Police Respond to Alleged Child Torture, Arrest Seven for Murder

In response to concerns raised by the Human Rights Commission regarding the alleged torture of a 14-year-old suspected child offender, the police have issued a statement acknowledging the seriousness of the allegations. Police spokesperson Rae Hamoonga stated that thorough investigations into the matter have been initiated and assured that any officer found involved in the torture will face disciplinary action.

“We take these allegations seriously and are committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism. An immediate and thorough investigation has been instituted, and any officer found culpable will face disciplinary action. We reaffirm our dedication to respecting human rights, and we will take decisive measures to eradicate any instances of torture or mistreatment,” he said.

The statement comes following concerns raised by the Human Rights Commission regarding the treatment of the suspected child offender allegedly subjected to torture and ill-treatment while in police custody.

Meanwhile, Mr. Hamoonga announced that the police have arrested and charged the suspected child offender and seven other individuals in connection with a murder and aggravated robbery case.

The incident took place on January 31, 2024, around 23:40 hours in Kalikiliki compound, where a taxi driver named Peter Malama was attacked by a group of individuals believed to be junkies.

According to Mr. Hamoonga, the suspected child offender reportedly obstructed the vehicle, prompting the sudden attack by the assailants, who were masked and armed with machetes.

The attackers not only murdered Mr. Malama but also robbed four passengers in the taxi of their phones and valuables.

Mr. Hamoonga identified the seven other suspects arrested alongside the child offender as Joseph Kambombo, also known as Tizo, aged 20, Jacob Mwape, known as Kamana Swag, aged 20, a 15-year-old juvenile, Michael Tembo, known as Boss B, aged 20, Chisomo Mvula, known as Black Dollar, aged 19, and two other juveniles.

“All the suspects are currently in police custody,” he stated.

President Hakainde Hichilema Announces New Appointments and Transfers

President Hakainde Hichilema has made several appointments and transfers to various commissions, as outlined in a statement by Clayson Hamasaka, the Chief Communication Specialist at State House.

Dr. Choolwe Beyani has been appointed as Chairperson of the Civil Service Commission, with Mr. Rodrick Chewe and Ms. Gladys Phiri Selemani Tavaris appointed as members.

In accordance with the Service Commissions Act No. 10 of 2016, Mr. Akalamwa Sumbwa has been appointed as a member of the Local Government Service Commission, and Mr. Ronald Hichibulo has been appointed as a member of the Teaching Service Commission.

Additionally, Mr. Anttonette Mutenthwa has been appointed as a member of the Police Service Commission under section 13(c) of the Police Service Commission Act. Mr. Felix Ngoma has been appointed as a Commissioner at the Police Public Complaints Commission, as stipulated by Section 5(1) of the Police Public Complaints Commission Act No. 18 of 2016.

Furthermore, President Hichilema has directed the transfer of Mr. Tom Silwindi from the Correctional Service Commission to the Police Service Commission, and Mr. Simon Kabanda from the Police Service Commission to the Correctional Service Commission, both in their capacities as Commissioners. Additionally, Mr. Mwamba Peni has been transferred from the Emoluments Commission to the Cabinet Office, where he will serve as Permanent Secretary Special Duties.

The Ministry of Education Reaffirms Monday School Opening

Minister of Education, Douglas Syakalima, has reiterated that schools will commence operations on Monday, February 12th, as previously announced.

Syakalima has assured parents, guardians, and the nation that adequate measures have been implemented to ensure the safety of children.

Emphasizing the role of schools in promoting social control, Syakalima expressed confidence that they would nurture children to become ambassadors of hygiene and cleanliness.

Addressing reporters in Lusaka today, Syakalima confirmed that schools would indeed reopen according to the initial schedule, despite previous postponements due to the cholera outbreak.

“Despite the challenges posed by the cholera outbreak, we have now confirmed that schools and colleges will resume on Monday,” he affirmed.

Syakalima pledged ongoing inspections and monitoring by the Ministry to safeguard the well-being of students.

“I want to assure parents, guardians, and the nation that the Ministry of Education, through its Directorate of Standards Assessment and Evaluation and School Health and Nutrition, will continue to conduct rigorous inspections,” he stated.

He urged citizens to refrain from littering and actively participate in promoting hygiene and cleanliness.

Additionally, Syakalima disclosed that head teachers have been instructed to incorporate hygiene discussions into daily assembly sessions to underscore the importance of cleanliness and discourage littering among students.