The body of Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV is expected to arrive in Chipata today as thousands of mourners gather to pay their last respects to the revered Ngoni monarch whose 44-year reign ended last week.
According to the Ngoni Royal Establishment, the late traditional leader’s remains will be flown from Lusaka and are expected to arrive in Chipata at approximately 12:00 hours. Upon arrival, the body will be transported to Ephendukeni Palace, where it will lie in state ahead of burial on Tuesday.
Speaking at Ephendukeni Palace, Gogo Madzimawe confirmed that the remains are currently under the custody of the Ngoni Royal Establishment through Chief Maguya and the royal indunas.
“It is going to be a one-hour flight into Chipata. From there, the body will be brought here at Ephendukeni Palace,” Madzimawe said.
He also urged the public to ignore false information circulating on social media regarding funeral arrangements and succession matters, describing such reports as malicious and misleading during a period of mourning.
Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV died in the early hours of Saturday at the University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka. His death was announced by Senior Chief Nzamane, who described the passing as a profound loss to the Ngoni people and the nation at large.
Born David Njengembazo Jele, Mpezeni IV ascended to the throne in 1982 following the death of his father, Mpezeni III. Before becoming king, he lived in Efeni Village in Chipata and worked in Livingstone, unaware that he would one day inherit one of Zambia’s most influential traditional leadership positions.
His coronation, attended by Zambia’s founding President Kenneth Kaunda, marked the beginning of a reign that would span more than four decades.
Throughout his leadership, Mpezeni IV became a respected custodian of Ngoni culture and traditions. He is widely remembered for strengthening the Ncwala Traditional Ceremony, transforming it into one of Zambia’s most celebrated traditional events that attracts visitors from across the region and beyond.
His influence extended beyond Zambia’s borders. He maintained strong ties with traditional and political leaders across Southern Africa and was among distinguished African traditional leaders invited to witness the coronation of Misuzulu kaZwelithini in South Africa in 2022. He also hosted prominent figures, including Jacob Zuma, during various Ncwala ceremonies.
The late Paramount Chief leaves behind a wife, a child, grandchildren, and a lasting legacy of cultural preservation, unity, and traditional leadership.
As the Ngoni nation prepares to lay him to rest, tributes continue to pour in from across Zambia and the wider region, reflecting the deep respect and admiration he commanded throughout his lifetime.
