Fallen ZNS gallant soldiers interred

By BARNABAS ZULU

THE two Zambia National Service (ZNS) soldiers, who died in Lusaka on Sunday in suspected cold-blooded murder while on duty at the ZNS Furniture Factory in Lusaka West, were yesterday laid to rest.
Speaking during the burial at Mutumbi Cemetery, ZNS Commander, Lieutenant General Engineer Maliti Solochi II, described the late Warrant Officer Class Two (WOII) Sonkwe Mwila and Staff Sergeant (SSgt) Tembo Portipher as gallant Servicemen who contributed immensely to the collective mandate of the Service.
The ZNS Commander, represented by his Deputy and Chief of Staff, Major General Reuben Mwewa, bemoaned the tragic manner in which the two men lost their lives.
“It is deeply disturbing that these two gallant men died in such a gruesome and inhumane manner while executing their noble duties.
Their passing is not only a loss to their families and to ZNS, but also an immense loss to the nation they so faithfully served,” Lt Gen Solochi said.
He added that beyond mourning their untimely death, ZNS was also determined to celebrate the lives they lived, the sacrifices they made, and the honour they brought to the Service and the country.
“Warrant Officer Class Two Sonkwe Mwila faithfully served the Zambia National Service for twenty-three (23) years, rising through the ranks up to Warrant Officer Class Two in 2022. He was an accomplished electrician, a loyal Serviceman, and a dependable worker who carried out his duties selflessly. His legacy will remain etched in the collective memory of our Institution,” the Service Chief said.
The Commander also paid tribute to the dedication of SSgt Tembo.
“Staff Sergeant Tembo Portipher equally dedicated his life to the Service, serving for sixteen (16) years, first as a civilian employee before going for military training. He rose through the ranks up to Staff Sergeant in 2023, a testament to his diligence, commitment, and discipline. The two soldiers contributed immensely to our collective mandate as a Service,” Lt Gen Solochi stated.
Condemning the act as heinous, Lt Gen Solochi assured the bereaved families and the Zambian public that ZNS would not relent in pursuing justice.
“We remain resolute to work closely with the Zambia Police and other Security Wings to ensure investigations are brought to a speedy conclusion and perpetrators brought to account.
“We echo the Zambia Police’s call to anyone with information that may lead to the apprehension of culprits to volunteer that information to us or the Police. Such a one will be appropriately appreciated. Let us work together to atone the senseless ending of productive lives,” he said.