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Mazabuka Magistrate, Sebastian Mwenya has complained of alleged intimidation by chief Mwanachingwala after his wife, Lita Malambo, lost a civil case to Gideon Hamunjele in court.
Hamunjele was the plaintiff and the chief’s wife was a defendant in a case of trespass in which the plaintiff sought a court order to stop the traditional leader’s wife from visiting his village.
Hamunjele said in court that Malambo had brought about acrimony in his family as his wives were threatening to abandon him on suspicion that he was flirting with the chief’s wife.
Magistrate Mwenya complained to ZANIS in Mazabuka the chief, who had applied to be included as a second defendant in the case, phoned him few minutes after he delivered judgment and accused him of being corrupt and biased.
But Chief Mwanachingwala said he was forced to intimidate magistrate Mwenya after he (Mwenya) threatened to cite him (Chief Mwanachingwala) for contempt of court for complaining against the judgment.
Chief Mwanachingwala, who also threatened to sort out Magistrate Mwenya, said he would officially complain to Chief Justice Ernest Sakala over the alleged biased manner the case was handled.
He said he was ready to be arrested for fighting a justified cause.
Chief Mwanachingwala said he would not rest until justice prevails.
Magistrate Mwenya, ordered in his judgment that both the chief and his wife should refrain from trespassing at Hamunjele’s village or risk being cited for contempt of court if continued.
Scores of MMD members, among them Vernon Mwaanga, Mbita Chitala, Akashambatwa Mbikusita Lewanika, Joe Mwale, former Vice President, Christon Tembo, Vera Tembo, and a number of other serving deputy ministers, gathered at Chrisma hotel today to announce their support for Mr. Rupiah Banda.
Barely a day after Republican President and leader of the ruling Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) Levy Mwanawasa was buried, some founder members of the party have launched a strong appeal to the National Executive Committee (NEC) to elect the acting President, Rupiah Banda to succeed the late.
Veteran politician, Vernon Mwaanga said Zambians needed to rise above mourning the deceased President and find another capable leader to carry the mantle of development.
Mr. Mwaanga, who is former Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services and chief government spokesperson, told a press briefing in Lusaka today that Mr. Banda, who is also Vice President, had massive experience in issues of governance.
He said the current situation in the country was an emergency and therefore required a successor of Mr. Banda’s caliber, adding that the latter was mature, and capable of continuing with the current economic development of the country.
“We lost our president and we put him to rest yesterday, but we need rise above mourning and move forward and develop our country,” he said, adding that, “I know Rupiah Banda very well, we joined the foreign service on the same date in September 1964”.
He added that Mr. Banda was the best candidate for the forthcoming presidential by-elections because he had attributes of unifying the country and continuing with the economic gains the country has recorded in the recent past.
Mr. Mwaanga explained that he loved all other presidential aspirants in his party but noted that they should hold on until 2011 when the country goes to the normal presidential, parliamentary and local government elections.
“It is not about selling each other’s commercial interest but about pushing this country forward. Those who will lose should not be disappointed but unite to ensure that Rupiah Banda wins the forthcoming elections,” he said.
Meanwhile, former Vice President, Christon Tembo said the MMD should unite and chose Mr. Banda because he was a better candidate than other aspirants.
Lieutenant General Tembo said the ruling party should not doubt the correctness of their choice to have Mr. Banda as the candidate for the forthcoming presidential by election.
He said he left the MMD in 2001 because of differences over the third term bid by former President, Frederick Chiluba but was now ready to assist the party because it had transformed itself into a democratic club.
“Rupiah Banda will get a landslide. This is the time to remain united. I am available to assist in anyway you want me to,” he said.
Former ambassador to Libya, Mbita Chitala advised the party NEC to choose the acting President whom he said was the best candidate and had been a bonafide member of the MMD.
“Our advice to the 56 members of the NEC is that they pick a candidate who will continue stabilizing the country and provide continuity,” he said.
Mr. Chitala also appealed to the opposition political parties to consider allowing the MMD to complete the term of presidential office through Mr. Banda.
“To the NEC, please give us Mr. Banda. We are outsiders but we are founder members of the MMD and we are advising you to hear us,” he said.
Another member of the MMD, Wendy Sinkala said party members should not be detracted and hoodwinked by people who were campaigning against Mr. Banda.
Ms. Sinkala said Zambia and the ruling were going through an extra ordinary period of losing a President, a situation that required caution to deal with.
Meanwhile, a founder member of the MMD in Eastern province, Rosalynn Daka, said Mr. Banda was good a campaign manager who helped the ruling party win support in Eastern province, which was predominantly for the opposition.
The ruling party NEC will tomorrow choose a presidential candidate for the forthcoming by-election which was necessitated by the death of Dr. Mwanawasa.
The late President died in France on August 19th, after suffering a stroke on June 29th, 2008.
Among the candidates vying for the presidency under the MMD ticket are Minister of Finance, Ng’andu Magande, former vice President Enoch Kavindele, Lusaka businessman Sebastain Kopulande, Minister of Health, Brian Chituwo, party members Billy Phiri, Cain Mweemba and many others.
The Embassy part is now open for the public to lay wreaths. Government, yesterday, on the burial day restricted access to the burial site in a bid to avoid over-crowding and accord the late President Mwanawasa a dignified burial.
Only a selected group of dignitaries and some family members were accorded the opportunity to lay wreaths during the funeral service.
However, access to the burial site has been opened to members of the general public and members of the public will now also have access to Embassy Park, where Mwanawasa was buried.
People are free to lay their wreaths for the duration of the national mourning period from 04 to 08 September 2008.
State House Staff today joined other mourners in laying wreaths at Embassy Park in Lusaka where President Levy Mwanawasa was yesterday put to rest.
State House Special Assistant for Press and Public Relations John Musukuma, State House Project, Planning and Implementation Officer Jack Kalala and State House Legal Advisor to the President Darlington Mwape lead State House Staff in laying wreaths on the tombstone of the late Dr. Mwanawasa.
Some State House officers could not hold back their tears as they openly wept during the proceedings.
President Mwanawasa died two weeks ago after a stroke and was buried at Embassy Park in Lusaka yesterday.
The funeral was attended by African Heads of State and envoys from Britain and the United States of America (USA).
During Mwanawasa’s funeral, thousands of mourners sat in tents at the parliament complex in the capital city Lusaka.
Flags flew at half-mast, as thousands of Zambians watched the burial broadcasted live on State television. Businesses, banks and shops closed in a show of solemn respect.
Five Air Force jets flew overhead, and a 21-gun salute honoured Dr. Mwanawasa as he was lowered into his grave in a copper-plated coffin.
President Levy Mwanwasa died at Percy Military Hospital in Paris, France on August 19 following a stroke he suffered in June this year on the eve of the African Union heads of State and government Summit in Egypt.
He is survived by a wife Maureen and six children.
Meanwhile, renown Zambian Musician Daputsa Nkhata alias Sister’D’ appealed to the Zambian people not to relent after the mourning period but to soldier on in unity.
Herve Renard has dropped 5 players from his team on the eve of Zambia’s departure for Kitwe to prepare for Wednesday’s 2010 World/Africa Cup Group 11 qualifier against Togo to be played at Konkola Stadium in Chililabombwe.
And the number of foreign-based players at Zambia’s training camp in Lusaka has risen to eight by Wednesday evening.
Dropped are club less defender Billy Mwanza, plus the Young Arrows pair of Chiwanki Liyinga and Whiteson Simwanza.
Also dropped were Konkola Blades striker Felix Sunzu junior and Green Eagles midfielder Kebby Hachipuka.
Meanwhile, midfielder Felix Katongo on Wednesday arrived in the country from his French base to join the Zambia in camp.
Katongo, of French Ligue 1 club Stade Rennes, arrived Wednesday morning bringing to eight the number of foreign-based call-ups at the Zambia’s training camp in Lusaka ahead of the Togo game.
The midfielder joins first choice goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene who arrived in camp on Tuesday.
Mweene of Free State Stars in South Africa arrived in camp on the same date together with two other foreign-based players.
The other two include attacker James Chamanga who until recently enjoyed a brief stint at Chinese top division club Dalian Haichang but has since returned to South Africa in search of footballing prospects.
Also arriving in camp on Tuesday was defender Davies Nkausu of SuperSport United.
Others in camp are South African-based defenders Joseph Musonda and Clive Hachilensa who arrived on Monday.
Joining the team later on Wednesday were midfielder Noah Chivuta of defending South African league champions SuperSport United and second choice goalie Kalililo Kakonje of Amazulu.
Swedish based midfielder Isaac Chansa of Helsingborg is due to land on Thursday.
Chansa will arrive on the same date that Zambia shift training camp to Kitwe ahead of their September 10 game against Togo at Konkola.
Also due to land on Thursday is midfielder Rainford Kalaba of Portuguese division 2 side Gil Vincente.
Prodigal son and fallen striker Collins Mbeseuma is expected on Thursday after confirming his travel plans to the technical bench.
Strikers Christopher Katongo and Jacob Mulenga from German Bundesliga side Arminia Bielefeld and French Ligue 2 club Chateauroux respectively are expected to fly into Ndola on Friday from Europe.
And in other news, the Zambia Under-17 and Namibia Under-17 Algeria 2009 Caf Under-17 Cup 1st round, 1st leg qualifier will be played at Woodlands Stadium in Lusaka this Sunday, September 7.
The match was delayed from last weekend due to the 21-day period of national mourning for the late president Mwanawasa who died on August 19 in Paris and was put to rest today at Embassy Park in Lusaka.
Acting President Rupiah Banda has paid glowing tribute to Zambians for the peaceful and orderly manner they conducted themselves during the sickness and untimely death of President Mwanawasa.
In his closing remarks after the burial of the late president Mwanawasa at Embassy Park in Lusaka today, Mr Banda appealed to Zambians to uphold the late president’s attributes of hard work, patriotism and discipline if the country is to move forward.
Mr Banda said 19th August, 2008, the day Dr Mwanawasa died, will go down in history as the saddest and darkest moment on which the nation lost a heroic and visionary leader who was determined to overcome all hurdles in his quest to improve the lives of the Zambian people.
He urged Zambians to use the day on which he was born and buried to uphold and promote the principles the late president Mwanawasa stood for in making Zambia a better place to live in.
The acting president described the late Dr Mwanawasa as an inspirational leader who transformed the once ailing Zambian economy into a vibrant one which has rekindled investor-confidence as seen in the huge investments in the mining and other key sectors of the economy.
Earlier, a family representative, Leslie Mbula appealed to the government to ensure continuity of the development programmes embarked upon by the late president.
Mr Mbula, who is also Zambia’s High Commissioner to South Africa, cited the national housing proghramme, the development of Kasaba Bay and Livingstone into tourist resort towns of international acclaim, the development of Solwezi and Lumwana towns and the national road rehabilitation programme using the road construction equipment received recently from China, as some of the important projects the late president had earmarked for implementation.
He said the family was of the view that it would be unforgivable and a crime against the people of Zambia to allow these important projects to die and be buried with President Mwanawasa.
“The best way to mourn Levy is not by shedding floods of tears, the way to immortalise him would not only be by constructing monuments in his honour with the stones we threw at him in life. The best way to mourn Levy is to continue on the course he chartered and immortalise his legacy and vision,” said Mr Mbula.
He expressed the family’s deep appreciation to the governments of Egypt and France for the support rendered to the late president during his illness and death.
Mr Mbula also thanked the president of Chad, Idris Deby Itno, for allowing the plane carrying the late president’s body to land in Nd’jamena and for coming to the airport late in the night to console the first family and Zambians at large, a gesture he described as a sign of brotherhood and friendship.
The family also commended the government for the decision to allow the people of Zambia to pay their last respects to president Mwanawasa and according him an honourable funeral and burial.
Mr Mbula also paid tribute to the defence and security forces for the honourable manner they have mourned their departed Commander-In-Chief, describing their conduct as exemplary.
President Mwanawasa, 59, died at Percy military hospital in France on 19th August, 2008, where he was admitted after suffering a stroke in Egypt where he had gone to attend an AU heads of state and government summit in June.
First Lady Maureen Mwanawasa has said the last two months have brought anguish and pain to her soul.
Mrs. Mwanawasa said the period during the sickness and consequent death of her husband has been difficult and full of pain.
In a message read on her behalf by her Senior Private Secretary, Florence Chawela, Mrs. Mwanawasa sadly said the burden without her husband will not be easy.
“This day is your 60th birthday and our 20th marriage anniversary. We had agreed on a big combined celebration. Now this month, which was meant for celebrations, is a death and mourning month. Celebrations will have to wait until we meet again,” lamented Mrs. Mwanawasa.
She described her late husband as an agent of unity, good governance and an ambassador of true leadership.
“You were a visionary leader. You believed in equality under the law. Bold in justice and I will treasure the years we practiced law together,” said Mrs. Mwanawasa.
She said her late husband believed in working hard for Zambia and died in the battle front.
“You died a sad man ,though, because no one believed you,” she said.
And Foreign Affairs Minister, Kabinga Pande, broke into tears as he read the last paragraph of the obituary for the late Dr. Mwanawasa.
Mr. Pande could not hold his pain as he read: “You laid your own ground of good work. We will do well to build on his foundation.”
Mr. Pande, who earlier in the obituary outlined the many development programmes and achievements during Dr Mwanawasa’s, term said his commitment to the improvement of agriculture in the country is evident.
“He turned the Zambian economy from doldrums to prosperity. He died on duty while fulfilling his ideals of democracy and integration which he believed in,” said Mr. Pande.
The African Union-AU Chairperson, Jakaya Kikwete, has described the late President Levy Mwanawasa as a dependable ally to Africa, Tanzania and Zambia.
And Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) Chairperson, Thabo Mbeki, said Dr. Mwanawasa was a true African who believed that solutions to Africa’s problems lied in Africans themselves.
Mr. Kikwete, who is also Republic of Tanzania President, said Africa has lost a great Pan- African who will always be remembered for his unceasing interest of Zambia and Africa at heart.
Mr. Kikwete, who also described the late Dr. Mwanawasa as a visionary leader, said the late President served Zambia and the region with commitment.
The AU Chairperson and Tanzanian President was speaking in Lusaka today during the church service for the Late President of the Republic of Zambia, Dr. Levy Mwanawasa, at Parliament buildings.
He further said Dr. Mwanawasa turned the economy of Zambia into a better and admirable one on the continent.
“This is the most difficult occasion of my time to mourn and bid farewell to a great leader and champion who worked tirelessly to improve the lives of his people. He was a man of strong conviction. We, from Africa, are grateful to God for the time we spent with the late President,” said Mr. Kikwete.
Mr. Kikwete further said the late Dr. Mwanawasa served the people of Zambia with love, peace and unity.
He called upon politicians to pick up from where the late President has left.
“We will miss you. We pray to God that your soul rests in internal peace,” concluded Mr. Kikwete.
And SADC Chairperson, Thabo Mbeki, said the late President Mwanawasa fought for the good and improvement of living standards of the people of Zambia and the SADC region.
Mr. Mbeki, who is also South Africa President, said SADC will remain and continue the fight which Dr. Mwanawasa has left for the betterment of the people of the region.
“The ultimate death of Dr. Mwanawasa is an enormous loss not only to Zambia but the SADC region as a whole. On behalf of the SADC region and indeed on behalf of all South Africans, I convey my condolences to the first family and the people of Zambia,” said Mr. Mbeki.
He described the late Dr. Mwanawasa as a soldier committed to the welfare of Africa and serving his country and the region with humility.
“To honour him, let us ensure we act in a manner that will enhance democracy and development as he would have loved. Let us double our efforts and continue the good work his has done for the region,” said President Thabo Mbeki.
He noted that during the late Dr. Mwanawasa’s tenure he did a lot to improve lives of Zambians and introduced important and viable programmes in the region.
And A Clergyman has said the late President Levy Mwanawasa fought a good fight and has fulfilled his mission on earth.
Reverend William Chanda from the Baptist Church, where the late President used to congregate, said after serving and thoroughly completing his mission on earth and in Zambia in particular, Dr. Mwanawasa past on and rested.
Rev. Chanda said this during the late President Mwanawasa’s funeral church service.
He said even if Dr. Mwanawasa was the number one man in the country, he humbled himself and gave his life to God.
“Remember that our days are numbered; let us reunite ourselves to God like the late did. Let us also be committed to hard work,” Rev. Chanda reminded the crowd.
He noted that the only one who is perfect is God.
Rev. Chanda asked the National Constitution Commission (NCC) to seriously consider the death of a President in the constitution, saying it is not good for people to start campaigning even before a President is buried.
And in a prayer for the nation, Council of Churches in Zambia (CCZ) Secretary General, Suzanne Matale, asked for unity and peace during this time of mourning.
Rev. Matale prayed for a President who will rule zambia with passion and humility.
And in his prayer for political leaders, Bishop Harrison Sakala also prayed for peace and wisdom to the political leaders in the country.
Bishop Sakala cautioned political leaders to know that peace is expensive and that they should understand that authority comes from God.
During the same service the late Dr. Mwanawasa’s children Patrick, Mirriam and Chipotonga read scriptures from the Bible.
Maya Ntanda, a niece to the late President, read the Bible script on behalf of Mirriam.
Dr. Mwanawasa has since been put to rest at the Embassy Park in front of Cabinet office today.
Dr. Mwanawasa, who died in Paris on August 19, 2008, leaves behind a wife and six children.
ZANIS/ENDS/CBM/EB
Several foreign dignitaries have arrived in Zambia to attend the burial of the late Republican President, Dr. Levy Mwanawasa. Government has confirmed that 15 heads of state will attend the funeral of President Mwanawasa, who died at Percy Military Hospital in France on August 19.
The first dignitaries to jet in were the representative of Queen Elizabeth of the United Kingdom, the Duke of Gloucester and Lord Malloch Brown, Minister for Africa, Asia and the UN at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.Others who arrived on the same plane are the German representative Ambassador, Mathias Mulmenstadt who is his country’s Africa director in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Ghanaian President, John Kufuor, will lead a 20-member delegation. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Kabinga Pande, said this in an interview in Lusaka yesterday.
Mr Pande said Zimbabwean President, Robert Mugabe, would lead a 30- member delegation.
He said Zimbabwean opposition Movement for Democratic Change leader, Morgan Tsvangirai, will also be at the burial.
Other heads of state who have come for Dr Mwanawasa’s burial are Botswana President Ian Khama, Tanzanian leader Jakaya Kikwete who is also African Union chairman, Southern African Development Community chairperson, Thabo Mbeki of South Africa, and Joseph Kabila of the Democratic Republic of Congo,
Namibian President, Hifikepunye Pohamba, Mozambique’s Armando Geubuza, Malawi’s Mbingu Wa Mutharika and his predecessor Bakili Muluzi.
Others are Gambian President Yahya Jammeh and his Chadian counterpart, Idriss Deby, Lesotho Prime Minister, Pakhalitha Mosisili and Swaziland Deputy Prime Minister Albert Shabangu.
Mr Pande said other foreign dignitaries expected into the country included Chinese Foreign Minister, Yang Jiechi and his Liberian colleague, Olubanke King Akerele.
A church service at Parliament is expected to commence at 09:00 hours but mourners are advised to be at the venue by 07:00 hours.
Acting President, Rupiah Banda, has assured the Chinese government that the Zambia will continue working on all projects embarked on by the late President, Levy Mwanawasa and his Chinese counterpart, Hu Jintao.
Mr. Banda said government will continue working in corporation with the Chinese government in fulfilling all economic development activities as per the late President Mwanawasa’s plans.
Mr. Banda said this in Lusaka today when the Chinese Foreign Affairs Minister, Yang Jiechi, paid a courtesy call on him.
Mr. Jiechi is in the country as a special envoy to President Jintao to mourn and deliver a message of condolences to the acting President, the First Family and the people of Zambia.
Mr. Banda pointed out that Zambians appreciate the late President Mwanawasa’s cooperation with the Chinese President, saying the two leaders’ relationship is beneficial to the people of the two countries.
He said Dr. Mwanawasa and President Jintao’s relationship is a clear testimony of what two friends can do for their countries.
“China is not a new person to us. We are extremely happy you came to mourn with us. We have lost a great son of Africa and Zambia. You will see tomorrow how much the late President is appreciated,” Mr. Banda said.
He further noted that Zambia will remember Dr. Mwanawasa for what he did and for all linkages he made in the world for the benefit of the country.
And speaking later, Mr. Jiechi said the late Dr. Mwanawasa is a distinguished leader who will be remembered for his efforts to unite and develop the country.
Mr. Jiechi said Zambians should transform their sorrows into strength so that they steer the economic development which the late President believed in.
“As a prominent leader, Dr. Mwanawasa played a role in regional integration. In passing away, China has lost a true friend. During this time of mourning the Chinese people stand firm with the Zambian people,” he said.
Mr. Jiechi said the China/Zambia relation has set a role model in Africa, saying in the recent years, the two countries have enjoyed fast growing relations due to the efforts of the late President Mwanawasa.
He noted that the political and economic development relationship between the two countries is in good shape, adding that China will always value and support Zambia.
“The late President Mwanawasa followed the One China policy and promoted economic trade. The China-Zambia economic and trade zone is the first of its kind in Africa and is progressing well,” the Chinese Foreign Affairs Minister said.
Defence force personel entering the supreme court with the President's Casket
The Supreme and the High Courts of Zambia today held a joint valedictory session in honour of the late President, Levy Mwanawasa, who was a lawyer by profession and had risen to a rank of State Counsel.
Chief Justice, Ernest Sakala, who led a full bench of Supreme Court and High court judges, said the legal profession and the entire judiciary were heart broken and deeply sorrowful to lose a distinguished lawyer and a President of the country.
Justice Sakala said the judiciary learnt of the death of Dr. Mwanawasa with a sense of deep sorrow, grief and regret.
He said the departed President sacrificed greatly for Zambia towards changing her economic direction.
He described the late Dr. Mwanawasa as an articulate lawyer, who always went to court very prepared and arguments thoroughly researched.
Justice Sakala said the late President was a gallant lawyer who never sacrificed the cause of justice while he was loyal to all his clients.
He added said the late Dr. Mwanawasa was a defender of the autonomy of the judiciary and of independence of the country.
“He was truly an officer of the court,” he said.
He recalled that when the late Dr. Mwanawasa was inaugurated as President in 2001, he pledged to strictly observe the rule of law which he said contributed immensely to the fight against corruption in the country.
“He changed the adage that politics is a dirty game. He proved that politics was a game for both saints and sinners, the known and the unexpected,” he said.
Justice Sakala added that the late President was, during his active law practice, an inspiration to the young people, which prompted many to join the legal fraternity.
“I challenge all the legal practitioners in the country never to sacrifice the rule of law. Let us emulate this great son of Zambia,” he said.
And Attorney General, Mumba Malila described the lat Dr. Mwanawasa as an accomplished lawyer, an ardent stickler of the rule of law, who exhibited great competence, integrity, independence and fearlessness in matters of law.
“He told the truth even when he hurt them,” he said.
Mr. Malila said the late President did not only contribute greatly to the development of the legal profession in the country but also transformed a stagnant economy into an engine of economic prosperity.
“He went down fighting for the good of the nation,” he said.
Meanwhile, Law Association of Zambia President, Elijah Banda, said commended the late Dr. Mwanawasa for continuing to support the activities of the association even when he had left active law practice.
Mr. Banda, who is also a State Counsel, said the late President’s death has robbed the legal profession in Zambia and the entire Southern African Development Community (SADC).
One of the senior lawyers, Julius Sakala described the late Dr. Mwanawasa as a fearless fighter for good democratic governance, the rule of law and a crusader of anticorruption.
Dr. Sakala’s sentiments were echoed by another senior lawyer, Steven Malama who said the late Dr. Mwanawasa uncompromisingly followed the legal practice without being influenced by his political carrier.
Mr. Malama said the departed President was highly professional and disciplined legal practitioner who left a legacy and strong policy of fighting all acts of lawlessness.
“Levy was quiet a bold, articulate and sometimes a very intimidative cross examiner. In spite of that, however, he was very gentle and courteous both to the court and to the fellow advocates against whom he appeared,” he said.
The valedictory session, which opened at 09:20 hours, closed at 10:30 hours.
It was attended by first lady, Maureen Mwanawasa, Acting President, Rupiah Banda, Army Commander, Isaac Chisuzi, Zambia Air force Commander, Samuel Mapala, Inspector General of Police, Ephraim Mateyo, Zambia National Service Commandant, Raphael Chisheta and Zambia State Security Intelligence Director General Regis Phiri.
President of the Pan-African Lawyers Union also attended the session.
Several State Counsels, senior lawyers, members of the legal profession, and government officials were among hundreds of people that attended the valedictory session.
The casket of the late President Mwanawasa was placed in the foyer of the Supreme Court while the valedictory sessions went on in the courtroom.
State Counsels escorted pall bearers as they carried and placed the casket on the Zambia Army gun carriage van.
The body was taken to State House where visiting Presidents and heads of state are expected to view it starting 14:00 hours today.
The body will lie-in-state at State House in readiness for burial tomorrow, 3rd September 2008 at Embassy Park in Lusaka.
The late Dr. Mwanawasa died in a French Military hospital on August 19th, after suffering a stroke on June 29th 2008 while on duty in Egypt.
He is survived by a wife, Maureen and six children.
The MMD Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) in Southern Province have thrown their weight behind Acting President Rupiah Banda as the party candidate for the fourth coming Presidential by -election.
MMD Southern province Vice Chairman Benson Shibulobe said Mr. Banda is the right candidate for presidency because he is capable to run the affairs of the nation.
Mr. Shibulobe said it was for this reason what Late President Dr. Levy Mwanawasa appointed him to be his Assistant .
Speaking in an interview with ZANIS in Lusaka today , Mr. Shibulobe has since advised those vying for MMD presidency to withdraw and rally behind Mr. Banda.
He warned that the MMD party is headed for doom if the National Executive Committee (NEC) does not choose Mr. Banda to take over from Dr. Mwanawasa.
And speaking earlier, MMD Southern Province Secretary Emmerson Muchemba said the party in the province has resolved to settle for Acting President adding that no one would force them to rescind their decision.
Mr. Muchemba said the ruling party in the province is geared for victory and reminded the opposition against commenting on MMD internal affairs but to concentrate on their own affairs.
And MMD Southern Province Women Affairs Vice Secretary Victoria Mwiinga urged the women not to shun the elections .
Ms. Mwiinga said there can not be meaningful development without the inclusion of women as they are vehicles to national development.
Southern province becomes the seventh province to endorse Acting President Rupiah Banda to succeed President Levy Mwanawasa .
Dr. Mwanawasa who died on August 19 in France , Percy Military Hospital will be buried on tomorrow at Embassy Park in Lusaka.
About 14 Heads of State are expected to attend the burial of the late Zambian leader, Dr. Mwanawasa.
Afrisports and Zambia midfielder Stophira Sunzu has moved to French Ligue 2 club Chateauroux.
The teenage midfielder has signed a 1-year loan deal with the French Ligue 2 club until the end of the 2008/2009 season next May.
Afrisports confirmed the deal was completed yesterday and that Sunzu is already at Chateauroux preparing for his debut campaign in the French second tier club.
Sunzu joins Chateauroux after a successful trial spell at the club in July but the deal was delayed after Afrisports and the French club failed to agree on terms.
The 19-year-old midfielder has until his move to France been on loan to Zanaco from the Faz division 1 north club since the start of the season.
Sunzu was part of the Zambia Under-20 team at last years Fifa World Youth Championships in Canada after earlier making his international debut with the Under-23 team in their Olympic and All-Africa games qualifiers.
He will be the second Zambian and Afrisports player to join Chateauroux after striker Jacob Mulenga who has been at the French club since August 2004.
Meanwhile, Zambia Under-20 teams 10-day training camp to Australia has collapsed in unexplained circumstances.
The team was due to leave for Canberra on Wednesday but silence has engulfed the teams departure.
The Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD) on the Copperbelt has pledged to support Party President Edith Nawakwi if she declares her Candidature for the forth coming Presidential bye-election.
FDD Provincial Information and Publicity Secretary Reuben Mbunda said, the party on the Copperbelt will support Ms. Nawakwi if she contests the Presidential bye- election, following the death of President Mwanawasa.
Mr. Mbunda in a statement to ZANIS today, Mr. Mbunda said, the decision to support Ms. Nawakwi was arrived at during a meeting held in Kitwe yesterday.
He appealed to the entire FDD Leadership on the Copperbelt to start mobilising party members in readiness for the bye-election.
Zambia has been conferred with the 2008 Water Cup Gold and Silver Medals for having one of the world’s highest percentage of protected areas for conservation of natural resources which are key to economic development and improvement of people’s livelihoods.
The award is from WATERS SOCIETY, a leading international conservation organization based in the United States of America.
In a letter to Tourism, Environment and Natural Resources Minister Michael Kaingu, Waters society President, John McCrystal, extolled Zambia for making significant contribution to the creation of protected areas for conservation of natural resources.
Mr McCrystal commended Zambia for attaching great political-will to conservation of nature in the country, to better the lives of the people.
He pledged to work with the Zambian government in supporting initiatives aimed at enhancing conservation of natural resources in protected areas.
And Mr. Kaingu said the award would be dedicated to the late President Mwanawasa for his commitment to sound environmental management which was backed by appropriate environmental laws.
Mr. Kaingu said the late President demonstrated real commitment to environmental management and tourism development as reflected in the 2030 vision which spells out Zambia’s development roadmap.
One third of Zambia’s land mass consisting of 19 National Parks, 34 Game Management Areas and Wetland Areas of international significance are also under protection. National forests are also under protection by law.
The country also boasts of 3,600 protected Heritage sites which include Aetiological sites, geological sites and geo-physical sites which are tourist attractions.
Former Lands Deputy Minister, Sipula Kabanje has advised the MMD National Executive Committee (NEC) to be careful in choosing the successor to the late Zambian Republican President Dr. Levy Mwanawasa.
Dr. Kabanje said it would be a great loss to Dr. Mwanawasa’s contribution to the development of the country, if the ruling party failed to win the fourth coming Presidential bye-election.
Dr. Kabanje stated that Dr. Mwanawasa has left behind a legacy that will need his successor to build on .
He said the party needs to choose a candidate that shared the vision of Dr. Mwanawasa, so as to enable the continuation of the promising development programmes of the country.
Dr. Kabanje told ZANIS in an interview in Mongu that, the party should look for someone who is selfless and focused on policies that include the crusade against corruption and the rule of law.
About 17 high profile Zambians have tendered in their applications for the Nations’ top-most job. The applicants include Acting President Rupiah Banda, Finance Minister Ng’andu Magande, Home Affairs Minister Ronnie Shikapwasha, Health Minister Brian Chituwo and Mr. Billy Phiri.
Others include Charles Ngesa, Former Vice Presidents Dr. Nevers Mumba and Enock Kavindele , Mr. Lawrence Mulenga, former Works and Supply Minister Ludwig Sondashi and Mr. Nason Musoni.
Dr. Kabanje stated that the party should respect the attributes of President Mwanawasa who was able to cast his net far and wide, in allocating duties to Zambians.
Dr. Kabanje who described Dr. Mwanawasa as a person of integrity , empathy , dedicated and obsessed with work said, the late President would be missed by not only Zambia and Africa but the world at large.
“Dr. Mwanawasa had empathy for mankind, he was one who would go an extra mile in whatever he did,’ he added.
He said Zambians do not have to look elsewhere for a role model, as President Levy Mwanawasa is the most appropriate role model.
He said today the Zambian economy was doing better in comparison to the time when President Mwanawasa took over leadership.
He cited the liberalized operations in the banking sector, the strengthening of the local currency against major world currencies, improved road infrastructure and the agricultural sector, as some of the areas that have tremendously improved in the economy.
For Western Province, Dr. Kabanje said the success of Dr. Mwanawasa can be measureed by projects that include Shesheke Bridge and the Mongu – Kalabo road.
He said Dr. Mwanawasa‘s dream in the Province was to ensure that Western Province became a gateway to Angola and Namibia, connecting the rest of the neighboring countries, to make regional integration a reality.
“The President did not only want the restoration of the infrastructure, but to make the Province vibrant,’ he added
And United Party for National Development (UPND) chairman for Livestock and Fisheries Captain Lawrence Nyambe said, President Mwanawasa surprised his critics over his ability to deliver.
He said the President tried under difficult circumstances to foster development in Western Province.
Captain Nyambe stated that more money was allocated for many development programmes in the Province.
He however expressed sadness on the hosting of the funeral procession at the President Guest House, which resulted in the stampede.
He said the organizers should have taken the body to the Stadium, to avoid the stampede that ensued on last week, in which about 8 people sustained injuries were several others fainted.
Several foreign dignitaries have arrived in Zambia to attend the burial of the late Republican President, Dr. Levy Mwanawasa. Government has confirmed that 15 heads of state will attend the funeral of President Mwanawasa, who died at Percy Military Hospital in France on August 19.
