ZAMBIAN PRESIDENT MICHAEL SATA HAS DIED

Zambian President Michael Sata, 77, has died. President Sata, who was being treated in the UK, died in London's King Edward VII hospital on Tuesday night while his wife and son were at his bedside.

President Michael Sata, aka, "King Cobra" for his venomous tongue, was elected Zambia's president in 2011, after fourth attempt, defeating the then incumbent Rupiah Banda whose party had been in power for 20 years.

Media said that he died after "a sudden onset [of] heightened heart rate".
It is not immediately clear who will succeed the president. The issue may be decided by the Zambian cabinet which meets on Wednesday morning.

"It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing on of our beloved president, I urge all of you to remain calm, united and peaceful during this very difficult period,” cabinet secretary Roland Msiska said on national TV.