The Plan

SAD NEWS: JEFF SITALI DIES

A dark cloud has fallen on our family. An elder brother who was like a father to me has Departed. Brother Jeff Sitali may your memory be a blessed one. You have run your race and may God accept you in His Glory. Rest In Peace dear Brother....

Tonge Sitali

Whats for lunch

FORMER president Edgar Lungu has promised makeshift PF leader Given Lubinda the position of running mate in the 2026 presidential elections.

The former Head of State has also promised prominent Lusaka lawyer Makebi Zulu the post of Speaker of the National Assembly once he is voted back to power, according to sources within his circle.

After being rejected by close to three million voters in 2021, Lungu is bubbling with confidence, believing the current high meal mealie prices are working in his political favour.

To increase the prospects of returning to State House in 2026, Lungu has now resolved to install an "Alebwelelapo-friendly" leadership in within the PF.

Sources privy to the schemes say Lungu has identified binoculars-carrying Raphael Nakacinda as the most influential proponent of his come back agenda and has since directed Lubinda to announce him as PF Secretary General.

Further, the sources said former minister of works and supply Sylvia Chalikosa was being line up as PF deputy Secretary General while Chitambo member of parliament Mutale Chanda would replace Stephen Kampyongo as opposition chief whip.

Lungu has also directed Lubinda to remove Mporokoso member parliament Brian Mundubile from his parliamentary post as leader of the opposition and replace him with his Kawambwa counterpart Nickson Chilangwa.

According to the sources, this is because Mundubile who they say is working closely with Shiwang'andu lawmaker, Kampyongo is a threat to Lungu's political come back.

As for running mate, the sources say Lungu had initially identified counsel Zulu but later settled for Lubinda for tribal balancing.

The sources said should Lungu return to power, he has promised to make Zulu Speaker of the National Assembly.

Since losing power two years ago, the PF has remained without s president while a convention to elect one has been postponed several times.

After the loss in 2021, Lungu had initially given up on politics but his close associates got him to change his mind after convincing him that he was still popular and that he would easily beat President Hakainde Hichilema in an election.

Since then, Lungu has been scheming his return to the helm of the PF and eventually contesting the presidency in 2026.

Lungu became president of Zambia in 2015 and ruled for seven years.

Credit: Kalemba

PROPOSED LAW, NO BAIL FOR STOCK THEFT

GOVERNMENT has proposed introduction of a law that will ensure that anyone who steals livestock, such as cow, is denied bail when arrested in connection with stock theft.

This follows Cabinet’s plans to amend some sections of the penal code in relation to stock Theft.

Last Wednesday, Cabinet, in line with the approval to amend Section 275 of the Penal Code to accommodate the revision of penalties relating to stock theft, approved the publication and introduction in Parliament, during the next sitting, The Criminal Procedure Code (Amendment) Bill, 2023.”

The objectives of the Bill are to amend the Criminal Procedure Code, so as to make the offence of stock theft non-bailable.

It also seeks to empower all classes of the subordinate Court to commit matters required to be committed for trial to the High Court and revise the powers of the Chief Justice relating to issuances of Rules under the Act.

This is according to statement issued by Chief Government spokesperson Chushi Kasanda to update the nation on the decisions of the 14th Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday last week called by President Hakainde Hichilema.

“Cabinet also approved the publication and introduction in Parliament, during the next sitting, of the Bill entitled “The Penal Code (Amendment) Bill, 2023. The objective of the Bill is to amend the Penal Code, so as to revise the penalties relating to stock theft.

“Currently, Section 275 of the Penal Code Act provides for different penalties depending on the type of stock that is stolen,” Ms Kasanda said.

She said , however, due to the rise in stock theft in the country, it has become necessary to amend the Penal Code Act so as to, among others, revise the penalties relating to stock theft in an effort to deter would-be criminals from committing the offence of stock theft which will invariably, allow for economic growth at a household level.

“Cabinet agreed that there is need to deter criminal activities on livestock theft in the country through stiffer penalties and, therefore, the proposal through this Bill is more appropriate,” Ms Kasanda said.

Credit: Znbc today

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