SIMON MUNTEMBA writes
IN WHAT is suspected to be arson five girls aged between 12 and 17 years died at the weekend in a fire that reduced a thatched house in which they were sleeping to ashes in Shibuyunji district.
The girls of Shikalembula Village in Chief Shakumbila’s area were burnt beyond recognition on Saturday between 22:00 hours and 23:00 hours.
Police public relations officer Esther Katongo said in a statement yesterday one of the teens’ mother, Cletious Mweemba, aged 39 years, reported the tragedy to police.
Ms Katongo identified the victims as Mable Mweemba 17, Getrude Mweemba, 17, Nora Milimo,15, Enely Milimo, 12, and Jean Mweemba, 17, all of the same village.
She said the bodies of the five girls had been deposited in Nampundwe Hospital.
Ms Katongo said the cause of the fire was not yet known but there were suspicions that it could be arson because the house was locked from outside.
Police are investigating the matter.
Government is sad at the death of the five girls.
The Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) said it would be on the ground to help the bereaved families with logistics.
DMMU national coordinator Chanda Kabwe said it was regrettable to lose five young lives in one accident when the girls were just at their peak.
Mr Kabwe directed the DMMU’s emergency response team and the regional coordinator for Central Province to quickly visit the funeral houses and provide the required support.
He said DMMU was working with the Central Provincial administration to ease the burden on the bereaved family.
He, however warned members of the public to take precautions in preventing such fires that might lead to loss of life.
Mr Kabwe said there was need for parents to avoid leaving children alone with such things as braziers and candles on, especially during the night to prevent such accidents.
