LUSAKA Rugby Club and national sevens coach Owen Busange and two other players died on the night of March 26 in a fatal road accident that left nine ‘Powerhouse’ players with serious injuries.
Busange, UK-based rugger Mwango Katema and Kapasa Bwalya met their fate when they were travelling from Kitwe where Lusaka Rugby Club had gone to compete in the Zambia Rugby Football Union (ZRFU) American tournament.
Copperbelt police commanding officer Martin Malama, who confirmed the death of the trio in Ndola on March 27, said the accident involving two vehicles happened at about 21:40 hours near the junction to the Ndola Girls Technical High School along the Kitwe-Ndola dual carriageway.
He said Busange and Katema died on the spot while Bwalya, who sustained serious injuries, died at Ndola Central Hospital around 02:00 hours.
Malama said the accident involved a Toyoya Hilux van registration number ACM 6192, which was being driven by Lusaka and national team veteran player Musonda Kaminsa and a BMW registration number ACL 9599 that was being driven by an unknown person.
The driver of the BMW has since been arrested and detained at Ndola Central Police station.
Malama said Kaminsa lost control after his car ploughed through a pool of water, following a heavy downpour and hit into a tree and Katema, who was a passenger in the car, died on the spot.
Kaminsa immediately contacted Diggers’ player Happy Chipili and Busange, who rushed to the scene of the accident along with Kapasa Bwalya and Julius Chilowezi to help the victims out.
But while they were helping the victims, a BMW car, which was coming from Kitwe, hit the players who included Bwalya. Busange was knocked and dragged some 50 metres away from the accident scene into the bush and died on the spot.
“I must confirm that three people died on Saturday night that include Lusaka Rugby Club coach Owen Busange, 37, in a road accident involving a Toyota Hilux and a BMW car. The two died on the spot while the third person died at Ndola Central Hospital,” Malama said.
Malama said Busange, Katema and Bwalya’s bodies are lying in the Ndola Central Hospital mortuary.
Kaminsa and Mulama sustained deep cuts on their heads but were treated at Ndola Central Hospital and discharged around 01.00 hours along with Isaac Munganga.
Other players that sustained injuries and were admitted to Ndola Central Hospital are club captain Kaiko Lungu, Chipampa Mwila, Taona Kalunga, Julius Chilowezi and Fidelis Busange.
ZRFU media and communications manager Martin Musunka said the national rugby governing body is devastated by the untimely death of the trio.
“As ZRFU, we are saddened by the misfortune and we send our heartfelt condolences to the families of Busange and Katema on the death of Owen and Mwango respectively. We also wish a quick recovery of the injured players.
“The union is devastated by what has befallen us and we pray to God that those that incurred injuries recover quickly,” Musunka said.
Meanwhile, the final of the American tournament between champions Diggers and Red Arrows was halted due to heavy rains.
The two teams were declared joint winners and were given K4.2 million each.
To qualify to the final, Diggers beat Green Eagles 12-0 in the quarter-finals and went on to edge Chibuluma 5-0 in the semi-finals while Red Arrows drew 0-0 with Ndola Wanderers before beating Lusaka 5-0 in the semi-finals at Nkana West Rugby Field in Kitwe.
[Zambia Daily Mail]
my condolences to those families who have lost their beloved ones
Very sad gone to soon. May the Almighty God, comfort, and strengthen the family as they go through this period of mourning. I never had the chance to meet Mwango, but I knew he was a top guy, but had the privelege to meet the other departed gentlemen. Go well gentlemen
To the injured get well soon and may God strenghten you
I know that spot on the Kitwe dual carriageway, a pool of water collects on the spot and if you drive on it the car losses control,
May the good Lord bless their departed souls. This is very sad indeed!
Too bad Mwango katema, Mpelembe boy I presume?
All our students, staff and lecturers send their condolences to the bereaved family and they wish the injured a quick recovery. what a loss of life? These accients cold have been avoided if drivers learn’t to reduce speed when driving on wet roads. Ndola council should also be cutting grass on their part of the highway like it used to be during KK days to enable motorists see clearly where there’re going. GRZ through the Police Service should see to it that people caught driving under the influence of bear and drugs are penalized by having their lincences suspended. They should be fined heavily too.
So sad indeed. My condolences to the families of the deceased over their loss
Aah ba LT u say “a BMW registration number ACL 9599 that was being driven by an unknown person”.
The again you say “The driver of the BMW has since been arrested and detained at Ndola Central Police station”. Confusing.
Busange Owen, Condolences to the dead ruggers. may the Almighty grant peace, which i know is very difficult for a grieving person to accept so early especially untimed on Deaths. This is so so Very SAD.
#4, Yes Mpelembe, Sixer and Birmingham University, umwaice Mwango chabipa sana…terrible news indeed. Condolences to the guys’ families, its just very hard to take in when someone goes like this. R.I.P
To the Katema family on behalf of zambians living in the United Kingdom and in particular Peterborough city wish to convey are dear condolences on the passing on of Mwango Katema. We hope and trust that he is in God’s hands. As to you Mrs Katema, Mutale and Chishimba we pray to God that he gives you power and strength and you mourn your dear loved brother. We also pass our deep condolences to the Katema and Chisakuta families. May your soul rest in peace.
Go well gentlemen!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Its just that you had to go first, we will find you definitely. Rest in Peace.
Very sad accident. Especially that those who went to help the victims also got killed in the process. Condoloensces to the families left behind. May they find strength & comfort to overcome the grief.
my deepest condolences to the family and rugby fraternity at large..sad Owen is no more..may all the families be strong and remain in GOD’s care..
My deepest condolences to our dear brothers that passed away. I had the priveledge of knowing Mwango. He was a top guy, liked by everyone he came across.
Sincere condolences to LRFC and the ZRFU fraternity. Its a sad loss
oh no! I knew Mwango Katema and his family from way back when.Oh so very sad.My deepest condolences to auntie Katema.
Now tell me should we sue Ndola city council for the poor drainage-why were there pools of water on the road.And from the sound of it there were no street lights or perhaps its long grass as a blogger has mentioned.Drivers have a responsibility to drive safely but I think the council should make sure roads are safe to use by ensuring good drainage,visibiltiy and lighting.
Like others have said, i never met Mwango either (knew him as Godfrey – i assume its the same person) but i had a chance to engage in intellectual debates with him electronically. What always seemed apparent was that he had respect for fellow human beings and their views. This must be a severe blow to the Katema family, having also lost their old man a couple of years ago.
I pray that God grants him and the other departed eternal rest and that they may rest in peace. To the living, i hope we draw strenght in the comfort that they are in Gods hands.
#15 Just attend the funeral and stop yapping about suing who and who. You are the same blind MMD cadres that just parade blindly praising some fat, pot-bellied old man for not doing what could have been done to save such good men as these that have died. May Their Souls Rest In Eternal Peace
Sad period for the rugby fraternity. To other bloggers, Ndola City Council is not responsible for the tall grass and wet roads. RDA is responsible for that.This road is a dual carriage way with two lanes on both sides, where these drivers racing? It is however good that the “unknown”driver has been arrested. He might have been driving under the influence of alcohol.
Mwango & your Rugby brothers, such young lives, that have been dealt this sad hand of fate, may your souls rest in peace!! Deepest condolences to “tale”, Chishimba & Mrs Katema for yet another hard loss to take; can only pray that you find solace that he is amongst angels & with his dad.
Life & death will always remain an enigma, only the good lord knows. Pafwa abantu, pashala abantu. Mwaiche wandi, sendamapo bwino ku mwesu, uko waile tandala. Ala naifwe, nshiku pano sonde, twa kongola fye, kuli batata ku mulu!
MYSRIP
Rest-In-Peace, homies!
Our deepest condolences to all the families & friends that have lost their beloved ones in this accident. It’s really, really hard to come to terms with the loss of someone you were laughing and joking with a few mins or hrs ago!
My sincere condolences to the Katema family on Mwangos sudden passing. Knew Mwango through her cousin in the UK. He was a gent and will be truly missed by all who knew him personally. I met him last in Edgeware and didnt know that would be the last time i saw him.RIP my man.My the lord guide the family as the go through this terrible time.
:((:((
Very good message #19 Kamwendo, sincerely condolences to the bereaved families. An aside from this, is it true that comedian Joemwa M’tsinje Mwale died?
Very sad loss to our rugby fraternity and May Their Souls Rest In Eternal Peace.
I’m still in shock and lost for words. Mwango (Godfrey) Katema is a personal friend. I will trully miss him. My condolences to all the families and friends for their sudden loss. Although the body has suffered, may the spirit continue to flower.
Positive.Energy.Always.Creates.Elevation (P.E.A.C.E.)
Condolences May the good Lord be the guide to the berieved family. M.T.S.R.I.P
If only we had emergency services in the country, these young and vibtrant lives would not have been lost. How is it that we rely on friends and family in case of an emergency and not the state? its an indication of how far behind we are in deveoplment. Pleeeeese VOTE OUT RB and his band of jockers. We can not continue to lose life unnecessarily.
How awful. This is happening too often, losing young lives to car crashes.
I have been to many a Rugby game and hang out with players afterwards. Everyone drinks and then get in their cars to drive home. It is always a good idea to have a team ride together in a bus with a designated driver who has not had a drink.
RIP
we pray for those players who have left us and to the entire team and people who were involved in that tragedy.may the almighty be with they spouces. R .I. P.
Nubian Princess says:
March 28, 2011 at 3:37 pmHow awful. This is happening too often, losing young lives to car crashes.
I have been to many a Rugby game and hang out with players afterwards. Everyone drinks and then get in their cars to drive home. It is always a good idea to have a team ride together in a bus with a designated driver who has not had a drink.
RIP
====
With tujilijili these days you cant relay on a driver to be sober!
Very sad indeed…MTSRIP
#18 please let those that knew these guys mourn them in peace. Not everything is a political joke. Not everything is MMD, PF or UPND. Have some respect for the many peaople in mourning and hurting.
Rest In peace guys. God called you to His side…..till we meet again…..
Police and emergency services should have been out there and blocked the road, put up flares etc so that other motorists wouldn’t come through and run over those helping the first accident victims.
Police and ambulance are basic needs. But Alas, the only thing we care about in Zambia is which fast food restaurant has opened.
My condolencies, like #3 has stated, that spot is very dangerous when it raining.I’m not sure if the powers that be are not aware.Too much water collects there like a pool and if its night, it is alomst un noticeable such that you simply plough in loose control. Please GRZ do something there before more lives are lost.
# 33, agreed with you. Pantu there is no 9-1-1 in Zed, what do you expect.
This is so sad…. may the souls of the departed rest in peace….
#5 VJ Rigger- His father along with Dr. Sampa Kapwepwe were the first Zambian Doctors at Chibuluma Met(Mine Hospital) Condolesences to his family. But how can some plough his car into people just like that?
I think our laws on the roads are too weak.
My friend’s life is not ours we just pass though,the Lord is the one who know’s when.MHSRIP Guy’s.Former KPFRFC Chairman.
It is unacceptable the many deaths caused by road accidents in Zambia and it seems no one is taking responsibility for these atrocities on the roads! Nearly every week people are dying on the Zambian roads! What kinda human sacrifice is this huh? My friend dear Arthur recently returned back to Zed only to be killed in a nasty road accident and no one is taking the blame. Does the GRZ expects us to return to Zed to such risks?
May their souls rest in eternal peace. Big loss to the rugby community. I used to enjoy watching Owen ‘OJ’ Busange from the time he played for Konkola through to his Lusaka days.
>:)Too bad the brothers are gone, may their souls rest in eternal peace.
Now can someone do something about our pathetic roads! If the Luanshya road can claim the lives of our dear brothers, i can forsee more fatal accidents happening on the Nakonde Serenje road. Meanwhile ba mambala mulefwaya nokumi votela when we are in moaning, ukutumpa muleke and be serious for once!
my condolences to the family of the deceased. May their soul rest in peace
I don’t understand how the BMW came and hit into so many people or how so many of them got to the accident scene.
MYSRIP
Though Im not a rugby follower, I remember the glory those guys bought to mother Zambia, compete in the MOsi 7s where they played against Mpumalanga and other well known RSA teams. Its so unfortunate. Pls fellow bloggars fyonse ma politics. Leave the families to mourn in peace.
No death is untimely death. We all shall have to die at our appointed times. For those that believe in religion and particularly what the bible says, According to Deutronomy 32:39,
‘GOD is ONE and ALONE, there is no god besides besides HIM. HE gives LIFE and takes LIFE. HE wounds and HE heals and no one can oppose what HE does.’
As such may GOD may have mercy on the soul of departed comrades while giving the family and all of us who have learned of their death the strength and cheracter to cope. May GOD open our eyes and hearts that we may see that our physical lives are everlasting but shall come to an end like our departed comrades.
This makes sad reading. May their souls rest in peace & may the club & the bereaved families seek solace in the lord during this trying period
Such sad news. My heart goes out to the families and loved ones of these young men. RIP Owen.
who is this unknown driver of the bmw??
The world is a sadder place without Godfrey (Mwango). I met him only a few times through Manenga and the news is impossible to believe. Thoughts are with the family especially Manenga. RIP Godfrey – so so sorry
May their souls rest in peace, we will greatly miss them.
It leaves me devasted at the loss of my childhood friend on the copperbelt. We played together in ZCCM organised under 14 and under 18. In reserve (B) and later in senior teams (A) teams. May your souls rest in peace and quick recovery to the injured. GEORGE DANGER – ex flanker
Are we still in the era where you have to call your friends to help with an accident???????
What happened to ambulances? The second accident wouldnt have happened if we had proper emergency services. Its stupid really!!! Needless loss of lives!
really so sad katema may your soul rest in perfect peace….
ba Busange and the two ruggers RIP
Sad news, MTSRIP.
Very sad. I sent the story link to unusualdeaths.com
Such sad news… Can’t believe Mwango will be around no more after knowing him for 10years… Always a great laugh, ambitious and super intelligent gent…
My thoughts are with his family and friends…
Met Mwango first time ever in November 2009 and he became an instant friend, worked together at Zanaco from February 2010 and he was an instant star to all that worked with him. Died just a month later. Gone too soon mate. RIP.
This was realy devastating.after having a full packed rugby showcase then we met this.
It was the longest journey i ever saw from kitwe to lusaka.RIP gents.i miss u all.
I’m in total shock! really sad news. Godfrey and I met and worked together in London, he is such a friendly and charming guy with a contagious smile. We spoke daily, he used to have books of Zambia on his desk and would share stories of Zambia then pull out one of the books to show me the illustrations. We’d go for the usual Friday after-work drinks, I went to his leaving party, he was happy about his role in Zambia. I met his fiancé Manenga twice, once I bumped into them on the train on the way into work and also at his leaving drinks, a lovely couple. I had called and been mailing him every now and then to see how he was but didn’t get a reply thought he was too busy having fun to reply so I Google’d him to see if he has a Twitter or FB then I came across this. RIP my friend…
RIP to all that lost their lives and condolence to the friends and loved ones left behind.
Truly truly missed!!
A