President Hichilema to attend late Mpezeni’s funeral

Government says all preparations are set for the burial of the late Paramount Chief Mpezeni of the Ngoni people tomorrow Tuesday, June 9^th, 2026.

The media reports that Local Government and Rural Development Permanent Secretary, Nicholas Phiri has confirmed the development to the media in Chipata.

Mr Phiri said all requirements for the burial of the late Paramount Chief in accordance with the dictates of both the customary norms and state funeral declared by President Hakainde Hichilema have been done.

The Permanent Secretary added that the government worked closely with the family and the traditional leadership in all preparations for the burial of the late Ngoni King.

He further announced that President Hichilema will join the family and the Zambian people in bidding farewell to the late traditional ruler.

Paramount Chief Mpezeni the fourth, whose real name is David Njengembaso Jere, of the Ngoni people in Zambia’s Eastern Province and Malawi, passed away on May 30, 2026, at the age of 75.

He served a historic 44-year reign, acting as a crucial traditional custodian, peace ambassador, and leader of the annual Nc’wala ceremony.