Government mourns Abasano ba Mfumu, Wife to Paramount Chief Chitimukulu Of The Bemba People

Minister of Information and Media, Cornelius Mweetwa says Government has learnt with deep sorrow and grief of the untimely tragic passing of 58-year-old Abasano ba Mfumu (Bernadette Mwamba), wife to His Royal Highness Mwine Lubemba, Paramount Chief Chitimukulu, who died on Tuesday, 20th January, 2026, in a road traffic accident.

Mr. Mweetwa explained that President Hakainde Hichilema and the entire United Party for National Development (UPND) New Dawn Administration joined the Royal Family and all the Bemba speaking people in mourning the loss, the trajic passing of Abasano ba Mfumu.

In a Press Statement pasted on the Ministry of Information and Media (MIM) Facebook page, Mweetwa saw it as a profound loss beyond the Paramount Chief and the Bemba people as it traumatized the Zambian nation at large. 

"We regret her demise as wives support 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,” Mweetwa grieved.

As Chief Government spokesperson, Mweetwa commiserated and conveyed heartfelt condolences to the Paramount Chief Chitimukulu and the entire family, and joins them in mourning and praying for God’s strength, comfort and solace during this period of grief from President Hichilema and the Zambian people. Northern Province Police Commanding Officer, Lucky Buumba Munkondya

Earlier, in a Wednesday, 21st January, 2026 Press Statement, Northern Province Police Commanding Officer, Lucky Buumba Munkondya says on Tuesday 20th January 2026 at around 17:20 hours, Mungwi Traffic Division recorded a Fatal road traffic accident near Kacholi farms about 45 Kilometres from Mungwi Town along Malole - Chitimukulu Road. 

Commissioner Munkondya said involved was a Motor vehicle Toyota Corolla of registration number BAA 5766  which incurred extensively damaged adding that same vehicle was being driven from south to North direction by Female Bernadette Mwamba aged 58 who happens to be the wife to His Royal Highness Chief Chitimukulu.

Ms. Munkondya said the deceased sustained head injuries and died at Kasama General Hospital at 21:45 hours.

Two (2) passengers on board namely Bertha Bwalya aged 52 who complained of painful chest, a cut on the head and general body pains and Lilian Chanda 52 both of Chitimukulu area of Mungwi District who sustained a bruise on the fore head and complained of painful arms and chest survived.

Commissioner Munkondya also said the deceased body is lying in Kasama General Hospital Mortuary awaiting Postmortem examinations while the alive casualties are admitted to the same Hospital.

 - Ukusefya Pa Ng'wena/ -Lutanda Radio Station/ Mwebanthu/ Ministry of Information and Media (MIM).