CHIEF CHISUNKA

By REBECCA MUSHOTA-
CHIEF Chisunka of the Ushi people of Mansa has been arrested for running over and killing a person in a road traffic accident.
Meanwhile, scores of Senama Township residents yesterday rioted over the death of Isaac Musonda, 28, who was killed in the accident involving Chief Chisunka.
The rioting crowd believed that Mr Musonda had some missing body parts and his death was linked to ritual activities.
The accident happened on Saturday around 01:40 hours on the Mansa-Mwense Road at Mutima Village near Kaole Guest House in Mansa.
Luapula Province Police Commissioner Malcolm Mulenga said that Justine Hakamwaya, 54, who is Chief Chisunka, was driving a Toyota Prado registration number ASB 47 towards Kaole Guest House when he hit Mr Musonda of Senama Township.
“Due to the impact, the pedestrian sustained fatal injuries and died on the spot. The vehicle had its right headlamp damaged,” Mr Mulenga said.
Chief Chisunka was arrested on Sunday at 10:13 hours and was charged with causing death by dangerous driving.
The traditional leader was released on police bond and would appear in a Mansa magistrates’ court tomorrow.
Mr Mulenga also confirmed that scores of Mansa’s Senama Township residents rioted yesterday demanding justice for Mr Musonda’s death.
He said Mr Musonda’s body was taken to Mansa General Hospital mortuary where a postmortem was conducted after which it was released to the family for burial yesterday at a site near Senama Township.
It was at that point that some people, believed to be drunk, alleged that the body had no eyes, tongue and other body parts.
The people then took over the burial procession and ran with the coffin, which they left near Mansa Police Station.
The rioters blocked a road that connects to the Mwense-Mporokoso Road, with burning timber.
They threw stones at other residents and police officers.
By Press time, Mr Mulenga said police were in the area to get the rioters under control.
Police had engaged Mr Musonda’s family to try and get them to inspect the body at the mortuary and assure the rioters that the body was intact.