In a tragic incident, a teacher from Nyachikayi Primary School and a health professional at Nyachikayi Health Centre in the Zambezi District of Zambia drowned in the Lutembwe River while trying to find mobile internet service.
The two individuals, identified as 32-year-old Teddy Sakandula, a class instructor, and 31-year-old Freddy Sapilinya, a health worker, were using a dugout canoe to navigate the waters in search of a signal to submit their monthly reports.
Freddy Sapilinya was employed by the Churches Health Association of Zambia at the Nyachikayi Health Centre.
Brighton Siwale, the commanding officer for North-Western Province, reported that the incident occurred on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, around noon in the Nyachikayi region, located on Lutembwe River’s west bank.
The river is situated approximately 196 kilometers away from Zambezi town.
According to initial investigations conducted by authorities, it appears the two men were attempting to cross the river in their canoe to reach an area with better internet connectivity.
“Tragically, while they were in the central part of the river, the canoe capsized due to the strong current, leading to both individuals drowning as they were unable to swim,” Mr. Siwale stated.
The bodies were subsequently recovered and are now awaiting transfer to the mortuary at Zambezi District Hospital.
Authorities are investigating the drowning incident.
Teddy Sakandula had recently gotten married in October 2025.
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