FOLLOWING a mine accident in Chingola district on the Copperbelt, reports suggest the victims that were buried alive are feared to have drowned.

The victims are suspected to have drowned in the tunnels where they were digging copper ore after heavy rains and landslides buried the tunnels.

Police received a report of drowning from Abedenigo Keshinako who has since identified seven of his colleagues that were victims of mine accident at Kasenseli of Konkola Copper Mines (KCM)open pit.

A combined rescue team of police, Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) staff and fire brigade have however, not yet retrieved any of the bodies.

Police spokesperson Rae Hamoonga said the incident occurred on November 30th between 21:00 hours and 22:00 hours.

“Mr Keshinako reported that those that are suspected to have drowned are Christopher Chungu ,Silvester other names not known ,John other name not known ,a person only known as Bashi Prisca , Joe other names not known,Gold other names not known and another one only known as Bashi Emma,” he said.

He noted that those identified together with others drowned in the tunnels where they were digging copper ore after heavy rains.

“The Police, KCM rescue team and fire brigade visited the scene and it was discovered that there were two sites within the pit where the victims were buried. The bodies are not yet retrieved as efforts are being made to retrieve them,” he said.

(Mwebantu, Saturday, 2nd December, 2023)

A Ndola teacher has been dragged to court for allegedly sexually abusing a grade 11 pupil at a school he teaches.

David Kunda aged 31 is alleged to have lured the victim to his office where he sexually abused her.

The incident is alleged to have occurred on September 28th, this year at around 21:00 hours at the school premises.

When the matter came up for before Ndola magistrate Brian Simachela, Kunda denied the accusations.

It is alleged that on the material date, the victim had gone to accused’s office to call her parents.

It was heard that after the call, when the pupil wanted to walk out from the office, Kunda allegedly locked the door and raped her.

The victim then reported the incident to other teachers the following day.

However, after denying the allegations, the matter was adjourned to December 14th for commencement of trial.

Before it’s adjournment, advocate representing the accused , Kenneth Tembo applied for bail pending trial.

Magistrate Simachela granted bail of K25,000 in accused’s own recognisance and ordered that he also bring two working surieties from well known institutions.

(Mwebantu, Thursday, 30th November, 2023)

THE Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) has condemned the thuggery and barbaric behavior that unfolded at the High Court yesterday, where a lawyer, Linus Eyaa, was physically attacked by aggrieved members of the public.

In a statement LAZ president Lungisani Zulu said the Association has established that Mr Eyaa was merely discharging his role as a Legal Practitioner in line with the provisions of the Legal Practitioners Act, Chapter 30 of the Laws of Zambia, when he met the unfortunate fate, from an opposing group in the case involving Money Grow Cooperative.

He reminded members of the public of the critical role lawyers play in the development of society, in line with every lawyer’s statutory mandate.

Mr Zulu said acts of physical violence against members of the legal profession are inimical to the advancement of the public interest, which lawyers advance.

He said lawyers have always stood and continue to stand on the side of society, even offering pro bono services to indigents.

“That the unfortunate incident happened in the precincts of the High Court, which are considered as a “holy ground of justice” makes the incident more distressing and any efforts by any citizens to take the law into their own hands deserves condemnation in the strongest terms, by all well-meaning citizens,” he said.

Mr Zulu has since commended police for its quick action in saving the lawyer.

“We are happy to also learn that six suspects of the violence have since been arrested by Kabwata. Police and now await subsequent court appearance to answer for their irresponsible actions,” he said.

(Mwebantu, Thursday, 30th November, 2023)