Death of the 'King Cobra'

Zambian President Michael Sata, an abrasive figure nicknamed "King Cobra" because of his venomous tongue, has died in London where he had been receiving medical treatment, the Zambian government said yesterday.

Sata, whose attacks on foreign mining companies have sometimes rattled investors, died on Tuesday evening at London's King Edward VII hospital, the Zambia Reports and Zambian Watchdog websites reported. He was 77.

The cause of death was not immediately disclosed, but Sata, who became president in 2011, had been ill for some time.

"As you are aware the president was receiving medical attention in London," cabinet secretary Roland Msiska announced on state television. "The head of state passed away on October 28. President Sata's demise is deeply regretted."

• Ulemu Teputepu reports that Muyeba Chikonde, Zambia's High Commissioner to South Africa, described the late president as a fearless, consummate president who moved Zambian democracy forward. "He believed in the noble principles of equity, justice and cohesion. President Sata was one of the great leaders in Africa, he made a valuable contribution to the welfare of the people of Zambia and Africa as a whole," said Chikonde, who was also the late president's step-brother.