Wife of traditional ruler, Chitimukulu, dies in road accident in Mungwi

Police in Northern Province have confirmed a fatal road traffic accident in Mungwi that claimed the life of Bernadette Mwamba, wife of Paramount Chief Chitimukulu.

Northern Province Police Commanding Officer, Lucky Munkhondya, said the accident occurred on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, around 17:20 hours near Kacholi Farms, approximately 45 kilometres from Mungwi Town along the Malole–Chitimukulu Road.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Munkhondya said the crash involved a Toyota Corolla, registration number BAA 5766, which was extensively damaged.

She said Ms. Mwamba, aged 58, was driving the vehicle from south to north when she lost control due to excessive speed, veered off the road, hit a tree and overturned on the left side.

Mwamba sustained severe head injuries and was pronounced dead upon arrival at Kasama General Hospital.

Two passengers were also injured in the crash. Bertha Bwalya, 52, complained of chest pain, a head cut and general body aches, while Lillian Chanda, 52, sustained a bruise on the forehead and complained of pain in her arms and chest.

Both survivors are admitted to Kasama General Hospital.

Munkhondya said the body of the deceased had been deposited in the Kasama General Hospital mortuary awaiting postmortem.

Investigations into the incident have been launched.

Meanwhile, government has conveyed a message of condolence to Paramount Chief Chitimukulu following the death of his wife, who died in a road traffic accident in Mungwi on Tuesday.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Chief Government Spokesperson, Cornelius Mweetwa, said the Government had learnt of the tragedy with deep sorrow and grief.

“President Hakainde Hichilema and the entire Government join the Royal Family and all the Bemba people in mourning this great loss,” Mweetwa said.

He described the death as a significant loss to the nation, noting that spouses play an important role in national development by supporting strong families, contributing to the economy and fostering social stability — foundations that enable both their partners and the country to thrive.

“The Government of the Republic of Zambia therefore commiserates and sends heartfelt condolences to Paramount Chief Chitimukulu and the entire family, and joins in mourning and praying for God’s strength, comfort, and solace during this period of grief,” Mweetwa said.

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