48 Children rescued from Mukanda in Livingstone

By Justine Akakulubelwa

Forty-eight children have been rescued from a circumcision  camp commonly known as Mukanda in Livingstone.

Gender Division Permanent Secretary MAINGA KABIKA, who led a combined team from government agencies to demolish the camp, has cautioned people setting-up Mukanda initiation camps against violating children’s rights.

Ms. KABIKA said as much as the government supports the preservation of culture, those setting-up Mukanda camps should ensure that they adhere to regulations and tradition.

She also disclosed that two civil servants working for the Ministry of Health were secretly working with the organisers of the Mukanda to circumcise children at the camp.

And owner of the Mukanda Camp, KENNETH MAKAI, has appealed for forgiveness from the government.

Mr. MAKAI has however refuted allegations that his staff have been going round with Makishi masquerades harassing the public.

Meanwhile, Livingstone District Education Board Secretary – DEBS, BILLY MILIMO, has commended the Gender Division and the Police for closing the Mukanda.

Mr. MILIMO said teachers, especially females, have on several occasions been attacked and victimized by the unruly Mukanda boys.