PRESIDENT Hichilema has sent a message of condolence to Paramount Chief Chitimukulu of the Bemba Kingdom on the death of his wife, Bernadette Mwamba, who died in a road accident on Tuesday.

The President’s envoys told the bereaved traditional leader today that the Government pledges to provide financial support to the family during the funeral of his wife, reverently known as Abasano ba Mfumu.

Leading the team of the President’s emissaries, UPND Alliance partner Felix Mutati said the President mourns with the Paramount Chief during grief which had continues to befall him

“…fyamikokoka saana, we know you are a Christian and you get strong when tragedy befalls you, you leave all in God’s hands and hence we are here to give you words of strength,” Mr Mutati said in Bemba, which is the traditional leader’s tribe.

Mr Mutati, who is Minister of Technology and Science, said Government will provide necessary support to the family- which was barely a year ago mourning the deaths of Chitimukulu’s two sons.

“We will provide the necessary support so that those that come to mourn with us to mourn with you, we want to assure you kanabesa that there are no worries. Everything is catered for, including the coffin for our dear mother,” he said.

And Chief Chitmukulu Kanyanta Manga II, who is in his 80s, thanked the delegation for condoling with his during incomprehensible moment.

The traditional leader is especially encouraged to receive a consolation message from President Hichilema.

“Usually when such things [like death] happen, they are so drastic, they are so big on which the human mind cannot comprehend. Natotela saana mukwai[I am very grateful] for this courtesy call.

“It’s an encouragement, it shows that am not alone, ninkwata abanshinguluke[I have people around me], especially the word from the President was very encouraging when a man like that sends you a word of condolence, you know, atleast your spirit goes up. People who mind about me, who think about me,” The soft-spoken Mwinelubemba said.

Abasano ba Mfumu is scheduled to be buried today

(Mwebantu, Friday, 23rd January, 2026)