FORTY unclaimed bodies that had been lying in the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) mortuary for months were finally buried yesterday by the Lusaka City Council (LCC) and the Seventh-Day Adventist (SDA) Church at Chingwere cemetery.
The bodies had stayed in the mortuary for so long that the place became overcrowded and uncomfortable for both workers and grieving families who go there to collect their loved ones.
After issuing a 14-day notice asking the public to claim the bodies, but with no response, the council had no choice but to organise a mass burial.
To help with the process, the SDA Church from Mandevu Mission District stepped in and provided coffins, blankets, chlorine and other items needed for a decent burial.
Before heading to the cemetery, the church also held a short prayer service at Mandevu Main SDA Church.
LCC Assistant Public Relations Manager Nyambe Bulumba said the council appreciates the support from the SDA Church because it made it possible for the bodies to be buried with dignity.
“Through this compassionate step, the LCC and the SDA Church have demonstrated their commitment to upholding the dignity of all individuals, even in death, while safeguarding public health and community well-being,” Bulumba stated.
He also thanked UTH for releasing the bodies and sending representatives to witness the burial.
Mandevu Member of Parliament Christopher Shakafuswa praised both the council and the church for helping the community and standing in for families that never came.
The council has since urged members of the public to always check notices of unclaimed bodies to avoid similar situations in the future.
The 40 people who had no one to claim them have finally been laid to rest by strangers.
By George Musonda
Kalemba November 24, 2025
