The Bangweulu Digest

16/10/2025

𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐈𝐌𝐌𝐄𝐃𝐈𝐀𝐓𝐄 𝐑𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐄
𝙻𝚞𝚜𝚊𝚔𝚊, 𝚃𝚑𝚞𝚛𝚜𝚍𝚊𝚢, 𝟷𝟼𝚝𝚑 𝙾𝚌𝚝𝚘𝚋𝚎𝚛 𝟸0𝟸𝟻.

𝐃𝐄𝐂 𝐒𝐞𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐬 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝟖 𝐓𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐔𝐒𝐃𝟐𝟑𝟎,𝟎𝟎𝟎 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐞𝐢𝐭 𝐃𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬

The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC), has made several arrests in recent operations, targeting illegal drug cultivation and trafficking, as well as counterfeit currency possession.

In a joint operation with the Zambia Police Service, Immigration Department, and the Department for National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) in Eastern Province, seven (7) individuals were arrested in Muzambwe village of Mfuwe area in Mambwe district. The suspects were found with a staggering quantity of 8.1 tonnes of fresh cannabis and 101 kilogrammes of dry loose cannabis.

The suspects have been identified as Spain Sakala, male aged 26, found with 1.7 tonnes of fresh cannabis plants and 51 kilogrammes of dry loose cannabis, Julius Zulu, male aged 19, found with 1.6 tonnes of fresh cannabis plants and 15.7 kilogrammes of dry loose cannabis. William Phiri, male aged 63, found with 1.531 tonnes of fresh cannabis plants and 35.3 kilogrammes of dry loose cannabis. Luckson Sakala, male aged 55, and Sinoya Sakala, male aged 61, jointly charged after being found with 1.3 tonnes of fresh cannabis plants. Moses Banda, male aged 32, found with 1.7 tonnes of fresh cannabis plants and Benson Nkhoma, male aged 33, found with 236 kilogrammes of fresh cannabis.

Meanwhile, in Nchelenge District, DEC has arrested Priscovia Kaoma, female aged 37, for trafficking in 70.7 kilogrammes of dry loose cannabis. The illicit drugs were found concealed in dry banana barks and meticulously packed in polythene sacks, ready for distribution to the market.

The arrests follow sustained surveillance and intelligence operations aimed at disrupting illegal cannabis cultivation and trafficking networks that have taken root in some remote parts of the country.

In another separate operation, the DEC in Mumbwa District conducted a sophisticated intelligence-led operation that occasioned the arrest and joint charging of four (04) suspects for the offence of possession of counterfeit United States currency valued at USD 230,000. The suspects were nabbed at a named lodge and have been identified as Eddie Saidi Marugujo, male aged 55, Muhammad Hashimi, male aged 47, Siuluta Obson, male aged 53 and Mariam Namwinga, female aged 48.

All the suspects are in custody awaiting to appear before competent courts.

The Commission reiterates its commitment to strengthened collaboration with stakeholders in order to combat drug-related and financial crimes. This is key to safeguarding communities, protecting vulnerable groups, and preserving the integrity of the national economy.

The public is therefore, encouraged to continue playing an active role by reporting suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies so that by acting together, we can effectively prevent, detect and combat crime.

Issued by:

Allan Tamba
Public Relations Officer
Drug Enforcement Commission

15/10/2025

PRESS STATEMENT

MURDER AND SHOOTING INCIDENT – LUSAKA

October15, 2025 – the Anti-Break-Ins Unit under Lusaka Division recorded a shooting incident today October 15, 2025, around 11:00 hours along Mumbwa Road in Lusaka, in which two male criminals were fatally wounded during an exchange of fire between police officers and suspected armed criminals
The incident followed an intelligence-led operation earlier this morning around 09:00 hours, when officers received information that a group of known armed criminals had been spotted at Central Shopping Mall in Kabulonga. Upon arrival, the suspects spotted the officers and sped off in a white Toyota Mark X, registration number BLA 8306.

A hot pursuit ensued, leading to Pinnacle Mall, where three suspects abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot. Officers managed to apprehend two suspects, identified as George Chuma and MududuziMoyo, both wanted for Theft from Motor Vehicles and Breaking into Buildings in shopping malls and the Central Business District (CBD).

During interrogations, one of the suspects received a phone call from an accomplice unaware of their arrest, indicating that they were along Mumbwa Road. Officers, accompanied by the two suspects, proceeded to the said location to apprehend the remaining suspects. Upon arrival, the criminals opened fire on the police, prompting the officers to return fire.

In the ensuing exchange, the two captured suspects attempted to escape and were unfortunately hit by stray bullets. They were rushed to UTH, where they were pronounced dead upon arrival.

A search conducted on the suspects’ vehicle, a white Toyota Mark X, led to the recovery of various breaking implements and exhibits, including:
• One T-bar
• One cutter
• Two rivet guns
• One grass cutter
• One file
• One knife
• One size 13 spanner
• One wig
• One female handbag
• Two side mirrors
• Three sets of fake number plates
• One pistol with an erased serial number loaded with six rounds of ammunition.

The bodies of the deceased have been deposited in the UTH mortuary awaiting identification and post-mortem examinations. An inquiry file has been opened, and further investigations are underway to apprehend the remaining suspects.

The Zambia Police Service remains committed to fighting crime and ensuring that those involved in violent criminal activities are brought to justice. Members of the public are urged to cooperate with law enforcement agencies by providing any information that may lead to the arrest of the remaining suspects.

Issued by
Rae Hamoonga
POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER

15/10/2025

Madagascar’s coup leader, Colonel Michael Randrianirina, says he is assuming the role of president after leading a military rebellion that ousted President Andry Rajoelina. Randrianirina told The Associated Press he expects to be sworn in soon, following an invitation from the country’s High Constitutional Court. The uprising, driven by weeks of youth-led protests, escalated when Randrianirina’s elite Capsat unit joined demonstrators on Saturday, prompting Rajoelina to flee. Rajoelina, president since 2018, has denounced the takeover as an illegal coup.

15/10/2025

TRADIONAL LEADERS ON THE COPPERBELT EMPHASIZE EDUCATION ON GENDER AND ADOLESCENT ISSUES

Traditional leaders from the Copperbelt province have underscored the critical importance of education on gender and adolescent-related issues, highlighting the role of such knowledge in combating social vices and transforming communities.

Speaking on the sidelines of an orientation meeting on Adolescent Health, Gender and Education under the UNESCO 03 Project—Our Right, Our Lives, Our Future—hosted at Aabiya Lodge by Restless Development, several chiefs expressed strong support for the initiative.

Council of Chiefs Chairperson, Chief Machiya, praised the Programme , condemning perpetrators of sexual violence and welcoming the initiative as a vital step in addressing these challenges.

“This engagement is crucial. Chiefs have a responsibility to spread the message against sexual violence and other harmful practices in our communities,” Chief Machiya said.

Echoing this sentiment, Chief Nkambo noted that the meeting would empower traditional leaders to effect significant mindset changes in their jurisdictions.

“We have a chance to become agents of change by educating ourselves and others on these critical issues,” he stated.

Chief Kalunkumya also expressed satisfaction with the knowledge gained during the orientation, emphasizing its potential to positively transform lives.

“The information shared today equips us to better support our people, especially the youth, in leading healthy and empowered lives,” he added.

The orientation meeting held at Aabiya Lodge in Ndola today was attended by several other traditional leaders, including Senior Chief Ndubeni, Senior Chief Chiwala, Chief Mukutuma, Chief Mwinuna, Chieftainess Malembeka, Chieftainess Shimukunami and a representative of Chief Lumpum’sa.

The UNESCO 03 Project, implemented by Restless Development, seeks to enhance adolescent health outcomes by promoting gender equality and empowering young people through education and community engagement.

07/10/2025

BREAKING NEWS......

All Parastal Bodies in Malawi dissolved

29/09/2025

SUSPECT ARRESTED IN ABDUCTION AND ASSAULT CASE

Police in Lusaka have apprehended a suspect in a case of abduction and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. The victim, Joe Nyondo, aged 34, of Lusaka, was allegedly abducted and beaten by unknown individuals driving a grey Toyota Quantum, registration number ADF 6524.

The incident occurred on September 25, 2025, around 13:00 hours at Old Leopards Hill Cemetery.

Preliminary investigations reveal that while a burial was ongoing for a resident of Kaunda Square, a Toyota Quantum carrying approximately 12 to 16 occupants, some armed with offensive weapons, stormed the burial site, caused unrest among the mourners, and abducted the victim.

The investigation led to the arrest of the driver of the Toyota Quantum, Malaki Shadreck Ngeke, aged 33, of Matero, at Heroes Stadium, where the victim had been taken.

The victim was issued with a medical report at Mandevu Police Post and subsequently taken to Chipata Level One Hospital for treatment. He
sustained injuries during the incident. The vehicle involved has since been recovered.

The suspect remains in custody, and a manhunt for the accomplices, who are still at large, is ongoing. The Zambia Police Service strongly warns all those involved that the law will catch up with them.

We assure the public that we remain committed to bringing all perpetrators of this crime to justice and to ensuring the safety and security of our communities.

Issued by:
Godfrey Chilabi
Assistant Public Relations Officer

11/09/2025

ZAMBIA POLICE SERVICE
PRESS STATEMENT

September 11,2025-Matero Police Station recorded a case of su***de that occurred at Farm No. 4673/M, Barlastone area, Lusaka West, between September 10, 2025, around 23:00 hours and September 11, 2025, around 01:00 hours.

Police received a report that a police officer, Constable Friday Botha, aged 44, of the Protective Unit (PU), deployed for guard duties at the said farm, allegedly shot himself dead while on duty.

Brief facts are that Constable Botha was deployed to provide static guard duties at the farm on September 7, 2025. Workers at the farm reported hearing gunshots during the night of September 10, 2025, and the early hours of September 11, 2025. Upon checking later, they found the officer lying in a pool of blood with a firearm beside him. The matter was then reported to police.

Officers rushed to the scene and found the deceased lying in a pool of blood inside the house he occupied. An AK-47 rifle was discovered lying next to him. Physical inspection of the body revealed a gunshot wound at the back of the head, believed to be the bullet’s exit point.

The motive behind the incident has not yet been established. However, preliminary investigations suggest that it was a case of su***de.

The body of the deceased has since been deposited in the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) mortuary awaiting a postmortem examination.

The Zambia Police Service deeply regrets the loss of life and conveys heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the deceased officer during this difficult time.

Godfrey Chilabi
Assistant Public Relations Officer.

27/08/2025

Zesco Ndola Girls Qualify to the Semi-finals.

20/08/2025

MEDIA STATEMENT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ZAMBIAN PREMIER LEAGUE DECISION ON WEEK ONE MATCH BETWEEN ZESCO UNITED FC AND KONKOLA BLADES FC

ZESCO United Football Club acknowledges the Zambian Premier League’s (ZPL) ruling concerning our week one fixture against Konkola Blades FC, which was played on 16th August, 2025 at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.

The club acknowledges an administrative lapse that led to the fielding of ineligible players due to an incomplete team registration process. We take full and unconditional responsibility for this error.

This lapse is a clear breach of set standards, which our league managers, sponsors, fans and supporters expect of us. Effective immediately, the club has instituted remedial action and are implementing corrective measures to prevent any recurrence.

We extend our sincerest apologies to our players, our dedicated supporters, our partners, the Zambian Premier League, and the wider football community.

Our commitment to the integrity of the game and to restoring faith in our operations is absolute.

Issued by:
ZESCO United Football Club

(Original Copy Signed)
Ponga Liwewe
Chief Executive Officer
20th August 2025, Ndola.

14/08/2025

GOVERNMENT THROUGH RDA SIGNS ROAD CONTRACTS FOR THE UGRADING OF CHIKANKATA ROAD AND SAMFYA-KASABA ROAD VIA LUBWE

The Government through the Road Development Agency (RDA) has signed two contracts for the upgrading of the D387 Road from T1 to Chikankata in Southern Province and the upgrading to bituminous standard of approximately 80 kilometres of the Samfya-Kasaba Road via Lubwe including 5 kilometres of Township Roads in Lubwe in Luapula Province.

The contracts were signed at the Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development today by acting RDA Director and Chief Executive Officer, Eng. Jairos M’hango and China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) Managing Director Jacques Liao.

Speaking after the signing of the contracts, Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development Minister, Hon. Eng. Charles Lubasi Milupi said the move was a clear demonstration that the New Dawn Government of President Hakainde Hichilema was committed to fulfilling its promises of improving road infrastructure in all parts of the country.

“The Chikankata Road has been in a deplorable state for a very long time and it has taken the New Dawn Government to upgrade this very important road at a cost of K369,386,682.01.

“Additionally, the upgrading to bituminous standard of approximately 80 kilometres of Samfya-Kasaba Road via Lubwe (D096) has been overdue and today we have signed a contract to upgrade this road, including 5 kilometres of Township Roads in Lubwe at a contact sum K937,929,384.70,” he said.

“This is indeed walking the talk. The New Dawn Government has been working flat out even in the hardest of times when the country is faced with financial challenges to improve the core road network in Zambia,” Hon. Eng. Milupi added.

The event was also witnessed by Fisheries and Livestock Minister, Hon. Eng. Peter Kapala who hails from Lubwe and Chikankata Member of Parliament Hon. Jaqueline Sabao.

RDA Board Chairperson, Eng. Eugene Haazele urged the contractor to ensure that the environmental and social obligation were met by the Contractor when undertaking the project.

CCECC Managing Director Jacques Liao said his firm would ensure that quality road works were undertaken and locals were employed on both projects.

13/08/2025

12/08/2025

ZAMBIA POLICE SERVICE

PRESS STATEMENT

FATAL ROAD TRAFFIC ACCIDENT – MUTANDA–SOLWEZI ROAD

Lusaka, August 12, 2025 – Police in Solwezi recorded a fatal road traffic accident in which seven passengers died, and five others were injured. The accident occurred on August 11, 2025, at around 20:40 hours, opposite Kyansununu School along the Mutanda–Solwezi Road.

The collision involved three vehicles, the first was a Toyota Noah, registration number ATB 7602 ZM, driven by Frank Mukenda, aged 37, of Kimiteto area, Solwezi. He sustained some injuries. The vehicle, which was extensively damaged, was carrying twelve passengers. Seven died on the spot, while five sustained serious injuries.

The second vehicle was a Freightliner truck and trailer, registered ALZ 8405 and BCA 6155 ZM respectively, driven by 35-year-old Mumba Jacob of Nkiloni Township, Chingola. Fortunately, Jacob escaped the crash unhurt.

The third vehicle was a broken-down Volvo truck and trailer (registration AJF 8202 ZM and BBC 9053 T).

Preliminary investigations indicate that the Toyota Noah, travelling from west to east, collided with the stationary Volvo truck before swerving into the path of the oncoming Freightliner truck.

Among the survivors admitted to Solwezi General Hospital are: 42-year-old Jenipher Longwani, 20-year-old Eunice Kantumoya, an adult female whose identity is unknown, a named boy aged 4, and 32-year-old Patson Chilanda.

The seven deceased, whose bodies have been deposited at the Solwezi General Hospital mortuary awaiting post-mortem examinations, include: 35-year-old Sharon Kazanda, 42-year-old Sinah Chilanda, 32-year-old Helen Kazanda, 70-year-old Tops Muyanga, 23-year-old Lyoni Kabotolo, and two infants – Ruth Kabotolo, aged 4 months, and an unidentified 2-month-old baby.

The Zambia Police Service urges all road users to exercise caution to prevent such incidents in the future.

Godfrey Chilabi
Assistant Public Relations Officer