President Edgar Lungu says he is deeply saddened by the passing away of the former minister of Agriculture in the Mwanawasa administration, Ben Kapita, who died in the early hours of Thursday,15th December, 2016.
President Lungu has since extolled the late Mr. Kapita as a patriot who exhibited diligence, hardwork and passion to deliver effectively and efficiently in agriculture sector.
The President said Mr. Kapita will be remembered for his unwavering commitment and unbroken loyalty to the country.
Mr. Lungu has extended his deepest condolences to the Kapita family and prayed that the Almighty God may grant the bereaved family fortitude and peace as they go through this difficult time.
‘’Please accept deepest condolences, on behalf of the Government and people of the Republic of Zambia, the and indeed on my own behalf. We extend our thoughts, prayers and well wishes to you as you go through this difficult time,’’ President Lungu said.
This is contained in a press statement issued to ZANIS in Lusaka today by his Special Assistant to the President for Press and Public Relations, Amos Chanda.
Spokesperson for the bereaved family, Emmanuel Chenda, confirmed the demise of Mr. Kapita in Ndola yesterday.
Mr Chenda said the late Mr Kapita died between 01:00 hours and 02:00 hours yesterday at St. Dominic’s Mission Hospital.
Funeral gathering is at farm number 7, Bwana Mkubwa, off the Ndola- Kabwe highway. Mr Kapita is survived by a daughter. The late Mr. Kapita was 74.
President Edgar Lungu has since declared Monday, December 19, 2016 a day of national morning in honour of the late Minister of Agriculture, the late Mr. Kapita.
The Head of State has also accorded the former cabinet minister a state funeral.
All flags will at half-mast and programmes of an entertainment nature on both radio and television should be cancelled or postponed.
May His Soul Rest in Eternal Peace.
On ZNBC news, not even a picture or clip of late Ben Kapita for people to relate to their former cabinet minister. This institution is dead. MHSRIP