Livingstone Mukanda Organizers arrested

By Adjoa Avamee

Police in Livingstone have arrested two circumcision camp organizers popularly known as Mukanda for allegedly taking children into the initiation camp illegally.

KENNETH MAKAI, aged 67 of Mwandi Township and KAYS KAPALU, aged 46 of ZECCO Township are also accused of having criminally trespassed at a portion of land near Nakatindi Cemetery which belongs to the Livingstone City Council.

Southern Province Police Deputy Commanding Officer, MOONO NAMALONGO in a statement made available to ZNBC News said the two set up the Mbunda Circumcision Camp on 29th June this year and the camp has been in place for 12 days.

Mr. NAMALONGO also says the two are accused by different parents and guardians of having taken their children into the camp without their knowledge.

Meanwhile, Office of the President Gender Division Permanent Secretary MAINGA KABIKA has condemned the Mukanda gathering in Livingstone.

Mrs KABIKA says the gathering was organized by unscrupulous people purporting to have blessings from the Zambezi Royal Establishment.

She says performing harmful traditional practices on children without their consent and those of their parents or guardians is a violation of childrens’ rights and against human rights.