A Facebook post falsely claimed that two State House officials died after a State House ambulance was involved in a road traffic accident and alleged that State House was concealing the incident. Official information from both the Zambia Police Service and State House contradicts the claim.
Claim
On 18 July 2026, a Facebook page called Chair the Voice of Zambia published a post claiming that two people from State House who were travelling in a State House ambulance had died in a road traffic accident. The post further alleged that State House had remained silent about the incident.
Note: We have removed the link to the original post to avoid amplifying false information.
Verdict
False
Rating Justification
iVerify Zambia found the claim to be false after reviewing official information and contacting the relevant authorities.
The Zambia Police Service confirmed that a Government ambulance was involved in a road traffic accident along the Great East Road near Mashlands. However, the police stated that the crash did not result in any fatalities.
As part of the verification process, iVerify Zambia contacted Zambia Police Service Public Relations Officer, Senior Assistant Commissioner Godfrey Chilabi, who confirmed that although the accident occurred, none of the occupants died.
iVerify Zambia also contacted State House Chief Communication Strategist Whitney Mulobela, who categorically stated that the ambulance involved in the accident does not belong to State House.
The Facts
A Zambia Police Service press statement issued on 17 July 2026 confirms that a serious road traffic accident occurred along Great East Road near Mashlands involving a Mercedes-Benz ambulance, registration number GRZ 103 CM.
According to the police:
- The ambulance was being driven by Owen Chimutiko (33).
- The passengers were Shepande Chalwe (54) and Kayombo Mushimbe (52).
- Preliminary investigations indicate that the driver lost control of the vehicle before it hit into a street light pole and a billboard.
- All three occupants sustained injuries and were receiving treatment at Levy Mwanawasa Teaching Hospital.
The police statement does not report any deaths.
State House further clarified that neither the ambulance nor the occupants involved in the accident were affiliated with State House.
Conclusion
The claim that two State House officials died in a road traffic accident involving a State House ambulance is false. While it is true that a Government ambulance was involved in a road traffic accident on Great East Road, official information from both the Zambia Police Service and State House confirms that no one died and that the ambulance was not a State House vehicle.
Why This Matters
During an election period, false claims about government institutions or public officials can quickly spread online and undermine public trust. Verifying such claims using official sources helps ensure that public debate is based on accurate information rather than misinformation.
Fact-Checking Process
To verify this claim, iVerify Zambia:
- Reviewed the viral social media claim.
- Contacted the Zambia Police Service Public Relations Office.
- Contacted the State House Chief Communication Strategist.
- Reviewed the Zambia Police Service press statement issued on 17 July 2026 regarding the accident.
- Compared the official information with the claims circulating on social media before reaching its conclusion.
Have a claim for us to verify?
If you come across suspicious election-related content, images, videos, or messages circulating online, send them to iVerify Zambia for verification.
WhatsApp: +260 762 974 750
Email: factcheck@panos.org.zm
