https://www.facebook.com/202995863062815/

Pulse Of The Zambezi, Libuyu, Livingstone (2026)

02/03/2026

Son, 27, held for allegedly scalding mother in Livingstone

A 27-year-old man of Linda Compound in Livingstone has been arrested for allegedly causing grievous bodily harm to his 55-year-old mother after reportedly pouring boiling beans on her during a dispute over food.

The incident happened on February 28, 2026 around 20:00 hours but was reported to Linda Police Station the following day at 19:25 hours by Mr Emmanuel Mwandamena, 42, of Mulala Compound, on behalf of his elder sister, Ms Alice Moto.

Southern Province Commanding Officer Moono Namalongo confirmed the development in a statement yesterday.

Mr Namalongo said the victim was at home cooking when her son, identified as Moris Liwanga of the same address, arrived and demanded to be served food.

“She served him some nshima, but he demanded more. When she declined to give him an additional portion, the suspect allegedly picked a pot of boiling beans and poured it over her face, neck and chest,” he said.

Mr Namalongo said the victim sustained burns covering about 65 percent of the affected areas and lost consciousness following the attack.

Neighbours rushed her to where she is currently admitted and receiving treatment.

“Police officers visited the hospital and confirmed the injuries. The suspect has since been apprehended and is in custody at Linda Police Station,” Mr Namalongo said.

He added that a docket of causing grievous bodily harm has been opened and the suspect is expected to appear in court soon.

21/02/2026

a

21/02/2026

PF Officials Criticise UPND on Education, Health, and CDF Management

LIVINGSTONE Patriotic Front (PF) constituency information publicity secretary Edward Miti has criticised the United Party for National Development (UPND) government over what he described as “free poor education” and mismanagement of health services and the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).

Mr. Miti said overcrowding in schools has rendered free education ineffective. He cited instances where some classrooms host between 105 and 120 pupils, far above the recommended pupil-teacher ratio of 35 to 45. “Even if ten pupils do not show up in a class, the teacher will not notice. Teachers are now merely teaching in order. This is not the standard of education,” Mr. Miti said.

He noted that while the idea of reopening schools was commendable, it required careful planning. “The Patriotic Front was building more schools to ensure pupils could fit in classes at a manageable ratio. A teacher cannot effectively teach 120 pupils. We are just pushing failures, and this will reflect with time.”

Mr. Miti also raised concerns over the behaviour of pupils returning to schools from the compounds. He said some were engaged in smoking, theft, and fighting and needed counselling to integrate properly with other students. “They should have been synchronised before mixing with other pupils. The lack of this preparation is causing problems, including fights and indiscipline,” he added.

On health services, Mr. Miti questioned the UPND government’s recruitment of health workers, asking which facilities the new staff were being deployed to, given that the government had not invested in building new hospitals or clinics. “We must appreciate the good works the PF did. These health workers are going into facilities built by PF, yet the narrative ignores that,” he said.

Mr. Miti further criticised the UPND government for misrepresenting education achievements and CDF funding. He explained that the increase in CDF was due to the central government transferring responsibilities to local authorities, rather than an actual increase in funding. “They just shifted resources to the local government for projects they took over,” he said.

PF senior member Chilufya Mwewa also took aim at the UPND, highlighting the party’s infrastructural achievements. “The Patriotic Front built 14,000 schools and over 135 Level 1 hospitals countrywide. The UPND has done nothing in five years. They have brought poverty, nothing else,” he said, adding that the 2026 campaign would be difficult for the ruling party.

Mr. Mwewa further condemned the government’s handling of the estate of the late Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu. He criticised officials for prioritising international engagements over attending to Dr. Lungu’s widow, Mama Esther Lungu. “The President went to South Africa for a mining event, yet he did not visit the widow. The government must withdraw this matter from South African courts and respect the family,” he said.

PF officials said the UPND government’s policies on education, health, and local development misrepresent facts and risk reversing progress achieved under the PF.
End

21/02/2026

Livingstone PF Condemns Mundubile Over Alleged Constitutional Breach

The Patriotic Front (PF) in Livingstone has condemned Porokoso Member of Parliament Brian Mundubile for allegedly flouting the party constitution by aligning with the opposition Tonse alliance.

Thomas Kabanda, PF Livingstone Constituency Chairman, said the party operates strictly under its constitution, which guides the conduct of members and the election of leaders. He said the recent developments in the Tonse alliance, which saw the PF’s patriotic branch reportedly removed, raise serious legal and ethical concerns.

“The patriotic branch, which was an anchor party in the Tonse alliance, has been removed by Danny Pules, and others. Now, one of our members of parliament has been elected to lead that alliance, yet the party that sponsored him does not belong there,” Mr Kabanda said.

He said the PF constitution requires the election of leadership through a convention, scheduled for later this month, and until that process is completed, collaboration with the Mundubile faction cannot be recognised.

“For now, the Brian Mundubile group and the PF are two different entities. We are not going to join the Brian Mundubile group because it is not recognised by the PF constitution,” he said.

Mr Kabanda questioned the credibility of members who disregard party rules. “If someone can easily break the constitution of their own party, how safe is the national constitution in their hands? Leadership is not a one-man show,” he said.

He reaffirmed the PF’s loyalty to the party’s founding principles, tracing leadership from the late President Michael Sata to his successor Dr Edgar Chagwa Lungu, and the current leadership under the central committee.

“The PF we belong to is the one founded by President Michael Sata, succeeded by Dr Chagwa Lungu, and currently guided by the central committee. Anything else is not one of us,” Mr Kabanda said.

He further criticised potential alliances led by figures outside the PF, questioning their ability to form credible governments. He singled out Davis Mwila, a supporter of Mundubile, as part of the forces that have weakened the party.

“Our loyalty in Livingstone remains with the PF, its rightful leaders, and the central committee. Any person who disrespects our constitution shows a lack of respect for the rule of law,” he added.
End

13/02/2026

Livingstone PF Senior Member Slams UPND over “Lack of Development”

Chilufya Mwewa, a senior member of the Patriotic Front (PF) in Livingstone, has launched a scathing attack on the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND), accusing the government of failing to deliver meaningful development in the city since taking office in 2021.

Speaking to journalists, Mr Mwewa challenged UPND officials to point to any major projects implemented under their administration.

“I was talking to one of the UPND members and asked him: ‘As a resident of Livingstone, what infrastructure or development have you seen the government deliver?’” he recounted. “He pointed at a shelter called Town Centre. That is all. The street lights you see in the city? They were donated by the World Bank. On governance, UPND has clearly shown that they cannot effectively run this country.”

Mr Mwewa highlighted several projects he said were completed or significantly advanced during PF’s tenure, including the development of secondary roads, the intercity and international bus terminus, and upgrades to the main hospital in Livingstone. He also noted that certain projects now claimed by UPND were almost completed by PF in 2021 but remain unfinished under the current administration.

He did not stop at infrastructure, however, and criticised the government’s handling of Zambia’s economy and natural resources. “Our minerals are being given away almost for free to foreigners. What kind of leadership is this, where the resources of our country are not used to improve the lives of Zambians?” he asked.

Mr Mwewa further condemned the government’s treatment of civil servants, arguing that modest salary increments were being overshadowed by increases in the cost of living, including electricity. “You give an increment of K700, then hike electricity prices. If even civil servants cannot be taken care of, who exactly is this government serving?” he said.

According to Mr Mwewa, the UPND government has also failed to address poverty and social divisions in the country. “Since 2021, Zambia has been divided, people are frustrated, poverty is high, and the leadership provided by UPND is simply unacceptable,” he said.

Mr Mwewa’s remarks come as Zambia prepares for the August elections, a period in which issues of governance, economic management, and service delivery are expected to dominate political debates. He urged Zambians to judge the two administrations for themselves, highlighting PF’s record in infrastructure and service delivery as a contrast to what he described as UPND’s failures.

13/02/2026

Five Arrested in Lusaka Over Online Harassment.

The Zambia Police Service has arrested five individuals over allegations of harassment and humiliation under the Cyber Crimes Act No. 4 of 2025, Godfrey Chilabi, Public Relations Officer, has said.

Mr Chilabi stated that the case was reported to Lusaka Central Police Station by Idah Choongo, 30, of Lusaka, who alleged that defamatory content about her had been posted on pages identified as Fyambe Media, Kanyama Zed TV, and Kumwesu.

He added that the report was received by the Anti-Fraud and Cyber Crime Unit on February 10, 2026, around 10:00 hours.

“Following investigations, suspects were identified and apprehended on February 12, 2026,” Mr Chilabi said.

Those arrested include Silvester Kaumba, 42, of Kamwala South; Edwin Daka, 40; Chrispine Samutumwa, 27, of Makeni Villa; Musheck Chinyama, 32; and Modrick Ngwala, 28. All are residents of Lusaka, he said.

Mr Chilabi confirmed that the suspects have been formally charged with harassment and humiliation under Section 22 of the Cyber Crimes Act and were released on police bond, pending a court appearance.

He further clarified that reports circulating on social media alleging that the suspects had been abducted were false, noting that police officers followed all legal procedures and human rights protocols during the arrests.

“Members of the public are urged to verify information with relevant authorities and to exercise caution when reporting online,” Mr Chilabi said.

13/02/2026

PF officials back ACC appeal in Livingstone mayor case

The Patriotic Front (PF) in Livingstone has commended the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) for appealing a court decision in a matter involving Livingstone Mayor Constance Muleabai, saying the move reflects the will of the Zambian people.

PF Livingstone constituency chairperson Thomas Kabanda said the commission was acting within its constitutional mandate by pursuing the appeal.

“I would like to just say thank you to the Anti-Corruption Commission for what they have done, making an appeal over the case of the Mayor of Livingstone,” Mr Kabanda said.

He said the ACC was mandated by citizens to act on their behalf and should not be viewed as pursuing personal interests.

“The Anti-Corruption Commission is an institution that is mandated by the people of Zambia to speak on their behalf. Whatever they are doing, they are not doing it out of their own will, but out of the will that the people of Zambia have given to them,” he said.

Mr Kabanda cited Section 20(1) of the Anti-Corruption Act No. 3 of 2012, which criminalises the solicitation, acceptance or obtaining of gratification as an inducement or reward in relation to any public or private matter, saying the law empowers the commission to act against corruption.

He said the appeal by the ACC was in line with public expectations and democratic principles.

“There is nothing sinister in whatever the Anti-Corruption Commission has done. They just want to express what the people of Zambia are demanding them to do. This is democracy,” Mr Kabanda said.

Meanwhile, senior PF member Mwewa Chilufya said the appeal had raised expectations among party members and residents that the matter would be handled conclusively in court.

“It is quite satisfying to see that the Anti-Corruption Commission has appealed the case. What I just hope is that the appeal should be very genuine. It must not just be an appeal on paper,” Mr Chilufya said.

He urged the commission to ensure the case returns to court quickly and is grounded in strong evidence, referring to guidance issued in the judgment that investigations and indictments must be firmly supported by facts rather than assumptions.

Mr Chilufya also called for fairness and consistency in the application of the law, saying corruption cases should be handled equally regardless of the individuals involved.

“Corruption is corruption whether it is K2 or K1 million. There must be justice and equality,” he said.

He further urged Livingstone residents to take interest in the matter, describing it as one affecting the governance and development of the city.

The ACC recently filed an appeal in the mayor’s case, placing the matter back into the legal spotlight amid ongoing public and political debate over corruption and accountability in local authorities.

11/02/2026

STRONG KWACHA HITS TOURISM OPERATORS’ EARNINGS

The appreciation of the Zambian kwacha against major foreign currencies is negatively affecting the tourism sector, with operators facing reduced earnings and higher operational costs, the Zambian Association of Indigenous Tour Operators (ZATO) has said.

ZATO president Dr Patson Chifumbe said the strengthening of the kwacha is eroding revenue for tourism businesses that largely earn in foreign currency but incur significant costs in imported goods and services.

Dr Chifumbe explained that most tourism establishments depend on imported inputs such as equipment, consumables and specialised services, which require payments in United States dollars.

“It surely makes the earnings lower by exchange rates. Tourism properties mostly rely on imported goods which need the dollars to make the acquisitions,” he said.

He noted that the key challenge for operators is converting charges into kwacha while maintaining profitability amid fluctuating exchange rates.

“The key is to convert the charges to kwacha. A low dollar rate makes the acquisition expensive. The instability of the dollar would actually make it more challenging to stabilise the rates in kwacha,” Dr Chifumbe said.

He acknowledged that the current appreciation of the kwacha is having a negative impact on the tourism industry, as it reduces the value of foreign currency earnings when converted into local currency.

“Yes it does, but we may have to recalculate our rates to bring them to operational equilibrium,” he said.

Dr Chifumbe said while the stronger kwacha may benefit consumers in some sectors, tourism operators are being forced to review pricing structures to sustain operations and remain competitive in the regional market.

He warned that continued currency volatility could make it difficult for operators to maintain stable pricing and plan long-term investments in the sector.

10/02/2026

(ZNBC) The Economic and Financial Crimes Court has ordered the forfeiture of 79 vehicles and 23 properties belonging to DALITSO LUNGU, the son of former President EDGAR LUNGU, after ruling that the assets were proceeds of crime.

The Court found that the Director of Public Prosecutions -DPP, GILBERT PHIRI, had successfully established a case for non-conviction forfeiture of the properties under the law.

Judges further ruled that the evidentiary burden placed on the interested parties had not been discharged, in accordance with the Forfeiture of Proceeds of Crime Act No. 19 of 2010.

The judgement was delivered by PIXXIE YANGAILO, ANNIE ONONUJU and IAN MABOLOBOLO, sitting as judges of the Economic and Financial Crimes Court.

The ruling follows an application brought under Section 29 of the Forfeiture of Proceeds of Crime Act No. 19 of 2010, seeking the non-conviction forfeiture of DALITSO LUNGU’s assets.

In an affidavit filed in opposition, DALITSO LUNGU stated that his wealth was not acquired from proceeds of crime, a position the Court did not accept.

10/02/2026

Constitutional lawyer Tresford Chali has described government’s decision not to conduct a by-election in Mpika after the death of Town Council Chairperson as illegal and inconsistent with the law, regardless of the time constraints cited.

On Friday, government announced that no by-election would be held following the death of Mpika Town Council Chairperson Morgan Musoma citing the proximity of the general elections, as well as concerns over cost despite constitutional provisions under articles 56, 57 and 158, which require a by-election to be conducted within 90 days of a vacancy.

But Mr. Chali maintains that the law must be followed strictly, noting that the country has not yet entered the 180-day period before the general elections during which by-elections are restricted.

He warns that relying on financial considerations and timelines to depart from statutory requirements outlined in article 57(2) sets a dangerous precedent, arguing that such decisions risk undermining rule-based governance and could lead to constitutional and electoral law violations.

Meanwhile, Zambia Civil Liberties Union-ZCLU Executive Director Isaac Mwanza has defended government’s decision, describing it as sound and praising authorities for being considerate in their decision-making in light of the country’s competing needs.

> PHOENIX NEWS

09/02/2026

ZA leadership crisis deepens over Bwalya suspension

A leadership dispute has erupted in Zambia Athletics (ZA) after a section of the executive committee announced the suspension of president Major Bernard Bwalya, a move the association has rejected as false and unauthorised.

A letter dated February 5, 2026, claimed that a virtual executive committee meeting held on February 4 resolved to suspend Major Bwalya over alleged financial mismanagement, misappropriation of funds, abuse of office, contracting debt without approval and other violations of the association’s constitution.

The suspension letter was signed by eight executive committee members: Vice President Moses Phiri, General Secretary Teddy Shimishi, Vice General Secretary Prosper Misengo, Treasurer Tandabala Komani Ng’ambi, and committee members Dave Muleyi Kapanga, Webson Moonga, Getrude Gamela, and Mike Musanda. The letter directed Major Bwalya to hand over all ZA assets, including World Athletics login credentials, and announced that Mr Phiri would act as president pending disciplinary proceedings.

However, Zambia Athletics has dismissed the suspension, issuing a statement on February 6 signed by General Secretary Teddy Shimishi and Vice President Moses Phiri, declaring that Major Bwalya remains the duly elected and lawful president.

The association said the alleged executive meeting did not take place, as both Major Bwalya and Mr Phiri were in Solwezi on official federation duties for the Kansanshi Marathon launch, while the General Secretary’s office was engaged in preparations for the Zambia National Service awards ceremony.

ZA further stated that two executive members, Komani N’gambi and Prosper Tandabala, remain suspended for alleged misconduct and are barred from convening meetings or issuing correspondence on behalf of the federation. Any gathering involving them, the statement added, is considered illegal and invalid.

The association has urged members, stakeholders and the media to ignore all unofficial documents and rely only on communications issued by the Office of the General Secretary.

ZA said it remains committed to transparent governance and warned that it would take all necessary legal and disciplinary action to protect the federation and its leadership as the dispute continues.
End

08/02/2026

POLICE PROBE ALLEGED FORCED ABORTION, ATTEMPTED FORCED MARRIAGE IN NAMWALA

Police in Namwala District have launched investigations into a case in which an 18-year-old girl of Shambwati Village, Chief Muchila, allegedly had her pregnancy terminated without her consent and was later forced into a marriage.

Southern Province Commanding Officer Moono Namalongo confirmed that Macha Police Station received the report on February 6 around 16:00 hours from the teenager, who alleged that her parents administered traditional medicine to terminate her six-month pregnancy.

Mr Namalongo said the alleged incident occurred on January 1, 2026, in Shambwati Village.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the teenager became pregnant in August 2025 by her boyfriend, a relationship her parents reportedly did not support. Instead, they allegedly intended to marry her off to another man against her wishes.

Police say that on January 1, the parents allegedly invited a traditional healer to their home, where the complainant was reportedly given traditional medicine which resulted in the termination of her pregnancy.

It is further alleged that on January 16, the intended suitor was invited to the family home and the teenager was handed over to him as a wife. However, she reportedly resisted the arrangement. The man allegedly forced her to accompany him to his residence but members of the public intervened and rescued her.

The complainant later sought refuge at her aunt’s residence in Mobola area within Chief Muchila’s chiefdom before reporting the matter to police on February 6.

Mr Namalongo said police have since opened a docket and issued a medical report form to the complainant to facilitate further investigations.

No arrests have been made so far, and investigations into the matter are ongoing.

Pulse Of The Zambezi

02/03/2026

21/02/2026

21/02/2026

21/02/2026

13/02/2026

13/02/2026

13/02/2026

11/02/2026

10/02/2026

10/02/2026

09/02/2026

08/02/2026

Address

Telephone

Website

Alerts

Contact The Business

Shortcuts

Share

Category