Mazabuka boy loses hand in grenade accident

CATHERINE BWALYA

Choma

AN 11-YEAR-OLD boy has lost his right hand after a hand grenade he allegedly picked and pulled the pin exploded in his hands in Mazabuka District.

The incident happened on Monday in Simwaba village in Chief Mwanachingwala’s area.

Southern Province police commanding officer Moono Namalongo said the matter was reported to Mazabuka Police Station by the boy’s 33-year-old stepfather, Harrison Mankoli.

Preliminary investigations show that the boy and his mother travelled to Tandabale market in Magoye Township to buy groceries.

While returning to their residence, the boy, who was walking behind his mother, picked up a hand grenade and pulled the pin, causing it to explode.

“The victim sustained multiple cuts to his right hand, a cut below his left eye and cuts to the abdomen,” Mr Namalongo said.

The victim was rushed to Mazabuka General Hospital, where he was admitted.

Mr Namalongo said police officers who later visited the hospital found that the boy’s right hand had been amputated, but he was in a stable condition.

Police officers also visited the scene of the incident and recovered fragments of the grenade.

An inquiry file has been opened and investigations are ongoing. https://enews.daily-mail.co.zm/welcome/home