On October 5, 1950, at around 4:20 a.m., the Monze meteorite descended over two villages (Chiteba and Chizuni) in the area of Mwanachiwinda; Southern Province of Zambia (at that time called Northern Rhodesia). The meteorite was low enough and bright enough to wake up most of the neighborhood, including many villagers who slept outside owing to the hot weather. The sonic boom that followed woke up the remaining sleepers, and could be heard from Kafue to Kalomo. At first the locals were quite scared but after they realized the nature of the event they casually collected the meteorites for the authorities.
The meteorite first came to light when Chief Chongo brought three pieces to his District Commissioner with the following message:
“Please send a piece of the star to my King George, and tell him what has happened in my country and what has visited us for I know that he will be interested.”