Chief Chikupili of the Swaka People of Mkushi District has died.
Mkushi District Commissioner (DC) Christopher Chibuye confirmed the development in an interview with ZANIS in Mkushi yesterday.
Mr. Chibuye disclosed that Chief Chikupili, whose names are Joseph Salati died yesterday in in the afternoon at Mkushi District Hospital following an illness.
He said Government received the news of the Chief’s demise with much sadness.
Mr. Chibuye said Government shares the loss of the traditional leader with the entire Chikupili Royal Establishment and has since assured of its support in facilitating the burial of the Chief.
And the Mkushi District Commissioner described the late Chief Chikupili as a great advocate of peace and harmony, adding that the late Chief always encouraged peaceful co-existence amongst various ethnic groups in his Chiefdom.
He noted that the late Chief also earned himself plenty of respect for his wise leadership as well as for the policy of embracing all ethnic groups in his chiefdom.
According to data sourced at Mkushi District Council, the late Chief Chikupili was the longest serving traditional leader in Mkushi at the time of his demise, having ascended to the throne in 1969.