Maina Soko: Difference between revisions
Chalochatu (talk | contribs) Created page with "'''Maina Soko''' (c. 1898 – 1966) was a Zambian freedom fighter and covert operative, remembered for her death at the hands of Rhodesian forces on the Zambezi River. In her honour, several Zambian roads and the Maina Soko Military Hospital bear her name. ==Background and identity== Little is known of her early life. She is believed to have been born in Chiawa, Eastern Province, and married Paul Chipalupalu, a cook for political insider Pe..." |
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==See also== | ==See also== | ||
* [[ | * [[Maina Soko Military Hospital]] | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
Latest revision as of 15:08, 10 June 2025
Maina Soko (c. 1898 – 1966) was a Zambian freedom fighter and covert operative, remembered for her death at the hands of Rhodesian forces on the Zambezi River. In her honour, several Zambian roads and the Maina Soko Military Hospital bear her name.
Background and identity
Little is known of her early life. She is believed to have been born in Chiawa, Eastern Province, and married Paul Chipalupalu, a cook for political insider Peter Cliff. Some sources suggest she acted as an “invisible spy,” passing intelligence obtained through her husband and colonial contacts to freedom fighters.[1][2]
Death
In 1965, Soko was en route to a leprosy clinic in Chirundu by canoe, accompanied by her grandson Boygweda Petro. Rhodesian Selous Scouts spotted them and opened fire, hitting her in the chest. Boygweda took her to Chirundu and then to Lusaka’s [[University Teaching Hospital] (UTH), where she died. She was buried at Chingwere cemetery.[3][4]
Legacy
Maina Soko Military Hospital
Originally a UTH annex, the facility was converted in 1979 into a military hospital named after her. In 2022, Brig‑Gen. Kapatamoyo publicly thanked the Chinese military medical teams, who have supported the hospital since 1990 with expertise and equipment, including during COVID‑19.[5][6][7][8]
Commemorations
Several roads in Ndola, Livingstone and Chipata, along with a ward in Mufulira, are named in her memory. The hospital underwent a US $140 million expansion in recent years.[9]
Controversy and mystery
Her life remains enigmatic—some view her as a courageous civilian; others see her as a covert operative. Brig‑Gen. Malyangu noted the government has few records of her actions, raising questions about why she was honoured above other freedom-era victims. Investigator Abdon Yezi continues to research her story.[10][11]
In popular culture
Zambian filmmaker Abdon Yezi is producing a documentary titled ‘’The Intrigue of Maina Soko’’. Relatives involved include her grandson, Boygweda Petro. Proposals for a memorial school or mini-hospital in Chiawa have been discussed to honour her memory.[12][13]
See also
References
- ↑ Chipakata on Soko as “invisible spy” and son of colonial cook – Maina Soko: The mystery, intrigue, conspiracy. jackjzimba.blogspot.com. Retrieved 29 May 2018 – https://jackjzimba.blogspot.com/2018/05/maina-soko-mystery-intrigue-conspiracy.html
- ↑ Chiawa origins, covert role – Maina Soko: Who she really was. Zambian Observer, 8 July 2021 – https://zambianobserver.com/maina-soko-who-she-really-was-the-mystery-woman-revealed-55-years-after-she-was-shot-dead/
- ↑ Eyewitness account & Shooting incident – Jack Zimba, “Maina Soko: The mystery, intrigue, conspiracy” – https://jackjzimba.blogspot.com/2018/05/maina-soko-mystery-intrigue-conspiracy.html
- ↑ Official details from Zambia Army & burial – “History: The Killing Of Maina Soko By Selous Scouts,” Ground News summary – https://ground.news/article/history-the-killing-of-maina-soko-by-selous-scouts
- ↑ Conversion to military facility in 1979 – Jack Zimba blog & Zambian Observer.
- ↑ Chinese medical partnership and support – “China thanked for its cooperation …” Lusaka Times, 22 Aug 2022 – https://www.lusakatimes.com/2022/08/22/china-thanked-for-its-cooperation-and-continued-support-to-maina-soko-medical-centre/
- ↑ International awards for military teams – “Zambia awards Chinese medical team,” Xinhua, 22 Feb 2025 – https://english.news.cn/africa/20250222/d802195a939e433482d28b71a6c8911a/c.html
- ↑ Military medical cooperation anniversary – FOCAC/Xinhua, 6 Mar 2024 – https://www.focac.org/eng/zfgx_4/rwjl/202403/t20240307_11254769.htm
- ↑ Roads & ward named – Jack Zimba blog; Expansion cost – Zambian Observer, 8 July 2021.
- ↑ Official acknowledgement of uncertainties – Brig‑Gen. Malyangu via Jack Zimba blog.
- ↑ Ongoing investigation & symbolism – Jack Zimba, Zambian Observer 2021.
- ↑ Film development and memorial proposal – Jack Zimba blog.
- ↑ Witness statements & documentary project – Zambian Observer 2021.
