Newly married teacher, one other drown while seeking internet access to send monthly report in Zambia
Two public servants in Zambia have tragically drowned while attempting to cross a river in search of mobile internet connectivity to submit their monthly reports.
The victims were identified as 32-year-old Teddy Sakandula, a teacher at Nyachikayi Primary School, and 31-year-old Freddy Sapilinya, a health worker at Nyachikayi Health Centre in Zambezi District. Sapilinya was reportedly employed under the Churches Health Association of Zambia.
According to North-Western Province Police Commanding Officer Brighton Siwale, the incident occurred around noon on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, along the Lutembwe River in the Nyachikayi area, approximately 196 kilometres from Zambezi town.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the two men were crossing the river in a dugout canoe to access stronger mobile network coverage on the opposite bank to transmit official reports. While navigating the river, the canoe reportedly capsized due to a strong current.
Police said both men were unable to swim and drowned.
Their bodies were later recovered and are awaiting transportation to the Zambezi District Hospital mortuary. Authorities have since opened an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the drowning.
The tragedy has drawn attention to the infrastructural challenges faced by workers in remote communities, where limited internet connectivity often complicates administrative duties.
Sakandula had reportedly married in October 2025, just months before the fatal incident.
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