The family of former Finance Minister Ng’andu Magande has confirmed that their relative allegedly left behind a daughter born out of wedlock, Namweemba Bianca Magande.
In this matter, Namweemba, aged 38, has petitioned the Lusaka High Court to be recognised as a rightful heir.
She is also seeking an order to have her father’s remains exhumed so that a DNA test can be conducted.
This follows the granting of letters of administration in February 2024 to estate administrators Simwaale Magande, widow Joyce Mudenda, and Nakanjoli Magande.
In her witness statement, Eunice Kachelo, sister to the late Magande, has told the court that she has no doubt that Namweemba is the daughter of the late Ng’andu Peter Magande.
She stated that her brother informed her in 1987 that he had a daughter in Livingstone born out of wedlock and that he had even stayed with the child for six months.
Eunice has further told the court that during a family meeting at the funeral, when elders called for the children of the late Magande, she also called Namweemba, recognising her as the deceased’s child.
However, she said this angered the widow, who allegedly chased them from the funeral house, forcing them to sit outside.
Meanwhile, Aaron Mwiinga, aged 87, a farmer and uncle to the late Magande, says that in 2011, the late Magande visited his home and informed him that he had a daughter named Namweemba who was born out of wedlock.
By Darius Choonya
