Two boys from the same family have died after drowning in a quarry in Chisamba District in Central Province.
Fred Lumbama, 8, and Titus Lumbama, 10, both from Lumbama Farm in Chapu area, drowned yesterday, December 22, around 10:00 hours at Mwamba’s farm, which is in the same area.
Titus Lumbama met his fate while attempting to rescue his young brother, who had sought help upon realising that he had ventured into the deep water.
Central Province Police Commissioner Yobe Luhana confirmed the incident in separate interviews with the media in Chisamba this morning.
According to Mr Luhana the deceased boys, who were siblings, had gone swimming at a nearby man-made dam in the company of three other juveniles.
“Brief facts of the matter are that, at around 09:00 hours, the deceased Juveniles, along with their two siblings Nickson Kabelenga, 10, and Den Lumbama,12, as well as Kelvin Kabamba,12, a friend, had gone for swimming at a nearby man-made dam,” Mr Luhana stated.
Mr Luhana disclosed that his elder brother, Titus, was also swept away by the current while attempting to rescue his younger brother.
He disclosed that the other three juveniles attempted to help using a makeshift rope but failed.
“The other juveniles tried to assist by throwing a makeshift rope (tied clothes) into the dam, but unfortunately, both Titus and Fred were swept away by the water,” he said
Mr Luhana said a community member bravely retrieved the two bodies, despite the prompt response of police and fire brigade personnel.
He said the boys were then rushed to Chisamba Rural Health Centre, where they were pronounced dead upon arrival.
The Central Province Police Chief said the corpses are currently lying at Chisamba Rural Health Centre mortuary awaiting post-mortem and burial.
