By Aubrey Vakhani,Contributor:
The M’mbelwa Kingdom is observing a period of mourning following the death of Inkosi ya Makhosi Mpezeni IV, with Inkosi ya Makhosi M’Mbelwa V receiving official notification in Mzimba on Monday.
A delegation from Chipata, Zambia led by Inkosi Saili, accompanied by government officials from Zambia, delivered the news face-to-face to the Ngoni Jere Paramount Chief at his Edingeni Royal Palace in Mzimba.
The delivery followed Ngoni custom, which requires that death of a senior royal be announced in person.
“In keeping with Ngoni culture, under which it is a traditional requirement that news of a death be announced face-to-face, the delegation came to officially inform me of the passing of my elder brother and King, His Majesty Inkosi Ya Makhosi Mpezeni IV,” M’mbelwa said.
- Advertisement -
He paid tribute to Mpezeni IV, describing him as “a great leader who promoted peace, unity and harmony among his people”.
M’Mbelwa thanked Inkosi Saili and Zambia’s government “for honouring our shared heritage and for walking the path of our forefathers”.
“The M’Mbelwa Kingdom stands in full solidarity with the Royal Family, the Ngoni people of Zambia, and all who mourn this great loss. May we mourn together in dignity while celebrating the life of a great leader.
“May God grant strength and comfort to his family and to all Ngoni subjects across Malawi, Zambia, and Tanzania,” M’mbelwa said.
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -
Meanwhile in response to the royal bereavement, the Mzimba Heritage Association (Mziha) has postponed the Ingoma Sunset Soiree that was scheduled for tomorrow in Mzuzu.
Mziha Secretary General Khumbo Soko says in a statement that the postponement was made “at the direction and order of His Majesty the King, Inkosi ya Makhosi M’mbelwa V” and was “on account of the death of the King’s brother”.
Soko says new dates for the Soiree and other fundraising activities ahead of the 2026 Umthetho Cultural Festival at Hora Heritage Centre will be announced in due course.
Umthetho Festival is an annual festival for Ngoni people from Malawi, Zambia, Tanzania and the diaspora.
In tradition, public celebrations are suspended following the death of a senior royal out of respect.
Mziha joined the King in extending condolences.
“We stand in solidarity with the King and the bereaved family as we honour the life and legacy of His Majesty Inkosi ya Makhosi Mphezeni IV. May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may his contributions to our culture and heritage continue to inspire future generations,” the association said.
Born David Njengembaso Jere, Mphezeni IV passed away on May 30, 2026, at the age of 75 at a hospital in Lusaka, Zambia.
He ascended to the throne on June 19, 1982 and he ruled for 44 years.
