IN 2025, Kalemba covered shocking stories in Lusaka, including the deaths of three people who were electrocuted at the hands of loose and unprotected electric cables.
In September, the life of Dora Bwalya, a 34-year-old wife and mother, was suddenly cut short.
Dora, of Chunga Compound, had stepped on a live 11-kilovolt cable lying at the entrance of her yard while washing with her three-year old child, killing her instantly.
The child miraculously survived the shock.
At the time of her demise, Dora, who was pursuing her education at Kwame Nkrumah University, just returned home from her residentials and her family was overjoyed that she qualified into her second year.
Unfortunately her dream was shattered in an instant.
Her husband Mark Mashabe while holding their children, wept openly during her burial at Mutumbi Cemetery where she was laid to rest on September 3.
Mark’s elder brother Evans Mapalo who spoke to #Kalemba blamed the tragedy on negligence, citing that the dangerous cable had been reported to authorities days before the accident but remained unattended.
“My young brother was jobless, the wife was a strength to this young brother. They pushed very hard through poverty,” Evans told #Kalemba.
Barely three months later, Lusaka would witness another tragic incident.
In Kabanana area, 44-year-old Priscilla Mwansa was electrocuted around noon while hanging clothes on a laundry wire that had come into contact with electrically charged iron sheets on the roof.
Witnessing the danger, her daughters, 24-year-old Roma Banda and 10-year-old Faith Banda, rushed to help.
But the wire snapped, causing all three to fall.
Priscilla and Faith died instantly, while Roma survived with burns on her hands and was rushed to Chipata Level One Hospital.
In his tribute, Christopher Banda, husband and father to the deceased said the sudden passing of his loved ones has left a deep emptiness, though he draws comfort from the cherished memories they created together.
“My wife Priscilla, your love, laughter and memories will forever be remembered in my heart. You were my rock, partner, best friend and also a prayer partner. Your love and support gave me strength,” he said.
Brave little Faith, a grade four pupil died at ten years old, while her mother, Priscilla, a devoted Dorcas member, passed away at 44, leaving behind 3 children including Roma, the sole survivor of the tragic electrocution.
The two have since been laid to rest at Mutumbi cemetery.
For the families left behind, 2025 was not just a year but a year that left deep emotional scars.
Kalemba mourns with all affected families and urges vigilance and stronger measures to prevent such heartbreaking accidents in the future.
By George Musonda
Kalemba, December 31, 2025
