Metro

Zambian police warns Catholic priest after withdrawing invitation

Published

9 months ago

April 7, 2024

The Zambian police has withdrawn an earlier invitation issued to a controversial Catholic Priest, Andrew Mukosa, who was summoned by the Copperbelt Police for questioning over alleged inciting remarks he made in a “Good Friday” message during the Easter festivities.

According to the summon, Mukosa was to appear at the Copperbelt Division Headquarters in Ndola on Tuesday morning for the purpose of investigations into allegations of making hate speech.

In a viral video which made the rounds on social media, the priest was quoted to have said the challenges Zambian citizens were going through seemed as if it was “Good Friday” where people carried their “cross” everyday, a comment which the authorities deemed inciting.

The invitation, according to those in the know, was connected to the viral video in which Mukosa, an avowed human dignity advocate, preached on the challenges affecting the Zambian nation such as load shedding, unemployment and hunger.

But in a twist to the development, the police, said it has withdrawn the order inviting Mukosa to appear for interrogation.

Police Public Relations Officer, Rae Hamoonga, in a fresh statement on Sunday, said the police has now determined that there was no need for the immediate appearance of Mukosa or his involvement in any ongoing investigations or inquiries.

“Father Mukosa was summoned by the police to provide a statement regarding remarks made during a religious gathering, which were deemed to potentially constitute hate speech,” Hamoonga said.

“This decision has been made after careful consideration and in the best interest of all parties involved. Should there be any further developments or if his cooperation is required in the future, he will be duly informed.

“We urge him not to report to the Copperbelt Division as per the call-out issued to him,” the police spokesman stated.

He however, reminded the public that the police had a legal mandate to investigate all forms of criminal activity, regardless of where they occur.

“It is imperative for all individuals to cooperate with law enforcement agencies in such matters.”

Hamoonga further advised the public to uphold the principles of lawfulness and respect for one another as they go about their daily activities.

He reiterated that hate speech and any form of incitement to violence had no place in society as those found culpable would be held accountable under the law.

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Metro

Zambia: Expert warns of food security threat due to climate change

Published

7 hours ago

December 22, 2024

Isaac Dachen

A prominent Zambian climate-smart agriculture expert, Oliver Bulaya, has warned of a collapse of the county’s agricultural sector with a potential threat to food security due to the worsening impact of climate change.

Bulaya, who bared his mind in an interview with Zambia Monitor on Friday, warned that ignoring the crisis could lead to severe disruptions in the country’s food supply and economy.

“Unless concerted efforts are made, the country will continue facing dire consequences from climate change,” the expert noted.

He lamented a growing trend of farmers relocating to regions experiencing above-normal rainfall, such as the northern block, as they struggle with losses caused by climate variability.

Bulaya emphasized that the once-reliable rainfall areas like North-Western Zambia are now experiencing lower precipitation, as seen during the 2023/2024 farming season and cautioned that poor farming practices, which had already strained the Southern region, could lead to similar challenges in other parts of the country if proactive measures were not implemented.

Metro

Outrage over murder of Nigerian beaten to death by South Africans inside estate security office

Published

12 hours ago

December 22, 2024

Isaac Dachen

The Nigerian community, under the auspices of Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa (NICASA), has raised the alarm over the murder of a 37-year-old Nigerian, Julius Chukwunta, who was beaten to death by four South Africans inside an estate.

According to the association, Chukwunta, a native of Aninri Local Government Area in Enugu State, was reportedly attacked on Saturday, December 7, while driving to his residence in Midrand Protea Estate.

In a statement issued on Saturday by the President-General of NICASA, Dr Frank Onyekwelu, Chukwunta was blocked by the four men while approaching his residence.

Onyekwelu stated that information available to the association noted that after attempting to pass through, Chukwunta was met with resistance by the assailants, prompting him to seek help at the security office of the estate.

“At that moment, the four men allegedly attacked him, leaving him severely injured with a head wound,” the PG said.

“His female companion, who was sitting in the car, rushed to the security office and discovered him bleeding on the ground.

“In spite of attempts to call for help, the security office and residents did not assist in calling the police or an ambulance.

“After an hour, Chukwunta’s partner contacted her father, who, along with other family members, took him to Tembisa General Hospital.

“Chukwunta was placed on life support but later succumbed to his injuries and died at the Tembisa General Hospital on December 10, 2024.”

Onyekwelu also confirmed that the case was reported to the police by Chukwunta’s partner at the Midrand Police Station and was registered under file number 262/12/2024.

The NICASA President said the four suspects, aged 20, 24, 27, and 28, were arrested, and the case was presented in Alexandra Magistrate Court on December 13, 2024, where they were charged with murder.

“The court proceedings on December 18, 2024, saw three of the suspects granted bail of R10,000 each, while the fourth had not yet applied for bail. The case was adjourned to February 3, 2025.”

Onyekwelu however, expressed disappointment at the proceedings, wondering why three of the suspects were released on bail and vowed that the Nigerian community would continue to demand justice for Chukwunta and support his family.

He emphasised that the community would not rest until justice was served and the value of Nigerian lives was upheld in South Africa.