Chief Isaiah Kaacha Shezongo of the Ila people of Itezhi Tezhi district in Southern Province has died.
The chief died yesterday (Wednesday 13th June) around 16 hours at Luchena Palace in
Itezhi Tezhi at the age of 77 years and is survived by three wives, seven children
and 18 grandchildren.
The death of Chief Shezongo was confirmed to ZANIS in Livingstone by his second born
son, Oliver Shezongo, and Itezhi Tezhi District Commissioner ,Leonard Shampile.
Chief Shezongo, the longest serving chief in Itezhi Tezhi district reigned for 24
years.
He was chairman for the Chief’s Council in the district and before being appointed
as chief he worked in the then Post and Telecommunications Corporation (PTC) as
director for 29 years.
Chief Shezongo was also well known for his participation in defending the British
Crown during the Second World War from 1939-1945 when he was in the Kings African
Rifles where he eventually rose to the rank of Sergeant.
The body of the late Chief is lying in Namwala District Hospital and burial arrangements will be communicated at a later stage.
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My sincere condolances to Chief Shezongo’s immediate family friends and local tribespeople.
WE will all miss him greatly, may his soul rest in peace on the plains of Africa
Peter, Alan, Jessie and Dene Bird – Dendro Park Ranch, Southern Province
Chief Shezongo was a great man and leader, and I extend my sincere condolences to his family and tribespeople. I met him in June 2000 and had a wonderful visit at his home. He was bright, energetic, and a true leader. May his soul rest in peace with God. Leonard Wass, Oswego, Illinois, USA
A great man like Chief Shezongo will find a great place in the haven. God will give care of him and also of hims Family and all tribepeople. It was a pleasure to meet him mostly all time when I was in Dendro. Michael Lüke, Lahr / Perin Germany / Spain
I had the pleasure of meeting Chief Shezongo several times during my visits to Dendro. I found him to be a very intereting man and truly a great leader of his people. My sincere condolences to to his family and the tribespeople He will be greatly missed.Dale Metz Saint Albans, Vermont USA
It is a great sadness to hear of Chief Shezongo’s death. We met him in September of 2000 while visting at Dendro Park Ranch. Our visit with him was one of the highlights of our trip to Africa. We extend our sincere condolences to his family and his tribespeople. Ken and Jeannette Jones, Longmont, CO USA
On behalf of the 34 member e3Partners mission team from Covenant Presbyterian Church in Austin, Texas we extend our sincere condolences to the Chief Shezongo’s family and tribe. Earlier this month, we were blessed to be welcomed at his palace and to serve him and his people in Nanzhila . His kindness to welcome our medical and evangelical team will always be appreciated. His grace conveyed the very best of African hospitality.