Former Copperbelt police chief charged over $448,596 copper theft, as Zambia’s July inflation holds at 6.5%. See our top 10 stories of the week

In case you missed them, here are our top stories of the week.

1. Former Copperbelt Province Police Commissioner, Mwala Yuyi, an independent parliamentary candidate, a magistrate, two police officers and a court clerk have been arrested and charged in connection with the alleged theft of copper cathodes valued at about US$448,596, Zambia Police said on Thursday. Read more..

2. Three of Zambia’s most senior traditional leaders have asked the Constitutional Court to join proceedings over Chief Mukuni’s bid to be recognised as a Paramount Chief, arguing that the outcome could fundamentally reshape the country’s traditional leadership system. Read more..

3. Nine Civil Society Organisations have expressed grave concern over reported SMS messages allegedly linking the Government’s Social Cash Transfer (SCT) programme to voting for President Hakainde Hichilema and the ruling United Party for National Development ahead of the August 13, 2026 general elections. Read more..

4. Police in Lusaka have reportedly arrested National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity, NRPUP, and Tonse Alliance Deputy Secretary General for Voter Protection, Kennedy Kamba, at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport. Read more..

5. The Zambian government has announced that routine United States visa services for its nationals will now be moved out of Lusaka starting next month. Read more..

6. Zambia’s annual inflation rate held steady at 6.5 percent in July, unchanged from June, as easing food price pressures were offset by higher non-food inflation, while the country posted a K4.2 billion trade surplus in June, official data showed on Thursday. Read more..

7. Zambia’s copper production recorded modest growth in the first half of 2026, supported by increased output at Konkola Copper Mines (KCM), Kansanshi Mine and other major operations, the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development has announced. Read more..

8.The Zambia Police Service has arrested and formally charged a 23-year-old socialite, Gezile ‘Smith’ Mwale for the offence of Production of Obscene Matters or things, contrary to Section 177 of the Penal Code, Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia. Read more..

9. Ugandan opposition leader, Kizza Besigye, was reportedly rushed to an intensive care unit (ICU) after collapsing during his treason trial in Kampala yesterday, with his wife saying the veteran politician was unconscious and unresponsive. Read more…

10. Barbra Banda delivered a captain’s performance of the highest order as Zambia opened their TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026 campaign with a commanding 6-0 victory over Egypt at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat on Tuesday. Read more..

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