Another Grade 5 Mkushi pupil married off
DESPITE stepped-up sensitisation programmes on early marriages, another pupil, a grade five of Kangili Primary School has been married off in Mkushi.
This is the second incident in the district in which minors are married off.
According to a source who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of victimisation, the girl was allegedly grabbed from school by her parents and married off two weeks ago.
The source said the move has been condemned by majority of community members who understand the law and are calling for the arrest of the culprit.
The source added that early marriages in the area were mostly committed by mothers who are always in the forefront searching for abako (sonin-law’s) to help out financially and materially.
Mkushi District Commissioner Luka Mwamba and Kangili Primary School head teacher Mwanga Hamusiya confirmed the development to the Daily Nation in separate interviews.
Mr. Mwamba said he was shocked to receive a similar report of another minor married off within a short period before the other case had been concluded.
“I ‘am really surprised with what is happening at Kangili Primary School and the community in the area. I will see to it that both parents of either side who have permitted this illegal act will be prosecuted and be punished by the law.” Mr. Mwamba said.
Mr. Mwamba also disclosed that according to the report he received from the community, about 31 girl-children were married off at the same school between 2014 and 2017. He said all the girls will be brought back to school.
Kangili head teacher Mr. Hamusiya said there was need for community sensitisation about early marriages in the area. Mr. Hamusiya said the vice has led into poor pupil turn out in classes.