MAN “DIES” FOR FEW HOURS, COMES BACK TO LIFE FOR K30,000, LEAVES BABY SHOES, RETURNS IN CHURCH…

A Solwezi man who allegedly staged his own dramatic death after pocketing K30,000 from the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) has been brought back to earth, not by angels, but by police.Chipango Chitumbo (29) of Kalumbila reportedly turned the Solwezi River into a movie scene last Thursday when he allegedly “jumped” in, leaving behind a trail of heartbreak, panic, and a suspicious plastic bag.When police and volunteers rushed to the Solwezi River Bridge, they found no body but instead discovered a strange goodbye package: baby shoes, a SIM card, and an NRC, neatly wrapped like a farewell gift.

For three days, divers searched the river while relatives mourned a man who, as it later turned out, was very much alive, and apparently just laying low.

Then came Sunday. And the miracle.As prayers went up at Pentecostal Assemblies of God Church in Zambia Township, one “deceased” man quietly took a seat among the living.Unfortunately for him, someone recognised the “late” Chipango and just like that, the resurrection service was over ,police arrested him immediately.A family member told the Daily Mail that Chitumbo’s troubles began soon after he received K26,000 from FRA for maize sales, after which his behaviour reportedly changed faster than a maize price at FRA.

It is alleged that his wife wanted the money secured at home, an idea Chitumbo allegedly rejected so strongly that he chose death by disappearance over domestic negotiations.Before vanishing, he allegedly sent dramatic voice notes to the family WhatsApp group, warning that he was heading to the river to end his life, messages that caused relatives to rush to the bridge after reports emerged that his belongings had been found there.

North-Western Province police commanding officer Brighton Siwale confirmed that the case was reported by Chitumbo’s father-in-law, Jones Chipimo.