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Zambia’s Lungu suffers heavy defeat, Hichilema wins on sixth attempt

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BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

Zambian opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema has been declared winner of the country’s hotly contested presidential election, defeating the incumbent Edgar Lungu.

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Justice Esau Chulu, Electoral Commission of Zambia chairperson, declared Hichelema the winner in the early hours of Monday with official results showing the wealthy businessman securing 2 810 757 votes against Lungu’s 1 814 201 votes.

Only one constituency out of the 156 was yet to report after vote counting for the August 12 presidential and parliamentary elections took longer than expected due to a high turnout.

“I therefore declare the said Hakainde Hichilema to be president-elect of the Republic of Zambia, Justice Chulu said in a televised address.

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“The outstanding results are not likely to materially influence the overall results of this election,” he added.

“Therefore, the consolidated results are of 155 constituencies out of 156.’

The announcement sparked wild celebrations on the streets, but Lungu who was seeking a second full term after coming into power in 2015 is yet to concede defeat.

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At the weekend, he declared that the elections were not free and fair because there were incidents of political violence in three provinces where supporters of his ruling Patriotic Front (PF) were targeted.

Hichelema, a former business executive and leader of the opposition United Party for National Development (UPND), won the presidency on his sixth attempt.

He becomes Zambia’s seventh president. In the previous elections, the UPND leader lost to Lungu by 100 000 votes.

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In the run-up to the elections, the 64-year-old outgoing president’s popularity took a battering because of the rising cost of living and his increasing dictatorial tendencies.

Under his stewardship, the southern African country started choking from colossal debt, runaway inflation, corruption, and a weakening currency.

An Afrobarometer Sustainable Development Goals Scorecard for Zambia released in July showed that “the country is experiencing worsening poverty, hunger, and economic and ethnic inequalities compared to five years ago.”

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Lungu’s government has also been accused of spending indiscipline at a time when the economy is suffering under the weight of a Covid-19 pandemic.

There was a 70 percent voter turnout in the elections and Hichilema enjoyed the support of other opposition parties.

Lungu and his PF began crying foul after less than half of the constituencies had reported their results.

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Five opposition leaders, namely Harry Kalaba, Nevers Mumba, Fred Mmembe, Chishala Kateka, Sean Tembo and Trevor Mwamba immediately wrote to the embattled leader urging him to concede defeat.

The leaders said the PF leader cannot cry foul because he tried to use his incumbency to tilt the scales in his favour during the polls.

The UNDP said the claims that the elections were not free and fair were emanating from people “trying to throw out the entire election just to cling on to their jobs.”

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Observers said Lungu had no choice, but to concede defeat as he was already isolated.

In terms of Zambia’s electoral laws, the defeated president must approach the Constitutional Court within seven days after a winner is announced if he wants to overturn the results.

International observer missions that included the European Union, African Union and Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa declared the elections free and fair but condemned the sporadic violence.

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The EU also criticised the restrictions on freedom of assembly and the abuse of state resources by the incumbent, who deployed the military on the streets on the eve of the polls.

Hichilema and his party were prevented from campaigning in several areas by security forces, who cited measures to control the spread of the coronavirus.

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National

Chidzivo, Waison take top honors at Vic Falls Marathon

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BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI 

Blessing Waison and Fortunate Chidzivo took top honors at the 2025 Econet Victoria Falls Marathon yesterday, as Zimbabwean long-distance runners excelled at Africa’s most prestigious road race.

Econet General Manager – Marketing, Mrs Tariro Muchena (left), and Finance Director, Mr Chengeto Moyo, present the winner’s prize to men’s marathon champion, Blessing Waison, at the 2025 Econet Victoria Falls Marathon, while Victoria Falls Mayor, Mr Prince Moyo, looks on

The event, which featured athletes from over 40 countries, saw Waison storm to victory in the men’s full marathon, clocking 2 hours, 13 minutes, and 16 seconds. He narrowly beat decorated Olympian Isaac Mpofu in a thrilling duel that brought thousands of spectators to their feet.

Godwin Katakura followed closely in third, completing an all-Zimbabwean podium sweep in the 42.2km race. The trio’s success came with bigger rewards this year, after Econet Wireless doubled the total prize purse to $50,000.

Waison walked away with $3,000, while Mpofu and Katakura earned $2,000 and $1,500, respectively.

In the women’s marathon, Chidzivo delivered a commanding performance, clocking 2 hours and 42 minutes to claim another major title in her illustrious career. Ethel Pangiso and Phillipa Dube completed the women’s podium in second and third place, respectively.

Rising star Wayne Kabondo turned heads in the men’s 21km half marathon, overcoming a formidable field to finish in 1 hour, 3 minutes, and 44 seconds. Kabondo pocketed $1,500 for his efforts.

In the women’s 21km race, Caroline Mhandu crossed the line in 1 hour, 17 minutes, and 50 seconds, ahead of Miriam Sibanda and Melody Kaseke.

The marathon’s inclusive spirit was evident in the 18km Specially Abled Races, which saw uplifting performances across different categories. Godknows Hamadziripi claimed the men’s tricycle title, while Samson Muroyiwa won the handcycle event.

Among the women, Stella Jongwe triumphed in the handcycle race, and Ratidzo Tomu took first position in the tricycle category.

Organized by Econet Wireless in partnership with Wild Horizons, the 2025 edition drew over 5,000 participants and spectators from more than 40 countries. The marathon route, widely regarded as Africa’s most scenic, winds through game reserves and offers spectacular views of the Zambezi River and Victoria Falls.

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Beyond the races, this year’s event featured live music, traditional dance, health expos, and community wellness activities.

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Coal train in flames: NRZ locomotive damaged in fire incident

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BY WANDILE TSHUMA 

A National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) locomotive suffered significant damage after catching fire while transporting export coal to Zambi. The incident occurred between Kalala and Matetsi sidings, resulting in the explosion of the locomotive’s fuel tanks.

According to the NRZ press statement on Monday, “A National Railways of Zimbabwe locomotive suffered some damages after it caught fire this afternoon while transporting export coal to Zambia.” Fortunately, the crew members on board managed to escape unharmed.

The NRZ responded swiftly to the incident, dispatching a rescue train with crews to the site. The team successfully extinguished the fire, preventing further damage. However, the locomotive itself sustained considerable damage.

The cause of the fire is yet to be determined, with investigations currently underway. “Investigations are already underway to establish the cause of the fire and the amount of damage to the locomotive,” the NRZ statement read.

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Ranger killed by elephant in Kariba

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BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI 

A 62-year-old ranger, Josphat Mandishara, was tragically killed by an elephant in Kariba yesterday.

Mandishara, who worked for the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks), was on patrol in the Gatche-gatche area with fellow rangers and police officers.

At around 10 pm, Mandishara returned to the harbor where their boat was docked, and that’s when he encountered the elephant. The elephant charged at him, causing fatal injuries. His colleagues were nearby, resupplying at the Gatche-gatche Irrigation Scheme.

Mandishara’s body was taken to Kariba District Hospital for a post-mortem, and the incident was reported to the police.

ZimParks has sent a team to manage the problem elephant and prevent similar incidents in the future.

The Director General of ZimParks, Prof. Edson Gandiwa, and his team have sent condolences to Mandishara’s family, friends, and colleagues. Mandishara will be remembered for his dedication to wildlife conservation in Zimbabwe.

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