President Hakainde Hichilema has awarded Medal of Gallantry to Namwala fisherman who wrestled a crocodile to save a fellow fisherman and a civilian who risked his life to guide security agencies to rescue 13 young women abducted in Chalala.
President Hakainde Hichilema conferred the honours during the Investiture Ceremony held at State House where Newton Nalumino was honoured for exceptional courage and bravery on the night of April 2023 at around 04:00 hours while fishing in the Namwala River.
He said Mr Nalumino witnessed a crocodile attack in which a crocodile captured another fisherman, Without hesitation and at great personal risk, he confronted the reptile and repeatedly struck it with his paddling stick, forcing it to release the victim who he then pulled to safety.
“The injured fisherman was rushed to Namwala District Hospital and later referred to Livingstone Teaching Hospital, he survived but sustained permanent disability, he said
The second recipient of the Gallantry Medal was Robby Chitambo, who was recognised for compassion and selflessness during the 2022 abduction case that shook Lusaka, where young women were held captive in Chalala, causing widespread fear and anxiety.
Mr Chitambo, who was a civilian then, displayed remarkable bravery by assisting authorities and guiding them to the location where 13 young women were being held captive.
His courageous actions contributed to the successful rescue of the victims and subsequent apprehension of the perpetrators.
Mr Chitambo has since been employed in Government by Zambia Airforce.
President Hichilema also conferred others for their distinguished service among them is Chandra Desai and Lata Desai who received honours for significant contributions to education, healthcare, job creation and community development in Luanshya district where they settled in 1960.
“As a business couple, they established several enterprises including Desai Discount Centre, Quality Furniture, GMMI Limited and Gaurav Zambia Limited, creating over 500 employment opportunities,” he added.
Mr Hichilema added that their philanthropy has supported school infrastructure, computer laboratories, water and sanitation facilities and feeding programmes benefiting over 500 learners, as well as healthcare infrastructure at Thompson District Hospital and the Zambia Combined Staff Clinic, including assistive devices for children with special needs and tuition for over 600 vulnerable students.
A personal secretary by profession and early childhood education consultant born on 13th June 1953 in Mongu District, was awarded the President’s Insignia of Merit for outstanding contributions to education, youth empowerment and community development.
She personally financed the construction of a 1×3 classroom block and a fully equipped computer laboratory in Mongu District and through her Foundation has empowered women with sewing machines, provided housing support and assisted the elderly. Her initiatives have benefited over 2,000 people.
Meanwhile, Patrick Chinyemba, popularly known as Bado, the highly distinguished Zambian flyweight boxer born on 3rd January 2001 in Lusaka, was honoured for his consistent performance at national and international level, including representing Zambia at the Olympic Games, including Paris 2024, and winning several senior national titles.
Further, Carol Kanyemba, Head Coach of Zambia’s Under-17 Women’s National Football Team, the Copper Princesses, born on 23rd January 1988 in Kabwe, was honoured for exceptional commitment to youth development and advancement of women’s football, leading the team to major regional and international competitions including FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers.
Moreover, Ashious Melu, the Zambian footballer, national team captain and coach, popularly known as Super Ash, was honoured posthumously.
Born on 16th June 1957 in Zambezi District, Melu began his career with Konkola Blades before joining Mufulira Wanderers in the late 1970s, became Zambian Footballer of the Year in 1983 after scoring 43 goals.
He again in 1987, captained Zambia from 1988 to 1992 leading the team to the 1988 Seoul Olympics quarterfinals with memorable wins over Italy and Guatemala, and later coached Wanderers to consecutive league titles in 1995 and 1996.
President Hichilema also conferred other national honours for distinguished service which include Trade Kings limited, Patel Iqbal, Wonderful group Limited Chief Executive Officer, Yaochi Huang and ambassador Cox Sikumba who was awarded posthumously.
The President said the honorees’ generosity, courage and exceptional service have advanced socio-economic development and elevated the Zambian flag, making them worthy of national recognition.
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