MPIKA - An aspiring Ward Councillor for Nachikufu Ward in Mpika South Constituency has died after collapsing inside a polling station shortly after casting his vote.
Kayela Silomba, who was standing for the National Restoration Party for Unity and Prosperity (NRPUP), collapsed at Chilonga Polling Station at around 10:00 hours today.
NRPUP aspiring Member of Parliament for Mpika South Constituency Premos Chilumba confirmed the development to the Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS) in Mpika.
Mr Chilumba said Mr Silomba was rushed to Chilonga General Hospital after he collapsed, where he was pronounced dead.
“I personally rushed Mr Silomba to the general hospital after he collapsed,” he said.
Mr Chilumba said Mr Silomba appeared to be in good health at around 06:00 hours today and had earlier been monitoring the conduct of elections in his ward.
Meanwhile, Chilonga General Hospital Sister Administrator Grace Chileshe confirmed that Mr Silomba’s body had been deposited in the hospital mortuary awaiting a postmortem.
Sister Chileshe said Mr Silomba died at the age of 48 and that the family would be informed once the postmortem results were available.
Members of the community spoken to by ZANIS have received news of Mr Silomba’s death with shock and disbelief.
James Bwalya, a prominent businessman in the area, described Mr Silomba as a dedicated leader who served as Nachikufu Ward Councillor before the 2021 General Elections in Mpika.
“We have lost a dedicated leader,” he said.
Source: Lusaka Times/ZANIS