CONFUSION reigned in Serenje at the weekend when the installation of Chief Kabamba was cancelled as two candidates claimed heir to the throne.

Seven chiefs shunned the ceremony while Central Province Deputy Permanent Secretary Ronald Sinyangwe who travelled to Serenje to officiate at the function had to return to Kabwe prematurely.

Mr Sinyangwe said the installation could not proceed in the absence of traditional rulers to give guidance on who was the rightful candidate to the throne.

There were divisions among royal family members with one camp recognising Boyd Ngoma as the rightful heir to the throne while another was in support of Evelyn Mangani to take over the chieftaincy.

A traditional ruler was supposed to be installed following the death of the holder two years ago which has seen squabbles since his demise.

Two weeks ago, a group supporting Ms Mangani stormed the District Commissioner's office in Serenje expressing their displeasure on the move by the Government to recognise Mr Ngoma who was to be installed.

Some family members felt that Ms Mangani was the right person to be installed and claimed that Mr Ngoma was imposed on them. Others felt that Mr Ngoma was part of the family tree.

Serenje District has eight traditional rulers namely, Mailo, Muchinda, Chibale, Chitambo, Muchinka, Serenje and Chisomo while the Kabamba chieftaincy is vacant.

Mr Sinyangwe said Government has asked chiefs in the district to assist in resolving the matter.