CHIEF’S FLY WHISK WAS SEIZED
Zambia’s High Commissioner to India, Judith Kapijimpanga has clarified that Chief Mwanachingwala did not lose his Fly Whisk, his traditional symbol of authority, at the Zambian Mission offices.
Mrs. Kapijimpanga says the Fly Whisk was instead seized by airport security personnel in Chennai, Tamil Nadu State in India, when he was in that country for medical checkup.
This is contrary to assertions by Chief Mwanachingwala’s brother, Pinalo Malambo, as quoted by an Online media publication.
Mrs Kapijimpanga has explained that the Fly Whisk was not handed over to any diplomatic staff, as alleged but was seized by airport security personnel in 2016.
She has added that possession of a Fly Whisk was in breach of the Indian Wildlife Protection Act 1972.
Mrs Kapijimpanga has further said the mission’s efforts to engage authorities in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, to negotiate for the release of the Fly Whisk were futile, as the Chief did not have a certificate of ownership.