News Digest - Tuesday, September 2nd, 2025

Today's news highlights law enforcement responses to allegations, political figures discussing governance accountability, and national team preparations for upcoming World Cup qualifiers. Economic developments include fuel price adjustments and export growth, while legal proceedings advance against former public officials.

Main Stories

1. Police Deny Kapwepwe Abduction Claims
   Zambia Police Spokesperson Rae Hamoonga dismissed allegations that officers abducted Francis "Why Me" Kapwepwe from Zimbabwe, stating apprehensions follow lawful processes. He emphasized that evidence should be discussed in court, not public debates.

2. Mutati Advises Apology for Unfulfilled Promises
   Science Minister Felix Mutati urged newly elected Mfuwe MP Malama Mufunelo to apologize to constituents if he fails to deliver campaign pledges. Mutati noted that unfulfilled promises sometimes result from circumstances beyond politicians' control.

3. Chipolopolo Squad Assembles for Morocco Match
   Players including Frankie Musonda, Gift Siame, and goalkeepers Mwenya Chibwe and Toaster Nsabata arrived in Ndola for FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Fitness tests will be conducted before finalizing the 24-man squad for Monday's game against Morocco.

4. Lusambo Sentenced for Illicit Property
   Former Lusaka Minister Bowman Lusambo received a three-year prison sentence with hard labor for possessing properties worth K22 million deemed proceeds of crime. Magistrate Davies Chibwili cited bogus businesses used to hide illegitimate earnings.

5. Fuel Price Hike Deemed Reasonable
   OMCAZ President Dr. Kafula Mubanga described ERB's fuel price increases—petrol to K29.18/liter and diesel to K25.02/liter—as necessary to ensure supply stability. He noted previous prices were uncompetitive for oil marketing companies.

6. ZESCO Ndola Girls Secure COSAFA Silver
   ZESCO MD Justin Loongo commended ZESCO Ndola Girls for winning silver at the COSAFA Women’s Championship, falling 4–3 on penalties to Botswana’s Gaborone United Ladies. The achievement followed a 1–1 draw after extra time.

Other Notable Stories

Governance & Justice:

• Home Affairs PS Dickson Matembo attributed Patriotic Front members' criticism of police to their adjustment to restored law and order.
• Charles Milupi advised citizens dissatisfied with court judgments to address the judiciary directly, not the executive.
• Magistrate Chibwili warned public servants to live exemplary lives during Bowman Lusambo's sentencing.

Legal Proceedings:

• Three former Health Ministry Permanent Secretaries—Kennedy Malama, Caroline Kakulubelwa, Jabbin Mulwanda—and five others must defend charges of procedural failure in 50-ambulance procurement.
• A 32-year-old Livingstone woman reported her partner for forced anal intercourse allegedly occurring between 2020 and August 2025.

Economy & Development:

• Non-traditional exports rose 21.1% to K10.8 billion in July, while traditional exports increased 24% to K15.8 billion.
• Transport Minister Frank Tayali dissolved the Zambia Airports Corporation Limited Board to align governance with government objectives.

Sports:

• Kansanshi Dynamos signed Malawian forward Francisco Madinga on a two-year contract. He previously played for Mighty Wanderers and FC Dila Gori.

Key Takeaways & Watchpoints

• Finalization of Chipolopolo’s 24-man squad ahead of Monday’s World Cup qualifier against Morocco.
• Court proceedings against former Health Ministry officials over ambulance procurement irregularities.
• Implementation of new fuel pricing (K29.18/liter for petrol, K25.02/liter for diesel) following ERB’s adjustment.