By Arnold Tutu
A two-year-old boy has been found dead under suspicious circumstances in the Chibobo area of Serenje District.
The Zambia Police Service has since opened a murder investigation.
Police Public Relations Officer GODFREY CHILABI says officers received the report on December 5, at around 09:00 hours from the child’s mother, 30-year-old EVELYN KUNDA CHIBUYE, who discovered that her son, ROBERT NTEMBWA, had died in unclear circumstances.
Mr. CHILABI says the incident is believed to have occurred between the morning of December 4, and the early hours of December 5.
He told ZNBC in a statement that, according to preliminary findings, ROBERT, who had a physical condition that prevented him from walking, was left in the care of his five-year-old sister while their mother worked in her maize field.
Upon her return, the boy was missing, prompting an immediate search by the family and local residents.
Mr. CHILABI said the child was found dead the following morning on the bank of a nearby stream.
According to Mr. CHILABI, police officers who attended the scene reported that the boy had multiple facial bruises and visible bleeding from both eyes, raising suspicion of foul play.
The body has since been taken to Serenje District Hospital Mortuary awaiting a postmortem examination.
The Zambia Police Service has appealed to members of the public to come forward with any information that may help identify those responsible for the child’s death.
