Chama Wildlife Scout drowns after rainstorm

A WILDLIFE and National Parks Department (WNP) Community Scout Officer has died after drowning in the Kamphemba River in Chama, while his friend swum to safety following the high water levels in the river due to a heavy downpour.

Muchinga Province Police Commissioner Paul Achiume identified the victim as Jack Zimba, aged 25. His friend, Charles Sikalumbi managed to swim to the other side of the river.

Mr Achiume said the incident happened at the weekend around 22:50 hours in Chief Kambombo’s chiefdom.

Mr Achiume said Mr Saukani Banda, 40, also a wildlife senior ranger reported that Mr Zimba drowned in the Kamphemba River while Mr Sikalumbi managed to swim to the other side of the river.

He said brief facts of the matter were that Mr Zimba with Mr Sikalumbi crossed the river from Chama when the water levels were low to check on his business at his shop.

“I can confirm with that a Wildlife officer in Chama district has died drowning while his friend he carried along with to check on his business at his shop managed to swim to the other side of the river. The deceased has been identified as Jack Zimba.

"The duo whilst were there, it started raining which led to the water levels in the river to rise.

He said around 22:50, the two decided to return and attempted to cross the river but in the process, the strong water current swept them away which led to Zimba drowning while Sikalumbi managed to swim to the other side,” Mr Achiume said.

Mr Achiume said police officers found the body at Mutanila Village about seven kilometres away.

The body was taken to Chama District Hospital mortuary awaiting postmortem.

Meanwhile, a 20-year-old man of Chama died after drowning in the Luangwa River while fishing last Saturday.

Mr Achiume said Goma Kalala drowned whilst fishing along the banks of the river and his body was discovered floating on Sunday 900 meters from the scene of the incident.