Newly elected Mbala mayor, Simutenda, dies days after election victory

Newly elected Mbala Mayor, Steward Simutenda, has died, just days after being declared the winner of the August 13, 2026 General Elections.

According to Mbala-based Radio Luswepo, Simutenda’s death was confirmed by his brother, Gabriel Simutenda, who said he died around midnight on August 18 following an illness.

Simutenda contested the mayoral election on the National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity (NRPUP) ticket and was elected Mayor of Mbala during the general elections.

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He had reportedly been hospitalised about a week before the elections after falling ill.

Despite his health challenges, Simutenda participated in the election and went on to secure victory.

Before and during the 2021 General Elections, Simutenda served as Patriotic Front (PF) District Chairperson for Mbala.

Following the 2021 elections, he remained an active opposition voice in the district and later continued serving in the PF leadership before becoming a prominent member of the NRPUP after the political realignment that followed.

His death comes just days after his election victory.

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