News Digest - Friday, October 3rd, 2025

Zambia strengthens international partnerships while advancing domestic reforms, with significant developments in energy investment, law enforcement accountability, and constitutional review processes shaping our national trajectory. Court rulings uphold fiscal policies, and concerning social issues prompt decisive governmental action to protect citizens.

Main Stories

1. Zambia-UK Partnership Deepens on Trade and Energy
   President Hichilema and UK Deputy PM David Lammy agreed to expand collaboration in trade, investment, and energy during a working visit, aiming to secure reliable power for homes and businesses while creating jobs. They also discussed global stability and Zambia’s democratic progress ahead of the 2026 elections.
2. Govt Bans Illegal Police Checkpoints Nationwide
   Home Affairs Minister Jack Mwiimbu ordered police to dismantle unauthorised checkpoints, requiring all designated checkpoints to be clearly marked with officers displaying name tags and service numbers to prevent public harassment. Officers violating this face dismissal, and citizens are urged to report misconduct.
3. ConCourt Upholds 10% Tax on Betting Stakes
   The Constitutional Court dismissed BetPawa and Betway’s challenge against the 10% excise duty on betting stakes, ruling the tax constitutional and affirming the "pay now, argue later" principle. The decision supports ZRA’s mandate to collect revenue critical for public services.
4. Over 5,000 Sexual Offences Recorded Since 2021
   Police documented 1,002 rape and 4,978 defilement cases from January 2021 to July 2025, with convictions secured for 346 rapes and 1,998 defilements. The government has banned case withdrawals by families, enhanced DNA forensics, and launched sensitisation campaigns targeting vulnerable age groups.
5. Technical Committee Appointed for Constitutional Review
   President Hichilema established a 25-member committee chaired by retired Supreme Court Judge Christopher Mushabati to draft constitutional amendments after nationwide consultations. The diverse team includes legal experts, traditional leaders, and civil society representatives.

Other Notable Stories

• Governance & Justice:
  • Parliament ratified Presidential appointees to the Human Rights Commission Board, including Chairperson Fr Joseph Komakoma, citing their proven integrity and expertise in human rights promotion.
  • Seven men convicted of trafficking a woman with albinism face a mandatory minimum 25-year sentence, highlighting strengthened judicial action against human trafficking.
• Social Affairs:
  • A Lusaka couple, Mercy Mkandawire and Lawrence Malama, received K10,000 and recognition from Yango after meeting during a 2022 ride—proving Zambian connections flourish in unexpected places.
• International Engagement:
  • Ambassador Winnie Chibesakunda honoured Zambians Angela Chota-Pieczak and Chilambe Katuta for completing the 2025 Berlin Marathon, boosting national visibility among 55,000 global participants.
• Business & Culture:
  • MultiChoice Africa intensifies its fight against content piracy to protect African creators and local entertainment industries, stressing fair compensation for creative work.

Key Takeaways & Watchpoints

• Progress in Zambia-UK energy partnerships may soon translate into tangible power infrastructure projects and job creation.
• Implementation of the police checkpoint directive will be monitored for reduced harassment and improved public trust in security services.
• The Constitutional Review Technical Committee’s consultation schedule will shape upcoming national discourse on governance reforms.