Chali Mulenga

  The Zambia Police Service has announced the arrest of six individuals, including Lombe Chali, one of the wives of Jay Emmanuel Banda, who escaped from lawful custody while receiving medical treatment at Chipata General Hospital.  The incident has raised concerns about security and accountability within the law enforcement community. Lombe Chali was apprehended on August 9, 2024, and formally charged the same day before being released on police bond.  Further investigations into the circumstances surrounding Banda’s escape led to the arrest of two police officers, Mfungwe Phineas and Kabole Benson, along with three prison warders: Sakala Moses, Nathan Mbao, and Musa Spider Zulu.  The five law enforcement officials were arrested on August 12, 2024, and also released on police bond. All six individuals have been charged with aiding a prisoner to escape, a serious offence under Section 120 Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia.  They are expected to appear in court soo...

  The emerald sector in Zambia has witnessed a mixed performance over the past six months, with notable successes from major players but ongoing challenges for small-scale miners. According to Victor Kalesha, President of the Emerald and Semi-Precious Stones Mining Association of Zambia (ESMAZ), the sector's progress is driven largely by the efforts of Kagem Mining Limited and Grizzly Mining Limited, the two largest producers in the country.   Mr Kalesha noted that Kagem and Grizzly Mining have been instrumental in promoting growth within the sector, thanks to their successful auctions held both locally and internationally.   He said these auctions have not only boosted the companies' revenues but have also raised Zambia’s profile as a leading producer of high-quality emeralds. “Over the last six months, Kagem Mining Limited and Grizzly Mining Limited have significantly driven the growth of the emerald sector through successful auctions, showcasing the potential...

The Emerald and Semi-Precious Stones Mining Association of Zambia (ESMAZ) has made a powerful call to action, highlighting the success of Grizzly Mining Limited, an African-owned company, as a beacon of hope and progress in the continent's mining sector.  In a statement released yesterday, ESMAZ President Victor Kalesha emphasized the importance of supporting and collaborating with African mining giants to unlock the full potential of Africa’s mineral wealth. Grizzly Mining Limited, founded by Mr. Abdoulaye Ndiaye, a Senegalese entrepreneur who has since acquired Zambian citizenship, stands as a testament to the heights African entrepreneurship can reach.  Under Mr. Ndiaye’s leadership, Grizzly Mining has grown to become the second-largest emerald producer and exporter in Africa.  This achievement not only underscores the potential within the continent but also sends a clear message:  Africa can elevate its own standards in mining, reducing dependency on Western expl...

The longstanding relationship between Zambia and China, which has spanned over six decades, is facing scrutiny from key industry figures who believe the partnership has not been mutually beneficial.  The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) has been a cornerstone of economic, political, and social cooperation between the two nations.  However, concerns are growing that the benefits of Zambia’s rich mineral resources have been skewed heavily in favor of China. Victor Kalesha, President of the Emerald and Semi-Precious Stones Mining Association of Zambia (ESMAZ), expressed his concerns about the imbalanced nature of the relationship, particularly in the mining sector.  “While we appreciate China’s role in infrastructure development in Zambia, it’s crucial to acknowledge that the exploitation of our mineral resources has been largely one-sided.  China has reaped substantial rewards, often utilizing cheap labor and acquiring resources at minimal cost,” Kalesha state...

Zambia is facing international scrutiny following the recent detention of Dr. Fred M’membe, the leader of the Socialist Party, raising alarm over the state of political freedoms in the country.  Dr. M’membe, a staunch advocate for social justice and democracy, remains in police custody under circumstances that many are beginning to suspect may be politically motivated. Dr. M’membe has long been a fearless critic of the Zambian government, using his platform to champion the rights of the marginalized and to advocate for systemic change.  His commitment to socialist principles and democratic ideals has made him a prominent figure in Zambian politics—and, it seems, a target for those in power. The circumstances of his detention remain unclear, sparking fears of political persecution.  “We are deeply concerned that Dr. M’membe’s detention may be an attempt to silence his dissenting voice,” said Brill Aggephrey, who, along with his family, has publicly expressed solidarity wit...

Prominent Livingstone resident Joseph Moyo has issued a strong statement cautioning against the dismissal of public officials based solely on social media allegations. In a press statement released today, Moyo emphasized the importance of due process, warning that calls for immediate action on unproven corruption claims could undermine the principles of natural justice. Moyo expressed concern over the growing trend of using social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook to level accusations against public officials, arguing that such accusations should not be grounds for dismissal without substantial evidence. "If President Hakainde Hichilema dismissed anyone simply because they were accused of corruption on social media, it would call into question his suitability for office," Moyo stated. While reiterating his staunch opposition to corruption, Moyo warned against the weaponization of corruption allegations to incite public outrage or to unjustly tarnish the reputatio...

 President of the Emerald and Semi Precious Stones Mining Association of Zambia (ESMAZ),Victor Kalesha has called on Africa's wealthiest individuals to redirect their focus from personal gain to the development of the continent's abundant resources. In a powerful statement, Kalesha expressed frustration over Africa's continued reliance on foreign powers despite its wealth of natural resources, including emeralds, gold, diamonds, oil, and gas.  He criticized the continent's elite for prioritizing their own wealth over empowering small-scale miners and driving meaningful economic progress. "Africa's wealthy have the power to break the chains of Western exploitation, yet too many choose to build their empires instead of uplifting our continent," Kalesha said.  He urged Africa's richest leaders to collaborate with technocrats and invest in projects that would make Africa a global model of self-sufficiency and prosperity. Kalesha highlighted the success of ...