San community in Bwabwata National Park faces medical emergency delays, leading to fatalities

This issue gained prominence after three men were hit by vehicles on the Trans-Zambezi Highway on August 17 and 18. One 90-year-old victim, identified as Suulu Kupalelwa, died after waiting five hours for an ambulance from Katima Mulilo, which is 170km from Omega 3 village and 202km from Chetto village. Another man, 23, also waited five hours, while a 19-year-old boy waited two hours; both were treated at Katima Mulilo District Hospital.

Kiepie Herman, chairperson of the Bwabwata National Park community development committee, stated that the lack of ambulances is costing lives and that residents are now pooling resources to hire private transport. Community activist Glen Shebo highlighted the absence of dedicated ambulances at clinics in the Kongola constituency, including Kandunda Kaseta, Choi, Sesheke, and Sachona, despite their distances from Katima Mulilo. He urged the Ministry of Health and Social Services and the Zambezi Regional Council to address this public health concern.

Ministry spokesperson Walters Kamaya noted that Cheto Clinic's 4x4 emergency vehicle was grounded but was being repaired. Zambezi regional police commander Commissioner Julia Sakuwa-Neo confirmed that three cases of culpable homicide and reckless driving are under investigation, with one driver arrested. She also called on dri