Murder, abduction of children, a growing concern for govt —Minister of Information

Government says it is concerned with the spate of deaths involving school children in the past 11 days in Lusaka.

Information and Media Minister, Chushi Kasanda, said this includes 10-year-old, Chikondi Banda, who was abducted from school and murdered, and another 10-year-old , Universal Kamushi, who was found dead in Lusaka West area on Monday.

Kasanda who is also Chief Government’s Spokesperson is further concerned that another 11-year-old boy, John Sakala, died after his 8-year-old friend allegedly shot him in Lusaka’s Makeni East area.

She said in a statement in Lusaka on Tuesday that the loss of young lives in such terrible circumstances is of grave worry to the government.

Kasanda said government notes that some suspects have so far been apprehended and expects that all those involved in these criminal and barbaric acts will be brought to book.

“Government calls on parents, school administrators and members of the public at large to work closely with the police in ensuring the safety and security of children in the communities,” she said.

Kasanda further said it is governments wish that children are safe both at home and in public places.

“Members of the public, especially parents and school administrators, are further advised to ensure that children are not left unattended to and are only picked from school by known persons, Kasanda said.

Contributed by Augustine Sichula

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