Eight people sustained slight injuries following a road traffic accident involving two public service minibuses at Shimabala Toll Plaza along Kafue Road in Chilanga District on Sunday.

Confirming the incident, Zambia Police Service Public Relations Officer, Godfrey Chilabi, said the accident occurred around 11:00 hours and involved two Toyota Hiace minibuses.

“The accident involved a Toyota Hiace minibus, registration number CAH 3929ZM, which was stationary at the toll booth, and another Toyota Hiace minibus, registration number ALR 5658,” Chilabi said.

He said the first minibus was driven by Answerwell Mwanza, aged 41, of Chawama Compound, who escaped unhurt, while all six passengers on board sustained slight injuries.

Chilabi said the second minibus was driven by Warren Chiyabwe, aged 23, of Kanyama Compound in Lusaka, who also escaped unhurt, while his two passengers sustained slight injuries.

“All the injured passengers were treated as out-patients at Chilanga Health Centre, and their condition was described as stable,” Chilabi said.

He said preliminary investigations indicate that the accident occurred when the driver of the Toyota Hiace registration number ALR 5658, who was heading towards Kafue at excessive speed, lost control of the vehicle, veered off his lane and collided with the stationary minibus parked at the toll booth facing the opposite direction.

“Investigations into the incident are ongoing,” Chilabi said.

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Enzo Fernandez scored a stoppage-time equaliser as Chelsea ended a turbulent week by securing a deserved Premier League point against title-chasing Manchester City.

Chelsea were led by Calum McFarlane, usually the club’s under-21s coach, who took interim charge of the first team following the departure of Enzo Maresca on Thursday.

According to the BBC, McFarlane’s side frustrated City for long periods, showing resilience after falling behind, before Argentine midfielder Fernandez poked in at the third attempt to rescue a draw late on.

Read more: Palmer returns with a goal as Chelsea beat Everton to reclaim top-four spot in 2-0 win

Manchester City had appeared on course for victory after Tijjani Reijnders’ first-half strike, but a second successive draw leaves them six points adrift of league leaders Arsenal.

City dominated possession and eventually broke through just before half-time. Reijnders collected a loose ball on the edge of the penalty area, skipped past Benoit Badiashile and drilled a low finish inside the near left post.

Chelsea had earlier survived sustained pressure, with goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen producing a fine recovery save in the 37th minute to tip Erling Haaland’s deflected effort wide. Moments later, the Norwegian striker struck the post as City pressed for an opener.

Chelsea began the second half with renewed intent. Pedro Neto missed a clear chance from eight yards, while substitute Liam Delap, facing his former club, fired straight at Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Fernandez’s late equaliser sparked celebrations among the travelling Chelsea supporters, capping a disciplined performance that earned the visitors a valuable point at the Etihad.

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Harrison Reed’s stunning 97th-minute strike denied Liverpool victory just moments after Cody Gakpo appeared to have won the game, as Fulham held the champions to a dramatic 2-2 Premier League draw.

Gakpo sparked wild celebrations among the travelling supporters when he bundled in Jeremie Frimpong’s cross in the 94th minute, seemingly sealing all three points for Liverpool.

Read more: Wirtz opens Liverpool account in edgy 2-1 win over Wolves

However, substitute Reed responded almost immediately, rifling an unstoppable, swerving effort into the top corner to snatch a point for Fulham.

In a match reported by The Independent, the late drama followed an evenly contested match in which Florian Wirtz had earlier cancelled out Harry Wilson’s first-half opener.

Both goals were awarded following VAR offside checks, with Wirtz’s strike requiring a lengthy review before being confirmed.

Liverpool were dealt a setback before kick-off after Hugo Ekitike was ruled out with a slight hamstring injury, leaving head coach Arne Slot without a recognised striker.

Despite remaining unbeaten in eight matches, Liverpool will rue the dropped points, which could prove costly ahead of Thursday’s trip to league leaders Arsenal.

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Leeds United and Manchester United shared the points after a 1–1 draw in a hard-fought and often scrappy Premier League encounter at Elland Road.

Leeds will feel they missed an opportunity to claim all three points after creating several promising situations late in the game but repeatedly failing to make the right decision in the final third. In the closing minutes, Nmecha, Piroe, Calvert-Lewin and Gnonto all had chances to pick out runners but chose the wrong pass or hesitated, allowing United to escape.

Read more: Manchester City close in on Arsenal with comfortable 3–0 win over Sunderland

Manchester United, who levelled earlier through Cunha, looked the more dangerous side after the equaliser.

According to the Telegraph, Cunha was the standout performer, consistently troubling Leeds whenever he received the ball in advanced areas and coming close to winning it when his curling effort clipped the outside of the post from 20 yards.

Leeds had moments of pressure, particularly from set-pieces, with Piroe seeing a late effort blocked amid head-tennis in the box, while another left-footed shot from the edge of the area narrowly cleared the bar.

However, their attacking rhythm faded as the game wore on.
United had chances of their own to snatch victory.

The closing stages descended into a physical, broken contest, with United content to manage possession and Leeds struggling to sustain their press.

In the end, the draw felt a fair reflection of a match short on quality but high on intensity. Leeds will rue missed opportunities, while United will be satisfied to leave with a point that leaves them 18 points clear of the relegation zone.

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The government has warned against attempts to politicise the summoning of Lusaka Archbishop Alick Banda by the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC), saying the matter is strictly between law enforcement and the individual concerned.

Addressing journalists on Sunday, Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security, Jack Mwiimbu, said the Archbishop has been summoned to appear before the DEC on Monday, January 5, 2026, in his personal capacity and not as a representative of the Catholic Church.

“This matter has nothing to do with the Catholic Church. It is a matter between the Drug Enforcement Commission and Archbishop, Alick Banda, as an individual,” Mwiimbu said, emphasising that no one is above the law.

Read more: Banda: Catholic Archbishops berate Hichilema government, allege state-sponsored persecution of cleric

He noted that the Constitution obliged every citizen to cooperate with lawful investigations. “Under Article 43(1)(f), every Zambian is required to cooperate with law enforcement agencies. That is a constitutional requirement,” he said.

Mwiimbu warned that calls by political actors and members of the public to gather at DEC offices would be unlawful.

“Law and order will prevail.
The Public Order Act is still in force, and anyone wishing to engage in public processions must notify the police,” he said, adding: “I call upon all law-abiding citizens not to participate in illegal gatherings.”

The minister recalled that President Hakainde Hichilema, while in opposition, appeared before police more than 15 times without mobilising supporters, noting that law enforcement strictly enforced regulations at the time.

“The police were firm. They never allowed anyone to appear in support. That was the order of the day,” Mwiimbu said.

He said Archbishop Banda’s appearance before the DEC would follow lawful procedures, with the Commission determining who may accompany him, including legal representatives and, if permitted, bishops.

Mwiimbu said political processions or mass mobilisation would not be allowed.

“This issue is being politicised, and that is not acceptable. The Archbishop is a religious leader. He is not a political player,” Mwiimbu said, rejecting claims that the government was targeting the Church.

He reassured the public that religious activities, including prayers, would not be interfered with.

“No one will interfere with prayers. That right is guaranteed,” Mwiimbu said, adding that security agencies would provide protection to ensure public safety while due process is followed.

The minister confirmed that government had received a letter from the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops seeking dialogue and said President Hichilema was open to engagement.

“As the President has stated, dialogue is the only way forward. Government looks forward to engaging the Church on issues of national interest,” Mwiimbu said.

“We are one Zambia, one nation. Let us allow the law to take its course in a calm and orderly manner,” he said.

A consortium of 10 civil society organisations has defended the Drug Enforcement Commission’s (DEC) decision to summon the Archbishop of Lusaka over a motor vehicle allegedly linked to the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA), stating that religious office does not place any individual above the law.

Addressing a press briefing held at Mika Hotel in Lusaka on Sunday, Consortium Chairperson, Isaac Mwanza, said the investigation should not be framed as an attack on the Catholic Church or an attempt to silence its prophetic voice, as suggested by the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB).

Mwanza said while expressions of solidarity by the Church were understandable, they must not be interpreted as efforts to interfere with a lawful investigative process.

He said the law addresses conduct, not status, title, or ecclesiastical authority, and that no individual is exempt from accountability under the rule of law.

The consortium said legitimate questions had arisen following disclosures made in court proceedings linked to the former ZRA Commissioner General, where it was alleged that the motor vehicle was initially intended for a ZRA employee under a purchase arrangement but later ended up in the possession of the Archbishop.

Mwanza said issues requiring clarification included how the vehicle changed ownership, who facilitated its registration, what documentation was used, and whether lawyers or other professionals were involved in the transaction.

“These are questions of accountability, not persecution,” he said, adding that answering them was consistent with transparency and could help establish whether wrongdoing occurred.

The consortium said both Zambian law and Catholic canon law require clergy to uphold legal and ethical standards, noting that canon law treats the misappropriation or improper handling of gifts as a serious offence.

Mwanza cited a recent case in which Archbishop Alick Banda suspended a Catholic priest following the death of a girl at a priest’s residence, a process that later resulted in the priest being cleared, as an example of respect for due process within the Church.

He emphasised that being summoned for questioning does not imply guilt, but is a lawful step in establishing facts, adding that the Constitution guarantees the presumption of innocence and equal application of the law.

Mwanza said the only constitutionally recognised immunity from prosecution applies to the sitting President, and that clergy, like all citizens, are subject to investigation where questions arise.

He added that the Constitution obliges all persons to cooperate with lawful investigations by state institutions, including the DEC, while also protecting individuals from abuse of process.

The consortium urged the public to remain calm and avoid speculation as the matter unfolds, while encouraging the DEC to communicate more clearly within the limits of the law to prevent misunderstandings and unnecessary tension.

It also called on the ZCCB to complement state investigations with internal canonical processes provided for under Church law, noting that accountability mechanisms already exist within the Catholic Church for matters involving bishops.

Mwanza said the matter should not be interpreted as a sign of strained relations between the Church and the State, adding that lawful engagement between religious leaders and state institutions should strengthen public confidence in justice and accountability.

He said the moral authority of the Church is best preserved through patience, transparency and respect for due process, rather than public pressure or institutional mobilisation.

The consortium said that faith and the rule of law are complementary pillars of a just society, and that allowing investigations to proceed fairly and independently would reinforce public trust in both civic and religious institutions.

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President Donald Trump on Saturday said the United States would temporarily “run” Venezuela following the capture of President Nicolás Maduro, pending what he described as a “safe, proper and judicious transition” of power.

Speaking to reporters at his Mar-a-Lago residence, Trump said the U.S. had carried out an unprecedented military operation in Venezuela, describing it as “an assault like people have not seen since World War II.” He did not give a timeline for the transition process.

“We’re not afraid to have boots on the ground,” Trump said. “But we’re going to make sure that country is run properly. We’re not doing this in vain.”

Read more: Venezuela’s president, Maduro, captured, bundled to America after allegations of US eying country’s oil resources

In a report by CBS News, Trump said the U.S. was in the process of designating individuals to oversee governance in Venezuela, adding that discussions were ongoing. He also indicated that no further strikes were expected and confirmed that no U.S. service members were killed during the operation.

Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth described the action as a “massive joint military and law enforcement raid that was flawlessly executed.”

Earlier on Saturday, Trump said Maduro and his wife were flown out of Venezuela following what he termed a “large-scale strike.” In a phone interview with Fox and Friends, he said Maduro had been hiding in a heavily fortified residence.

“He was in a very highly guarded, like a fortress actually,” Trump said.

Trump later confirmed that Maduro was being taken to New York to face charges, after Attorney General Pam Bondi announced that the Venezuelan leader had been indicted in the Southern District of New York on narcoterrorism charges.

“They’ll be heading to New York,” Trump said. “They were indicted in New York.”

Bondi said Maduro and his wife “will soon face the full wrath of American justice on American soil in American courts.”

Trump also shared an image on social media that he said showed Maduro aboard the USS Iwo Jima shortly before addressing reporters.

Federal prosecutors first indicted Maduro in 2020, alleging that he and senior Venezuelan officials conspired with the Colombian guerrilla group FARC to traffic cocaine and weapons into the United States. On Saturday, Bondi confirmed that a superseding indictment had been filed.

Prepared by U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton, the indictment accuses Maduro of conspiracy to commit narcoterrorism, conspiracy to import cocaine, and possession and conspiracy to possess machine guns and destructive devices. The charges mirror those filed against him and key aides in 2020.

Trump provided further details of the capture, saying Maduro was seized before he could reach a secure area inside the fortified residence.

“It had steel doors… a safety space, solid steel all around,” Trump said. “He was trying to get into it but he got bum-rushed so fast that he didn’t get into that.”

Trump praised the operation, noting that although a few U.S. personnel were injured, there were no fatalities.

“I think we had nobody killed,” he said. “A couple of guys were hit, but they came back and they’re supposed to be in pretty good shape.”

The president said the operation had initially been planned several days earlier but was delayed due to weather conditions.

“We were going to do this four days ago but the weather was not perfect,” Trump said. “Then all of a sudden it opened up and we said go.”

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The Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB) has expressed solidarity with Lusaka Archbishop Alick Banda, describing his summoning by the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) as an attempt to silence the Catholic Church’s prophetic voice on national governance.

In a statement issued on January 2, 2026, the bishops said they were aware that Archbishop Banda had been summoned to appear before the Anti-Money Laundering Investigations Unit of the DEC on January 5, following a letter delivered to him on December 31, 2025.

The bishops accused the state of using public institutions to target the Archbishop because of his stance on governance and accountability.

“As ZCCB, we view this action as an attempt to suppress his voice as a Shepherd of the Archdiocese of Lusaka and a member of ZCCB,” the statement reads.

Read more: Catholic Church alleges persecution, urges prayer, unity as anti-graft agency set to probe Archbishop Banda

They further alleged that Archbishop Banda had been subjected to sustained attacks and intimidation, which they described as politically motivated.

“Archbishop Banda has faced consistent name-calling and what we can now recognize as state-sponsored persecution. We consider it an abuse of authority for the ruling party to utilize state machinery against an individual due to his stance on national governance and his efforts to hold the government accountable,” the bishops stated.

The ZCCB said the Catholic Church had historically played a critical role in promoting justice, faith, and service to Zambians, and warned against attempts to undermine its leadership and mission.

“Today, as attempts are made to silence her prophetic voice and undermine her pastoral mission, we affirm that the Church’s role in defending truth, justice, and human dignity cannot be diminished or suppressed,” the statement reads.

The bishops condemned what they termed intimidation and harassment against the Church and its leaders, warning that such actions threatened national unity.

“We therefore condemn all forms of intimidation, harassment, and persecution directed against the Catholic Church and her leaders. Such actions not only wound the ‘Body of Christ’, the Church, but also threaten the moral fabric and unity of our nation,” the statement said.

The bishops stressed that the Church must remain free to speak on national issues and guide the country morally.

“The Church’s voice must remain free to speak truth to powers that be, to comfort the afflicted, and to guide Zambia toward a future rooted in our motto: One Zambia One Nation!” the bishops said.

The ZCCB reaffirmed its full support for Archbishop Banda and called for dialogue rather than confrontation.

“We reaffirm that it is morally wrong to use state institutions to persecute those who hold dissent views and/or provide oversight on matters of governance. Dialogue and mutual respect should be the way to go,” the statement reads.

The bishops also urged Catholics and other citizens to remain calm and prayerful as the country approaches the general elections.

“We exhort the Catholic faithful and all people of good will to continue praying for calm, peace and unity in our nation, especially as we get closer to this year’s general elections,” they said.

The statement was signed by ZCCB President, Archbishop Ignatius Chama of Kasama.


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Thieves used a large drill to break into a safe at a high street bank branch in western Germany and steal an estimated €30m (£26m; $35m) in cash and valuables, police have said.

A police spokesman likened the break-in to the Hollywood heist film Ocean’s Eleven, telling AFP news agency it was “very professionally executed”.

In a report by the BBC, during the heist at Sparkasse savings bank in the city of Gelsenkirchen, thieves broke open more than 3,000 safe deposit boxes containing money, gold and jewellery.

Gelsenkirchen Police said they became aware of the crime after a fire alarm was set off in the early hours of Monday morning.

Currently, no arrests have been made and the perpetrators remain at large.

Police said the thieves had used the “quiet Christmas days” to rob the building on Nienhofstrasse in the Buer district.

Initial investigations suggest they gained access to the bank, and escaped, via an adjacent parking garage.

Witnesses have reported seeing several men carrying large bags in the staircase of the garage overnight on Saturday into Sunday.

Police said video footage shows a black Audi RS 6 leaving the garage, on De-La-Chevallerie-Strasse, early on Monday morning.

The hole into the underground vault room was discovered when a fire alarm went off in the early hours of Monday, and police and the fire brigade searched the building.

Affected bank customers have been asked to contact Sparkasse bank, which has set up a hotline. Police secured the entrance of the branch on Tuesday after a large number of customers gathered outside demanding information.

“I couldn’t sleep last night. We’re getting no information,” one man told the Welt broadcaster, according to Reuters, as he waited outside the branch, adding that it contained his savings for old age.

A message on the bank’s website said the branch would remain closed on Tuesday following the break-in.
Sparkasse said 95% of customers’ safe deposit boxes had been forced open by the thieves, so the likelihood they were affected is “very high”.

It added that the contents of each compartment are insured up to €10,300 and told customers to check if they had additional coverage through their home insurance.

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Manchester United’s inconsistent 2025 ended in frustration as they were held to a 1–1 draw at home by bottom-of-the-table Wolves, handing new manager Rob Edwards his first point since taking charge.

Three weeks after a dominant 4–1 win at Molineux, Ruben Amorim’s side struggled to impose themselves at Old Trafford, weakened by the absence of several key players including Bruno Fernandes, Bryan Mbeumo and Mason Mount.

According to ESPN, United were without eight senior players in total, though Wolves were also depleted.

Read more: Manchester United snatch dramatic 2-2 draw, as De Ligt denies Spurs late victory

United took the lead in the 27th minute through Joshua Zirkzee, whose effort deflected off Ladislav Krejcí and left goalkeeper José Sá with no chance after good work from Ayden Heaven in the build-up.

The hosts pressed for a second, with Benjamin Šeško hitting the post and seeing another effort saved, while Patrick Dorgu fired narrowly wide. However, their failure to convert chances proved costly.

Wolves levelled just before the break when Krejcí made amends, nodding home from close range after Zirkzee had flicked on a corner, snapping the visitors’ 11-match Premier League losing run.

United’s frustrations grew in the second half despite renewed pressure.

Šeško missed a gilt-edged opportunity when heading straight at Sá, who later made a remarkable recovery to prevent an own goal from Yerson Mosquera.

At the other end, Wolves threatened sporadically, with Senne Lammens producing key saves to deny Krejcí a second goal and keep United in the contest.

Amorim turned to youth late on, handing 17-year-old Bendito Mantato his debut as the home crowd urged their side forward.

United thought they had snatched a dramatic winner in the 90th minute when Dorgu fired in after Sá parried a Šeško shot, but the goal was ruled out for offside.

Boos greeted the final whistle from a frustrated Old Trafford crowd, while Wolves’ supporters celebrated a hard-earned point that marked their first positive result under Edwards.

United failed to build on their Boxing Day win over Newcastle, while Wolves remained bottom but showed renewed resilience after a difficult run.

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Premier League leaders Arsenal powered past Aston Villa 4–1 at the Emirates Stadium to strengthen their title charge and move five points clear at the top of the table.

The Gunners stormed into a commanding four-goal lead against their closest challengers, underlining their dominance in a statement victory that extended their winning run to four league matches.

In a match reported by Al Jazeera, Arsenal now sit five points ahead of Manchester City and six clear of third-placed Villa, who arrived in London on the back of an eight-match winning streak that was emphatically ended.

Read more: Ødegaard strike sets Arsenal on course for 2-1 win over Brighton, as team returns to league leadership

The result keeps Arsenal firmly on course for their first Premier League title in 22 years as they head into the new year in commanding form.

Aston Villa, whose nine-match unbeaten run came to a crushing halt, remain third and will look to quickly regroup as they seek to secure a Champions League place.

Meanwhile, West Ham United were denied a crucial relegation lifeline after being held to a dramatic 2–2 draw by Brighton at the London Stadium, extending their winless home run against the Seagulls to nine Premier League meetings.

The Hammers led twice and, with Nottingham Forest losing to Everton, had the chance to cut the gap to safety to just two points. However, Joël Veltman’s late equaliser left West Ham still deep in trouble.

Jarrod Bowen opened the scoring after 10 minutes, racing onto Lucas Paquetá’s ball over the top before finishing confidently past Bart Verbruggen.

According to ESPN, Brighton equalised on the half-hour through Danny Welbeck’s penalty after Max Kilman brought down Yankuba Minteh. Further penalty drama followed as Paquetá conceded another spot kick for hauling down Lewis Dunk, though Welbeck missed with an audacious Panenka that struck the crossbar.

West Ham restored their lead in stoppage time when Paquetá converted from the spot after Dunk was penalised for handball following a VAR review.

But Brighton had the final say as Veltman scrambled home a late equaliser, ensuring both sides ended December without a league win.

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