PRESIDENT Rupiah Banda was yesterday among several mourners that attended the requiem mass for former Zambia Army commander, Georjago Musengule's son, Joe, who died last week.

Mr Banda, who was accompanied by Home Affairs Minister, Lameck Mangani, Information and Broadcasting Services Minister, Ronnie Shikapwasha, his Defence counterpart, Kalombo Mwansa and several Government officials, attended the service conducted at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross.

General Musengule's son was also in the Zambia Army and until his death on November 19 served as a Major.

Speaking during the service, Zambia Army chaplain, James Phiri said it was heart-breaking and confusing at the same time to note that the Musengule family had in the past two weeks been facing funerals following the death of Major Musengule's wife last week.

Now that both parents had died, Colonel Phiri said it was important that the family members looked after the orphans well to reduce the suffering on the young ones.

Col Phiri said the Musengule family should look up to God for strength and encouragement, as without the intervention of the Lord, the entire family might be devastated.

Col Phiri also said Maj Musengule nursed her wife for a long time until she died on November 14.

He is survived by three children and was put to rest at the Mutumbi Cemetery in Chamba Valley.

Meanwhile, President Banda is today expected to lead other mourners to the funeral church service for the late Zambia's Counsellor to Brazil, Gerald Wakumelo, who died in that country on November 15, 2009.