Scott, Ministers Weep After Viewing Sata’s Body

Acting President Dr Guy Scott yesterday broke down when he led Dr Christine Kaseba and other mourners in viewing the body of president Michael Sata at Mulungushi International Conference Centre.
Dr Scott was the first to view president Sata’s body around 08:00 hours, at a procession, that triggered high emotions from mourners. Dr Kaseba and close relatives followed Dr Scott. As she viewed her husband’s body, Dr Kaseba touched the casket and later lit a candle and sang a short Bemba song expressing her love for him.
There was equally an outpouring of emotions as ministers Jean Kapata, Harry Kalaba, Prof Nkandu Luo and Inonge Wina, among others, wept after viewing president Sata’s body. Kapata cried, “Ba President wesu bye bye!” while education minister Dr John Phiri offered a prayer.
PF secretary general Edgar Lungu also viewed the president’s body, followed by judges, service chiefs, diplomats and other Cabinet ministers. Relatives and the general public were later given a chance to also view the body. Emotion-triggering scenes characterised the solemn event as mourners broke down, some throwing themselves to the ground in anguish. Overcome by emotion, some mourners had to be assisted out of Mulungushi International Conference Centre, while others fainted and were quickly whisked away on stretchers.
Journalists also briefly left their posts to pay their last respects. Cuban Ambassador to Zambia and Malawi, Caridad Pérez Gonzalez, said Cuba had lost a great and sincere friend. “Cuba has lost a very sincere and great friend. Michael Sata, His Excellency, devoted his entire life in order to improve and strengthen the relationship and friendship between Cuba and Zambia.
May his soul rest in peace,” she said. “Zambia has lost an outstanding leader who also devoted his life for improving the standard of life of Zambians and defending the rights and peace of Zambians.” Ambassador Gonzalez said she was hopeful that the relations between the two countries would continue.