Metro

Ex-President Lungu’s daughter Tasila to know fate on corruption case April 19

Published

8 months ago

March 22, 2024

Tasila Lungu, the daughter of former Zambian President, Edgar Lungu, will on April 19 know her fate in a corruption case filed against her by the country’s Economic and Financial Crimes Court.

The case which was lodged by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Gilbert Phiri, wants Lungu’s Sinda Farm forefeited to the state as it was allegedly acquired with government funds when her father was the President.

The contentious property in question is located in the Sinda district of Zambia’s Eastern Province and is said to be valued at K8 million, suspected to have been acquired through proceeds of crime.

When the case came up for hearing on Thursday, Justice Vincent Siloka who presided over the matter, dismissed the preliminary issues raised by Tasila.

Among the issues she raised was whether the “DPP can sue or be sued and that since he had no legal capacity to sue, the Economic and Financial Crimes Court had no jurisdiction to hear the forefeiture proceedings.”

The court, however, held the view that in accordance with article 180(1) of the constitution, the DPP had powers to institute and undertake criminal proceedings

Judge Siloka said the “matter was properly commenced as the DPP in Section 29 of the Forfeiture of Proceeds Crime Act is empowered to commence criminal/civil proceedings in matters relating to financial and economic crimes.”

The Court also held that pursuant to Article 180 (1) of the Constitution and Section 82 of the Criminal Procedure Code, the DPP would delegate his powers to State Advocates or any Prosecutor to exercise his powers.

“In conclusion, we find that all the preliminary issues raised are bereft of any merit and are dismissed,” Justice Siloka said.

“Consequently and following our directive at the last hearing that if we dismiss the preliminary issue, we shall proceed to render judgment based on the record before us as the substantive matter is unopposed,” he added.

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Metro

World Bank pledges $3b to support Zambia’s development goals

Published

5 hours ago

November 14, 2024

Isaac Dachen

The World Bank Group has pledged to avail Zambia with approximately $3 billion to support the country’s development goals under the new Country Partnership Framework (CPF) for 2025-2029, with nearly half of the funds already disbursed.

World Bank Country Manager, Achim Fock, who made this known at the CPF launch at the Mulungushi Conference Centre in Lusaka on Wednesday, outlined the global lender’s focus areas, which included enhancing jobs, human capital, and climate resilience.

Fock highlighted that $200 million had been approved to strengthen Zambia’s social protection programs, including the Refugee and Host Community Project.

He also expressed optimism for upcoming approvals, including the Climate and Economic Resilience Financing and the Zambia-Tanzania Interconnector.

Zambia’s Finance and National Planning Minister, Situmbeko Musokotwane, who also spoke at the event, noted that 2.3 million Zambian households have so far benefited from social protection interventions such as the Cash for Work Programme, emphasizing the government’s commitment to safeguarding lives amid crises like the recent drought.

Musokotwane further reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting lives during times of crises such as the recent drought.

“More than two thirds of the Zambian population was affected by the drought. It was the government’s view that the first priority was to save lives,” Musokotwane stated.

Metro

Chinese mining giant CNMC set for $1.6 billion investment in Zambia

Published

1 day ago

November 13, 2024

Isaac Dachen

A Chinese mining giant, China Nonferrous Metal Mining Company (CNMC), has announced the investment of over $1.6 billion in Zambia, following successful discussions with President Hakainde Hichilema at the State House on Tuesday.

CNMC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Wen Gang, who held the discussions with Hichilema along with the Chinese Ambassador to Zambia, Han Jing, confirmed the company’s commitment to furthering Zambia’s economic development.

“We are actively investing in critical sectors of Zambia’s economy,” Gang said after the meeting.

He noted that CNMC was currently pumping water from Shaft 28 at Luanshya Copper Mine, where 29.9 million cubic liters have been cleared as part of intensified dewatering efforts, adding that the company plans to inject an additional $200 million to develop a greenfield mine on the Copperbelt.

President Hichilema who welcomed CNMC’s commitment, highlighted the potential economic impact of the firm’s investment which will include job opportunities for Zambians.

“This $1.6billion investment, alongside advanced technology and expansion, will extend operations and create more jobs and opportunities for Zambians, especially in mining contracting and supply,” the President said.

He also expressed gratitude to Chinese President Xi Jinping and the Chinese government for their shared commitment to fostering growth and cooperation between the two countries.