A POWER Tools driver’s bravery and quick thinking has earned him a place in the same VVIP tent as President Hakainde Hichilema, after he was honoured with the President’s Medal for Gallantry during yesterday’s Investiture ceremony at State House.
The ceremony, which marked Zambia’s 61st Independence under the theme “61 Years of Peace and Unity: Building A Resilient and Prosperous Zambia,” saw the nation celebrate ordinary citizens whose extraordinary acts of bravery have left an indelible mark.
Among them was Berlingtone Mwape, a driver, whose quick thinking saved the lives of 57 passengers.
On the morning of August 29, 2025, Mwape was driving a Power Tools bus from Lusaka to Kitwe when, near Chaisa Compound along Great North Road at around 4:00 hours, he noticed smoke and a strange smell emanating from the bus engine.
After realising the danger, Mwape immediately stopped the vehicle at Chaisa Bus Stop and evacuated all passengers safely.
But his heroism did not end there.
Anticipating that a fire could ignite and threaten nearby properties, including a filling station, surrounding buildings and other vehicles, the driver decided to move the bus to a safer location.
Despite flames beginning to engulf the vehicle, he drove it further to a place where it would cause no harm and only disembarked when it was safe to do so.
President Hichilema praised the driver for his bravery and quick thinking.
“By evacuating the 57 passengers and removing the bus from a high risk location, you demonstrated remarkable courage and presence of mind under life threatening circumstances. Your heroic action in saving lives and property despite the high risks involved is worthy of commendation,” said the Head of State.
Honoured alongside Mwape in the President’s Medal for Gallantry category was George Siyuni (posthumously), remembered for rescuing a man trapped in a well in 1994.
By Catherine Pule
Kalemba, October 25, 2025
