ZRA seizes US$145,000 in Gatbro raid
ACC challenges CPI report on corruption fight
RTSA reduces bus fares by K1
Cyclone Gezani to cause thunderstorms and lightning effects in Zambia.
Monetary Policy Easing: A Turning Point for Zambia’s Recovery? By Prof. Lubinda Haabazoka
Zambians mourn 12-year-old shot dead in Canada school shooting
Woman charged with child stealing after DNA test excludes her as mother.
UNZA student injured by motorist while crossing the road
BoZ money truck crashes near Mulungushi University.
Zambia and Ghana First ladies to enhance their partners.
President Hakainde Hichilema to attend AU Summit in Ethiopia
Japan commits US$7.1m to support Zambia’s refugee-hosting efforts
Dr Musokotwane endorses President Hichilema’s mining indaba address as reforms drive investment and jobs
SA Supreme Court to hear ECL burial case
Former Defence PS loses US$24million farm to the State
Police hunt Ndola man over death of eight-month-old daughter
Woman charged with child stealing after DNA test excludes her as mother.
UNZA student injured by motorist while crossing the road
BoZ money truck crashes near Mulungushi University.
Police dismiss fake recruitment claims.
Power Dynamos boost quarterfinal hopes with Berkane win.
Power Dynamos back in business
Zesco United suffer elimination
Lusaka Fitness Squad’s heartwaring initiative raises K63,015 for National Heart Hospital, supporting child-friendly facilities and resources.
15-year-old female footballer dies during National Division women’s match in Kabwe
1xBet Christmas Road Show is where your dreams come true!
Time to Win Big – Megapari is officially in Zambia!
Megapari Joined the Celebration at the Nc’wala Ceremony in Zambia
22Bet Zambia: Sculpting the Future of Sports and Casino Gaming
Discover the King of DRAG with 1XBET
Published
on
By
THE Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) has raided Gatbro International Limited and instituted inquiries and investigations into alleged multiple tax evasion and related financial irregularities involving the company and its associated entities.
ZRA manager for corporate communications Oliver Nzala said Irfaan Ismail Yosouf had been identified as the principal beneficial owner of the company, while Shalida Yosouf and Jamil Mitha, together with Shiraz Gathool, Nadeem Yousuf Muhammed and Mohammed Khanat, were directors.
Mr Nzala said preliminary findings indicated suspected under-declaration of imported goods, possible non-disclosure of actual sales revenue and potential misrepresentation of financial records.
He said it was further alleged that the company may have failed to accurately declare the true value and volume of goods imported, thereby reducing its tax liability.
“Furthermore, there are suspicions that the correct amounts of Value Added Tax (VAT) and Income Tax may not have been remitted, contrary to the provisions of the Income Tax Act and the Value Added Tax Act of Zambia,” Mr Nzala said.
He said a detailed analysis had identified patterns of intra-group transactions among Gatbro International Limited’s associated entities, which may have enabled the movement of income, costs and goods across affiliated companies in a manner that affected the group’s taxable position, including the possible externalisation of taxable income.
“The group’s multi-sector operations, spanning fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) distribution, hospitality, real estate, mining and energy, provide structural flexibility that may facilitate the reallocation of illicit financial flows and movement of assets within the network. The full extent and purpose of these transactions remain under examination and will be subject to a detailed forensic review,” Mr Nzala said.
He said the investigation encompassed several entities identified as operationally linked, including companies involved in distribution, mining, energy, property, hospitality and tourism, with operations in Lusaka, Mumbwa, Lower Zambezi and Mfuwe.
Mr Nzala said senior management, directors of associated offshore entities and certain operational personnel were also subject to review in line with established procedures.
He said US$145,000 was seized by the Authority during the raid.
Mr Nzala said investigations were ongoing and that all findings at this stage remained allegations subject to verification through due process.
He said the Authority remained committed to upholding the law objectively and professionally, adding that any taxpayer found to have contravened tax legislation would be dealt with in accordance with the laws of Zambia.
Mr Nzala said ZRA assured the public that revenue protection, transparency and accountability remained central to its mandate, and that updates would be provided as appropriate, consistent with legal and investigative considerations.
(Mwebantu, Friday, 13th Februray, 2026)
ACC challenges CPI report on corruption fight
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
Published
on
By
THE Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has challenged the recently released Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) by Transparency International Zambia (TIZ), which indicates a decline in Zambia’s fight against corruption.
On Tuesday this week, TIZ released the 2025 CPI, showing that Zambia’s score dropped from 39 out of 100 in 2024 to 37 in 2025.
However, the ACC has noted that the assessment is largely based on opinions regarding perceived risks and vulnerabilities within governance systems, rather than on confirmed incidents of corruption.
ACC Head of Corporate Communication Chilufya Chisanga said that while the decrease was noted with concern, it followed earlier improvements, including a four-point increase in 2023 and a two-point rise in 2024, and that the progress made in recent years should therefore not be overlooked.
“The ACC acknowledges the decline in Zambia’s ranking. However, it is important to emphasise that the CPI measures perceptions of public sector corruption rather than actual levels of corruption. The assessment is largely based on opinions and perceptions regarding risks and vulnerabilities within governance systems,” Ms Chisanga said.
She said that in the report, Zambia was primarily assessed on the perceived risk of increased abuse of office by public officials who may divert public funds through strategic business interests and political supporters ahead of this year’s General Election.
Ms Chisanga said that with Zambia heading towards the 2026 elections, there was a perception that public funds could be diverted to companies, individuals or groups to fund political party campaigns.
“According to TIZ, this perception is heightened by the absence of legislation regulating political party financing. However, it must be stated that these concerns relate to perceived risks rather than confirmed occurrences,” she said.
Ms Chisanga said the Commission stood ready to respond decisively to any potential abuse of public resources and to ensure that perpetrators were held fully accountable under the law.
She said the Commission further noted with concern the heavy reliance by TIZ on the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) Trends Report as a primary reference.
Ms Chisanga said that while the FIC report provides valuable intelligence for law enforcement agencies, it does not constitute conclusive evidence of actual corruption, as such intelligence must be subjected to thorough investigation before definitive conclusions are reached.
She said that while the ACC respected the CPI report and its contribution to public discourse, reliance solely on perception-based assessments did not fully reflect the significant progress achieved in the fight against corruption over the past five years.
“With the support of Government, stakeholders and citizens, the Commission has demonstrated sustained commitment through several key strategic interventions, including strengthened accountability measures evidenced by proactive investigations, successful prosecutions and the recovery of stolen assets exceeding K500 million,” Ms Chisanga said.
She said the Commission remained committed to strengthening anti-corruption strategies in line with the National Policy on Anti-Corruption.
(Mwebantu, Friday, 13th Februray, 2026)
Published
on
By
THE Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) has announced a downward adjustment of K1 in bus fares for local routes in Lusaka, the Copperbelt and other towns, with effect from today, February 12, 2026.
RTSA head of public relations Chilufya Mwelwa said in a statement that the adjustment is based on an agreed pricing model designed to prevent reactionary fare increases or decreases arising from marginal fuel price fluctuations.
Ms Mwelwa said the model also promotes pricing stability and predictability for both the public and transport operators, following consultations with the Ministry of Transport and Logistics and the Bus and Taxi Owners Association of Zambia (BTOAZ).
She said the fare adjustment follows recent reductions in fuel pump prices for February 2026 by the Energy Regulation Board (ERB), which cut petrol prices by K2.04 per litre and diesel by K0.61 per litre.
(Mwebantu, Thursday, 12th Februray, 2026)
Published
on
By
ZAMBIANS have been advised to avoid outdoor activities and watch out for thunderstorms, lightning ignited by effects of Cyclone Gezani from Mozambique.
In an update on Cyclone Gezani, the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, through Zambia Meteorological Department(ZMD), says it is closely monitoring the progression of Tropical Cyclone Gezani that made landfall over the east coast of Madagascar on Tuesday 10th February, 2025.
“The cyclone was Intense at the time it made landfall over Madagascar with maximum average wind speeds of 148 km/h and a central minimum sea-level pressure estimated around 975hpa.
“Currently, the storm is Severe with sustained winds of 130Km/h, pressure level 985Hpa and projected to be in the Mozambique channel by tomorrow Thursday 12th February, 2026,” the brief reads in part.
Its interaction with the Inter Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) is expected to further enhance rainfall activities across Zambia.
ZMD warns that the impacts of the storm include widespread Rainfall with periodical Heavy falls: Significant rainfall amounts may lead to flooding, especially in low-lying areas and along river banks;
Enhanced soil moisture: Likely to result in water logging and flooding;
Thunderstorms and Lightning: Increased thunderstorm activity may occur, posing risks of lightning strikes.
“Strong Winds: Occurrence of gusty winds could cause damage to infrastructure and vegetation”.
Citizens are warned to prepare for potential flooding and avoid low-lying areas: Stay away from areas prone to flooding and avoid crossing flooded points, roads and bridges during or after heavy rainfall;
“Be cautious during thunderstorms: Avoid outdoor activities during thunderstorms and seek shelter indoors;
“Secure Loose Objects: Tie down loose outdoor items to prevent damage from strong winds”. The brief reads.
The Zambia Meteorological Department, in the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as needed, alongside the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit.
(Mwebantu, Thursday, 12th Februray, 2026)
© Copyright © 2025 Mwebantu. All Rights Reserved. Zambia’s leading Social news platform.
ZRA seizes US$145,000 in Gatbro raid
