TWO Copperbelt University students drown at Nsobe Game Camp in Mpongwe

TWO Copperbelt University second year students have drowned in a river at Nsobe Game Camp in Mpongwe.
One body has been recovered and police are still looking for the other.
CBU public relations officer Grace Mikunga identified the students as Francis Mulenga Bwalya and Brindley Mpashi, from the school of mathematics and natural sciences.
Copperbelt University Students’ Union president Oscar Mbewe said Mr Mpashi’s body has been found but police are still looking for Mr Bwalya’s body.
“The information we have so far is that the students hired a canoe operated by a private firm at Nsobe Game Camp on the shores of the river. Three of them jumped on the canoe and only one had a life jacket.
“As they were trying to make a U-turn, the canoe capsized and two of our colleagues drowned,” Mr Mbewe.
In an interview in Kitwe yesterday, Ms Mikunga said the incident happened around 17:00 hours on Saturday.
Ms Mikunga said Mr Bwalya and Mr Mpashi were part of a group of nine students at the camp.
“Three students got on a canoe belonging to a private individual but unfortunately, the vessel capsized as they were trying to return ashore. Only one student who was putting on a life jacket survived,” Ms Mikunga said
She said Mr Bwalya and Mr Mpashi were both residents of Mufulira.
Ms Mikunga said the CBU management mourns with the bereaved families.
“Management led by our vice-chancellor Professor Naison Ngoma are on their way to Mufulira. We pray that God grants the bereaved families strength in this trying moment,” Ms Mikunga said.
Copperbelt commissioner of police Mary Tembo said she would issue a statement later.