George Musonda - Journalist

Police slap cop abductor with more charges

THE MAN whose reckless decision turned a traffic accident into a full-blown abduction and high-speed police pursuit through the affluent streets of Lusaka is now staring at a mountain of criminal charges, on top of the abduction rap that first landed him in a police cell.

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Jackson Chilemena, the 45-year-old man who allegedly snatched a female traffic officer during what was supposed to be a post-accident procedure, has had his charge sheet expanded to include a string of traffic violations.

And if that is not enough, police say he was also drunk when it all happened.

According to Police spokesperson Rae Hamoonga, Chilemena, popularly known as Jack Nyela of B42 Salama Park, has officially been charged with abduction, a serious offence under Section 253 of Zambia’s Penal Code.

The list of offences now also includes driving under the influence of alcohol, careless driving, using an uninsured and unlicensed vehicle, driving with an expired test certificate and failing to change ownership of the vehicle he was using during the incident.

This follows the dramatic event that happened on Monday afternoon when Inspector Getrude Nkonde, a seasoned traffic officer from Woodlands Police, was called to an accident involving a flashy white Toyota Land Cruiser and a Mitsubishi Pajero outside Latitude 15 Degrees Hotel in Kabulonga.

After inspecting the damage and identifying the Land Cruiser as the culprit, Nkonde hopped into the same vehicle, driven by Chilemena, to es**rt the offending party to the station.

However, instead of heading to Woodlands Police as instructed, Chilemena and his two companions allegedly sped off with the officer trapped inside.

With her instincts in overdrive, the officer started yelling and waving frantically for help through the window, sensing that what began as a road accident report had spiraled into an abduction.

Fortunately, the country’s top cop himself
Graphel Musamba was passing by with his convoy just in time to witness the chaos.

With no time to waste, the Inspector General ajournd his journey sine die, made a U-turn that would make Fast & Furious star Vin Diesel jealous, and launched a pursuit that turned the serene Kabulonga streets into a full-throttle police playground giving the Land Cruiser a taste of justice.

Tyres were screeching and lights flashing, the IG’s team boxed in the rogue vehicle near Fairview, rescued the terrified cop, and clapped the abductors in cuffs.

Chilemena remains in police custody as he awaits fulfillment of bond conditions, and he is expected to appear in court soon...https://kalemba.news/local/police-slap-cop-abductor-with-more-charges/

By George Musonda

Kalemba August 19, 2025

Police boss rescues abducted Lusaka cop

THE POSH streets of Lusaka's Woodlands and Kabulonga were yesterday transformed into high-speed race tracks as Inspector General of Police Graphel Musamba and his team raced after a vehicle that had snatched a female officer.

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The drama of the high-speed chase started when Getrude Nkonde, a traffic officer who operates from Woodlands Police station, responded to what she thought was a minor damage-only accident at Latitude 15 Degrees, an exquisite restaurant nestled in the heart of Woodlands.

The accident happened around 16:45 hours involving a white Toyota Land Cruiser, which had rammed into a Mitsubishi Pajero belonging to Paul Chisunka, a 44-year-old resident of Kabulonga.

As Nkonde arrived on the scene, her trained eyes scanned the wreckage, and utilising her many years of experience as a seasoned traffic officer, she concluded Jackson Chilemena aged 45, driver of the Land Cruiser, was squarely at fault.

The 38-year-old officer then requested Chilemena, who was accompanied by his wife and a colleague, to take to take a short drive to Woodlands Police Station to record statements, with her riding along.

As narrated by witnesses, instead of heading for Woodlands, the driver veered off course, speeding away with the lone officer on board.

Noticing danger, the law enforcer quickly realised she was being abducted and began frantically waving and shouting for help from the vehicle’s window.

As fate would have it, the convoy of the Inspector General of Police, Graphel Musamba, happened to be passing by and noticed the commotion.

Upon noticing that one of his own officers was in danger, Musamba and his convoy immediately abandoned their trip, u-turned and pursued the speeding Pajero and in the process recreated the high-octane drama of the Dakar Rally on Lusaka's streets.

As the pursuit reached its climax, Musamba's team executed a flawless tactical maneuver, swooping ahead of the Pajero to block its escape and forcrd it to a jarring stop around Fairview area in Kabulonga.

The officers then summersaulted out of their vehicles, secured their abducted comrade who appeared shaken and traumatised before arresting Chilemena, his wife Nancy Milambwe aged 35 and his friend Patrick Kalenga also aged 35.

The three were then taken to Woodlands Police Station, where they spent a night facing possible charges of abduction.

Impressed by the bravery and daring expertise that they just witnessed, onlookers were buzz with praise, speculating that if a rank above Inspector General existed, Musamba and his team would be prime candidates.

The Zambia Police Service is yet to issue a statement on the matter...https://kalemba.news/local/police-boss-rescues-abducted-lusaka-cop/

By George Musonda

Kalemba August 19, 2025

Semen found on lifeless Chipangali man's body sign of last breath - Police

Police officers in Eastern Province have discovered semen on the body of a Chipangali man who was found hanging lifeless from the roof of a Kitchen shelter.

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The authorities said the presence of semen is a sign linked to the victim's final moments of life.

This ccurred last night around 22:00 hours and was reported this morning at 07:10 hours to Mugubudu Police Post under Chipata Central Police Station by the deceased’s elder brother, Charles Banda, aged 48.

The deceased, 41 year old Paniso Banda, had reportedly spent the day in good health, sharing both lunch and supper with his wife, Naomi Nkhoma and their five children.

At around 21:00 hours, the family retired to bed, but Paniso later stepped outside before quietly returning.

When questioned by his wife about where he had been, he gave no answer.

Moments later, while the household was overtaken by the slumber of the night, Paniso left the bedroom again.

Upon noticing his absence, the wife went outside and discovered his lifeless body hanging inside their grass-thatched kitchen, barely three metres from the main house.

Police who visited the scene confirmed that the man had hanged himself using a string from the hood of the coat he was wearing.

According to Eastern Province police commanding officer Robertson Mweemba, officers further observed semen on the body, a biological occurrence that can happen during the last moments before death in some instances where one takes his own life.

"No physical injuries were observed. Semen was found on the body as a sign of last breath. Neither the family nor police suspect foul play," Mweemba confirmed.

"The body was surrendered to the family members for burial."

By George Musonda

Kalemba August 14, 2025

Government formalises small-scale mining operations, grants over 1,400 rights

GOVERNMENT has intensified the formalisation of artisanal and small-scale mining in an effort to enhance safety and increase the sector’s contribution to national development.

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Mines and Minerals Development Minister Paul Kabuswe says so far, 1,488 artisanal mining rights have been issued, of which 1,176 are to individuals and 300 to cooperatives, targeting to mitigate illegal mining activities.

"These efforts target illegal mining activities in areas such as Mpika, Kasempa, Mfumbwe, and other mineral-rich regions,” Kabuswe said.

Speaking during a press briefing today, Kabuswe explained that under the new arrangements, small-scale operators will be expected to partner with Zambia Consolidated Copper Mines–Investment Holdings (ZCCM-IH), which will in the initial phase mop up and process all gold produced by artisanal miners.

He added that the Zambia Gold Company Limited, appointed as the government’s gold buyer, began purchasing gold from artisanal miners in Rufunsa in February and in Mumbwa in March this year.

By June, the company had bought 13.9 kilogrammes of gold with an average purity of 84 percent from the two districts.

Kabuswe said government will also facilitate partnerships between artisanal miners and experienced investors to modernise gold mining operations, improve productivity, and create sustainable economic opportunities for Zambians.

In terms of maintaining safety, government will this month roll out the newly developed Peakside Manual starting with Mufumbwe, Kasempa, and Mpika, to guide miners on safe mining methods and reduce fatalities caused by a lack of technical expertise in informal mining.

By George Musonda

Kalemba August 14, 2025

Morocco shouldn’t take our 2 defeats lightly - Grant

DESPITE opening the African Nations Championship (CHAN) tournament with two defeats, Chipolopolo head coach Avram Grant insists Zambia’s campaign is far from over and believes his team can still make a strong statement against Morocco tomorrow.

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Speaking during a pre-match press conference, Grant said although the team has struggled in the first two games, they have shown enough fight to suggest they can challenge one of Africa’s top sides.

“It’s not over yet. Tomorrow we have a good game against Morocco, and it will be tough, but Morocco shouldn’t take us lightly. We may have lost two games, but we have given strong opposition and we will continue to do so,” he said.

The Chipolopolo boss emphasised that the players must have confidence in themselves, showcase their character and abilities in every match and never be easy opponents.

He noted that challenges can arise, but stressed tomorrow, the team will give everything on the pitch with the goal of securing all three points.

While praising Morocco for their long-term planning and football infrastructure, Grant cautioned that Zambia will not be an easy side to beat as the team is motivated to prove that early setbacks have not diminished their fighting spirit in the tournament.

The Chipolopolo will tomorrow face Morocco in a crucial CHAN fixture kicking off at 16:00 hours CAT

By George Musonda

Kalemba August 13, 2025

Zambia desperate for first win today, takes on Morocco in CHAN

THE Chipolopolo Boys face Morocco this afternoon in a make-or-break Group A encounter at the ongoing African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 in Kenya.

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The match kicks off at 16:00 hours Zambian time at the Nyayo National Stadium, with Zambia desperate for a first win after two opening losses left them rooted at the bottom of the table.

Zambia captain Kelvin Kampamba told Morocco to brace themselves for a real fight this afternoon, warning that the Chipolopolo are not in Kenya to be anybody’s punching bag.

Speaking ahead of today’s must-win clash, the soft-spoken but fiery-footed skipper admitted Zambia’s CHAN campaign had stumbled, but insisted the flame was far from out.

“We have to believe in ourselves as players. We are here to show our character and skills every time we enter the pitch. We will go there and fight for maximum points,” Kampamba alias Kemuka, declared at the pre-match press conference yesterday.

Kenya currently leads Group A with seven points from three games, while Angola follows behind with four.

DR Congo and Morocco both have three points from two matches, while Zambia remains without a point.

With only the top two teams advancing to the quarterfinals, Zambia must beat Morocco to keep their hopes alive and avoid an early exit.

Will Chipolopolo shock Morocco today or will the Atlas Lions send the team home early? Well 90 minutes will be the judge of that...https://kalemba.news/sports/zambia-desperate-for-first-win-today-takes-on-morocco-in-chan/

By George Musonda

Kalemba August 14, 2025

Kasama newborn battles heart defect, airway condition

A 12-day-old baby girl from Kasama has been thrown into the fight of her life after being born with two severe congenital conditions that make every breath and every feed a struggle for survival.

The newborn came into the world with dextrocardia, a rare defect where the heart grows on the right side of the chest instead of the left and a tracheo-esophageal fistula, a dangerous passage linking the food pipe to the windpipe.

According to, Kasama General Hospital Head of Paediatrics Siloka Silas, the combination of these conditions leaves the infant vulnerable to choking and severe lung infections.

“This baby needed immediate care from a team of heart and breathing specialists in Lusaka,” said Dr Siloka.

This is because Kasama General Hospital does not have the advanced equipment or specialist doctors required to perform such complex procedures, making the baby’s condition even more precarious.

The hospital immediately contacted the Ministry of Health to request an emergency transfer.

With road travel ruled too dangerous, the Zambia Flying Doctor Service (ZFDS) was called in.

Yesterday morning, a ZFDS aircraft landed at Kasama Airport, where a team of medics worked quickly to stabilise the fragile baby throughout the flight.

Upon landing at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport, an ambulance rushed the baby to the National heart hospital, where a team of heart specialists awaited her arrival.

Only time will tell how the baby will respond after the process has been concluded.

By George Musonda

Kalemba August 9, 2025

Misisi man shocks showgoers after returning lost phone at Lusaka agricultural show

A 29-year-old man from Lusaka's Misisi Compound has earned praise from members of the public and the Zambia Police Service after returning a lost phone during the just-ended 97th Agricultural and Commercial Show.

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Samuel Banda, a small-scale businessman, stumbled on the phone, a Tecno Spark 30 worth K2,500, while enjoying a live performance by hip-hop giant Slap Dee at the entertainment arena and immediately handed it over to police.

Banda, recalled how it happened saying, as people pushed and danced, he stepped on something unusual and that is the moment he became the unofficial guardian of someone’s gadget.

“I was watching Slap Dee perform. It was crowded, and I was being pushed back. I felt something underfoot, and when I looked down, I saw a phone lying on the ground. That’s how I picked it up and went straight to the police stand,” he said.

While some, from a certain part of the country would say lesa tapela, atambikafye and raise their hands in thanking their ancestors for unexpected blessings, Banda calmly picked up the phone and walked it over to the police stand.

The phone belonged to Joyce Banda, a resident of Makeni Villa, who had unknowingly dropped it during the event and only discovered the phone was missing after the show had ended.

Moments later, Joyce tried calling her number with a heavy heart, expecting the usual 'phone switched off' heartbreak.

But this time, someone actually answered.

To her surprise, the call was answered, and she was instructed to meet the caller at the Zambia Police stand inside the showgrounds.

Overwhelmed with joy and disbelief, Joyce rushed to the stand and was reunited with her phone still in one piece, with all her selfies intact.

“I felt weak and very disappointed in myself. That phone holds so much of my personal information,” she said.

Joyce was reunited with her phone and thanked Banda for his integrity and honesty, noting that in most cases lost phones are never recovered.

The Zambia Police Service commended Banda for his exemplary conduct, stating that such acts promote trust, community responsibility and safety during public events.

Authorities further urged members of the public to emulate Banda’s actions and continue working with law enforcement to maintain order and uphold ethical behaviour.

So next time you drop your phone at a crowded event, pray that someone like Samuel is the one who steps on it..https://kalemba.news/local/misisi-man-shocks-showgoers-after-returning-lost-phone-at-lusaka-agricultural-show/
By George Musonda

Kalemba August 5, 2025

Not all step moms are bad, mine was a good woman, shares Smooth IK

MANY are the times we believe all stepmothers are cruel. Society has often painted them with the same brush, that they are cold, wicked and scheming.

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In the eyes of some children, no matter how hard she tries, a stepmother is never enough. She is always the woman who “came after,” not the one who gave birth.

But renowned media personality and Smooth Talk presenter, Innocent Kalaluka popularly known as Smooth IK has a different story to tell about his step mother.

The ageless media guru shared that there was a time he stayed with his step mom and the woman was so good to him.

“There’s a time I got back to stay with my step mom as well, there’s always stories about step moms. I think I was lucky, I mean, my mom was good. My step mom was good. They say step moms are always bad but mine was good,” said IK.

Smooth IK shared on Kenny T 1 On 1 podcast that his parents divorced while his mother was still expecting him and three months after he was born, his mother left for the United States in search of a better life, leaving him in the care of his father’s young sister who he says raised him as her own.

“I remained with my dad’s younger sister. So I didn’t know my mom for a long time, she tells me that there was a time she came to visit and somebody told me that’s your mom and I was like, no, no my mom is that one (his step mom),” shared the broadcaster.

It wasn’t until much later in life when he went to live with his biological mother in the US that he truly got to know her.

But long before that reunion, he had also spent time living with his stepmother.

“I got to know my mom in my older age. She would just come and go. But I got to live with her in the US,” Kalaluka shared during the interview.

By Catherine P**e

Kalemba, August 2, 2025

My visit is not diplomatic, it’s about strengthening bonds that deliver - Boko

BOTSWANAN President Duma Boko says his visit to Zambia is not just about protocol or diplomacy, but about deepening the friendship between the two countries in ways that bring real benefits to their people.

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President Boko is in Lusaka for a two day State Visit at the invitation of President Hakainde Hichilema.

The two leaders launched the first ever Botswana-Zambia Bi-National Commission (BNC) which is a new platform aimed at boosting cooperation in key areas such as trade, agriculture, education, health, energy and tourism.

“This visit is more than diplomacy. It’s about strengthening bonds that deliver,” President Boko said during a meeting at State House yesterday.

“We share a border, but more importantly, we share the same goals, to improve the lives of our people.”

He said the two governments must work together to create opportunities, especially for the youth, who he described as the biggest asset for both nations.

“We have a responsibility to turn our talks into real results that people can feel. Jobs, business opportunities and better services for our youth,” said President Boko.

President Hichilema who welcomed his counterpart warmly, said the visit shows the strong friendship between Zambia and Botswana.

“Our two countries have always shared a deep connection and now we are building on that through this Bi-National Commission,” said President Hichilema.

He added that the Commission will help both countries work more closely in developing infrastructure, promoting trade and growing their economies together.

President Boko will also be the Guest of Honour at the official opening of the Zambia Agriculture and Commercial Show today.

By Catherine P**e

Kalemba, August 2, 2025

Sorrow floods online as Solwezi cop shoots constructor wife 3 years after wedding

BEFORE her name made the news for all the wrong reasons, Womba Samulozela was known in Solwezi for something far more inspiring.

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At just 36, Womba had carved out a reputation for herself in the male-dominated construction industry, managing her own projects, building homes, and earning admiration for doing what many considered men’s work.

Just three years ago, Womba Samulozela danced in her white gown, full of joy and dreams, during a colourful wedding and kitchen party that left many admiring her love story.

She tied the knot in 2022 with her lover Funkunta Muyembi, 46, a police officer stationed at Solwezi Central Police station.

Sadly, that bright journey was cut short in the early hours of today by the very man she once called her husband.

Womba was killed together with her stepbrother, 42-year-old Wanna Samulozela, who was living with the couple.

According to Police spokesperson Rae Hamoonga, the gruesome incident took place around 05:30 hours in Solwezi’s Low Density area and was reported to Solwezi Central Police Station at 09:21 hours by a relative, 45-year-old Kalumbu Agnes.

Police say the couple had separated just two days prior, on July 30, following ongoing marital disputes.

But today, Muyembi reportedly used a spare key to gain entry into the house, where he confronted the two victims before opening fire.

When officers arrived at the scene, they found all three deceased in the same room.

Womba had sustained a gunshot wound to the left ribs, her brother Wanna had been shot in the same area without an exit wound, and Muyembi had a self-inflicted shot to the neck using an AK-47 rifle, which lay clamped to his chest with the safety catch open.

The weapon, serial number 1674, was confirmed to have been drawn earlier that morning at 05:05 hours, after the officer claimed he was following up on a report in Mutanda.

However, instead of going on duty, he turned the government-issued firearm into an instrument of domestic horror.

The late Wanna Samulozela, a newly transferred doctor from Lusaka, had been staying at the house, likely as a support system in the wake of the couple’s strained relationship.

The three bodies were taken to Solwezi General Hospital mortuary for postmortem examinations and will later be handed over to the families for burial.

"This unfortunate incident highlights the importance of addressing domestic disputes through peaceful and lawful means," Hamoonga stated.

"The Zambia Police Service deeply regrets the loss of life and extends heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families."

By George Musonda

Kalemba August 1, 2025

Vehicle hits motorbike, killing clinical officer, her baby, 2 pedestrians in Mwense

A ROAD traffic accident in Mwense District has claimed the lives of a clinical officer, her one-year-old son, a 60-year-old grandmother, and her 11-month-old granddaughter.

The crash, which occurred on the Mansa–Mwense road in Kabundafyela Village, involved a Toyota Noah and an unregistered motorcycle.

According to Luapula Province Police commanding officer Mwala Yuyi, the Toyota Noah, driven by 32-year-old Joseph Kaunda, rammed into the motorcycle from behind before hitting the pedestrian with her grandchild.

"The accident occurred when the driver of the Toyota Noah reportedly due to divided attention, collided with the motorcycle," said Yuyi.

The clinical officer, Lucy Chiyanika, who had her baby, Lojenzo Nyirongo on her back, died at the scene, along with the pedestrian, Joyce Mwenya, and her granddaughter, Chama Agness.

All four victims sustained fatal head injuries.

A second clinical officer, Yotam Nyirongo, who was also a passenger on the motorcycle survived with a suspected fractured leg and facial injuries.

He is currently receiving treatment at Kashiba Mini Hospital.

Both the driver of the Toyota Noah and the 24-year-old rider of the motorcycle, Arnold Mumba, have been detained by police.

They face charges of causing death by dangerous driving and riding.

The Toyota Noah has been impounded, and the bodies of the deceased have been taken to Mambilima Mission Hospital mortuary.

However, the motorbike has mysteriously gone missing as the police shared they are currently searching for it.

It was reportedly missing from the accident scene.

By George Musonda

Picture for illustration

Kalemba August 1, 2025