed about 500 metres away from the house a suspected gang of criminals broke into and stole household goods worth millions of Kwacha. The incident happened around 02:00 hours yesterday.
Eye witnesses said the suspected thief was killed by police who rushed to the scene of the robbery after a tip from members of the community.
A check by a Daily Mail crew that rushed to the scene of the shooting found blood spots on the ground near a makeshift stall where the deceased’s body laid for several hours before being picked by the police around 09:00 hours.
The suspected criminals broke into House Number 01/39 John Laing-Makeni area between 01:00 hours and 01:45 hours and stole several household goods.
Beauty Pikani, 15, the daughter of Mr Dlamini Pikani who is a truck driver and owner of the house the thieves broke into, told the Daily Mail that the criminals stole two television sets, three DVD players, a radio set, home theatre, K150,000 cash and her mother’s cell phone.
Beauty said when she and other family members heard the four criminals breaking the front door of the house, her mother advised everyone to remain sleeping and not to shout for fear of being killed.
She said few minutes after the thieves started getting the goods out of the house, a gun shot was heard.
The suspected criminals then rushed out of the house and in the process dropped some household goods which included a duvet and groceries.
The rest of the stolen items had already been packed in a vehicle which the criminals had left some metres away from the house.
Mrs Pikani could not be reached for a comment as she had rushed to a nearby police post to report the incident.
Mr Pikani was still in South Africa where he had gone for work.
When contacted for a comment, Lusaka police commanding officer, Greenwell Ng’uni, said he had not received any report regarding the shooting incident following the robbery.
Mr Ng’uni however said one person died on the spot on Kafue road near the Castle Shopping Complex in a hit and run road traffic accident while the other sustained injuries.
The incident occurred between 24:00 hours and 02:00 hours and the driver of the vehicle was still unidentified.
Mr Ng’uni said eye witnesses told the police that they could not remember the registration number of the vehicle which was involved in the accident.
Police are still investigating the matter.

C/belt minister happy with projects

By ALEX NJOVU

COPPERBELT Minister Mwansa Mbulakulima has expressed happiness with the rate at which development projects are being implemented in Kitwe.

And Mr Mbulakulima says international trips being undertaken by President Banda are vital for enhancing development in the country.
Mr Mbulakulima said government is happy that implementation of development projects is progressing well.
He was speaking when he toured government-funded projects in Kitwe yesterday.
He said Government attaches great importance to improving infrastructure in communities in the country.
Mr Mbulakulima, who has embarked on a tour of projects on the Copperbelt, said government will continue implementing viable projects to improve people’s lives.
He said there is massive infrastructure development going on in sectors such as education and health.
Mr Mbulakulima was particularly impressed that the construction of the Kamfinsa High School has reached an advanced stage and he called on the people in the area to rally behind government in its quest to enhance development.
“The Kamfinsa High School will be of great importance to the community because our children (pupils) who were going to Kitwe to access high education will now be learning within their area.
As government we have committed ourselves to constructing infrastructure everywhere in the country. The government of President Banda is here to work and ensure that the lives of people are improved,” he said.
Mr Mbulakulima urged politicians to desist from politicising development projects.
He said government is working towards bettering the lives of Zambians regardless of their political affiliation.
“There is need for Zambians to reduce politicking and focus on development.
Zambia belongs to all of us. We need to demarcate politics from issues of development. Zambians need solutions to the problems that they are facing and this is what the MMD government is doing by bringing up viable projects which are benefiting everyone,” he said.
Mr Mbulakulima, who was accompanied by Kitwe district commissioner Macdonald Mtine, Copperbelt deputy permanent secretary Christopher Mutembo and other senior government officials said there is need to promote unity of purpose when working on development projects.
And Mr Mbulakulima has called on Zambians to support international trips which President Banda is undertaking as the outings are aimed at attracting investment in the country.
He said Zambia is required to promote international linkages with other countries to foster development in the country.
“If we just sit at home, how are we going to accomplish the development of projects taking place in every corner of the country.
We need to promote international linkages with other countries for Zambia to develop. Let us take the Presidential visits in good faith because they are already yielding positive results,” he
said.
Mr Mbulakulima also toured Kitwe Central Hospital where the construction of hostels at the cost of K 5.5 billion is progressing, and the Ndeke mini clinic, which was constructed at the cost of over K 418 million.
And Kitwe district Health Management Team director Chikafuna Banda said plans are underway to construct a maternity wing at a cost of K500 million at Ndeke mini clinic.
Dr Banda commended government for its commitment to the development of health facilities in Kitwe and other parts of the country.

4 people die in two accidents

By  ALEX NJOVU

TWO people died in an accident on the Kitwe-Chingola road after the vehicle in which they were travelling hit into a stationary Volvo truck.

And two other people are feared dead after the canoe in which they were sailing capsized on the Zambezi River in Kalabo yesterday.
Copperbelt police chief Antonneil Mutentwa confirmed the death of the two in a road traffic accident which happened around 22:00 hours near Ganertone junction in Kitwe.
“Two people died on the spot when the vehicle they were travelling in hit into a stationary Volvo truck on Kitwe-Chingola road. Two others are admitted to Kitwe Central Hospital and they are responding well to treatment,” Mr Mutentwa said.
And police spokesperson Bonny Kapeso said yesterday that Sipilo Inambao, 37, and Benedict Muliokela, 52, were paddling from Mongu to Kalabo when they met their fate at around 16:00 hours.
He said their bodies are yet to be recovered and the search for them continues.
Meanwhile, a 30-year-old man is battling for his life in Chambishi Government Clinic after he was shot while he was allegedly attempting to steal from a copper smelter plant in Chambishi township on Sunday night.
“Matthew Kabwe of house number C18 Kawama township in Kitwe was shot and wounded in the abdomen and sustained bullet wounds on his left leg,” he said.
And Mr Kapeso said an 82-year-old man of Chief Mwamba’s area in Kasama has been arrested after he allegedly defiled a 12-year-old girl on Saturday last week.
He said the victim’s mother reported the matter to police after she noticed strange behaviour from her daughter.
Meanwhile, nine suspects escaped yesterday from police custody at Chililabombwe police station after they allegedly tampered with the locking system.
The suspects escaped from custody around 03:00 hours.
He said the suspects are facing breaking and burglary charges.
Mr Mutentwa said two suspects have since been re-arrested.
“I can confirm that nine suspects escaped from police custody at Chililabombwe police station after they tampered with the locking system. They staged their action around 03:00 hours. We have since re-arrested two suspects while the others are on the run.
“We have instituted investigations to find out how they escaped and we are appealing to members of the public to help police with any information that will lead to the arrest of the fugitives,” Mr Mutentwa said.
He advised members of the public to treat the suspects as dangerous criminals.
And 32 suspected criminals raided a bar in Kitwe’s Ndeke village and stole an undisclosed amount of money at the weekened.
Mr Mutentwa could neither confirm nor deny the incident, saying he had not yet received a report on the matter.
Police sources, however, said the suspects beat up the barman identified as Musonda Kamenda of Ndeke village after he resisted releasing the money.
They said the bandits hit Mr Kamenda on the head with an iron bar and that he sustained a deep cut.

KCM spends $1.6 billion on projects

KCM spends $1.6 billion on projects

By ALEX NJOVU

 

KONKOLA Copper Mines (KCM) has spent about US$1.6 billion on the implementation of various capital investment projects that include the Konkola Deep Mining Project (KDMP) since 2004.
KDMP general manager Raj Kulkarni told journalists at Protea Hotel in Chingola yesterday that the mining house is committed to its expansion programmes.
Mr Kulkarni said last week the mine commissioned the loading and hoisting facility (new crusher) in Chililabombwe, adding that it will enhance productivity.
“On Wednesday last week we commissioned the loading and hoisting facility and this will see ore production being increased. Our expansion programmes are going on and we are committed to contributing positively to the development of the mining sector in Zambia,” Mr Kulkarni said.
He said KCM has continued working towards improving infrastructure in an effort to enhance production.
He said most mining infrastructure on the Copperbelt is old, hence the reason the company has invested a lot of money in infrastructure development.
Mr Kulkarni, who took journalists on a tour of the loading and hoisting facility underground in Chililabombwe, said KCM is also committed to protecting the environment.
“We have put in place measures to protect our environment. The construction of the smelter in Chingola is one of the efforts by KCM to protect the environment.
“These projects are going a long way in changing the face of the mining sector in the country,” Mr Kulkarni said.
And Grinaker Limited Mining contracting company underground manager Freddre Durand said the sinking of shafts at KDMP is progressing well.
Mr Durand paid tribute to Zambian workers for their commitment to work.
“We will get to the bottom by 2012 and the sinking of the shafts is progressing well. I must pay tribute to Zambian workers for their commitment to work…I have enjoyed working with them,” Mr Durand said.
He said the company has put in place safety measures that are helping in avoiding mine accidents.
 
KDMP chief project controller Kansingh Choudhary said KCM spent about US$2.5 million on the procurement of equipment for the new crusher.
Mr Choudhary said the crusher will contribute to productivity.

HH wins kudos for ditching pact

By  ALEX NJOVU

A CROSS-SECTION of society, including five chiefs from different provinces, have commended United Party for National Development (UPND) president HakaindeHichilema for taking a bold decision to abandon his party’s pact with the Patriotic Front (PF).
UPND national youth chairman Joe Kalusa has also welcomed the withdrawal of his party from the pact.
And the MMD has said it had long expected the disintegration of the pact because it was characterised by insincerity by its partners.
Mr Kalusa said UPND youths have been vindicated because they have always regarded the pact as a ‘headless chicken’ running in no specific direction.
Mr Kalusa said in an interview in Kitwe yesterday that the PF and UPND will have an uphill battle against the MMD in this year’s tripartite elections.
“This is good news because as UPND youths, we have been bold enough by announcing to the nation the death of the pact,” he said.
Former PF secretary general Edward Mumbi said Mr Hichilema has made an intelligent decision.
“Mr Hichilema’s decision to come out in the open to say that he will stand as presidential candidate for UPND and field members of Parliament in all the constituencies is a very decent and intelligent approach,” he said.
Mr Mumbi advised Mr Hichilema and his party to consider working with progressive political parties to contribute to Zambia’s growing democracy.
PF Materomember of Parliament Faustina Sinyangwe said “rebel” MPs have been vindicated by the turn of events.
“When we said this pact was going nowhere, people thought we were just being mean. Some people are allergic to working with other people,” she said.
She said it is good that the UPND has realised that the pact is dead when there is still time to re-organise itself and start campaigns.
Committee of Citizens executive director Gregory Chifire commended Mr Hichilema for realising the alleged insincerity of Mr Sata and his secretary general Wynter Kabimba.
He said Mr Sata and his party wanted to use Mr Hichilema like a schoolboy to get to State House.
And MMD acting national secretary Chembe Nyangu said the death of the pact was expected because some leaders were insincere.
“The problem is that they both want to be presidential candidates because they both think they are popular,” he said.
Mr Nyangu said the PF had not been sincere with the UPND, and that is what has caused the break-up of the pact.
“The problem is that the PF wanted to gain popularity in provinces where UPND was enjoying support such as in Southern and North-Western provinces. But in all this, Mr Hichilema is to blame,” he said.
Parliamentary Chief Whip Vernon Mwaanga says the pact’s death was expected because it was formed for wrong reasons, and that its survival and chances of the two parties harmonising their manifestos and policies were non-existent.
“The announcement by Mr Hichilema essentially means that the final nail in the coffin of the pact has been driven…I am not surprised that the pact has officially and finally passed on and what remains is for PF and UPND members to give the pact a decent burial.
“They must move on and deal with realities of Zambian politics in 2011,” Mr Mwaanga said.
He, however, said the MMD does not take delight in the political misfortunes of others, and that the party will not be blinded by the pact’s demise, but continue working hard to deliver its promises to the Zambian people.
Southern African Centre for Constructive Resolution of Disputes executive director Lee Habasonda has described as a sad development Mr Hichilema’s decision to pull out of the pact.
Mr Habasonda said in an interview in Lusaka on March 7 the decision will weaken the opposition and make the MMD continue dominating and ruling the country.
And five traditional leaders have hailed the UPND for withdrawing from the pact.
The chiefs said in separate interviews the pulling out by the UPND from the pact is a welcome move because the two leaders of the alliance were not honest to be entrusted with the responsibility of running the affairs of the nation.
Chief Mwanachingwala said Zambians must not trust the two pact leaders because they are insincere to be entrusted with the responsibility of running the affairs of the nation.
The traditional leaders are Chief Madzimawe of the Ngoni-speaking people in Eastern Province, Chief Chikanta, Chief Chipepo and Chief Mwanachingwala, of the Tonga-speaking people of Southern Province and Chief Kaputa of the Bemba-speaking people in Northern Province.
Chief Madzimawe said Zambians should have thought wisely before supporting the PF-UPND pact because it was formed out of the two people’s desperation to ascend to power.
Chief Kaputa said the break-up of the pact is a welcome move because the two pact leaders lack merit to run the affairs of the nation.
Chief Chikanta said the break in the pact is a welcome move as it will give an opportunity to the ruling party to win this year’s elections with a landslide victory.
Chief Chipepo said the pact has died because the two leaders did not consult their supporters before forming the alliance.
He advised Zambians to vote for President Banda in this year’s polls to foster economic development in the country.
Mr Hichilema announced his party’s withdrawal from the pact with the PF and also declared that he will stand as presidential candidate in this year’s elections under the UPND.
Mr Hichilema also announced that UPND would field candidates in all parliamentary constituencies and wards during this year’s general elections.
His pull-out is a culmination of months of constant wrangling between the erstwhile partners.

HH wins kudos for ditching pact

Chief Justice advises Police

By ALEX NJOVU

 

CHIEF Justice Ernest Sakala has advised the police against abusing the power of detaining suspects who are helping with investigations.
And the Zambia Police Service has re-introduced the navy blue uniform to distinguish itself from the officers of the school of public order maintenance (mobile unit).
Justice Sakala said the illegal detention of suspects is not only a violation of human rights but can also be costly to the government.
He was speaking yesterday at the graduation of 443 police recruit constables at the School of Public Order Maintenance (SPOM) at Kamfinsa in Kitwe.
“The overdetention of suspects is not only a violation of human rights but can also be costly to the government. It also dents the image of the Zambia Police Service, which image you will be expected to continue to build and jealously protect,” Justice Sakala said.
He advised the recruits to desist from engaging in politics to avoid compromising their careers.
“Your part in politics is to provide an enabling environment through which politics can be played without players resorting to violence against each other. It is for this reason that the public, who are your employers, will expect you to be neutral and professional at all times.
“Talking of politics, I want also to point out that you are passing out today at a time when the nation seems to be already preparing itself for next year’s tripartite elections. Thus, as the country becomes embraced in the election fever, you will be required to enhance and intensify the element of professional and impartial policing,” Justice Sakala said.
He said in Zambia today, there is a culture of blaming the police whenever there is violence.
Justice Sakala urged the recruits to work towards reversing this culture.
He said the country’s continued peaceful environment should be enhanced by the officers’ improved policing strategies to create an enabling socio-political and economic environment.
“As we unleash you to the unsuspecting public, I urge you to create an environment in which all political players should be policed to conduct their campaigns in a humane, peaceful and non-violent manner.
Bribes, too, can compromise your work as police officers, they are dangerous to you as you may be arrested and ruin your future.
Stick to your wife and if you are not married, it is high time you seriously considered marrying or getting married.
This is the best safety catch to avoid this pandemic. (HIV/AIDS),” Justice Sakala said.
He commended the police command for re-introducing the navy blue uniform saying the move will promote accountability and stir competition amongst the officers of the units and that in the long run it will bring about greater efficiency.
”This parade coincides with the re-introduction of the old navy blue uniform for Mobile Police Unit here at Kamfinsa. I am reliably informed that the police command’s intention is to identify officers in units of the Zambia police service, who belong to mobile unit, paramilitary or general duties through the colour of their respective uniforms,” he said.
And Inspector General of Police Francis Kabonde urged the private security firms that may be using similar uniform to change their attire to avoid being mistaken for Zambia police service officers.
Mr Kabonde said there are times when police officers are engaged in serious confrontation with either armed bandits or public disorder saying it is important that security firms that may be using the similar uniform changed their attire.
He urged the police officers to desist from engaging in illegal activities which can endanger the security of their career.
“As police officers, you are expected to be non partisan, professional and loyal to the government of the day. You should continue to be obedient to lawful orders in the discharge of your duties.
You must continue with the discipline that you have acquired in this training school. Serve the people of Zambia diligently,” Mr Kabonde said.