25/03/2026
SENIOR Chief Musele, of Kalumbila District, says he was not at the palace when Ms Hellen Kamutumbe was killed by a mob, contrary to social media reports that he failed to protect her.
The traditional leader said he had travelled to attend to other official duties when Ms Kamutumbe was killed.
Chief Musele said he was on his way to Copperbelt Province when he received a call from a palace security officer informing him about the incident.
Chief Musele said he was alerted that a woman had been taken to the old palace near the market by an angry mob that was beating her.
He said the security officer informed him that the situation had become volatile, with the mob threatening to attack palace security personnel and burn down the premises if they attempted to shield the victim.
“The mob threatened to kill my security officers and burn the palace if they protected the lady,” the traditional leader said.
The chief said upon receiving the call, he immediately contacted the police and requested them to intervene.
He said by the time Ms Kamutumbe was taken to the old palace, she was already in a critical condition, having sustained serious injuries from the beating.
Chief Musele said police officers rushed to the scene but were also attacked by the mob, which also damaged a police vehicle.
