A 30-year-old motorbike rider has been arrested after allegedly causing the death of a four-year-old girl in a road accident in Eastern Province.
The incident occurred yesterday around 17:30 hours in Msuzi area, about eight kilometres south of Lundazi along the Chipata–Lundazi Road.
Confirming the accident, Eastern Province Police Commissioner Robertson Mweemba identified the deceased as Martha Mbewe of Katambalala Village in Chief Kapichila’s area.
Mr Mweemba said the child sustained fractured legs and a deep cut on the forehead after being struck by the speeding motorbike and later succumbed to her injuries.
“The accident involved an unregistered Savaja motorbike which was being ridden by 30-year-old Stacio Tembo of Eluhangeni Village in Chief Pikamalaza’s area,” he said.
Police explained that the rider, who was travelling from Lundazi towards Lumezi, allegedly lost control of the motorbike due to excessive speed and hit the child, who was walking with her 17-year-old aunt, Elizabeth Nyirenda. The aunt escaped unhurt.
“The rider also escaped without injuries but has since been detained and charged with causing death by dangerous riding,” Mr Mweemba added.
The suspect is currently being held at Lundazi Police Station.
Meanwhile, police have appealed to motorists and motorbike riders to observe road safety regulations and avoid overspeeding, warning that reckless riding continues to cost innocent lives.
A sign of more to come sadly
Headline suggests the bike was acting on its own.