THE Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) board has appointed director of news and current affairs, Kenneth Maduma as the corporation’s acting director general.

ZNBC board chairperson John Mulwila said this is with effect from June 16, 2014.

“The board believes that Mr Maduma will continue to lead the corporation to greater heights and will continue to create a culture that fosters innovation as well as creativity. As you may be aware, the current Director General Mr Chibamba Kanyama gave a notice of resignation to take up an appointment with the International Monetary Fund (IMF),” Dr Mulwila said.

He commended Mr Kanyama for his efforts and energy into making the public service broadcaster into what it is today and wished him the best in his personal and professional endevours.

“The board will now proceed with the recruitment process of the substantive Director General,” he said.
Mr Maduma has 42 years experience in the electronic media and has vast knowledge in media relations.

THE Lusaka Magistrate Court has referred to the High Court an application by former President Rupiah Banda where he is asking the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Mutembo Nchito to recuse himself from handling his case citing unfairness.

Principal resident Magistrate Obbister Musukwa in his ruling yesterday said from the submission and evidence on record, it was clear that there appeared to be an argument which could not be determined by his Court.

“Since this court has no powers to determine the application by Banda which is bordering on conflicting issues, I now refer the matter to the High Court for determination on whether Mr Mutembo Nchito should recuse himself or not,” Mr Musukwa said.

The Court had also ruled that the indictment be used in its perceived defective form in terms of content which was said to be malicious saying striking it out completely would not be in the interest of justice.

Mr Musukwa ruled that the indictment should remain on record in spite of its defectiveness as he was satisfied that it was duly sworn by a competent person.

He said his Court had no jurisdiction to interpret constitutional issues and that it was only vested in the higher court.

“There appears to be a conflict between the rights of the accused as guaranteed by Article 18 (1) and (11) of the Bill of Rights of the Constitution on one side and the Powers of the DPP to prosecute this matter in line with the provisions of Article 56 on the other,” he said.

This is in a case in which Banda had pleaded not guilty to two counts of corrupt practice and concealing gratification of motor vehicles received from a Chinese Company valued at US$180,000.

Banda complained that he was not comfortable with the DPP handling his case due to the alleged grudge against him arising from the collapse of the Zambian Airways which was being run by Mr Nchito, his brother Nchima and Post Newspaper editor-in-chief Fred M’membe.

Banda also submitted that it was a matter of public policy and a rule of natural justice that one should not be a prosecutor and judge in their own case hence the reason for the DPP to recuse himself claiming the alleged grudge was as a result of the defunct Zambian Airways.

He said a fair hearing in its nature, required equality between the contestants, subject to the supreme principles of among others the presumption of innocence and when one of the contestants had no pre-trial access to the statements taken by police from potential witnesses, the contest could neither be equal or fair.

Banda said this was a clear infringement of the right to fair hearing and the right to be afforded adequate time and facilitated for preparation under the Constitution.

But Mr Nchito had opposed the application on grounds that it was an attempt by the defence to delay proceedings and asked the court not to hear the appeal.

Source: Lusaka Times

THE Drug Enforcement Commission has arrested a former Acting Port Manager of Mpulungu Harbour Corporation Limited for money laundering activities involving over K29, 000.

DEC Public Relations Officer Ms Theresa Katongo has told Mwebantu New Media in a statement.

Ms. Katongo stated that Fabian Lyabungwa, 49, a former Acting Port Manager of Mpulungu Harbour Corporation Limited residing at Plot No. 1078 Chulungoma road in Mbala has been arrested for obtaining money by false pretences and possession of property suspected to be proceeds of crime contrary to the laws of Zambia.

She stated that the particulars of the offence are that Fabian Lyabungwa on dates unknown but between 1st October and 31st October 2013, jointly and whilst acting together with other persons unknown in his capacity as Acting Port Manager for Mpulungu Harbour Corporation Limited did fraudulently obtain money amounting to K29, 500 and deposited the said funds in his personal account domiciled at named Bank purporting that the money was meant for a recruitment exercise when in fact not.

She said the accused person has since appeared in court for plea and has denied the charges. However, trial dates have been set for 7th and 11th July, 2014.

Meanwhile, Ms Katongo said, the Commission on the Copperbelt has arrested a 32 year-old Nigerian national for trafficking in cocaine.

Ms. Katongo stated that Prosper Chinaka, 32, a Nigerian businessman of Chimwemwe Township in Kitwe has been arrested for trafficking in cocaine. The suspect was apprehended in Twapya Township at a named filling station as he was about to supply the drugs to his clients.

“The suspect will appear in court soon.” She said.

MEMBERS of the board of directors of the Energy Regulation Board (ERB) are in South Africa to study that country`s energy regulatory framework as part of the efforts to harmonise Zambia`s electricity and petroleum regulatory structure.

This is according to a press statement made available to Mwebantu New Media by the Press Secretary at the Zambian High Commission in Pretoria, Nicky Shabolyo.

The ERB board members, led by the Chairman, Pastor Geoff Mwape, are in Pretoria on a four-day study visit during which they will hold meetings with the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA).

Pastor Mwape said on Wednesday when the team paid a courtesy call on Zambia`s High Commissioner to South Africa, Muyeba Chikonde, that the group has so far attended a public hearing for the petroleum sector and would today, (Thursday) attend a full board meeting of the NERSA as observers.

He said ERB wanted to study South Africa`s approach to issues of regulatory framework in the electricity and petroleum sectors which he said would help resolve some of the long-standing conflicts with the mines and other sectors in Zambia.

Pastor Mwape said it was already encouraging to learn that NERSA holds public hearings for the petroleum sector and various other stakeholders in the energy sector in general. He said he would like to see a situation in Zambia where ERB would be able to hold public hearings with independent power suppliers including those in the petroleum sector as well as opening up existing power supply agreements to public scrutiny.

“We are here to look at the best practices that we can identify with the aim of developing our own framework that can work better for Zambia.”

Pastor Mwape bemoaned the long-term power supply agreements which Zesco signed with the mines saying the agreed tariffs were too low and uneconomical to attract other players in the energy sector.

“In line with the agreements and the current Government policy, Zesco owns the entire power transmission infrastructure in the country and all independent power producers are required to sell their power to Zesco who in turn sells it to their consumers. The downside to this is that the tariff rates at which Zesco agreed to sell to the mines was below cost reflective levels, making the sector unattractive to other investors.”

“This has been a thorny issue to us and we are trying hard to resolve these problems. These agreements were signed some time back to give relief to the mines when copper prices were low but the situation now has changed,” Pastor Mwape explained.

He said there was tremendous potential for investment in electricity generation considering that over 40 per cent of the water bodies in the SADC region were located in Zambia. Further, he said apart from the country experiencing a power deficit, it was also geographically well positioned to serve as a hub from which electricity exports could be done to other countries in the region.

And former Zesco Managing Director, Robinson Mwansa, who is ERB board member, said the visit to South Africa was worthwhile as it would show the team how the country has been able to effect tariff changes without uproar from consumers and other stakeholders.

Mr. Mwansa, who worked for South Africa`s electricity public utility, Electricity Supply Commission (ESCOM) before he was appointed to head Zesco in 1991, said South Africa was a good case study as, apart from being a more developed economy, had some similarities with Zambia.

Meanwhile, ERB Director for Infrastructure and Operations Regulations, Mr. Yohane Mukabe, disclosed that two policies were being worked on and that once finalised would help attract and speed-up investment flows into the power sector.

Mr. Mukabe said the Feed-In Tariff Policy, which is one of the policies, will assure investors that an off-taker, such as Zesco, will buy their power and do so at a price they deem economical.

The Open Access Regime will allow investors to negotiate directly with a potential consumer unlike the current scenario which made it mandatory for power producers to only sell to Zesco. In the new arrangement, Zesco will only be used for transmission services.

Mr. Mukabe said these are government policies which will be implemented by the ERB. The two policies are expected to be in place by mid-next year.

High Commissioner Chikonde pointed out that the Mission in Pretoria was overwhelmed by inquiries on investment opportunities in the energy sector in Zambia, particularly in electricity generation, but lamented that most of this has not translated into direct investment due to lack of a predictable power purchase regulation framework.

He said it was, however, pleasing to learn that the Feed-In Policy and other regulatory frameworks were under development adding that this would translate into massive investment in the electricity generation sector considering the huge number of companies that have expressed interest to invest in Zambia.

The High Commissioner called for closer cooperation between ERB and the Mission so as to provide updated information on the energy sector for use whenever there were inquiries.

“Please keep us abreast on what is happening and provide information to us which we will make use of at the Mission or when we are invited to investment fora,” High Commissioner Chikonde said.

Other members of the team included ERB Executive Director, Ms. Langiwe Lungu; Chief Chimbuka of Chinsali; Ms. Chiluba Mumba and Mr. Bradley Mbewe.

DEMOCRATIC Progressive Party (DPP) supporters and Malawians on Saturday shaded tears of joy following the swearing in of Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika and Saulos Chilima as the president and vice president of the Republic Of Malawi Respectively after winning in a controversial contested elections.

The swear in ceremony which attracted thousands of people was held at Blantyre High Court and was presided by Chief Justice Anastasia Msosa.

” l Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, do solemnly swear that l will well and truly perform the functions of the high office of President of the Republic Of Malawi, and that l will preserve and defend the constitution, and that l will do right to all manner of people according to law without fear of favour, affection or ill-will. So help me God.” the oath marked the end of two years term for Joyce Banda and a new Malawi is born under Mutharika.

In his acceptance speech Mutharika called upon Malawians to unite and build the nation together.

” Lets me call upon all Malawians including the other eleven presidential candidates who have not made to join me and build the nation together. ” he said.

He also saluted his supporters and Malawians for trusting him to be the president of Malawi.

” it has been a long journey but with God’s help we are all here.

Let me thank you all we have fought a good fight.” concluded Malawi’s new president.

Mutharika won with 36.4% of the total votes after beating Malawi Congress Party President Dr Lazarus Chakwera in tight race.

Meanwhile, the outgoing President Joyce Banda has joined other presidential aspirants in congratulating Professor Mutharika despite her earlier order to nullify the elections.

Mutharika will rule the country for the next five years and has taken the responsibility in time when there is rapid corruption in the public sector.

(Story was sent in by By Thumbiko Nyirongo,Malawi Voice Journalist)

MMD President Dr Nevers Mumba has described the warm reception he received by Eastern Province party officials as humbling.

And Dr Mumba has called on the people of Eastern Province not to demonise the ruling Patriotic Front but instead judge the party based on its promises made during the campaigns.

Dr Mumba who was in the province to reorganize and mobilize the party said Eastern Province was the “bed room” of the MMD and that the officials in the province should ensure that it remains so.

On the tour of duty, Dr. Mumba had meetings with officials from Chipata, Chadiza, Vubwi, Malambo, Katete, Sinda and Petauke among other districts and constituencies in the province.

Although the meetings took place in different districts, Dr. Mumba had almost the same massages for the party officials in the province.

He told party members to ensure that they stand on love for one another and to be truthful all the time as lies and hatred will destroy the party.

Dr Mumba said for the party to get back to its past glory, its members needed to work with one another as well as for one another.

The opposition leader further told members that the PF was scared and afraid of the opposition as can be seen from its abuse in the implementation of the Public Order act which the ruling party is using to stifle freedom of association making it difficult for the opposition to reorganize its structures and adequately prepare for the elections in 2016.

Dr. Mumba told party officials that the PF had messed up by promising a lot things that they could not deliver, giving the MMD a chance to reclaim power within the shortest period of time as people know what the MMD can do for them.

On the pessimists saying the former ruling party is finished, Dr. Mumba urged members to ignore such people as leadership is not given by man but God.

He said as long as the party remained intact, MMD stood a better chance of scooping the 2016 elections compared to other political parties as it is the biggest party in the country with a presence in all provinces which other parties including the ruling PF cannot boast of.

And speaking when he featured on Chipata’s Breeze FM, Dr. Mumba asked the people of Eastern Province to compare what the PF has done for the Province and the country at large with the performance of the MMD in power.

He said when the MMD was voted out of office, it left a country with sound economic policies and stable currency as well as an agriculture policy that was putting not only food on the tables of poor people but some extra money for school fees as well as other essentials which he said the PF has destroyed in less than 3 years of being in office.

He accused the PF government of not caring about the poor in Zambia as can be seen from the harsh and unfriendly economic conditions that are currently prevailing in the country.
And speaking shortly before departure for Lusaka on Thursday to attend the NEC meeting scheduled for Saturday, Eastern Province Executive Committee Chairman Alexander Miti said the visit by Dr Mumba was timely and encouraging to the members in the province.

Mr. Miti said Dr Mumba’s visit will encourage officials in the province to work extra hard as they have been motivated by their leader.

The MMD leader also visited Chief Zingalume of Chadiza and witnessed Headman Simalambo of Mkaika renounce his association with the PF.

Headman Simalambo said he had campaigned for the PF in the last by-election but was going back to the MMD after noticing that the PF was not a factor in the province.

THE National Executive Council (NEC) of the Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) during a meeting held at Chrismar Hotel in Lusaka, has resolved to strip NEC membership of Vice Presidents Michael Kaingu and Brian Chituwo, Lucky Mulusa, Dora Siliya, and Tobias Kafumukache.

The meeting comes in the wake of the Lusaka High Court ruling that dismissed the contempt of court case against the former ruling party president Nevers Mumba.

And commenting on the NEC decision to strip NEC membership to the five, MMD National Secretary Muhabi Lungu said that the five affected members will remain ordinary members of the party.

The stripping of NEC membership to the five is perceived as a victory for MMD President Nevers Mumba and MMD National Party Secretary Muhabi Lungu, who for many months have been battling for control of the party against the rebel group.

The in-fighting within the former ruling party MMD concerns some elements of the party who believe that Nevers Mumba is failing to lead as party president, with numerous by-elections being lost and a general failure to raise campaign funds. While on the other hand, Nevers Mumba has blamed the ruling PF as trying to cause confusion in the MMD.

THE opening of a mission in South Korea will position Zambia to learn from one of the most advanced economies in the world and facilitate the transfer of technology, skills and knowledge in different sectors including electronics, manufacturing and telecommunications.

This is according to a press statement issued by KPR Consulting on behalf of: Samsung Electronics and made available to Mwebantu New Media.

And Samsung Electronics country manager for Zambia James Chona has congratulated Mumba Kapumpa on his recent appointment as Ambassador to South Korea, noting that the appointment underlines the importance that the Zambian government has placed on ties with one of the world’s diversified economies.

“The opening of a mission in South Korea is welcome news as it will foster bilateral and economic ties between the two countries. While direct investment has come through with firms like Samsung Electronics, formal ties between Zambia and South Korea will open up opportunities for diversified investment into the country.”

Chona added that South Korea’s diversified economy would provide Zambia with a learning curve on how the country has in the last four decades registered incredible growth to become a high-tech industrialized economy.

“The obvious expectation is for investment into Zambia to increase but there are also opportunities to learn from South Korea on how it has developed its economy without having significant natural resources. We can see this in how, for instance, Samsung has grown to become a major global firm with diversified interests in electronics, medical devices, semiconductors and construction.”

Chona said as one of South Korea’s largest firms, Samsung employs 270,000 people across 79 countries with annual sales of US$187.8 billion. He noted that Samsung has operated in Zambia over the last three years and the firm is delighted to see ties cemented between the two countries.

“This is also an opportunity for South Korean businesses to expand their investments and tap into the many opportunities within the Zambian economy. We wish Ambassador Kapumpa success in South Korea and remain committed to supporting efforts to strengthen ties between the two countries.”

THE HON. Minister of Tourism and Arts Jean Kapata arrives tomorrow 3rd June, 2014 in Santiago de Compostela – Spain to attend the UNWTO 98TH Executive Council on the invitation by the UNWTO Secretary General Dr. Taleb Rifai.

This is according to a statement issued by UNWTO Liaison Officer for Zambia in Santiago de Compostela, Spain,Percy Mabvuto Ngwira

The Hon. Minister and her delegation will also attend the UNWTO Seminar on Public-Private Partnerships “Tangible and Intangible Heritage and Innovative Tourism Products” in collaboration with the UNESCO World Heritage Cities of Spain. The Executive Council is UNWTO’s governing board, responsible for ensuring that the ‎Organization carries out its work and adheres to its budget. It meets at least twice a year and is ‎composed by Members elected by the General Assembly in a ratio of one for every ‎five Full Members. As host country of UNWTO´s Headquarters, Spain has a permanent ‎seat on the Executive Council. Representatives of the Associate Members and Affiliate ‎Members participate in Executive Council meetings as observers. Zambia is attending this Executive Council meeting as current Co-President of the
UNWTO General Assembly.

The Hon. Minister has a busy schedule that includes a meeting that will bring together all African Ministers of tourism to meet on 6th June, 2014. Together, the UNWTO and the AU are willing to serve the reinforcement of the tourism sector in Africa and to formalize their collaboration the two Institutions will be signing a Memorandum of Understanding in July, at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa.

Prior to the signature of the MOU and using the opportunity of the 98th session of the UNWTO Executive Council, UNWTO has decided to invite all African Minister responsible for Tourism for a meeting to discuss the collaboration between the AU and UNWTO as well as tourism and aviation issues.

After her meeting in Santiago de Compostela the Hon. Minister will be travel to Madrid, Spain to the UNWTO Headquarters for an official visit where she will hold a private meeting with UNWTO Secretary General and receive presentations from various departments of the UNWTO Secretariat. On the evening of 9th June, 2014 the Hon. Minister will join other tourism Minister for a working dinner at the invitation of the UNWTO Secretary General Taleb Rifai.
The Ministers her delegation are expected back in Zambia on 11th June, 2014.

UNIONISED workers at the state owned Times of Zambia newspaper have gone on strike demanding to be paid their three months’ salary arrears.

The workers have locked the main entrance to the company offices on Freedom way road leaving everyone outside including management staff.

The workers are calling for the President’s intervention into the financial matters of Zambia’s first newspaper company.

The workers have complained of having had to endure the cost of transport and fending for their families without any concern from management.

The workers have further accused management of being unfair on their part as they make money in adverts and stories but alleged poor planning has been the problem.

THE Drug Enforcement Commission has arrested and jointly charged an accountant and a businessman of Lusaka for money laundering activities involving over K420.000.

DEC Assistant Public Relations Officer Mrs Chibu Mwansa Tembo has told Mwebantu New Media in a statement

Mrs Tembo stated that Iden Milimo Chilala, 26, of House No. 34 Musukwa Street, Libala Stage 2 in Lusaka has been arrested and jointly charged with Brain Kawala, 31, a Businessman of the same abode for Theft and Money Laundering contrary to Cap 87 and Act No. 14 of 2001 as amended with Act 44 of 2010 of the laws of Zambia.

She explained that the particulars of the offence are that Iden Milimo Chilala on dates unknown but between 1st January, 2013 and 30th April, 2014, jointly and whilst acting together with Brian Kawala and other persons unknown in his capacity as Assistant Accountant of Dolomite Aggregates Limited did steal K428, 519.00 by fraudulently transferring funds belonging to the said company into various ghost workers accounts held at a named Commercial bank purporting that the money was meant for salaries when in fact not.

Meanwhile, Mrs Tembo said the Commission in Western Province has arrested two (02) Peasant farmers for trafficking in cannabis.

“Gift Maliti, 21, a Peasant farmer of Kanyuka area in Western Province has been arrested for trafficking in 28.8kg of loose cannabis and Morris Mutumba, 30, of Mangamu area in Western Province for trafficking in loose cannabis weighing 6.1kg.” Mrs Tembo said

And on the Copperbelt, Mrs Tembo said, the Commission has arrested Credence Chiluba of House No. 219 Section E Kankoyo Township in Mufulira for trafficking in loose cannabis weighing 10kg.

THE Kwacha surged against the dollar in swing trading, to end four consecutive weeks of decline against the foreign currency.

The local currency was overall bullish on the day with large upward moves characterizing activity on the day. The currency was spurred on in the day by both inter-bank and corporate dollar selling with buyers coming in at intraday lows of K 6.45/K6.47.

The Kwacha by close of market was trading at K 6.49 and K 6.51, up 2 ngwee on the day and is likely to keep a bullish momentum in the short term trading between.

Mwebantu New Media, understands that the local unit is expected to hold on to its gains with support continuing to come from local players in demand for the Kwacha.

Last month, the kwacha continued to come under pressure because of a low supply of dollars on the market, coupled with lower copper prices and a tax dispute with mines curbed foreign-exchange supply.

A COMBINED TEAM of the Zambia Police, the Zambia Wildlife Authority (ZAWA) and African Parks have arrested two suspects in the murder of Liuwa Plains National Park Ranger, Dexter Chilandu who was killed last week.

ZAWA Communications and public relations officer Mwila Readith Muliyunda has told Mwebantu New Media in statement that Malambo Kanyumbu and another suspect at the moment only identified as Kalaluka, both male, were apprehended in Lukulu on 1st June, 2014 by a team that had consistently followed the suspects’ foot tracks and piecing of information provided by members of the community.

She said the investigations led the team to a village called Mema, where the suspects were believed to have come from. However, the suspects were reported to have crossed over to Lukulu that day, where a manhunt was launched and they were found and arrested.

She stated that the duo was also found with one AK47 rifle, which they took from the late Mr Chilandu on the day he was murdered. The shotgun, which was used to shoot him was also recovered. The suspects will be transferred from Lukulu to Kalabo where they will be tried.

“ZAWA is grateful for the well co-ordinated investigations by the Zambia Police, ZAWA and African Parks and for the help and corporation rendered by the communities who provided the relevant information that led to the arrests. Mr Chilunda was shot in the chest while investigating gunshots which had been heard by Park Rangers stationed at a ranger outpost in the Park. The incident happened on 23rd May, 2014.” She said

(Picture by ZAWA PR)

LUSAKA’S popular commercial radio station, HOT FM has alleged that there are plans by government to arrest its popular breakfast show hosts Hope & Chi and shut it down.

It is alleged that the planned arrest of the popular duo has to do with a story regarding President Sata’s reported evacuation on which the special Assistant to the President for Press and Public Relations Mr. George Chellah was quoted refuting the story.

In the story aired on Tuesday, May 27 2014 on its breakfast news, Hot FM reported that State House had refuted that President Sata had been evacuated on Sunday after he fell ill.

In the clip to the story, Mr. Chellah could be heard saying the evacuation story was not true and that President Sata was well. Hot FM went ahead and ran the story and aired Mr. Chellah voice refuting the story.

But since Tuesday, plain clothed police officers have frequented Hot FM a number of occasions and summoned Hot FM Chief Executive Officer Zach Chavula regarding the story.

The officers have also obtained statements from Hope, the Programmes Manager and a Reporter who authored the story.
And Hot FM Chief Operations Officer Oscar Chavula confirmed that police officers have been frequenting the radio station from last week and getting different statements from employees.

“Clearly, this borders on intimidation, they are set on harassing us with the hope that we will cow down and start singing their praises but they are mistaken. The President himself has said people are free to debate his health and the story we ran had no ethical issues,” Mr Chavula said.

“Even this morning, the breakfast show crew was literally broadcasting under lock them, the officers were waiting to interrogate them just as they finish their shows. This is unacceptable and goes against the tenets of free press.”
And a letter signed by Acting Independent Broadcasting Authority Acting Director General Eustace Nkandu dated May 29 2014 directed Hot FM management to apologise during the same breakfast show and all prime time programmes for the next one week.

“From our findings we deemed the contents of the show unethical and inappropriate. Discussions of health status ate personal issues and should not be discussed in the public domain regardless of the social standing of the individual,” the letter read.

“The letter of apology to State House is required to enable the complainant know that the compliant has been dealt with as pursuant to Section 36 (3) which provides that the Authority shall notify the complainant of the results of such an investigation.”

But Hot FM management wrote to IBA seeking clarity on the nature of the complaint and the complainant in particular.
In a letter written by Hot FM Station Manager Rodgers Twala, Hot FM requested asked the IBA to state the exact words which were deemed offensive and requiring retraction.

“The complainant (State House) is too general and is not a legal person, further, as a Station, we are concerned that we have not been given an opportunity to be heard and yet clearly we have already been sanctioned by the Independent Broadcasting Authority which we find very unusual,” the letter read.

PRESIDENT Michael Chilufya Sata has congratulated Prof. Arthur Peter Mutharika on his election victory in the just ended tripartite elections.

This is according to a press statement made available to Mwebantu New Media in Lusaka yesterday by the Special Assistant to the President for Press and Public Relations, George Chellah.

The Head of State says His Excellency, Prof. Mutharika’s election victory is an attestation of the confidence the people of Malawi have entrusted in him to guide them on the path to prosperity.

“The peaceful process of the change of power demonstrates the maturity of democracy in your country as well as the aspirations of the people of Malawi to live in continued peace and harmony. As the Malawian people celebrate your victory, I wish to reaffirm my Government’s desire to maintain the excellent fraternal relations that already exist between our two sisterly countries,” President Sata says.

“I, therefore, look forward to working closely with Your Excellency, in exploring new areas of cooperation for the mutual benefit of our two peoples. Please accept, Your Excellency and Dear Brother, my best wishes for your personal good health as well as success in discharging the functions of the highest office in the Republic of Malawi.”

A GHANAIAN pastor, Kofi King was on Sunday arrested by police while in church for allegedly defiling and impregnating a 15-year old girl, Lusaka Province Commissioner of Police Lemmy Kajoba has confirmed.

This is according to Lusaka’s HOT FM Radio as monitored by Mwebantu New Media.

Mr Kajoba said King, 36, who runs Miracle Embassy Church in Lusaka’s Woodlands is alleged to have defiled the girl around October last year and convinced the family of the girl not to report the matter to police.

The girl who is a pupil is now six months pregnant.

King is remanded at Woodlands Police Station and will appear in court today.

“The church tried to hush the matter but some concerned relatives reported the matter to police on Sunday,” Mr Kajoba said.

He said according to the girl, the incident happened when she sought solace from the “man of God” after her father who was a military officer serving in Sudan died in combat.

“She was going to his church for consolation but the man decided to go beyond that and decided to defile her,” Mr Kajoba said.

He expressed disappointment with the church members for trying to suppress the matter.

“Even some lawyers who go to that church have been saying the man did not defile the girl. This is very sad indeed,” Mr Kajoba said.

“As police, we are aware of lot of cases involving pastors being involved in illegal sexual escapades,” he said.

THERE were dramatic scenes of protests in Chilenje Township in Lusaka as residents went on a rampage burning tyres and stoning vehicles, protesting against an accident that killed a woman.

Residents have cried out over continuous accidents on the Kalomo road. The residents further accused Given Lubinda their area Member of Parliament of not hearing to their demands for speed humps on the Kalomo road.

Eye witness who spoke with Mwebantu New Media stated that the accident happened when an an over speeding Pajero hit into a small car killing one occupant and injuring two children in it.

No further violence has been reported, but the area remained tense.

(Picture by Mulenga Mwesa)

ACTING LABOUR Minister Chishimba Kambwili has directed management at the state owned Times of Zambia to pay workers their three months salary arrears within two weeks.

Mr Kambwili who is also Sports and Youth Minister said it is totally unacceptable for a Government institution like the Times of Zambia to fail to pay its workers.

He told a media briefing that management at the Times of Zambia must find money to pay the workers within 14 days.
“I hereby issue a 14 day ultimatum for management to source for funds to clear the three months’ salary arrears. I don’t care how they do it, all I want to see is that the Journalists at the Times are paid,” Mr Kambwili said.

Mr Kambwili added that failing to pay workers at a Government institution is highly embarrassing.

“You know my stance about labour issues and I don’t want to be party to a group that fails to pay its workers, this is unacceptable and embarrassing. I want the M.D and the HR Director to find money within 14 days to pay the workers.”

He said Government will not allow industrial unrest at Government institutions arising from failure to pay workers on time.

Yesterday, unionized workers at the state owned Times of Zambia newspaper went on strike demanding to be paid their three months’ salary arrears. The workers locked the main entrance to the company offices on Freedom way road leaving everyone outside including management staff.

The workers complained of having had to endure the cost of transport and fending for their families without any concern from management.

The workers have further accused management of being unfair on their part as they make money in adverts and stories but alleged poor planning has been the problem.

A MAZABUKA MAGISTRATES court has committed to the high court for sentencing a 49 year old head teacher of Nameembo Basic School in Chikankata district who recently indecently assaulted a pupil in his office.

Magistrate Greenwell Malumani committed Lloyd Chibwanta to the high court for sentencing after his court found him guilty of committing the offence of indecent assault on females.

Chibwanta who was arrested on 29th November 2013 in Chikankata District facing one count of indecent assault on a female contrary to section 137 cap 87 act number 15 0f 2005 of the laws of Zambia appeared for sentencing in court
Facts before the court were that the on 28th November 2013, Chibwanta indecently assaulted a grade nine pupil at Nameembo Basic School.

Magistrate Malumani said teachers should desist from having sexual relationships with their pupils.

He added that the trend of teachers indulging themselves in sexual activities with pupils were on the increase in Mazabuka district.

He said it was the duty of the court to bring offenders and other would be offenders to book and face the wrath of the law for abusing their powers.

The Magistrate then convicted the accused person and stated that the offence he committed is a serious offence, which carries a minimal sentence of 15 years, therefore his court has no jurisdiction to give the sentence and he committed Chibwanta to the high court for sentencing and remanded him in custody.

He said the sentence that would be given to Chibwanta by the court should serve as a deterrent to other teachers who are supposed to lead an exemplary life noting that teachers are role models in society and should therefore behave as such.

Chibwanta was arrested by police in the area after he was caught by his deputy head teacher having sexual intercourse with the named girl who was his pupil and had just written her grade nine examination at the same school.

THE kwacha failed to hold on to gains tapped from yesterday’s trading session as it relinquished its vigour to close the day at at K 6.73 and K 6.75 per US dollar, down by 5 ngwee on the day.

According to the Bank of Zambia rates as monitored by Mwebantu New Media ,the local currency opened trading at K6.69 and K 6.71 per dollar for bid and offer, respectively, and traded flat for most of the morning. However, just before the lunch break at 12:30 hours, the local unit received a battering to close at K 6.76/K6.78 per dollar, on the back of some sustained dollar demand.

Yesterday, the Kwacha surged against the dollar in swing trading, to end four consecutive weeks of decline against the foreign currency. The local currency was overall bullish on the day with large upward moves characterizing activity on the day.