Wife to Paramount Chief Chitimukulu Dies in Road Traffic Accident

Government has confirmed the death of Abasano ba Mfumu, the wife to His Royal Highness Mwine Lubemba, Paramount Chief Chitimukulu of the Bemba people, who died in a road traffic accident.

The confirmation was made on Wednesday by Cornelius Mweetwa, Minister of Information and Media, who said Government had learnt with deep sorrow and grief of the untimely passing of the royal spouse.

In a statement, Mr Mweetwa said the loss had deeply affected not only the Royal Family and the Bemba people, but the nation as a whole. He described the death as a profound national loss, emphasising the important role played by spouses in supporting leadership, family structures, and social stability.

Mr Mweetwa stated that Hakainde Hichilema and the entire Government had joined the Royal Family and all Bemba people in mourning the death of Abasano ba Mfumu.

He said the President had extended condolences on behalf of the Government, noting that the passing of the Paramount Chief’s wife was felt beyond traditional leadership circles, as wives contribute meaningfully to national development through their roles in family and community life.

“The passing of Abasano ba Mfumu is a profound loss not only to the Paramount Chief and the Bemba people but also to the nation at large,” Mr Mweetwa said in the statement.

He said wives play an important role in national development by being partners in building strong families, contributing to the economy, and fostering social stability, which allows their husbands and the nation to thrive.

According to the statement, Government conveyed its heartfelt condolences to His Royal Highness Mwine Lubemba, Paramount Chief Chitimukulu, and the entire Royal Family during the period of mourning.

Mr Mweetwa said Government stood with the Royal Family in prayer, seeking God’s strength, comfort, and solace as they come to terms with the loss.

He added that the loss had touched many across the country, given the central role of the Bemba chieftaincy in Zambia’s traditional leadership structure and national heritage.

The Paramount Chief Chitimukulu holds one of the most influential traditional positions in Zambia, presiding over a large population in Northern, Muchinga, Luapula, and parts of the Copperbelt provinces. The role carries cultural, social, and historical significance that extends into national governance and unity.

While details surrounding the road traffic accident were not disclosed in the statement, the Government’s confirmation marked the beginning of a period of national mourning within traditional leadership circles and among the Bemba people.

Mr Mweetwa said Government remained committed to supporting the Royal Family during the mourning period and acknowledged the emotional weight of the loss.

Messages of condolence have continued to emerge from various sectors of society following the announcement, reflecting the respect accorded to the Paramount Chief and his family.

The death of Abasano ba Mfumu has cast a shadow over the Royal Establishment and the broader traditional leadership community, with prayers and messages of support being directed toward the Paramount Chief and his family as they navigate the period of grief.