GroundTruth Zambia

16/04/2026

WIDESPREAD MINIMUM WAGE VIOLATIONS WORRY HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION

The Human Rights Commission (HRC) has raised concern over widespread violations of the minimum wage across the country, describing the trend as a breach of workers’ rights to fair and just working conditions.

HRC Chairperson Dr. Pamela Towela Sambo stated that the legally prescribed minimum monthly wage for domestic workers—including house helpers, cooks, childcare providers, gardeners, and security guards—stands at K1,300. The wage, provided for under Statutory Instrument No. 49 of 2023, came into effect on January 1, 2024.

However, the Commission has observed that many workers are still being paid as little as K800, significantly below the legal threshold.

Dr. Sambo emphasized that the minimum wage is not optional but a statutory requirement, expressing concern over the continued underpayment of workers in various parts of the country.

Meanwhile, during a two-day meeting held in Lusaka from April 14 to 15, 2026, the Commission disclosed that it had resolved 82 out of 100 reported human rights cases. The majority of these cases related to violations involving the right to protection of the law and personal liberty.

The Commission also highlighted serious concerns regarding prolonged detention of suspects. In some instances, individuals were reportedly held for up to 90 days while awaiting medical or laboratory reports. Others remained in police custody beyond the legal 24-hour limit for minor offences such as petty theft and use of insulting language.

The HRC further revealed that it had intervened in several cases to facilitate police bonds for affected individuals.

According to the Commission, these delays are largely attributed to inadequate infrastructure, including a shortage of courts and forensic laboratories in some provinces. This has resulted in suspects being transported over long distances to access judicial services, making it difficult for them to meet bail conditions.

In light of these developments, the Commission has referred 56 cases to the Legal Aid Board to pursue possible claims against the State, citing both legal and financial implications arising from the violations.

GroundTruth Zambia | 16th April, 2026.

16/04/2026

Can you?

16/04/2026

5 Years Imprisonment for Julius Malema in Gun Case

South African opposition leader Julius Malema has been sentenced to five years in prison after being found guilty of illegal firearm possession and discharging a weapon in public.

Malema showed little emotion as the sentence was delivered, but later maintained a defiant stance, previously telling supporters that prison is “a badge of honour.” His lawyer confirmed that the ruling will be appealed in a bid to keep him out of jail.

(Source: BBC)

GroundTruth Zambia | 16 April 2026

Image: Malema and his lawyer

16/04/2026

South African politician Julius Malema has been sentenced to five years in prison for discharging a firearm, according to reports by (SABC).

16/04/2026

New 70 constuences

16/04/2026

JOBS KEY INDICATOR OF DEVELOPMENT – TAMBATAMBA

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security has emphasised that job creation remains the primary measure of success for Zambia’s investment and industrialisation agenda.

Labour Minister Brenda Tambatamba says development that does not translate into employment opportunities is unsustainable and fails to deliver meaningful impact for citizens.

Speaking during the 2026 Zambia–Africa Investment and Industrialisation Summit, Ms. Tambatamba stressed that employers play a pivotal role in driving economic transformation.

She noted that through job creation, improved productivity, and active participation in shaping pro-business policies, the private sector can help promote sustainable growth and decent work.

Meanwhile, United Federation of Employers in Zambia (UFEZ) Executive President Humphrey Monde reaffirmed the private sector’s commitment to working with government. He said businesses are ready to partner in advancing skills development and boosting productivity to support the country’s economic progress.

GroundTruth Zambia | 16th April, 2026.

16/04/2026

ERB PROBES SUSPECTED FUEL CONTAMINATION IN LUSAKA

The Energy Regulation Board (ERB) has launched an investigation into suspected fuel contamination at Oasis Service Station located on Kamloops Road in the Kalingalinga area of Lusaka.

ERB Manager for Public Relations, Namukolo Kasumpa, confirmed the development, stating that the probe follows complaints from motorists who reportedly purchased contaminated fuel from the station.

Ms. Kasumpa said the ERB has since collected fuel samples, which have been submitted for laboratory analysis. She explained that the findings from the tests will determine the next course of action and guide the authority in resolving the matter.






GroundTruth Zambia | 16th April, 2026.

16/04/2026

16/04/2026

We don't see this nowadays.... what's going on?

16/04/2026

POLICE TO STRENGTHEN CAPACITY ON NEW CRIMINAL PROCEDURE LAW

The Zambia Police Service has announced plans to enhance the capacity of its officers in the application of the Criminal Procedure Code (CPC) Amendment Act No. 4 of 2026.

The revised law introduces key provisions, including the classification of serious sexual offences such as r**e, defilement, and in**st as non-bailable offences.

Police Spokesperson Godfrey Chilabi stated that the planned capacity-building initiative is aimed at equipping officers with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively enforce the new legal framework.

GroundTruth Zambia | 16th April, 2026.

16/04/2026

Imagine having a divorce certificate without marriage certificate 🙄🥺😥

Itsopenifu😔

16/04/2026

BANK MANAGER TESTIFIES IN MULEYA MURDER TRIAL

A bank manager has told the Lusaka High Court that his branch was instructed by the Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) to process payments exceeding K3 million to Veridian Dynamics, a company owned by one of the accused persons in the murder of former IBA Director-General, Guntila Muleya.

Testifying before High Court Judge Vincent Siloka, Mitiyawo Nyirenda of Access Bank’s Kamwala Branch stated that the transactions were carried out between May and July 2024.

Mr. Nyirenda explained that the payments were presented as statutory obligations to the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA). He further revealed that one of the six payment instructions was physically delivered to the bank by IBA Accountant Francis Chipyoka, who is also among the accused.

He told the court that the bank acted within its mandate of executing client instructions and could not have identified that the beneficiary account did not belong to ZRA.

In the ongoing case, Samuel Dokowe, Francis Chipyoka, and police officers Mthusani Dokowe and Alex Caleb Zulu are facing charges in connection with the murder of Mr. Muleya.

Judge Siloka has adjourned the matter to April 17, 2026, for continued trial proceedings.


GroundTruth Zambia | 16th April, 2026.