July 26,2024-
The Zambia Police Service through Woodlands Police Station today around 11:00 hours, conducted a follow-up investigation into an alleged case of abduction at Kabulonga Girls Secondary School.
According to the statement by Police Public Relations Officer Rae Hamoonga, the facts of the matter are as follows: On Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at approximately 08:00 hours, the Deputy Head Teacher of Kabulonga Girls Secondary School, Mr. Gershom Mumba, aged 46, residing at House Number 64 Kabulonga Twinpalm, was approached by a concerned parent, Mr. Nchikulo Mwansa.
Mr. Hamoonga stated that Mr. Mwansa reported that his daughter, a pupil at Kabulonga Girls Secondary School, would not be able to attend classes due to an incident that occurred the previous day, Monday, July 22, 2024.
And Mr. Hamoonga narrated that according to the pupil’s account, on Monday, as they knocked off at around 15:20 hours, she and some other pupils willingly boarded a bus at the Kabulonga bus stop heading to Mtendere, the bus initially failed to start, but after being pushed, it began moving.
Mr. Hamoonga further narrated that the bus however took an unexpected route, raising the pupils’ suspicions and when questioned about their destination, the driver provided unsatisfactory answers, prompting the pupils to jump out of the bus one by one as it slowed down.
The Police Public Relations officer indicated that all the pupils managed to get off the bus and the Headmistress and Deputy Head Teacher have confirmed that none of the pupils were abducted, as they have been consistently reporting to school since the incident.
Mr. Hamoonga said the registration number of the Hiace bus involved in the incident is ABL 1403. Investigations conducted at the Road Transport and Safety Agency have revealed that this motor vehicle has no valid road license or road fitness certificate.
“We cannot rule out the possibility that the driver was attempting to evade police presence on the usual route to Mtendere. Consequently, we have launched a search for the minibus to ensure that the driver or the owner faces the necessary fines for operating a motor vehicle without road tax and a road fitness certificate.” he said
And Mr. Hamoonga assured the public that the safety of the children remains a top priority and urged the public to avoid spreading false information that may cause unnecessary panic and fear.
“Any concerns regarding the safety and well-being of pupils should be reported to the nearest police station or through official channels for prompt action.” Mr. Hamoonga said
