Kaputa mourns Sata

——-Kaputa residents have expressed shock at the death of Zambia’s fifth and current President, Michael Chilufya Sata.

Former Kaputa District Commissioner, Mwamba Njala-mimba, said the death of President Sata is devastating as it comes barely a week after the country was in jubilation celebrating its Golden Jubilee.

Mr Njala-mimba described the death of President Sata as a big blow to the country.

He said President Sata was a national leader with great vision for the country, adding that everyone wished him good health so that he could complete the programs he initiated.

Mr Njala-mimba was speaking to ZANIS in an interview today following news of the demise of the President.

Mr Njala-mimba, who was Kaputa District Commissioner when former President, Levy Mwanawasa died, urged Zambians to be composed and remain united during this period.

He said Zambia has previously demonstrated that they can still remain united and peaceful even when they are faced with a big problem.

The former DC further urged security personnel, political and traditional leaders to remain focused and mourn the President in a dignified manner.

Meanwhile, Patriotic Front (PF) Kaputa District Chairperson, Dickson Chomba, said Zambia has lost a visionary leader who had a heart for the country.

Mr Chomba said President Sata had great plans for Zambia especially rural areas as seen from the number of projects that his government embarked on since coming into power.

The PF official recalled that President Sata initiated a number of projects in the health, education, and road sectors, adding that even Kaputa was in the President’s plan to receive tarred roads.

He urged Zambians to mourn the late President in peace and unity like they did with the late Levy Mwanawasa.

Mr Chomba said Zambians, who demonstrated unity during the celebration of the country’s Golden Jubilee, should also remain peaceful during the mourning period.

And another former District Commissioner in the MMD government, Brian Lutanda, also called on Zambians to remain peaceful and united as they mourn President Sata.

Meanwhile, there is a sombre mood in Kaputa district after people heard the passing on of the President.

A number of people were found gathered discussing the news with many of them expressing sadness at the death of the President.

A check at public institutions found flags flying at half-mast.

President Sata, 77, died last night in London where he was admitted.

This is the second time a sitting President has died in Zambia, the first being in 2008 when former President, Levy Mwanawasa died in France.