Zambia’s first female chief justice, Irene Mambilima, has died in an Egyptian hospital after being taken ill while on an official tour.

The country’s State TV reported that Justice Mambilima died late Sunday.

The Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation quoted a statement issued by President Edgar Lungu’s principal private secretary Simon Miti.

The statement did not give details, but said she had travelled for official duty on June 10, 2021.

Justice Mambilima, 69, was appointed Chief Justice on February 26, 2015.

She held a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Zambia and a Master of Laws degree from the University of London.

She was admitted to the bar in 1977.