Kabila presidential motorcade accident leaves one dead

By PIRNCE CHIBAWAH THE driver of a light truck that crashed into visiting Congolese President Joseph Kabila’s motorcade, has died.

The incident happened along Leopards Hill road in Lusaka’s 10:35 hours when President Kabila was heading to pay a courtesy call on Zambia’s first republican president, Dr Kenneth Kaunda at his State Lodge residence.

Police spokesperson, Esther Katongo confirmed the accident to Daily Nation in an interview.

Ms Katongo identified the driver as Andrew Phiri, 35 of Twikatane Compound in Lusaka.

“Mr Phiri died at University Teaching Hospital (UTH) around 15:00 hours where he was receiving medical attention,” said Ms Katongo.

“He sustained a fractured left leg, arm and multiple cuts on the forehead.”

Ms Katongo explained that Mr Phiri who was driving a Toyota Dyna registration number, ACJ 8318 Blue in colour was moving from East to West direction.

“Also involved was a Mazda motor vehicle registration number GRZ 520 CN belonging to State House. The accident happened when the Mazda which was being driven by Inspector Kayumba who was on a presidential escort duties for visiting President Joseph Kabila collided with the said Toyota Dyna which failed to give way to the presidential motorcade.

The GRZ motor vehicle spinned off and hit a police officer who was at his point of duty on route lining,” said Ms Katongo.

Ms Katongo said another vehicle Ford Ranger registration number ZP 2291B which was also part of the convoy hit into a stationed motor vehicle Corolla registration number ABZ 1192 which was parked off the road.