The remains of popular Zambian fish, Mafishi, which went missing have been found at the residence of a worker at Copperbelt University (CBU) in the mining city of Kitwe.

The remains of the good-luck fish which resided in the university’s pond were found cut in pieces.

The fish which died a few weeks ago was mourned by students who held a candlelight parade on campus.

The news of Mafishi’s death also drew reactions from President Edgar Lungu and other politicians.

The carcass of the fish went missing from the freezer where it was kept after it died.

It was later found after an investigation was launched by the university management.

According to Zambia’s national broadcaster, the fish was found in a refrigerator at the home of a worker. Its scales had been removed and it had been cut into pieces, presumably to be cooked and eaten.

The remains are now being worked on for preservation, CBU Vice-Chancellor Professor Naison Ngoma told the BBC.

“The restoration exercise has started but some parts are missing. They are probably in some people’s bellies somewhere,” he said.

“And as things stand, we don’t know where Mafishi will rest because our colleagues at the National Heritage Conservation want him. He will probably rest in eternity in Lusaka.”

Student leader Lawrence Kasonde said that Mafishi, which had lived in the university pond for 20 years, is believed to be at least 22 years old.

Some students consider it to be a stress reliever and often pray to it for exam success.