Chief saves girl (12) from early marriage

QUICK action by Chief Shaibila of Mkushi has saved a 12-year-old Grade 6 girl from being married off after the traditional ruler emerged from the blue and dissolved the marriage during a traditional wedding ceremony.

This incident happened in Mwishala community last Wednesday.

The girl who is a pupil at Mwishala Primary School, was about to be married off to Elivert Halubwance, 22, but the proceedings were disrupted after the chief emerged on his motorbike catching everybody off-guard.

Parents of the girl and the man, including those in attendance scampered upon seeing Chief Shaibila on his motorbike riding towards the venue of the wedding.

Chief Shaibila said he had written a letter to the head teacher of the school to re- admit the girl for her to continue with her education.

In the letter dated October 26 2019, addressed to the school Head teacher read "Reference is made to the above mentioned and wish to bring to your attention that l have dissolved the marriage of the named pupil who was married off on October 23,2019 at a colourful traditional ceremony at her parent's village.

"I have counselled the girl and have emphasised the importance of her getting back to school," the letter read in part.

And Chief Shaibila warned that he would not tolerate early marriages in his chiefdom because they were detrimental to the future of the girlchild future who were most vulnerable if not educated.

He said perpetrators of the vice should refrain from the act or face the wrath of the law despite claims by some parents that children were not listening to their counsel.

Chief Shaibila also appealed to parents not to give up inculcating good morals in their children and urged children to respect heed their advice.