PRESIDENT Michael Sata has declared three days of national mourning in honour of late former Cabinet Minister in the UNIP administration Jethro Mutti.

Acting Secretary to the Cabinet Peter Kasanda announced in a statement in Lusaka yesterday that the late former North-Western Province Minister would be buried in Namilangi Village in Kaoma today.

During the period of national mourning, which started yesterday, all flags would fly at half-mast while radio and television stations will play solemn music between 06:00 hours and 18:00hours.

Mr Kasanda said activities of entertainment nature should be postponed or cancelled.

Meanwhile a requiem mass was yesterday held at the Cathedral of Child Jesus in honour of Mr Mutti, who died on Friday at the age of 79.

Justice Minister Wynter Kabimba led several other senior Government officials at the Church service.

St Ignatius Catholic Church priest Charles Chilinda described Mr Mutti as an unsung hero who fought for Zambia's Independence with humility and described him as a courageous, peace-loving and selfless leader.

Among Government officials who were present were Health Minister Joseph Kasonde, Gender Minister Inonge Wina, Community Development Minister Joseph Katema and Lusaka Deputy Mayor Mulenga Sata.

The late Mr Mutti died at CFB Hospital in Lusaka after an illness.