Family sources have confirmed that Zambian President, Michael Sata has died in a hospital in London on Tuesday night.

The president left for London shortly after returning from the UN General Assembly last month and was receiving treatment for an undisclosed illness in King Edward VII hospital.

But Zambia’s media Reports say Mr. Sata died after a sudden onset of heightened heart rate. It is believed his family members had opted to take him to a private hospital on Monday but his condition was bad to the extent that he has to be always on life support.

Mr. Sata’s health had been an issue of public debate since June this year when he stopped making public appearance without any official explanation. It was then rumored that he had been receiving medical treatment in Israel secretly.

Defence Minister, Edgar Lungu was acting in the absence of the president but it is unclear whether he will take over for a longer period or elections would be held immediately.

Zambia has a complicated constitution interpretation and local reporters say the interim President might not be able to continue as the leader of the country.

Michael Chilufya Sata, born on 6 July 1937 was elected to the highest office of Zambia in 2011. He had been the fifth President of Zambia after leading the Patriotic Front (PF) party to election victory.

He was known for his strong and passionate public speeches which earned him the nickname “King Cobra”.

Issaka Adams / NationalTurk Africa News

Writer’s Email Address: Adamsisska@googlemail.com

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