NOEL SICHALWE
Associated Press

LUSAKA, Zambia (AP) — A chartered plane carrying the body of Zambian President Michael Sata arrived on Saturday in Zambia from London, where the president died in a hospital after a long illness.

Mourners, some carrying pictures of Sata, gathered at the main Lusaka airport before the arrival of the plane. Two former Zambian presidents, Kenneth Kaunda and Rupiah Banda, also attended.

Security forces were on hand to escort a vehicle carrying Sata’s body to a conference center, where family, officials and the public will view the casket in coming days. The burial is scheduled for Nov. 11.

Acting President Guy Scott, a white Zambian of Scottish descent, has said security forces will not tolerate any violence or other illegal activity while the country mourns Sata.

Under the constitution, a presidential election must be held within 90 days.

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