News Digest - Friday, December 5th, 2025

Our nation navigates critical conversations today, from ensuring citizen safety and upholding democratic institutions to driving economic growth through copper projections and new energy investments. Key issues of constitutional respect, electoral credibility, and opposition unity also dominate the discourse, reflecting our collective journey towards stability and prosperity.

Main Stories

1. Police Probe K59,245 Robbery at Lusaka Filling Station
   Police spokesperson Godfrey Chilabi confirmed an investigation into the December 4th aggravated robbery at Munali's Mount Meru Filling Station, where 10 armed suspects attacked attendants, tied them up, and stole cash and phones, highlighting ongoing concerns about public safety and business security in our communities.
2. ECZ Credibility Challenged Over Commissioner Allegiances
   PF presidential aspirant Makebi Zulu asserted that opposition faith in the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) depends on commissioners like McDonald Chipenzi and Mwangala Zaloumis not being known UPND cadres, directly questioning the perceived neutrality vital for fair elections in our democracy.
3. LAZ Demands Withdrawal of Bill 7, Citing Court Order Violation
   The Law Association of Zambia (LAZ), led by president Lungisani Zulu, expressed deep alarm at the government's reintroduction of Bill 7 into the National Assembly, stating it blatantly disregards a Constitutional Court ruling deeming its initial presentation unconstitutional, stressing the imperative for government to respect judicial decisions and uphold our constitutional order.
4. Copper Production Forecast to Reach 960,000 Metric Tonnes in 2025
   PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) predicts Zambia's copper production will hit 960,000 metric tonnes next year, with Ministry of Mines data showing 746,679.4 tonnes produced by October 31, 2025, signalling potential growth critical for our national revenue and economic recovery efforts.
5. State House Sets December 7 Deadline for Clause-by-Clause Bill 7 Objections
   State House Chief Communications Specialist Clayson Hamasaka challenged opposition parties objecting to Bill 7 to submit specific, clause-by-clause objections by December 7th, moving the contentious constitutional amendment debate towards detailed scrutiny rather than blanket condemnation.

Other Notable Stories

• Governance & Justice:
  • Oasis Forum Chairperson Beauty Katebe urged opposition parties to unite behind a single leader to avoid splitting votes, arguing the UPND benefits from their current disunity during a meeting with a consortium of opposition parties.
  • PF's Emmanuel Mpankata accused acting president Given Lubinda of abusing power through recent party appointments and removals (including Mpankata himself, Brenda Nyirenda, Christopher Shakafuswa), vowing political pushback amidst internal PF tensions.
  • Finance Minister Situmbeko Musokotane asserted that citizens in rural and urban areas appreciate the UPND government's efforts on the cost of living and cited Zambia's exit from default status with major credit rating agencies as restoring national credibility.
• Energy & Economy:
  • The Energy Regulation Board (ERB), through spokesperson Namukolo Kasumpa, dispelled claims of a national diesel shortage, attributing intermittent supply issues in some areas to logistical and distribution challenges within the supply chain, not stock deficiencies.
  • Construction began on a 100 MW solar PV plant in Chirundu District, a US$90 million project by ZESCO and Jigsco Energy Corporation, executed by China PowerChina International, expected to create 600 construction jobs and 100 permanent positions, boosting our energy mix.
• Political Developments:
  • International envoys, including Sweden's Johan Hallenborg and the EU's Karolina Stasiak, commended Zambia's corruption convictions at a TIZ conference but stressed the need for continued institutional reforms and transparency in political party funding.
• Crime:
  • Police spokesperson Godfrey Chilabi confirmed the arrest of three suspects in connection with the stabbing deaths of Chinese couple Li Qingming (57) and Liu Jiaxi (55) at their Mariansdale, Lusaka, home between Wednesday evening and Thursday morning.
• Sports:
  • FAZ President Keith Mweemba committed to ensuring transparency and merit-based selection for the national football team, resolving to eliminate external influences like player agents, following resolutions from the 2025 Zambia Football Indaba.

Key Takeaways & Watchpoints

• Monitor the government's response to LAZ's demand and the December 7th deadline for detailed opposition submissions on Bill 7, a critical test for constitutional adherence.
• Track progress towards the projected 960,000 metric tonnes of copper production in 2025, a key indicator for our economic trajectory.
• Observe efforts by the ECZ and political stakeholders to address concerns about commissioner neutrality, essential for maintaining public trust in the electoral process ahead of future polls.