Rumphi girl’s compensation claim dispute delays case

Fights over compensation claims by relations of a nine-year-old girl, Triza Vinkhumbo, who was shot by a police officer in Rumphi, have brought about confusion in the case and delayed progress.

The father of the girl, William Vinkhumbo engaged lawyer Leonard Mbulo to claim K250 million from government while the mother, who was the first to advance a claim, engaged lawyer Christon Ghambi demanding  K120 million over the same.

In a latest development, Attorney General Kalekeni Kaphale has responded to Mbulo’s claim and requested a medical report, but has questioned the second claim by Ghambi, considering that another claim was already made.

“I refer to your letter of 17th April 2019. Could you please provide a medical report,” reads the response from Kaphale.

However, the medical report cannot be accessed as the relations are fighting over legitimacy of representatives to claim the money.

Mbulo yesterday confirmed that the divisions in the family have heavily affected the case.

He said: “The issue went to court in Rumphi, but the court advised that the social welfare should mediate in the matter.

“However, the issue is yet to be resolved as the mother’s side claims the father has not been supporting the girl. At the same time, the father claims he is entitled to fight for the welfare of the child.”

Mbulo said he engaged his counterpart so that they discuss the way forward with the families and handle the case as one.

Ghambi could not be reached for comment.

Triza was shot on November 20 last year by Rumphi Police station officer George Kaleso who was allegedly targeting a stray dog.