News Digest - Wednesday, September 17th, 2025

Today's news reflects our nation's vibrant cultural expressions and sporting ambitions alongside critical challenges in security, environmental protection, and digital safety, reminding us of both our strengths and the work ahead in building a prosperous Zambia.

Main Stories

1. Zambian Music Dominates Charts with Diverse Hits
   The Zambian music scene is thriving, with Vinchenzo's 'Believe What You Want' voted the most popular song currently by the I Love Zed Music WhatsApp Community, Yo Maps' 'Lwambo' achieving over 1 million streams in just 3 days, and established artists like Macky 2 releasing emotionally resonant tracks like 'Dear Slapdee', showcasing the creativity uniting our people and projecting our culture globally.
2. Police Constable Flees After Stealing K622,483 from Bank
   Constable Emmanuel Tembo, stationed to provide security at a bank, is on the run after allegedly stealing a bag containing K622,483 on September 15th, grabbing the money during closing procedures and later abandoning his AK47 rifle and uniform via a taxi driver at Shimabala Toll Plaza, raising serious concerns about security protocols involving armed officers protecting financial institutions.
3. Chambishi Residents Demand Urgent Action and Funds from Sino Metals Over Pollution
   Nearly 200 residents of Kalusale, Chambishi, have petitioned the High Court, demanding Sino Metals Leach Zambia Limited establish a US$200 million emergency fund for comprehensive environmental and health assessments following alleged water pollution, seeking immediate remedies, full compensation for destroyed property and livelihoods, and advanced environmental remediation to restore soil and water quality, asserting their constitutional right to a safe environment.
4. MP Binwell Mpundu Denies Seditious Practices Charge
   Nkana lawmaker Binwell Mpundu has pleaded not guilty in the Magistrates' Court to a charge of seditious practices relating to a social media post made on December 20, 2024, which the state alleges incited violence or disturbed peace, with his trial set to commence on October 13, 2025, highlighting ongoing legal scrutiny of political expression.

Other Notable Stories

• Governance & Justice:
  • A police officer identified as Constable Emmanuel Tembo allegedly stole over K600,000 from a bank he was guarding on September 15th and fled, later arranging for a taxi driver to deliver his abandoned AK47 rifle and uniform to Shimabala Toll Plaza.
• Environment & Corporate Responsibility:
  • Residents of Kalusale, Chambishi, are seeking a High Court order directing Sino Metals Leach Zambia Limited and NFC Africa Mining to establish an emergency fund for environmental and health impact studies, implement immediate remediation, and provide full compensation following alleged pollution.
• Digital Safety & Security:
  • MTN Group and MTV Base concluded their 'Room of Safety' initiative, urging policymakers, businesses, and civil society to collaborate on protecting young people online in Africa, aligning with the African Union's Child Online Safety and Empowerment Strategy.
  • MultiChoice Chief Technology Officer Sabelo Mwali emphasized the company's commitment to balancing digital entertainment access with robust cybersecurity measures, particularly in combating content piracy that harms Africa's creative industries.

Key Takeaways & Watchpoints

• Monitor the progress of the High Court case regarding the Chambishi residents' demands for environmental remediation and compensation from Sino Metals Leach Zambia Limited.
• Await developments in the trial of Nkana MP Binwell Mpundu, scheduled for October 13, 2025, on charges of seditious practices.
• Track collaborative efforts between corporations like MTN, MultiChoice, and policymakers in implementing the African Union's strategy for enhanced child online safety across the region.