Kenneth Lutena | Zambia Monitor

Konkola Mines reportedly settles K50 million debt to Copperbelt councils

Kenneth Lutena — Tue, 30 Jul 2024 08:57:11 +0000

Copperbelt Minister, Elisha Matambo, has announced that President Hakainde Hichilema donated K20,000 to each of the five families affected by a recent accident at Macro Link Mine along the Ndola-Mufulira road.

Matambo disclosed this during a meeting with the families on Monday in Ndola.

The five victims were retrieved and buried at Mitengo.

Konkola Copper Mines Plc (KCM) has reportedly settled approximately K50 million owed to three councils on the Copperbelt: Chingola, Chililabombwe, and Kitwe.

KCM Chief Financial Officer, Manish Saxena, announced this during a media briefing in Chingola on Monday.

According to Saxena, the payments marked the start of settlements to local authorities and other creditors under the new creditors’ scheme of arrangement.

Chingola Municipal Council would receive K26,809,553, Kitwe City Council K14,958,653.96, and Chililabombwe Municipal Council K8,180,298.18.

Saxena said they were committed to settling its debts to Class 1 and Class 2 creditors.

He stated this would positively impact the financial health of various local councils and businesses awaiting their dues.

“KCM will expedite the payment process in accordance with the scheme of arrangement guidelines, ensuring all creditors are compensated without unnecessary delays,” Saxena assured.

He highlighted this as a significant moment for KCM and its parent company, Vedanta Resources Limited, as they work to fulfill their financial obligations and strengthen relationships with key stakeholders.

Chingola Town Clerk Namukolo Kalufyanya expressed optimism about KCM’s revival, noting it signifies prompt payments of outstanding dues for retirees, statutory obligations, and service provision.

“This is the beginning of good things to come,” Kalufyanya stated.

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Breaking! Biden succumbs to pressure, withdraws from November race, backs Harris

Kenneth Lutena — Sun, 21 Jul 2024 20:24:48 +0000

President Joe Biden has succumbed to mounting pressure regarding his health and announced that he would not seek re-election in the November 5 presidential race.

In a statement issued on Sunday on his official Facebook page, Biden stated: “I have decided not to accept the nomination and to focus all my energies on my duties as President for the remainder of my term.”

Biden reflected on his 2020 decision to select Kamala Harris as his Vice President, describing it as “the best decision” he made.

He expressed his full support for Harris to be the Democratic nominee this year and urged party unity to defeat former President Donald Trump.

This decision may mark a significant shift in the 2024 presidential race and underscores Biden’s commitment to ensuring a strong Democratic candidacy moving forward.

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Hichilema shuffles health and land ministers, as probe of medical supply agency rages

Kenneth Lutena — Sun, 21 Jul 2024 19:09:05 +0000

President Hakainde Hichilema has transferred Health Minister, Sylvia Masebo, to the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, appointing Elijah Muchima as the new Health Minister.

This marks the second major change within the government in just two days, following a recent reshuffle in the energy ministry.

In a statement issued in Lusaka on Sunday, State House Chief Communication Specialist, Clayson Hamasaka, conveyed the president’s directive for both ministers to meet the nation’s expectations in their new roles.

Hichilema emphasized the need for high performance and accountability in their new portfolios.

The reshuffle comes amid a scandal at the Ministry of Health, where a consignment of medical supplies worth around US$65 million from Egypt was allegedly found in a private warehouse.

This discovery has prompted widespread speculation and concern.

In response, the government has launched investigations at the Zambia Medical Management Supply Agency (ZMMSA).

Director General, Victor Nyasulu, is facing suspension as part of the probe.

Additionally, the police have been brought in to intensify investigations into the ‘marooned’ containers at the private storage facility, highlighting the seriousness of the allegations and the government’s commitment to addressing potential corruption and mismanagement.

This reshuffle may reflect President Hichilema’s broader efforts to reform key sectors of the government since taking office.

His administration had prioritized transparency, accountability, and efficiency, aiming to rebuild public trust and improve service delivery.

The recent changes in ministerial positions may underscore his commitment to these goals, particularly in critical areas such as health and natural resources management.

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Ex-Defense Minister, Siamunene, urges Zambians to look beyond Lungu, Hichilema if…

Kenneth Lutena — Sun, 21 Jul 2024 11:27:48 +0000

Former Defense Minister, Richwell Siamunene, says Zambians should look beyond President Hakainde Hichilema and former President Edgar Lungu if they fail to reconcile.

“They needed to reconcile like yesterday. But if they fail to reconcile, Zambians should forget about them and choose other leaders among the 20 million citizens. Life shouldn’t be about the two,” Siamunene said on Prime Television’s Governance and Leadership Talk show on Saturday.

Siamunene observed that the call for Presidents Lungu and Hichilema to reconcile was long overdue adding that if the two fail to heed the reconciliation calls, Zambians should look elsewhere as the country was not all about the two.

He also called on Zambians to stop ‘joking when voting’ to improve the governance system.

“I think Zambian voters joke a lot when voting. We need to be serious as Zambians; that is why the country is in this situation,” Siamunene said.

He emphasized that choosing leaders based on ethnic considerations was counterproductive.

Siamunene argued that the amount of money and educational levels should not be the yardstick when choosing leaders, but rather the capacity to deliver progressive development.

“Once you become a leader of the country, you cease to be family property and become part of the Zambian family. No friends or family considerations should influence decisions,” he said.

He stressed the need for exemplary leadership to combat corruption, adding that waiting for the President to sanction corruption probes makes the fight against corruption an academic exercise.

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Opposition lawmakers stage walkout over time allotted for debate on corruption

Kenneth Lutena — Thu, 18 Jul 2024 19:31:28 +0000

Members of the Patriotic Front (PF) and allied lawmakers staged a walkout from Parliament on Thursday, citing grievances over inadequate debate time allocated by Deputy Parliamentary Speaker Atractor Chisangano.

The dispute arose from the Speaker’s alleged failure to grant sufficient time for discussing corruption allegations implicating senior government officials.

Lunte lawmaker Brian Mundubile, leading the walkout, expressed frustration, emphasizing that crucial issues like corruption deserved more attention.

“The Speaker was expected to allocate at least an hour to debate these unprecedented corruption allegations against high-ranking officials. It’s unacceptable that such serious matters are sidelined,” Mundubile lamented.

He highlighted concerns over the reported theft of medical kits and medicines, calling for accountability and swift action against implicated government figures.

“Ministers and senior officials facing serious allegations should either be dismissed, resign, or face legal consequences,” Mundubile asserted.

The walkout saw participation from notable figures including Kampamba Mulenga of Kalulushi, Nickson Chilangwa of Kawambwa, Mutotwe Kafawaya representing Lunte, and Munir Zulu, an Independent MP from Lumezi.

Mundubile criticised what he perceived as a disparity in parliamentary priorities, noting, “When less critical issues are on the agenda, ample time is allocated. But when it comes to tackling corruption, our opportunities are curtailed.”

He recalled past practices under the United Party for National Development (UPND) administration, where opposition parties were vocal against corruption, and called for similar decisive action from the current government.

“Theft of medical kits and medicines should not go unpunished,” Mundubile reiterated.

“It’s imperative that those implicated in ‘Medicine Gate’ are held accountable through appropriate legal measures.”

In response to the walkout, Chisangano defended the parliamentary procedures, stressing the need for balanced debate time across all issues on the agenda.

She assured MPs that all matters of national importance, including corruption allegations, would be addressed according to parliamentary rules and procedures.

The walkout highlighted ongoing tensions within Parliament regarding procedural fairness and the handling of corruption allegations against government officials.

It underscored growing discontent among lawmakers over perceived limitations in their ability to address critical national issues effectively.

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Coach Mwape barred from private contact with Zambia’s women’s football team at Olympics

Kenneth Lutena — Thu, 18 Jul 2024 15:56:24 +0000

Zambia’s women’s football team coach, Bruce Mwape, has reportedly been barred from private contact with players at the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris, France.

According to The Guardian, Mwape, who successfully guided Zambia to qualification, is under investigation by FIFA following allegations of sexual misconduct.

Initially denied a French visa due to strict laws regarding sexual offenses, Mwape’s entry was eventually approved, but with stringent conditions imposed.

These included a prohibition on private interactions with players, with all meetings required to take place in open, public settings.

The allegations against Mwape stem from incidents at previous tournaments.

A FIFA contractor accused him of inappropriate touching, expressing disappointment over his approval to coach at the Olympics.

Despite calls for his removal, the Zambian Football Association proceeded with Mwape, who arrived in France separately from his squad.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and FIFA have implemented safeguarding measures for the tournament, ensuring a safe and fair environment for all athletes.

Both organizations have emphasized their commitment to addressing concerns of harassment and abuse in sports.

The IOC spokesperson stated, “The IOC is committed to ensuring that every athlete can train and compete in a safe sporting environment, one that is fair, equitable and free from all forms of harassment and abuse.”

In response to inquiries, neither the Zambian Football Association nor the IOC provided additional comments regarding Mwape’s participation or the ongoing investigation.

The Olympics are scheduled to take place from July 26 to August 11, 2024, in Paris, France. FIFA continues to investigate the allegations against Mwape, underscoring ongoing scrutiny over his coaching role amidst the allegations.

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Heart-broken man sets family house ablaze, leaving 9 severely burned, toddler dead

Kenneth Lutena — Thu, 18 Jul 2024 06:50:59 +0000

Police in Kitwe, Zambia, have reported a tragic case of arson where a 47-year-old man, Albert Mubanga, from Kawama Township, set fire to his own house, resulting in severe burns for nine family members and the heartbreaking death of a one-year-old toddler.

Copperbelt Police Chief, Peacewell Mweemba, disclosed in a statement on Wednesday that Mubanga used an unknown substance to ignite the fire, which quickly engulfed the property, leaving his family members with severe injuries.

Mweemba revealed that Albert Mubanga and his wife, Beauty Mambwe, had been legally married for several years but faced marital issues beginning in 2020.

Their divorce was finalized in June 2024 at Garnetone Local Court, where it was decided that their assets, including two shops at Kamitondo market and their house, would be distributed.

However, they continued living together while searching for a buyer for the house.

Tensions escalated on July 11, 2024, when Mambwe collected rent from the shops, using the money, which reportedly angered her estranged husband.

This dispute culminated in the tragic event on July 17, 2024, when Mubanga set their house ablaze, burning the property, worth an undisclosed amount.

Following the fire, the victims were rushed to Kitwe Teaching Hospital for treatment.

Tragically, one-year-old Evelyn Kena, the granddaughter of Beauty Mambwe, succumbed to her burns at 06:30 hours on the morning of the incident.

Mubanga’s actions have shocked the community, and the case is set to be heard at Kitwe Subordinate Court on July 30, 2024.

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Cash-in-transit driver disappears with over K57,000 from Ndola airport, abandons vehicle

Kenneth Lutena — Wed, 17 Jul 2024 17:06:05 +0000

Police on the Copperbelt are currently pursuing a cash-in-transit driver, identified as Moses Moya, who is reportedly on the run after stealing money from Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International Airport in Ndola.

“Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International Airport in Ndola has recorded a theft of K57,250.00 and $1,185 US dollars belonging to Kenyan Airways,” said Copperbelt Police Commissioner Peacewell Mweemba.

In a statement on Wednesday, Mweemba revealed that Moya stole the money on July 15, 2024, between 13:00 and 14:00 hours.

The driver, who was transporting the cash in a Toyota Axio (BLB 6983), abandoned the vehicle near Paul McKinner in Twapia township.

The incident was reported by Bwalya Emmanuel, a 35-year-old teller for Kenyan Airways, who had been tasked with transferring the cash from Reckays Mall to ZANACO Ndola West.

Mweemba explained that Bwalya, a resident of Pamodzi township, Ndola, had collected the money with the driver and proceeded to ZANACO West to have it banked.

However, due to a large crowd at the bank, he decided to take the money to the airport to collect another amount from Ethiopian Airlines. When he returned to where he had left the vehicle, it was missing, and the driver was nowhere to be found.

The police have launched an investigation into the matter, and a docket has been opened.

The vehicle has been recovered and Emmanuel has been detained to assist with investigations. The investigation is ongoing.

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Supposed illegal miners bring Chingola to standstill, as protests erupt over alleged sale of mining pits (video)

Kenneth Lutena — Wed, 17 Jul 2024 16:50:53 +0000

Chingola town on the Copperbelt was nearly brought to a standstill on Wednesday as a group of illegal miners, known as “jerabos,” protested the transfer of ownership of pits where they scavenge for copper ore.

Eyewitnesses reported that the protests began around noon as the miners took to the streets to oppose the sale of their mining pits to alleged Chinese firms.

The protesters, primarily from the Soweto and Kapisha areas, vandalized property, barricaded roads, and clashed with riot police along Chingola’s Kabundi Road.

In a voice note shared with the Zambia Monitor, Chingola Mayor, Johnson Kang’ombe, urged the youths to cease their violent protests and resolve the issue peacefully, reminding them that the matter was currently before the courts.

“The incident is under investigation, and I want youths to wait for the outcome. Ring leaders should stop inciting the youth to protest,” said Kang’ombe.

Witnesses reported that the situation turned violent as miners threw rocks and debris, prompting police to respond with tear gas to disperse the crowd.

The rioting youths lamented that the continued ‘auctioning’ of mining pits was depriving them of their livelihoods.

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Relegated Konkola Blades FC overhauls coaching staff, release 25 players

Kenneth Lutena — Mon, 15 Jul 2024 19:43:05 +0000

Konkola Blades Football Club (KBFC), recently relegated from the MTN/FAZ Super League, has undertaken a significant restructuring by downsizing its coaching staff and parting ways with 15 players.

In a statement on Monday, Konkola Blades Football Club Media Officer, Chiteta Chinyemba, explained that these changes were part of the club’s strategy to rebuild and return to the topflight local league.

“The club has mutually agreed to separate with several coaches and players, primarily as part of our reconstruction process,” Chinyemba stated.

Among the coaches released are Enos Silwimba (former first assistant coach), Godfrey Siame (former second assistant coach), Chipulu Chileya (former physical trainer), and Stephen Kabwe (former goalkeeper trainer).

Club President Davy Mubita acknowledged the contributions of these coaches while emphasizing that their departures were essential for restructuring following a challenging 2023/24 season.

Mubita also announced the departure of players such as Richard Nyirenda, Bwalya Chela, Mathews Lungu, Deo Kayombo, Stanley Kabala, Moses Muzumara, Moses Mwaba, Terry Chikwikwi, Lassa Kiala, Lawrence Chungu, Boston Muchindu, Allan Chibwe, Sekanji Siame, and Alidor Kayembe.

Additionally, Vitalis Gantar has permanently joined ZESCO United.

“You will always be part of the Sharp Razor family, and we wish you all the best in your future endeavors,” Mubita conveyed to the departing players.

He also mentioned that discussions regarding new player signings were underway and assured stakeholders that updates will be provided once finalized.

“Any further developments regarding player contracts, arrivals, or departures will be communicated officially,” Mubita added.

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