National News

Govt distances itself from Rumphi girl shooting

Government has denied liability to pay K250 million compensation in the shooting of a nine-year-old girl by a police officer in Rumphi.

The girl, Trizza Vinkhumbo, was shot by station officer George Kaleso who wanted to kill a stray rabid dog.

The officer allegedly got a gun and four bullets from the station to kill the dog that was attacking a puppy at his house.

Vinkhumbo and her aunt Chrissie Mhango stand where the girl was shot

Accidentally, a ball from the bullet landed on the nine year old girl who is currently living with the bullet in her hip.

Her family demanded K250 million from government as compensation, but also to cater for medical bills in South Africa where the girl is to be treated.

However, government has denied responsibility and has asked the family to deal with the officer, claiming that Kaleso acted in his personal capacity and the act had nothing to do with police duties.

Government also claims the incident happened at home.

One of the lawyers for the family, Leonard Mbulo, confirmed that government has denied responsibility and wants the complainants to take up the issue with the police officer involved.

 “Government’s stand is that the incident has nothing to do with official duties,” said Mbulo.

Following the development, Mbulo said he will engage the family on the next step.

Another lawyer in the case, Christon Ghambi, said he was yet to get formal communication. He said following the development, he has applied for consent from the director of public prosecution to take the issue to court as a criminal matter

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