A 4-year-old boy of Shi Maria Village in Chief Lubunda’s Area in Mwense district, Luapula Province, has drowned after he fell in a pit filled with rainy water.
Luapula Province Police Commissioner, Mwala Yuyi who confirmed the incident has identified the deceased as Silvester Mulenga.
Mr Yuyi said Mulenga died on Tuesday soon after a heavy downpour that was experienced in Mwense district.
Mr. Yuyi said the deceased is reported to have slipped off into a pit full of rain water at his parents’ home as he tried to go to relieve himself in the latrine.
“Yes, I can confirm that we received a report of a case of drowning from the grandfather of the deceased. Our officers who rushed to the scene managed to retrieve the body which was deposited into the mortuary,” Mr Yuyi said.
Mulenga is said to have gone outside soon after the heavy rains experienced on the fateful day adding that the boy was only discovered dead by his 30-year-old mother, Lydia Chabala.
This was after the mother started searching for Mulenga upon noticing that he had been missing for a while.
The matter was then reported to the Police who rushed to the scene and retrieved the body which was later deposited into the Mwense District Hospital Mortuary.
Mr. Yuyi said the police ruled out foul play and cautioned residents to be cautious whenever they experience a heavy downpour adding that children should not be left unaccompanied.
Mulenga has since been buried.
Source: ZANIS