a 41 year old arrested for beating 5 year old

 

CHALI MULENGA 

Livingstone 

 Police in Choma have arrested a 41-year-old woman for allegedly assaulting her 5-year-old niece, leaving the child with swollen legs and severe bruises along her back.

Southern Province Commanding Officer Auxensio Daka said the incident was reported on April 24 by a concerned resident of Shampande township.

He confirmed the incidence which happened in Choma. 

He said the abuse, which is believed to have taken place between January and April 2025, allegedly involved repeated beatings using a stick.

Mr Daka said the suspect, identified as Scentia Hanchancha of Shampande B township.

He said the suspect told police that the beatings were punishment for the child frequently soiling her clothes. 

He said the young girl is now in the custody of the Department of Social Welfare, as authorities have not yet located any close relatives to take her in.

Mr Daka said the police have opened a case docket and issued a medical report form for the victim. 

He said Hanchancha was apprehended shortly after the report and is currently in police custody.

Mr Daka said she is expected to appear in court soon to face charges related to child assault.

He called on members of the public to report any suspected cases of child abuse in their communities.

End 

Be a KK”: Joseph Moyo’s Passionate Plea on Zambia’s Founding Father’s Day

Chali Mulenga*  

Livingstone

 Zambia celebrates Founding Father’s Day, also known as KK Day, one voice has risen sharply above the rest, urging Zambians to reflect not just on history — but on conscience.

Joseph Moyo, a respected human rights defender and vocal citizen advocate, has called on Zambians to use this public holiday not for recreation or routine political platitudes, but for deep introspection and renewed commitment to national service, integrity, and humility — the very principles embodied by Dr. Kenneth David Kaunda, the country’s founding president.

“We must stop romanticizing the past and start embodying it,” Mr Moyo said in a statement issued from Livingstone. 

“To honor KK is to live like KK. 

That means rejecting corruption, serving with humility, and placing the people above personal gain.”

KK Day, observed on April 28, commemorates Dr. Kaunda’s legacy as Zambia’s independence leader and first president. 

The day often sees government-organized memorials, speeches, and cultural events across the country. But Moyo fears the deeper meaning is being lost.

 “We’ve turned it into another holiday — beach trips, BBQs, shopping sales,” Mr Moyo said.

 “But KK never lived for those things. He lived for us — for the people. So the real way to honor him is to ask: Would KK approve of the Zambia we’ve built today?”

He drew a contrast between Kaunda’s selfless leadership and what he described as the growing “entitlement culture” among many of today’s political leaders and civil servants.

Mr Moyo recounted how Kaunda, even after leaving office in 1991, lived modestly, remained accessible to ordinary Zambians, and was never implicated in corruption. 

He relied on public health services, lived in a humble residence, and turned down opportunities for personal enrichment.

 “KK did not steal from the nation. He did not enrich himself. He did not accumulate properties. And when he left power, he didn’t cry foul or incite division — he stepped aside with grace,” Moyo said. “We don’t see that anymore.”

He emphasized that Dr. Kaunda was offered a house in Malawi after his presidency but turned it down, later accepting one built for him by an ordinary Zambian based in England.

 “That alone should teach us everything we need to know about his character.”

Without naming names, Mr Moyo took a swipe at the current political class, accusing them of distorting democracy into a transactional affair where power is sought not to serve but to enrich.

“It is now common to see politicians with fleets of luxury vehicles and mansions barely months after getting elected,” he said.

 “They prioritize tenders and kickbacks over classrooms and clinics. That is not KK’s Zambia.”

He warned that such behavior risks undoing the hard-won unity and moral foundation Kaunda laid.

“KK believed in One Zambia, One Nation — and he practiced it. Today, we are fracturing along tribal, economic, and political lines for short-term gain.”

Mr Moyo’s message was not just directed at politicians. 

He urged every Zambian — from civil servants to business leaders, students to faith leaders — to embody the KK spirit.

“You don’t have to be president to be a KK.

 If you run a market stall and treat customers fairly, you are being a KK. If you refuse to take a bribe, you are being a KK. 

If you speak up for justice and dignity, you are being a KK.”

He encouraged youth to learn more about Kaunda’s life — not just as a political leader but as a philosopher, a Pan-Africanist, and a humanitarian who valued love and peace above power and wealth.

“Dr. Kaunda led this country with a white handkerchief, a Bible, and a guitar — not with a whip or a gun. He used his heart. So let KK Day remind us to lead with love.”

Mr Moyo challenged leaders to mark KK Day not with elaborate speeches but with policy and personal action: 

helping the poor, fighting corruption, improving public services, and building a Zambia that would make KK proud.

“Today, I ask all of us — are we worthy of KK’s legacy? Or are we just clapping in his memory while betraying everything he stood for?”

He left Zambians with a resonant parting shot:

 “Don’t just say happy KK Day. Live it. Be it. Be a KK.”  End

From Park to Pavement: Climate and Encroachment Drive Elephants Into Livingstone

CHALI MULENGA
Livingstone

The Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) has raised growing concern over the escalating human-wildlife conflict in Livingstone, fuelled by urban encroachment, climate change, and the unique layout of Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park.

Gertrude Mutale, Regional Extension Officer under the Community-Based Natural Resources Management Unit at DNPW, outlined these challenges during a community engagement session, calling for greater public awareness and cooperation.

Ms Mutale explained that Mosi-oa-Tunya, Zambia’s second smallest national park at just 6 square kilometres, lacks a Game Management Area (GMA)—a designated buffer zone to enable coexistence between wildlife and humans.

“Unlike larger parks such as Kafue, which is surrounded by eight GMAs, Mosi-oa-Tunya is exposed. This absence greatly contributes to the frequency of wildlife straying into human settlements,” she said.

She added that illegal settlements have emerged along the park’s border, further worsening the situation. Communities like Nakatindi and Kashitu lie dangerously close, placing residents directly in the path of wildlife, particularly elephants.

“These elephants don’t just damage crops; they destroy property, kill livestock, and, tragically, have claimed human lives,” Ms Mutale said. She noted that elephants are now being sighted in unexpected areas, including the city centre, Highlands, and along Airport Road.

Climate change has compounded the problem, she added. During the dry season, food becomes scarce in the park, forcing elephants to forage in residential areas.

“They look for mangoes, maize, and any available vegetation. This makes encounters inevitable—and often dangerous.”

Despite these risks, Ms Mutale stressed the importance of wildlife conservation.

“Conservation isn’t only about preserving animals for tourism. It’s about safeguarding a national resource that contributes significantly to Zambia’s economy. Revenue from tourism supports infrastructure, healthcare, education, and community development.”

She said the DNPW is actively addressing the conflict through strategic interventions and continued community engagement.

Meanwhile, the Zambia Law Development Commission (ZLDC) has pledged support for legal reforms to address the growing tensions between communities and wildlife in Livingstone and surrounding areas.

ZLDC Director Hope Chanda revealed that the Wildlife Act is under review and affirmed the commission’s active role in ensuring it reflects the realities on the ground.

“How do councils allocate land? Should the Wildlife Authority have a say in this process, particularly in conflict-prone zones? What legal options should exist when people lose crops, livestock—or lives? These are questions we must urgently address,” she said.

Ms Chanda emphasised the need for communities to benefit from surrounding land and wildlife without compromising environmental sustainability. She also underscored the urgency of preserving biodiversity for future generations.

“We want our children in 2030 to see elephants in the wild—not just in photographs. They should walk among trees and grasslands that bring rain, not just remember them.”

Environmentalist Benjamin Mibenge also urged residents and institutions in Livingstone to rethink their relationship with nature, especially its smallest and often overlooked creatures.

He reminded the public that every Friday is set aside for cleaning in Livingstone, with the last Friday of each month dedicated to joint community efforts led by various institutions.

“When you burn litter in your yard, you don’t realise how much wildlife you’re destroying,” he said. “We often think of elephants and lions when we mention wildlife, but the small creatures are just as vital.”

He highlighted ants, bees, snakes, frogs, and even house lizards as unsung heroes of the ecosystem.

“Ants decompose particles, enriching the soil for grass to grow—grass that elephants need. Bees pollinate plants, helping trees and crops thrive. Snakes regulate rat and frog populations.”

Mibenge lamented the decline in frog populations in Livingstone, particularly during the once-vibrant months of September and October, as a troubling sign of environmental imbalance.

He also raised concerns about poorly planned residential areas, where pit latrines are located too close to boreholes. “In sandy soil, contamination spreads quickly,” he warned. “It’s unsafe.”

Liswaniso Calls for Greater Youth Inclusion at UPND Mass Rally in Livingstone

Livingstone, Saturday — United Party for National Development (UPND) National Youth Coordinator Gilbert Liswaniso has urged the party leadership to prioritize the empowerment of youths, calling them the true foot soldiers of President Hakainde Hichilema (HH).

Addressing thousands of enthusiastic youths at a mass rally held at Maramba Stadium, Liswaniso emphasized that young people have remained loyal and are ready to defend the party’s vision into the future.

“Youths are the real friends of HH. We are in the office of the President, and we want to make him even more popular,” Liswaniso said. “But some people in office today are not helping us. They have failed. They are not cadres — we, the youths, are the true cadres. When we request help, they ignore us.”

He called on the President to take action against officials who have sidelined the youths, urging HH to replace them with individuals who understand the needs and aspirations of young people.

“This is not church — this is politics. We are here to benefit too. We are ready to work. If they want to enjoy alone, they should know that when HH wins again, it will be because of the foot soldiers — the youths.”

Liswaniso also spoke on the need for amendments to the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) Constitution, saying the changes would create opportunities for more youth involvement, especially in skills training programs.

“Our constituencies are too big, and we want to benefit from the CDF. Skills training should be for us, the youths, in HH’s office. We are the ones who should be lifted up.”

He reiterated that the unity between HH and the youths must be preserved, urging forgiveness among members in Livingstone to strengthen the party's base.

“Let us unite and forgive each other. HH loves the youths and the people of Zambia. The good things happening are because of you — the youths.”

Liswaniso encouraged young people to start preparing to contest elections in 2026 and beyond, noting that true political change would take time.

“We were in the opposition for 23 years. We know that the real elections — the ones that will truly shape Zambia’s future — will be in 2041. Until then, we must stay strong and loyal.”

He concluded with a rallying call: “Go and tell the President — we, the youths, are ready to campaign for him. We will give him the people he should work with. We are ready for the opposition, and we are ready for victory.”

The youth rally marked a spirited show of strength for the UPND's youth wing as they pledged continued support for President Hichilema ahead of the 2026 elections.

Youth Revolution: Empowerment Initiative Ignites Namatama Ward

In a bold leap for youth empowerment, the New Hope Waves-ZOE Empowers Programme is shaking up Namatama Ward  with a dynamic rollout designed to transform lives. 

Executive Director Auldridge Chibbwalu announced the launch with unmistakable energy, emphasizing that this is not just another project—it’s a game changer.

At the event, Mr Chibbwalu thanked local officials, community leaders, pastors, and parents for opening doors and lending support. 

“We came to your office to report our progress, and today we celebrate the fruit of that vision,” he declared. 

The programme, already lighting up 11 countries, has set its sights on empowering 200 youths and 8 mentors through a powerful package: 41 startup kits worth K4,000 each, 167 microgrants of K3,000 apiece, and specialized training provided by local experts to 32 beneficiaries.

Mr Chibbwalu’s message was punchy and clear: this is only the beginning. 

“This dream, once thought impossible, is now a reality in our community—and we’re ready to take it further,” he proclaimed. 

With the financial boost and hands-on mentorship, the initiative aims to spark a wave of entrepreneurship that will ripple through neighboring communities, inspiring more young people to take charge of their futures.

The atmosphere was electric as community leaders and stakeholders rallied behind the programme.

 With such robust backing, Mr Chibbwalu assured everyone that the momentum in Namatama Ward will soon spread, promising an even brighter future for Zambia’s next generation.

End 

PASTORS ABANDON REAL HELP – DRUG ADDICTS AT RISK!

Livingstone’s National Assembly office is sounding the alarm: some pastors and self-styled “men of God” are choosing deliverance sessions over life-saving medical treatment for drug addicts.

Kerron Hanongo, Personal Assistant to MP Rodney Sikumba, slammed the trend at a Play Forward stakeholders meeting. “It’s disturbing that addicts are taken to pastors for spiritual fixes instead of proper medical care,” she declared. Hanongo pressed for training that would empower religious leaders to steer those in crisis toward professional healthcare and rehabilitation.

Divine Fire Cathedral’s Pastor Sam Majoni echoed the call for balance. In a candid interview, he broke addiction recovery down into three essentials: physical help, psychological counseling, and, only then, spiritual support. “Before we focus on deliverance, addicts need hospital detox and real counseling. Skipping these steps isn’t salvation—it’s harm,” he warned.

Pastor Majoni also cautioned that some religious leaders, eager to grow their congregations, risk worsening addicts’ conditions by misdiagnosing drug dependency as mere spiritual possession. “We must recognize the difference. Failing to refer addicts for proper medical care compromises their well-being,” he asserted.

The message is clear: religious institutions must partner with healthcare providers to tackle substance abuse head-on, ensuring that salvation doesn’t come at the cost of a life.

end 

TEACHERS WARN: DEADLY DRUG MANIPULATION CRISIS ROCKS LIVINGSTONE SCHOOLS! Blue tooth of sharing blood

 Teachers in Livingstone have been urged to remain vigilant for students involved in substance misuse, as cases of drug abuse among young people continue to rise.

Speaking at a training workshop for teachers, Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) officer Reuben Zulu highlighted alarming trends in drug abuse among learners and called for increased vigilance and peer education initiatives in schools.

Mr Zulu revealed that some individuals are deliberately manipulating their friends into drug addiction. 

"There are people intentionally driving their friends to madness and exploiting them for their own gain," he said.

One disturbing development he pointed out is that drug dealers are using mentally ill patients to obtain drugs from Livingstone's mental hospital. 

"Some people are acquiring drugs from mental patients, while others are sending individuals with mental illness to collect drugs on their behalf," Mr Zulu explained.

To combat this, the DEC has implemented measures to monitor and curb drug abuse in schools.

 Mr Zulu urged teachers to be proactive and report any suspicious behaviour among students to the authorities.

 He reassured educators that the DEC does not arrest individuals who come forward seeking help with drug-related issues.

Mr Zulu warned about the increasing use of Nsuko, a powdered tobacco mixed with cannabis, which has become highly addictive compared to traditional tobacco products. 

"The Nsuko available today is different from what was used in the past. This modern version can quickly lead to addiction," he cautioned.

He noted that several prescription and over-the-counter drugs are also being abused by students, including Berilyn with codeine, which induces extreme drowsiness. 

"When children take these drugs, they become so sleepy that they could even fall asleep in court," Mr Zulu stated.

He explained that other commonly abused substances include mojo drink, which is being mixed with drugs in juice bottles at school. He said that Valium (Diazepam), known among students as "blue mash", is a sleeping tablet widely misused by learners.

He also mentioned Piriton BH5, an antihistamine misused for its sedative effects. Furthermore, he noted that low-grade cannabis is referred to as "cheese" among peers, while high-grade cannabis—containing higher THC levels—is more potent.

Mr Zulu also warned about the rising use of crystal methamphetamine and the dangerous practice known as "Bluetooth", where users inject drugs and share blood with others to pass on the effects.

According to Mr Zulu, some students have turned to unconventional substances to get high. 

"Young people are smoking tea leaves, sniffing cleaning detergents, and inhaling powdered sweets such as Sweet Aid," he said.

 He added that some even extract powder from fluorescent bulbs, unaware of the potential health hazards. He further cautioned the public about counterfeit money schemes being used to deceive unsuspecting individuals.

And Reach All Funding Raising Officer Priscallar Mwambo stated that collaborative efforts between government, educators, and community stakeholders are essential to turning the tide on this crisis. 

"I am heartened to see the decisive measures taken by the DEC and local educators. Our funding is dedicated to supporting early intervention and prevention programmes that protect our youth from falling into the trap of drug addiction,” she said.

Ms Mwambo, who is also the Play Forward Programme officer, stressed the significance of empowering students. 

"Peer education is one of our strongest tools against drug abuse," she said. 

"When students are taught to look out for one another, we create a supportive environment where early signs of drug misuse can be identified and addressed promptly. Our peer-led initiatives aim to build resilience and awareness among young people." She said.

 End