Pali Akantunse (2025)

20/06/2025

Lungu Family Confirms Private Burial in South Africa

The family of the late former President Edgar Chagwa Lungu has announced that his funeral and burial will take place in South Africa, in line with the family’s wish for a private ceremony.

In a statement issued by family spokesperson Hon. Makebi Zulu, the Lungu family expressed deep gratitude for the outpouring of support and condolences received from across the continent and beyond during what they described as an emotionally challenging period.

The family extended special appreciation to the Government of the Republic of South Africa for respecting their decision and upholding the family's right to a private farewell, in accordance with the South African Constitution.

“The non-interference and respect for our wishes have allowed us the space to mourn and celebrate the life of our beloved Edgar Chagwa Lungu with dignity and peace,” the statement read.

The family also acknowledged the visit of South Africa’s Minister for International Relations, Mr. Ronald Lamola, who personally delivered a message of condolence on behalf of President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Calling for peace and unity among Zambians, the family thanked all supporters and members of the public for their compassion and understanding, emphasizing that the former Head of State will be laid to rest in Johannesburg in a private ceremony.

Details of the funeral and burial arrangements are expected to be announced in due course.

20/06/2025

PRESS STATEMENT FROM THE EDGAR CHAGWA LUNGU FAMILY.

For Immediate Release

On behalf of the Lungu family, we wish to announce that the funeral and burial of our beloved Dr Edgar Chagwa Lungu will take place here in South Africa, in accordance with the family’s wishes for a private ceremony.

This period has been deeply emotional for family, and we are grateful for the overwhelming support and condolences extended to the family from across the continent and the globe.

We would especially like to extend our sincere appreciation to the Government of the Republic of South Africa for their respectful support and for honouring the family’s decision to hold a private funeral and burial here in South Africa.

Your non-interference and respect of the South African Constitution and rights of the family and the desire of the family is commendable and will give space to mourn and celebrate the life of our loved Edgar Chagwa Lungu in dignity and peace.

The visit of the Honourabke Minister for International Relations, Mr Ronald Lamola, was heartwarming when he came to convey a message of condolences on behalf of President Cyril Ramaposa.

The Lungu family continues to seek peace and unity amongst fellow Zambians during this time and thanks all friends, supporters, and members of the public for their understanding, compassion and willingness to mourn the former head of state who, as it has been resolved by the family, will be buried here in Johannesburg South Africa at a private funeral.

Further details regarding the funeral arrangements and burial will be shared to the Zambian and South African public in due course.

Issued by:
Hon. Makebi Zulu
Family Spokesperson

Date: 20th June 2025.

20/06/2025

🇿🇲 EFF Calls for Respect of Lungu Family’s Wishes in Wake of Presidential Funeral Row 🇿🇲

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has responded to President Hakainde Hichilema’s national address on the late Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu’s funeral arrangements with a strong call for compassion, respect, and accountability.

EFF President Kasonde Mwenda, in a statement issued Wednesday evening, welcomed President Hichilema’s message of peace and unity but stressed that the most heartfelt apology should go to the Lungu family and the people of Zambia—not just to regional leaders.

“While we appreciate the President’s call for unity, the family of our late President Lungu has endured immense pain and mistreatment during this period of national mourning. True reconciliation must begin with them,” said Mr. Mwenda.

He expressed full solidarity with the Lungu family, defending their decision to pause and reflect before proceeding with funeral plans. He emphasized that the family’s right to mourn and carry out the late President’s wishes must be protected from political influence.

“President Lungu was not just a national figure—he was a husband, a father, a brother. The family has every right to preserve his dignity according to his instructions, without intrusion or politicization,” he added.

The EFF further noted that there is no legal obligation for the state to take over funeral arrangements, and reminded the nation that families, not governments, carry the emotional weight of such loss.

Mr. Mwenda called on all political actors and the public to support and respect the Lungu family’s decisions, urging a return to compassion, empathy, and unity as guiding national values.

🕊️ “May President Edgar Chagwa Lungu rest in eternal peace. And may his family find strength in the love and support of a grateful nation,” the EFF President concluded.

🔴

20/06/2025

President Hichilema Declares End to National Mourning for Late President Edgar Lungu 🇿🇲

President Hakainde Hichilema has announced the official end of the national mourning period for Zambia’s sixth Republican President, Mr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu, following a deadlock with the Lungu family over burial arrangements.

In a national address on Thursday evening, President Hichilema said Zambia could not remain in a state of indefinite mourning. He noted that government had done everything possible to engage the late President’s family, with a mutual agreement reached on Sunday to repatriate the body and hold a state funeral on Monday, June 23. However, the family withdrew from this plan at the last moment.

The President expressed regret over the cancellation of arrangements that had been made in Zambia and South Africa, including full military honors prepared by the South African Defence Force, and apologized to President Cyril Ramaphosa and the people of South Africa for the inconvenience caused.

🕯️ “We’ve reached a point where a clear decision has to be made,” said the President. “This period of national mourning is officially over as of today, June 19, 2025, so that the country can begin returning to normalcy.”

President Hichilema emphasized that while Mr. Lungu belonged to his family, he also belonged to the Zambian people, and deserved to be laid to rest in his own country.

He thanked Zambians for their patience, unity, and respect during the past 14 days of mourning, and praised the efforts of all who participated in efforts to resolve the impasse, including church leaders, traditional leaders, envoys, and senior government officials.

🙏 “Let us continue to maintain peace and order,” he said. “No amount of lawlessness will be tolerated.”

The President reiterated that the government remains open to further engagement with the Lungu family and extended heartfelt condolences once again to the family and the nation.

🕊️ May the soul of our former President, Mr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu, rest in eternal peace. 🇿🇲

05/06/2025

BREAKING NEWS
UPDATE TO THE TERRIBLE NEWS POST.

Former Zambian & 6th republican President, Edgar Chagwa Lungu has Reportedly Died in South Africa.

Unconfirmed reports suggest that former Zambian President Edgar Chagwa Lungu was admitted to a hospital earlier this morning for a routine medical check-up but later developed complications.

Please note that both the family and authorities are yet to confirm this report.

#

22/05/2025

Suspected Brothel Disguised as Massage Parlour Busted in Kitwe

Police in Kitwe have launched an investigation following the discovery of a suspected brothel operating under the guise of a massage parlour in a residential area of Parklands.

The operation, located at House No. 9, Mumbwa Close, off Chandamali Road, was reportedly being run by 28-year-old Kimberly Mbewe, a businesswoman of Kitwe, under the name Devine Massage Spur.

The matter was brought to light after Rodney Banda, 41, Director of Public Health at Kitwe City Council, filed a report on behalf of the local authority. The report, followed community complaints dating back to February 2024. Residents raised concerns about suspicious activities at the premises, alleging that the establishment was operating as a s*x den rather than a legitimate massage business.

On May 20, 2025, the Kitwe City Council conducted a joint operation with police officers at the premises. Eleven women, aged between 22 and 31, were found at the location, reportedly dressed indecently.

A search of the property, a rented three-bedroom house owned by Sydney Banda of Solwezi, revealed that one room was fitted with a massage bed while the other two contained ordinary beds filled with women's personal belongings, suggesting the house was being used as a residence by the workers.

Authorities also recovered a number of used condoms, reportedly brought in by a concerned neighbor who previously lodged a complaint after his juvenile son found a used condom discarded outside the property.

The proprietor, Kimberly Mbewe, was detained alongside ten other women on allegations of living off the earnings of prostitution. Those arrested include, Naomi Phiri, 31, of Chamba Valley, Lusaka, Jacklin Chileshe, 29, of Chomboli Township, Kitwe, Chewe Chanda, 25, of Kamfinsa Plots, Kitwe, Prisca Kasola, of Chachacha Township, Kitwe, and Tricia Nanyangwe, 24, of Hillcrest, Ndola.

Others are Chikondi Phiri, 24, of Matero Township, Kitwe, Nema Bwalya, of Hillcrest, Ndola, Cindy Musonda, 23, of Maganda Compound, Kabwe, Martha Chibwe, 23, of Petauke Crescent, Ndola and Precious Zulu, 22, of Kabanana Compound, Lusaka.

According to Copperbelt Police Commissioner, Pethias Siandenge, Interviews conducted with the suspects reportedly confirmed that s*xual services were being offered to clients in addition to massage treatments.

A police docket has been opened, and further investigations are underway, with authorities indicating that more updates will follow as the matter progresses.

PALI AKANTUNSE

23/03/2025

ZNS PLEDGES TO CONTINUE BEING A FORCE OF NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Zambia National Service-ZNS commander Lieutenant General Maliti Solochi says the service will continue to be a force of national development through reasonably priced projects costs.

Speaking during the launch of the 30 meters Aluni macro bridge in Kanchibiya Constituency that ZNS was contracted to construct at a cost of K8.3 Millon , Lieutenant General Solochi also disclosed that 30 locals were employed on the project.

The ZNS commander has also urged Kanchibiya residents to report any incidents to relevant authorities, that may involve ZNS officers bearing children while working in the area but fail to take responsibility.

And infrastructure, housing and urban development minister Charles Milupi says among the impending road projects is the Mpika-Serenje Road and has hailed the role the Zambia National Service-ZNS is playing in fostering national development through projects.

Meanwhile, Road Development Agency-RDA board of directors chairperson, Malchand Kuntawala, disclosed that 24 macro bridges out of the targeted 131, will be installed this year in areas requiring such infrastructure.

23/03/2025

17-YEAR OLD TANZANIAN NATIONAL ARRESTED FOR SO**MY

A 17-year-old Tanzanian national has been arrested in Kitwe for allegedly sodomizing an 8-year-old boy. The incident occurred on March 19, 2025, at around 06:30 hrs at Buchi Township.

According to reports, the victim is an 8-year old boy who was taken to the accused's makeshift shop, where he was undressed and subjected to unlawful carnal knowledge.

The boy sustained painful injuries and reported the incident to his mother, who then informed her husband. The case was subsequently reported to the police, leading to the arrest of the accused, John Musa.

The police have opened a docket, and the accused is currently in custody.

23/03/2025

EFF DEMANDS IMMEDIATE FUEL PRICE REDUCTION, ACCUSES THE UPND OF CORRUPTION

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have called for an immediate reduction in fuel prices, accusing the ruling UPND government of facilitating a business cartel that is allegedly overcharging Zambians by K15 per liter.

In a strongly worded statement, EFF President Kasonde Mwenda claimed that the government has knowingly allowed this "daylight robbery," leading to unnecessary financial strain on ordinary citizens. He further alleged that the corruption stems from the single-sourcing of Agro-Fuel Limited, a company linked to the UPND, to supply fuel through the TAZAMA pipeline.

"The people of Zambia are being swindled out of K15 per liter, and the UPND government refuses to act," Mwenda stated. "This deliberate economic sabotage must be stopped immediately."

He accused the government of ignoring the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) directive for an open and competitive bidding process for fuel suppliers, a condition tied to Zambia’s debt assistance program. Instead, he argued, the government continues to manipulate fuel prices despite a significant drop in international supply costs.

According to Mwenda, the current diesel price of over K32 per liter is a result of this alleged exploitation. He cited a News Diggers report revealing that TAZAMA Pipelines Limited awarded fuel supply contracts at $54 per metric ton for May 2025, a sharp decrease from the previous $113 per metric ton. However, despite this reduction, pump prices have remained artificially high.

"Mr. Hakainde Hichilema promised to reduce fuel prices by eliminating middlemen, but under his leadership, the situation has worsened," he said. "The government has chosen to enrich cartels instead of providing relief to struggling Zambians."

The EFF has vowed to continue pressuring the government for transparency and fairness in fuel pricing. Mwenda urged Zambians to reject what he called "UPND’s corrupt governance" and support the EFF in the 2026 elections.

As part of its economic reform agenda, the EFF has pledged to Immediately reduce fuel prices to reflect actual market rates, reopen the INDENI Refinery to cut fuel production costs, End exploitation in the energy sector and prioritize ordinary citizens over cartels.

He said the EFF stands with the people of Zambia and will not allow this exploitation to continue.

23/03/2025

LUSAKA PASTOR ARRESTED FOR R**E

The Zambia Police Service, through the Victim Support Unit at Kanyama Police Station, has apprehended and formally charged Peter Mulenga, a 35-year-old resident of Garden House Compound.

The suspect, who is a pastor of Prayer House Ministries Church, who also claims to be a lawyer, operates at Mukwasi Private School in Lusaka, was arrested on allegations of r**e.

Upon being warned and cautioned regarding the offence of r**e and further asked concerning his legal credentials, he opted to remain silent and failed to provide any documentation proving he is a qualified lawyer.

The arrest follows a report filed on March 14, 2025, at 14:00 hours by an 18-year-old female victim from Mbasela area, Old Kanyama Compound, Lusaka.

The victim reported that she was r**ed by the suspect on two separate occasions—on March 3, 2025, at approximately 10:00 hours and on March 4, 2025, at around 08:00 hours—at the suspect’s residence.

Preliminary investigations reveal that the victim and her parents are members of the suspect’s church. At some point, the suspect requested that the victim stay with his family, claiming he would assist with her education. However, on the mentioned dates and times, when the suspect and the victim were alone at home, he allegedly sneaked into her room and r**ed her repeatedly.

The victim later confided in her parents, who facilitated her departure from the suspect’s home and reported the matter to the police.

A medical report was issued as part of the investigation. Following his arrest, the suspect is currently in police detention and will appear in court soon.

The Zambia Police Service reiterates its commitment to ensuring justice for victims of s*xual offences and urges the public to report such crimes immediately.

This will ensure swift and timely legal action being taken against the perpetrators

Rae Hamoonga
POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER

23/03/2025

CHAMA RESIDENTS PROTEST AGAINST 2025 TEACHER RECRUITMENT

The 2025 teacher recruitment process has sparked outrage in Chama District, with Member of Parliament for Chama North, Hon. Yotam Mtayachalo, calling the exercise “extremely disappointing.”

In a press statement, Mtayachalo expressed concern that many local applicants, who had been recommended for recruitment by the District Board Secretary’s office, were left out in favor of candidates from other districts. He questioned the fairness of the process and demanded an explanation from the Teaching Service Commission (TSC) and the Ministry of Education.

"The majority of teachers recruited for Chama are from outside the district, raising more questions than answers," he said. "The TSC must provide honest answers as to why our local applicants, who are in the database, have been sidelined."

Mtayachalo warned that hiring non-local teachers contributes to a worsening pupil-teacher ratio in the district, as many of these recruits do not stay long. He noted that once employed, many seek transfers to urban areas under the pretext of medical reasons, leaving rural schools understaffed.

"This is totally unacceptable," he declared. "We shall no longer allow our district to be used as a stepping stone for people who have no intention of serving here. The same issue is happening in the health sector, compromising public service delivery."

The MP further challenged the TSC to clarify its recruitment process, warning that the people of Chama would not accept the newly recruited teachers without a satisfactory explanation. He vowed to closely monitor the upcoming teacher replacement process, set to be announced in two weeks, to ensure that local applicants are not disadvantaged again.

Calling for unity among stakeholders, including traditional and religious leaders, Mtayachalo urged them to demand transparency from the relevant authorities.

"The people of Chama have enough trained teachers who are ready to serve their homeland, yet they remain unemployed. This is grossly unfair, and enough is enough," he concluded.

The controversy highlights ongoing challenges in rural teacher recruitment, with concerns that favoritism and systemic issues continue to disadvantage local candidates.

22/03/2025

SUNDAY CHANDA SINGING PRAISES TO HAKAINDE HICHILEMA. is he set to represent the UPND Zambia UPND IN 2026 FROM Patriotic Front - PF ?

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