By Edna Mwiimbi
Three children in Lusaka’s Mtendere East were today hospitalized after inhaling smoke from a suspected gassing incident at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Mtendere East.
According to Police Public Relations Officer Rae Hamoonga, the incident was reported around 10:30 hours, prompting officers to rush to the scene.
Mr Hamoonga says the affected juveniles, aged 9, 10, and 11, were taken to Kalikiliki Health Post where they were treated and later discharged.
He adds that Investigations later revealed that a man identified as Gideon Mwanza, 31, accidentally triggered the incident when a metal object he struck while cleaning his yard exploded, releasing smoke that spread to the nearby church.
Police have confirmed that the object was a tear gas canister, which has since been surrendered for forensic examination.
The Zambia Police Service has further urged the public to remain calm and to report any suspicious objects or activities to the nearest police station, warning against handling unknown metallic items.
-Diamond TV