Zambian treason case involves Zimbabwean journalist and ZBC documentary
via NewsDay Zimbabwe7 min read
A Zimbabwean journalist has been implicated in an espionage trial against Zambian opposition leader Fred M'membe. The case centers on a documentary produced by the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation ZBC titled "The Grand Regional Scheme: How Foreign Powers and Local Elites are Destroying Africa Part 1." Testimony in the High Court of Zambia revealed that no official accreditation was granted for the Zimbabwean journalist to work in Zambia. Rosaria Lubumbashi, editor-in-chief of the Zambia News and Information Services Zanis, stated that Zanis has no record of an application for accreditation from the journalist or for the documentary. The documentary, broadcast in September 2023, featured interviews with Zambian opposition figures, including M'membe, and criticized the appointment of Nevers Mumba as chairperson of the SADC election observer mission to Zimbabwe. M'membe and four other politicians who appeared in the documentary were arrested on November 15, 2023, and charged under Zambia's State Security Act for communicating information "intended to be directly or indirectly useful to a foreign power," specifically Zimbabwe. The charge carries a minimum sentence of 20 years imprisonment with hard labor. M'membe has pleaded not guilty to the espionage charge.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by NewsDay Zimbabwe.
As of last Friday, the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange's market capitalization was approximately US$3.26 billion, while the Victoria Falls Stock Exchange VFEX recorded a market capitalization of US$3.54 billion. This comparison highlights the current financial standing of both exchanges.
Must ReadZimbabwe and Zambia have officially drawn a physical borderline on Lake Kariba. This development comes amidst various other news items, including the US's interest in increasing investment in Zimbabwe, and local agricultural initiatives such as the WIFE festival and foreign military attachés touring ARDA projects. Economically, the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange's market capitalization was approximately US$3.26 billion, while the Victoria Falls Exchange VFEX stood at US$3.54 billion as of last Friday. National Foods has invested US$25 million in local milling, and Mpilo Hospital is installing a new cancer treatment machine. Challenges include power outages and raw material shortages affecting ART operations, with its exports and paper divisions seeing volume declines of 6% and 26% respectively in the third quarter to June 2022. There are also reports of political tensions leading to violence and forced evictions at grassland plots.
Tawanda Nyambirai, Cyber Bank chief executive officer, has called on Zimbabwean businesses to explore diaspora remittances as a key source of investment capital to foster growth and competitiveness. Speaking at the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce Matabeleland Annual Business Awards in Bulawayo, Nyambirai emphasized the need for innovative and friendly capital forms, noting that traditional sources have often fallen short. He highlighted the significant flow of millions of dollars into the country through remittances, stressing the emotional connection and long-term nature of this capital. Nyambirai argued that these remittances, which fund income-generating projects like rental properties and small businesses, should be recognized and supported similarly to foreign direct investment. He also encouraged Zimbabweans abroad to pool resources for collective investment and criticized traditional insurance and pension models for their failure to stimulate economic growth. Chief Dakamela, a traditional leader, also urged investment in rural areas due to their abundant land and economic potential.