Remains of Abel Mwanza, who died in a tragic school shooting in Tumbler Ridge, Canada, which claimed eight lives and left 25 others injured on 10th February, 2026 have arrived in the country for burial on Monday in Kitwe.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mulambo Haimbe, says government worked closely with Canadian authorities from the time the incident occurred to ensure that the remains were brought back home with dignity.
ZANIS reports that speaking during the arrival of the body at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka, before it was flown to the Copperbelt, Mr Haimbe said government had provided logistical support, including an aircraft from Lusaka to the Copper belt, to ease the burden on the family.
“On this solemn occasion, we commiserate with the family on this tragic loss. You can imagine the young life that has been lost and the devastation the family is going through. As government, we wish to express our deepest condolences,” he said.
Mr Haimbe further assured citizens that government continues to monitor the safety of Zambians in the diaspora, revealing that authorities are closely following developments in the Middle East.
“We are assessing minute by minute, hour by hour, and we already have an evacuation plan in place, should that become the situation that we must deal with,” he said.
Meanwhile, Canada’s Charge d’ Affairs to Zambia, Corry Van Gaal, expressed sorrow on behalf of the Canadian people, describing the shooting in Tumbler Ridge as a tragedy that has shaken communities in both countries.
“It is with great sadness that I speak on behalf of the Canadian people to send my condolences to the Mwanza family,” she said. “Sadly among those who lost their lives was young Abel Mwanza, a young Zambian boy who I am told was such a joy in his class and a real hero.”
She added that Canada mourns the loss of eight young people and stands in solidarity with Zambia during this period of grief.
Speaking on behalf of the family and the Living Word Ministries, the Church Overseer Bishop, Steven Nkhata, thanked both the Zambian and Canadian governments for their hands-on support throughout the repatriation process.
“The government of Zambia, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has really been so helpful from the time the shooting took place in Canada. They have been communicating with us 24-7,” he said.
He added that the intervention to fly the remains to Ndola had significantly reduced the logistical and emotional strain on the family.
The body is expected to be received at Ndola Airport before being taken to Kitwe, where a church service will be held at Maranatha on Monday, followed by burial.
