Coins Recovered From Coffin of 5-Year-Old Boy Burried Last Year in Zambia

A disturbing incident has emerged from Nansenga area in Chikankata District, Southern Province, Zambia, after a court-ordered exhumation revealed coins placed in the hands of a deceased five-year-old boy, Emerson Mweemba, sparking outrage and community tensions.

Emerson, who died on 28th December 2024, was buried at a local cemetery. However, allegations from his maternal family prompted police and the court to order the exhumation on Wednesday morning, 25th June 2025.

The maternal family accused the child’s paternal grandmother, Lusiya Lumina (60), of placing coins in the boy’s hands while preparing the body for burial at the mortuary last year.

During the exhumation conducted by police officers in collaboration with Chikankata Municipal Council officials officers confirmed the presence of coins in the boy’s hands. Following procedure, Ms. Lumina was asked to identify and remove the coins, which have since been secured as court evidence.

According to local tradition in the area, placing coins on a deceased person’s body is viewed as a strange and culturally unacceptable practice, with many fearing it could be linked to ritualistic beliefs.

Tensions escalated at the burial site shortly after the discovery. Angry mourners from the maternal family side expressed their disappointment and demanded answers. Police had to quickly escort Ms. Lumina from the scene to prevent confrontation.

Speaking on behalf of the Zone Chairman, Headman Hankomoone, local representative Christopher Kang’ombe thanked the court, police, traditional leaders, and council authorities for maintaining peace during the emotionally charged exhumation process.

Meanwhile, the maternal family has requested and succeeded in re-burying Emerson’s body in a location associated with their family line, bringing a sense of relief among them.

The court has scheduled a hearing on the matter for 27th June 2025, where Ms. Lumina is expected to answer for her actions. The family continues to call for justice, stating that their primary concern is ensuring such incidents do not happen again in their community.