Mbili Media

14/10/2026

A KICK AT THE BELLY OF LADY JUSTICE!

By Amos Chanda

The dastardly attack on ex-minister and former ruling party chief, Davis Mwila, is a direct kick at the belly of Lady Justice given where it occurred, in the hallowed halls of the very citadel of justice, the Supreme Court.

The response from the Judiciary was swift, and appropriately so.

Chief Justice Mumba Mumba described the incident as fragrant lawlessness and an assault on the administration of justice.

The attackers are clearly visible and audible in the videos that captured their audacious strikes at the visibly hapless Mwila.

And so, Justice Malila's demand for their arrest should be easy for the police to do.

The offence, presumably go beyond just possible assault and public disorder, and possibly touch on "contempt in the face of the court."

This is because the violence, and the disgraceful fall to the ground of the victim, was right on the marble floors of the high ceiling entrance of the courthouse that sits our country's highest courts, the Supreme and Constitutional courts!

We were brought up to uphold court premises as dignified altars of justice where you must always mind the tone and pitch of your voice, your walking steps, gestures and dress code among others.

If this is a place of such near- choreographed conduct designed to enforce a certain desired order befitting the dispensation of justice, how then can anyone conceive, even remotely, of any mischief such as we saw on the consecrated floors of our Supreme Court.

This ugly dent on the time honoured traditions and adherence to the observance of the sanctity of courts must be nipped right in the bud and now.

This is not just a violation of the person of Mr Mwila but an abhorrent desecrastion of the very sanctity of our courts and the administration of justice.

It would not be unreasonable at this rate, to fear that such violence, against witnesses and observes to court

proceedings may just be extended to the judicial officers as well.

That mob justice, right at the sacred fountain of justice, is a scar, not just on the face of our Judiciary but also on the collective conscience of the nation.

Therefore, the need to restore the dignity of this elevated institution of our democracy, is urgent and necessary in order to forestall such unwanton behaviour on the premises of justice.

The ruling party, the UPND, has rightly condemned and distanced itself from the attackers.

The Chief Justice is asking for an arrest.

The nation waiting.

And so, the Zambia Police remain our focus of the highly anticipated remedial action.

In the meantime, the wound inflicted on the face and belly of our Lady Justice is wide open and festering, awaiting urgent treatment.

(The author is former State House press aide and diplomat and now public commentator on public affairs.)

14/10/2026

Dr Fred M’membe, Socialist Party President writes:

PASTORAL DUTIES OF ARCHBISHOP ALICK BANDA: A Call for Patience, Unity, and the Preservation of Legal Fairness

We have carefully considered the sentiments expressed by the House of Clergy Zambia regarding the ongoing legal proceedings involving Lusaka Catholic Archbishop Alick Banda. While we deeply respect the House of Clergy’s commitment to safeguarding the integrity and public confidence of the Church, we respectfully offer a different perspective regarding the proposal for the Archbishop to temporarily step aside.

Our perspective is guided by a shared desire for justice, peace, and the protection of foundational legal rights:

Upholding Shared Legal Foundations: We agree entirely with the House of Clergy that accountability is vital and that no individual stands above the law. However, a cornerstone of this same legal system as guaranteed under Article 18 of the Constitution of Zambia is that every person is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Upholding this principle gently ensures that we protect the rights of every citizen, regardless of their standing.

Adherence to Catholic Ecclesial Governance: It is important to emphasize that the Catholic leadership in Zambia operates under a distinct global hierarchy and is guided directly by the Holy See in Rome, rather than by non-Catholic religious formations or external local bodies. Rome is fully aware of the ongoing situation in Zambia. Decisions regarding the administration, standing, and duties of a Catholic Archbishop remain within the deliberate and careful purview of the Holy Father and the relevant Vatican authorities.

Protecting the Continuity of Leadership: Asking a senior spiritual leader to step away from active pastoral duties can inadvertently signal an admission of wrongdoing to the public, even if that is not the intention. To ensure the spiritual stability of the Archdiocese and the faithful, it is vital that leadership continues uninterrupted while the legal process takes its proper course.

Preventing Misunderstandings: The House of Clergy rightly notes that a legal case involving an individual cleric should not be viewed as a battle against the Church. By allowing the Archbishop to fulfil his duties while cooperating fully with the legal system, the Church demonstrates true institutional responsibility showing that a leader can respect the law without having to disrupt their spiritual calling over unproven allegations.

Fostering Unity over Public Narrative: While managing public perception is important, our primary focus should remain on prayer, unity, and due process. Allowing external commentary or administrative pressures to dictate leadership roles may set a delicate precedent for the future of the clergy.

The Church has always been a pillar of national development, moral guidance, and reconciliation in Zambia. In this spirit of unity, we believe the most constructive path forward is to allow the legal process to proceed through the established courts of law without modifying the Archbishop’s pastoral roles, in accordance with both Zambian constitutional law and Catholic canon law. We remain prayerful that truth and justice will prevail, and we call upon the faithful to maintain peace and solidarity during this period.

Closing Blessing:
May the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. We pray for wisdom for our leaders, grace for the faithful, and the enduring unity of the Church in Zambia. May Almighty God bless you all, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Amen.

Fred M'membe
SP President

14/10/2026

14/10/2026

Wife to Lusaka business icon Harry Findlay, Dessis writes

Happy anniversary, my love. ❤️

32 years of marriage. 37 years together. 71 days apart.

When I promised to love you forever, I meant every word. No prison walls shall keep us apart, our hearts will always beat as one.

Our love is greater than any adversity we face. No matter what stands in our way, God is beside us, guiding us through. With God’s power, we shall overcome all evil.

Until I can be at your side again, where I belong, I stand beside you in love, strength and faith. Always yours. ❤️🙏

14/10/2026

UPND in Eastern Province has proposed restricting Petauke MP Laliwe Banda from attending parliamentary sessions over her brother JJ Banda’s remarks deemed to be demeaning to the President.

Eastern Province UPND Youth Chairperson Lyson Nyirenda says the party also expected JJ Banda’s family to condemn his remarks.

14/10/2026

President Hakainde Hichilema thanks UN member States for electing Zambia to UN Human Rights Counsel

14/10/2026

Tobey Maguire officiated the wedding of his ex-wife, Jennifer Meyer, and her new partner, billionaire heir Geoffrey Ogunlesi. 💍

Maguire and Meyer married in 2007 and separated in 2016. Despite their divorce, they have maintained a friendly relationship while co-parenting their two children. ❤️

Meyer, a jewelry designer, later became engaged to Ogunlesi, the son of Nigerian billionaire Adebayo Ogunlesi. Their relationship attracted attention because of the high-profile connections involved.

The reported gesture highlights how some former couples can maintain mutual respect and support each other through major life changes, even after their marriage ends. 🥹

14/10/2026

His Grace, Most Rev. Dr. Alick Banda, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Lusaka leaving the Magistrates Court after mention, Trial will commence on November 3,2026.
The Archbishop his facing of a charge of possessing a vehicle suspected to be dented.

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14/10/2026

SECURITY has been intensified at the courts to protect judicial officers and members of the public following an altercation at the Supreme Court.

This follows an incident in which former Patriotic Front (PF) secretary-general Davies Mwila was allegedly harassed by unknown people at the Supreme Court.

Chief Justice Mumba Malila yesterday said law enforcement agencies are investigating the incident and those responsible will face the full force of the law.

Mr Mwila had a confrontation with some court attendees shortly after proceedings in the Lima Constituency election petition were adjourned.

The petition was filed by United Party for National Development (UPND) candidate Lee Mukupa, who is challenging the election of National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity (NRPUP) candidate Kelvin Kaunda as Lima Member of Parliament.

Mr Mwila, who had attended the proceedings in solidarity with Mr Kaunda, allegedly provoked some people by mocking their “salt sana” slogan and making remarks suggesting that he and his generation would not suffer financially.

The remarks angered some people, who confronted Mr Mwila, forcing him to retreat into the Supreme Court reception area.

He slipped and fell while trying to escape.

The group caught up with him, but Judiciary staff and security personnel intervened to prevent further escalation.

In a statement issued yesterday, Dr Malila condemned the incident, describing it as flagrant lawlessness and an assault on the administration of justice.

“Unruly conduct and violence will not be tolerated under any circumstances,” he said.

Dr Malila urged members of the public to conduct themselves with decorum, respect and dignity when visiting court premises.

Mr Kaunda won the Lima parliamentary seat with 22,760 votes against Mr Mukupa’s 8,041.