President Hakainde Hichilema awarded the Medal of Gallantry to a Namwala fisherman who fought off a crocodile and a civilian who helped rescue 13 abducted young women in Chalala during an Investiture Ceremony at State House on 24 October 2026, as Zambia marked 62 years of independence.
The ceremony, held on the eve of the independence commemorations, put ordinary Zambians who acted with raw courage at the centre of national life. No foreign saviours, no imported experts. Just Zambian men and women who put their lives on the line for their neighbours, and the country finally said thank you.
A fisherman who faced a crocodile with a paddle
Newton Nalumino, a fisherman from Namwala District, received the Medal of Gallantry for exceptional bravery on the night of April 2023, at around 04:00 hours, while fishing on the Namwala River.
According to LusakaTimes.com, Nalumino watched a crocodile seize a fellow fisherman. He did not run. He confronted the reptile and struck it repeatedly with his paddling stick until it released its victim, whom he then pulled to safety.
“The injured fisherman was rushed to Namwala District Hospital and later referred to Livingstone Teaching Hospital,” President Hichilema said. “He survived but sustained permanent disability.”
State House confirmed the honour in its own coverage of the independence commemoration ceremony, quoting the citation: “Having regard to your services, I do by this warrant award you the President’s Medal for Gallantry.”
The Chalala abduction hero
The second Gallantry Medal went to Robby Chitambo, recognised for his role in the 2022 abduction case that shook Lusaka, when young women were held captive in Chalala and fear gripped the capital.
Chitambo, then a civilian, guided security agencies to the location where 13 young women were being held. His actions contributed to the successful rescue of the victims and the arrest of the perpetrators.
The nation did not forget him. Chitambo has since been employed by the Zambia Air Force, proof that when a Zambian steps up for his country, his country can step up for him.
Business couple honoured for building Luanshya
Chandra Desai and Lata Desai received honours for their contributions to education, healthcare, job creation and community development in Luanshya district, where they settled in 1960.
As a business couple, they established several enterprises including Desai Discount Centre, Quality Furniture, GMMI Limited and Gaurav Zambia Limited, creating over 500 jobs.
Their philanthropy has supported school infrastructure, computer laboratories, water and sanitation facilities and feeding programmes benefiting over 500 learners, as well as healthcare infrastructure at Thompson District Hospital and the Zambia Combined Staff Clinic. They also provided assistive devices for children with special needs and paid tuition for over 600 vulnerable students.
Education champion from Mongu
A personal secretary by profession and early childhood education consultant, born on 13 June 1953 in Mongu District, received the President’s Insignia of Merit for outstanding contributions to education, youth empowerment and community development.
She personally financed the construction of a 1x3 classroom block and a fully equipped computer laboratory in Mongu District. Through her Foundation, she has empowered women with sewing machines, provided housing support and assisted the elderly. Her initiatives have benefited over 2,000 people.
Sporting heroes who carried the Zambian flag
Patrick Chinyemba, Bado
Patrick Chinyemba, popularly known as Bado, the Zambian flyweight boxer born on 3 January 2001 in Lusaka, was honoured for consistent performance at national and international level. He represented Zambia at the Olympic Games, including Paris 2024, and won several senior national titles.
Carol Kanyemba and the Copper Princesses
Carol Kanyemba, Head Coach of Zambia’s Under-17 Women’s National Football Team, the Copper Princesses, was honoured for exceptional commitment to youth development and the advancement of women’s football. Born on 23 January 1988 in Kabwe, she led the team to major regional and international competitions, including FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers.
Ashious Melu, Super Ash
Ashious Melu, the Zambian footballer, national team captain and coach popularly known as Super Ash, was honoured posthumously. Born on 16 June 1957 in Zambezi District, Melu began his career with Konkola Blades before joining Mufulira Wanderers in the late 1970s. He was named Zambian Footballer of the Year in 1983 after scoring 43 goals.
Melu captained Zambia from 1988 to 1992, leading the team to the 1988 Seoul Olympics quarterfinals with memorable wins over Italy and Guatemala. He later coached Wanderers to consecutive league titles in 1995 and 1996.
Other distinguished service honours
President Hichilema also conferred national honours for distinguished service on Trade Kings Limited, Patel Iqbal, Wonderful Group Limited Chief Executive Officer Yaochi Huang, and Ambassador Cox Sikumba, who was awarded posthumously.
The President said the honourees’ generosity, courage and exceptional service have advanced socio-economic development and elevated the Zambian flag, making them worthy of national recognition.
The ceremony formed part of the wider 62nd independence honours and awards programme broadcast live from State House, under the theme “Zambia@62”. As Zed Gossip reported from a State House statement, the President marked 62 years since Zambia’s forefathers and mothers lifted the national flag with pride and determination to define the nation’s destiny, calling on all Zambians to work hard for the future.
Frequently asked questions
Who received the Medal of Gallantry at State House?
Newton Nalumino, the Namwala fisherman who fought off a crocodile to save a colleague in April 2023, and Robby Chitambo, who guided security agencies to rescue 13 abducted young women in Chalala in 2022.
When did the Investiture Ceremony take place?
The ceremony was held at State House on 24 October 2026, as Zambia celebrated its 62nd independence anniversary.
What happened to the fisherman rescued from the crocodile?
He was rushed to Namwala District Hospital and later referred to Livingstone Teaching Hospital. He survived but sustained permanent disability.
Where is Robby Chitambo now?
Chitambo has since been employed by the Zambia Air Force following his heroic role in the Chalala rescue.