Chitimukulu condemns, warns Kafwaya grave hunters
By Thandizo Banda
THE Bemba Royal Establishment has warned that attempts to desecrate the grave of the slain former minister Mutotwe Kafwaya are highly provocative.
Secretary to the Chitimukulu Richard Mukuka said heavily armed people moving in six vehicles were using threats and coercion to force villagers in Lisunga to show them Kafwaya’s grave.
Mukuka said in a statement the information was reported by Chief ShiBwalya-Kapila of the Lisunga Bemba Kingdom in Lunte District, Northern Province, to Paramount Chief Chitimukulu Kanyanta-manga II of the Bemba people.
“It is said that Akafiisha-Mutima Mu Lubemba. The late Kafwaya was UmuBemba from Lisunga territory of UluBemba and was buried in Lisunga after he was murdered,” Mukuka said.
He said under Bemba customary law, matters affecting UbuBemba at village level were reported to the territorial chief, who then reported to Paramount Chief Chitimukulu or the Chitimukulu-in-Council.
Mukuka said burial places were very sacred under Bemba traditions and customs and were normally out-of-bounds when there was no burial taking place.
“The reported acts of coercion targeting the subjects of the Bemba Royal Establishment and asking the subjects to desecrate a burial place are highly provocative to the Bemba Royal Establishment,” he said.
The statement was issued to bring the matter to the attention of AbaBemba (Bemba tribe), residents of UluBemba and the general public.
Lately, villagers in the affected area have been complaining that armed strangers driving and riding in three to six expensive motor vehicles have been roaming their villages asking them to show them Kafwaya’s grave.
But the local people have been refusing to help because of suspicions surrounding the requests.
Kafwaya was shot dead by soldiers on the night of August 14 during a raid by a joint state security team at the private residence of now incarcerated opposition leader Brian Mundubile in Lusaka’s high-cost Kabulonga residential area.
