Mwine Lubemba Chitimukulu of the Bemba people of Northern, and Muchinga Provinces has expressed profound sorrow at the passing of Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV of the Ngoni people of Eastern Province.

The Mwine Lubemba Chitimukulu has described the death of Paramount Chief Mpezeni as a national tragedy, stating that its impact goes beyond the Ngoni people.

Speaking to ZANIS at his palace in Mungwi District today, The Mwine Lubemba said the Bemba Royal Establishment (BRE) is mourning with the Ngoni people and praying for them during this difficult moment.

“I am deeply saddened by the death of Paramount Chief Mpezeni, we as the Bemba are deeply moved by his death. On behalf of the Bemba Royal Establishment we send our condolences to the Ngonis and the entire country as this loss does not only affect the Ngonis but the entire country at large,” Mwine Lubemba said.

National Heritage Conservation Commission (NHCC) Northern Region Director Brutus Simakole has described Paramount Chief Mpezeni as a champion of not just culture and tradition, but also of the country’s heritage.