Tambo chiefdom on fire

…Succession wrangles rock chiefdom

BATTLELINES lines have been drawn in Isoka’s Tambo chiefdom following the succession wrangles that have resulted in death threats against the incumbent, Senior Chief Katyetye.

Senior Chief Katyetye said his chiefdom was currently divided due to what he described

was ‘bad conduct’ of Mr Jeremiah Jasusu Simbeye who had refused to recognise him as head of the chiefdom.

In a walk-in-interview with the Daily Nation yesterday, the traditional leader explained that he was legally recognised Senior Chief Katyetye after he was installed and given instruments of power.

The confusions ensued immediately Lucky Raphael Mutambo, 52, took over the throne in 2011.

“Now there is this impostor Jeremiah Jasusu Simbeye from Nakonde who has invaded my chiefdom. He started telling the people that I cannot be Senior Chief Katyetye because I have nothing to offer them,

“Simbeye boasts that he has money so he is the right person to take over the throne,” he said. Senior Chief Katyetye alleged that Mr Simbiye had used his fortune to bribe some police officers from Isoka police station whom he was using to victimise him and his subjects.

“Simbeye is not even from the Tambo Royal Family. He is just a common subject. He has made some money which he has been distributing to some people including a few police officers who he is now using to undermine the chieftaincy.”

Senior Chief Katyetye said he was now fearing for his life due to police brutality and death threats that were being perpetuated by some officers and Mr Simbeye against him and the subjects.

He said the situation had made it hard for government to deliver development.

He said Mr Simbiye’s activities had not only affected peace in the chiefdom but also disturbed the flow of economic development in Isoka.

“Development flourishes where there is peace and harmony. Development cannot be attained in my chiefdom because there is too much fighting and divisions that are being fueled by

Simbeye’s selfish interests,” said Chief Katyetye.

Chief Katyetye appealed to President Edgar Lungu and government to help in restoring peace in the chiefdom.

“I have personally come to Lusaka and particularly to Daily Nation Newspaper because I know that President Lungu reads your newspaper every day,

“I want to appeal to the father of the nation to intervene in the matter because what is happening in my chiefdom will have a direct effect on the PF administration,