The Bemba Royal Establishment has alleged that heavily armed people travelling in six vehicles were reportedly using threats and coercion to force villagers in Lisunga territory to show them the grave of the late Cabinet minister, Mutotwe Kafwaya.
The Establishment said Bemba customary governance required matters affecting UbuBemba at village level to be reported to the territorial chief, who subsequently reports to the Chitimukulu or the Chitimukulu-in-Council.
This is contained in a statement issued on Saturday by Secretary to the Chitimukulu Richard Mukuka from Chitimukulu Palace in Mungwi.
The statement, titled Akafiisha-Mutima Mu Lubemba, was addressed to AbaBemba, residents of UluBemba and the general public.
“The Bemba customary law of governance requires that matters that affect UbuBemba at the village level be reported to the territorial chief. Subsequently, the territorial chief reports to the Chitimukulu or the Chitimukulu-in-Council,” the statement reads.
The Establishment said His Royal Highness ShiBwalya-Kapila of the Lisunga Bemba Kingdom in Lunte District, Northern Province, had informed Chitimukulu Kanyanta-manga II of the incident.
“His Royal Highness ShiBwalya-Kapila of the Lisunga Bemba Kingdom of Lunte District of Northern Province has informed Chitimukulu Kanyanta-manga II that heavily armed people, moving in six vehicles, were using threats and coercion to force villagers to show them the grave of the late Honourable Mutotwe Kafwaya,” the statement reads.
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According to the statement, Kafwaya was UmuBemba from Lisunga territory in UluBemba and, after his murder, his remains were buried in Lisunga.
The Royal Establishment said burial places were sacred under Bemba traditions and customs and were normally out of bounds when no burial was taking place.
“Within Bemba traditions and customs, burial places are very sacred, and normally out-of-bounds when there is no burial taking place,” it stated.
The Establishment described the reported acts as highly provocative.
“The reported acts of coercion, targeting the subjects of the Bemba Royal Establishment and asking the subjects to desecrate a burial place, are highly provocative to the Bemba Royal Establishment,” the statement said.
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