MUZ leader Oswell Munyenyembe dies in road horror

By ALEX NJOVU

MINEWORKERS Union of Zambia (MUZ) president Oswell Munyenyembe died yesterday in a road traffic accident on the Ndola-Kitwe dual carriageway. He was 59.
Copperbelt commissioner of police Mary Tembo confirmed the death of Mr Munyenyembe in an interview.
Ms Tembo said the accident happened around 13:10 hours near Maposa sub-station.
She said Mr Munyenyembe, of house number 27 Funda Avenue in Mufulira, died on arrival at Wusakile Mine Hospital in Kitwe where he was rushed for treatment.
“I can confirm that Mr Munyenyembe was involved in an accident. He was being driven by Mr Davies Chibuta, 35, of Natwange township in Kitwe.
Mr Chibuta is still admitted to hospital,” she said.
Ms Tembo said Mr Chibuta was driving a Toyota Prado, registration ACP 873, when the accident occurred.
“The accident happened because of excessive speeding. He (Chibuta) was cruising, he lost control and the vehicle overturned,” Ms Tembo said.
And MUZ deputy president Charles Mukuka described Mr Munyenyembe’s death as shocking.
Mr Mukuka described Mr Munyenyembe as a courageous leader who performed well since his election to the top position in MUZ in November last year.
“We are saddened by the death of our president. We have lost a gallant leader who did a lot  for miners in Zambia,” he said.
And United Mine Workers Union of Zambia general secretary Wisdom Ngwira said miners have lost an experienced union leader.
“We have lost a brother who was experienced in union matters. We needed him around because he was a brave man. He stood for the rights of workers, he was always concerned about the welfare of miners in the country,” Mr Ngwira said.