The Diocese of Chipata has announced the death of Reverend Father Aston Tembo, who served the Catholic Church faithfully as Chancellor of the Diocese and Dean of St. Anne’s Cathedral Parish.
In a statement dated 12th April, 2026, the announcement was made by the Bishop of Chipata, Rt. Rev. George Cosmas Zumaire Lungu, who expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the late priest.
“It is with deep sorrow and profound sadness that I announce the passing on of our beloved brother and priest, Rev. Fr. Aston Tembo,” Bishop Lungu stated.
According to the statement, Fr. Tembo was involved in a Road Traffic Accident on Thursday evening, 9th April 2026, near St. Francis Mission Hospital in Katete District.
He was first rushed to St. Francis Mission Hospital in Katete, before being transferred to St. John Paul II Hospital in Lusaka, and later moved to Maina Soko Military Hospital for further specialised medical attention.
Despite medical efforts made by health personnel, Fr. Tembo sadly succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at around 22:00 hours on 12th April, 2026, at Maina Soko Military Hospital.
Bishop Lungu described the late priest as a devoted servant of God who carried out his duties with humility, dedication and zeal.
“Fr. Aston served the Diocese with dedication, humility, and zeal. His loss is deeply felt by the clergy, religious, and the lay faithful he so faithfully ministered to,” he said.
The Bishop further stated that details regarding funeral arrangements and burial will be communicated in due course.
He called on all priests, religious men and women, and members of the Church to pray for the repose of Fr. Tembo’s soul, while also remembering his grieving family and all those affected by the loss.
Bishop Lungu ended the statement with a scripture quotation from John 11:25, reaffirming hope in the resurrection.
“May the soul of Rev. Fr. Aston Tembo rest in eternal peace. Amen,” the statement read.
The death of Fr. Tembo has left the Catholic community in Chipata and beyond in mourning, as tributes continue to pour in for a priest widely known for his service and commitment to the Church.
