A dark cloud hovered over Limulunga district as thousands of people flocked in to pay their last respect to late Senior Induna Inete Mwangelwa Akapelwa Silumbu of the Barotse Royal Establishment (BRE)who was shot dead on Monday.
St. Lawrence Catholic Church could not contain the number of people who came to bid farewell to Induna Inete as Limulunga district came to a standstill during the funeral procession on Friday.
A high delegation of senior government officials, some Members of parliament, District Commissioners and Council Chairpersons and Secretaries as well as Councillors were in attendance.
ZANIS reports that officiating at the burial procession, Minister of Water development and Sanitation Mike Mposha rendered condolences on behalf of President Hakainde Hichilema and the entire government to the family and the BRE.
“This loss is not for you alone but for the whole country considering the different roles he played in different institutions. We have lost a gallant servant of the county. I have no doubt that the works that were started by Induna Inete will be finalized to honour him,” he said.
The Minister highlighted his zeal for work as he worked with Induna Inete moving around Western Province to implement a number of projects to improve water supply and sanitation in the region.
Mr. Mposha commended the people in Western province for remaining calm after the tragedy adding that they should remain calm as they trust the law to take its course.
Induna Inete was also serving as a Councillor in the Mongu Municipal Council thus Mongu Mayor Nyambe Muyumbana described his death as devastating.
“Induna Inete was so dedicated, exceptional in leadership. His friendliness made him easily accessible as we benefited from his wisdom and knowledge. we appeal to the Police to intensify investigations to deal with the culprit,” Mr Muyumbana said.
During the sendoff mass, Fr. Lako Chansa encouraged the family to mourn in the Lord and trust God who will grant them rest and comfort.
Meanwhile, BRE Induna Mubonda said the establishment has been robbed of an irreplaceable Induna thus calling on the police to bring the culprit to book.
He noted that Induna Inete worked as a teacher and rose to the position of District Education Board Secretary (DEBS) until his retirement.
And the family described late senior Induna Inete as a family pillar who was the source of wisdom.
In a tribute to his late Father, Lubasi Akapelwa described the late Induna Inete as an oasis of wisdom who was the pillar of the family.
Mr. Akapelwa stated that Induna Inete wore many hats of a mentor, confidant, counsellor, Father and a friend to the family.
Senior Induna Inete, Akapelwa Silumbu was shot dead by unknown persons at his house in Limulunga district on Monday March 18, 2024.
Induna Inete who was a Senior Induna in BRE served as Western Water and Sanitation Limited Board of Directors Chairperson before his tragic death, he was put to rest in Limulunga district.
ZANIS
Death is indeed cruel. – mhsrip
The good thing is that the perpetrators were arrested