LUSAKA - The Zambian government on Monday confirmed the death of the country's former Vice-President Lupando Mwape. He was 68.

Chief Government Spokesperson Dora Siliya said the former vice president died in the early hours of Monday at Arwyp Medical Center in South Africa where he had been taken to for specialized medical treatment.

She said in a statement that the government was making arrangements to repatriate the body of the late vice president to Zambia.

Mwape served as vice president of Zambia from 2004 to 2006 under the late President Levy Mwanawasa's government.

He also served as Zambia's ambassador to China between 2007 and 2009.

Meanwhile, Zambian President Edgar Lungu has expressed sadness over the death of the former vice president.

Lungu has asked Secretary to the Cabinet Roland Msiska to start preparations for the state funeral in honor of the former vice president.