By ZR Reporter
A 16-year-old Grade 7 pupil from Chitheba Primary School in Chama District has d!ed by suic!de after taking maize preservative tablets.
This followed her mother advising her not to get married and to complete her education first.
Eastern Province Police Commanding Officer Robertson Mweemba confirmed the incident, saying it occurred on Thursday, 2nd July, 2026, at around 09:00 hours.
Mr. Mweemba identified the deceased as Loveness Zimba of Chief Tembwe’s Chiefdom.
Brief facts of the matter are that Loveness Zimba had started dating Jonathan, aged 17, of Mbubeni Village in the same chiefdom.
On 25th June, 2026, at around 10:00 hours, Loveness went to her mother after knocking off from school and told her that she was dating Jonathan and wanted to get married.
Mr. Mweemba said the mother refused the request and told her to complete her education first before considering marriage.
This did not sit well with her. From that day, she stopped eating, until yesterday, Thursday, 2nd July, 2026, at around 06:00 hours, when her mother went to wake her and found her lifeless.
He says next to her body were preservative tablets tables, suggesting su!c!de.
Police say an inquiry file has been opened.
Zambia Reports l 3rd July, 2026