Reported by: The Agency Media.
Date: 13th May, 2025.
Kafulafuta, Copperbelt Province, Zambia.
The nation is in mourning following a heart wrenching incident at Kafulafuta Dam, where a young family of four tragically lost their lives when their canoe capsized during an attempt to cross the dam at night. The tragedy has sent shockwaves across the country, prompting an outpouring of grief and solidarity from the highest levels of government.
President Hakainde Hichilema, visibly moved by the incident, has conveyed his deepest sympathies to the bereaved family, describing the loss as an unbearable tragedy that has robbed the community of a young family with a promising future. The President also extended personal support by donating K50,000 to assist the family with funeral arrangements, a gesture meant to ease their burden during this period of profound sorrow.
Copperbelt Province Minister, Hon. Elisha Matambo, who delivered the President’s message during the funeral procession at Membe Cemetery in Shilashi Village, reaffirmed the New Dawn Government’s solidarity with the grieving family and the Kafulafuta community.
“This is not just the family’s loss, but a loss to the entire nation,” Hon. Matambo said. “His Excellency the President is standing with you during this painful time and we are here to ensure you feel the support of your government and your people.”
The deceased, identified as Lotdson Kandala, 30, his wife Melody Mambwe, 26, along with their two young children, aged four years and two months, were retrieved from the dam with the support of Zambia Army commandos and local volunteers.
The somber funeral, attended by senior government officials, including the District Commissioner Madam Ennie Mututu and United Party for National Development (UPND) leaders, became a poignant moment of reflection on community safety, disaster response and the importance of public awareness on water safety.
As the family was laid to rest, voices from the community called for strengthened safety measures around water bodies, particularly in rural areas where canoes remain a key mode of transport.
The tragedy has also ignited conversations about enhancing community-led safety initiatives and emergency response systems, ensuring that such preventable losses are averted in the future.
The Agency.